Overview
The East Side of Cincinnati is a district historically inhabited by white collar workers, whereas the West Side has been home generally to blue collar workers. The East Side is where you'll find important sites that include the city's art museum and Xavier University.
13 sights · 7 things to do · 13 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Eastern
Cincinnati Observatory Center
The Cincinnati Observatory was the first professional observatory in America, and is now operated by volunteers. Hosts star gazing events, which, are remarkable considering light pollution has nearly surrounded the obser…
Holy Cross-Immaculata Catholic Church
Roman Catholic treasure. Known as the "Church on the Hill". On Good Friday, many Cincinnatians "Climb the steps of Mt. Adams", praying on each step.
Athenaeum of Ohio
Built as St. Francis Xavier Seminary, the Athenaeum of Ohio is the third-oldest Roman Catholic seminary in the United States being established in 1829. The present-day campus of the Athenaeum of Ohio includes 76 acres of…
Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum is in the beautiful Eden Park, which perfectly reflects the artwork the museum houses. The museum has a 60,000 piece collection, which explains why the museum is referred to as the Art Palace of…
Harriet Beecher-Stowe House
Harriet Beecher-Stowe is famous for writing the anti-slavery Uncle Tom's Cabin. Free (donations are welcomed).
Eden Park
Eden Park is a particularly nice city park nestled in the hills near Mt Adams. It's home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, Murray Seasongood Pavilion, and the Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory. If you're tak…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 23°F. Cold months (Jan) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: Jun and May. (climate data from nearby Cincinnati)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LUK Cincinnati Municipal Airport Lunken Field, Cincinnati — 3 mi away. Directions
- CVG Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport, Cincinnati / Covington — 14 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $9 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Holy Cross-Immaculata Catholic Church, Playhouse in the Park, Cincinnati Art Museum
- Lunch Mt Adams Bar and Grill
- Afternoon Eden Park, Krohn Conservatory
- Dinner Gordo's Pub and Grill
- Evening The Blind Lemon
Day 2
- Morning Cincinnati Observatory Center, Ault Park, Mt Lookout Square
- Lunch Zips Cafe
- Afternoon Hyde Park Square, Oakley Square
- Dinner Aglamesis Bros
- Evening Madtree Brewing
Day 3
- Morning Athenaeum of Ohio, Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center, Cincy Cinco Festival
- Lunch Terry's Turf Club
- Afternoon Riverbend Music Center, Appalachian Festival
- Dinner The Precinct
- Evening City View Tavern
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Some neighborhoods include:
- Mt. Adams is a trendy, upscale neighborhood directly northeast of downtown Cincinnati. It is known for its lively night scene, beautiful views of the skyline, and the Holy Cross-Immaculata Catholic Church. Steep terrain on three sides, and Eden Park on the fourth side, give the neighborhood a unique sense of isolation. Mt. Adams has some of the highest property values in the city.
- Hyde Park is an upscale, largely white and upper class walkable residential neighborhood. At the heart of the neighborhood is Hyde Park Square, a tree-lined esplanade of clothing boutiques, other retail, small businesses and offices, bars and restaurants.
- Columbia Tusculum is the oldest neighborhood in Cincinnati, founded as the settlement 'Columbia' in 1788. This neighborhood is known for its large collection of Queen Anne Victorian "Painted Ladies" along hillsides that give the neighborhood somewhat of a San Francisco feel. Go up the hill on Tusculum Ave off Columbia Parkway for the best examples. In Columbia Tusculum is The Precinct which is one of the city's best dining establishments in an old Police Precinct building.
- Oakley is an up-and-coming neighborhood that borders Hyde Park. Oakley has a lively downtown area with many unique restaurants and shops including Dewey's Pizza, Habits Cafe, Denim, and Bova Furniture. Also notable is Aglamesis Ice Cream, a long-time competitor of Graeter's in the gourmet ice cream category.
Some independent cities in close proximity to eastern Cincinnati include:
- Mariemont. East, at the end of Columbia Parkway (US 50). Beautiful 1920s planned community featuring lovely Tudor architecture, a pleasant public square and an old movie theater.
- Norwood. A former industrial urban suburb and center of Appalachian culture. This town which is surrounded on all sides by Cincinnati, is increasingly gentrifying due to its central location.
- St. Bernard. Surrounded by Cincinnati near I-75. Old industrial suburb that is home to Ivorydale which is one of Procter & Gamble's original factories.
- Anderson Township. A suburban municipality directly southeast of Cincinnati, mainly notable for a string of shopping centers along Beechmont Avenue.
Several cities in northeastern Hamilton County have their own articles; see Hamilton County (Ohio)#Cities for details.
See
Religious buildings
See Athenaeum of Ohio
Built as St. Francis Xavier Seminary, the Athenaeum of Ohio is the third-oldest Roman Catholic seminary in the United States being established in 1829. The present-day campus of the Athenaeum of Ohio includes 76 acres of manicured grounds surrounding an impressive granite stone building constructed in 1929.
Museums
See Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum is in the beautiful Eden Park, which perfectly reflects the artwork the museum houses. The museum has a 60,000 piece collection, which explains why the museum is referred to as the Art Palace of the West. According to the Zagat Survey, the Cincinnati Art Museum ranks with the Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum of Modern Art in New York as the best art museums in the nation. The museum features special exhibitions and a terrific collection of art by Cincinnati artists in the "Cincinnati Wing" including the world's largest collection of Rookwood Pottery. Be sure to check out the Far Eastern Art section which includes a Jain Shrine; the Egypt, Greece, and Rome room, which features a mummy; the spectacular collection from the Classical & Near Eastern Art section with its spectacular Room from Damascus, a room imported from Syria with beautiful Islamic architectural influences; and don't miss with impressive art from Cincinnatians. You can join a free docent led-tour around the museum's permanent collections on Tuesday through Friday at 1PM, Saturday at 2PM and on Sunday at 1PM and 2PM.
See Cincinnati Triple Steam
These four massive steam-powered water pumps are the largest in the world and were state-of-the-art in 1906, when they started a 57-year career delivering water for the Greater Cincinnati Water Works. They remain large and impressive engineering artifacts, and the tour is fascinating. The route is somewhat wheelchair accessible, and no children under age 7 are permitted. There are several other restrictions; see the tour website. Admission is only possible with a guided tour, and the tours are scheduled when enough people sign up on a wait-list.
Galleries
See Manifest Creative Research Gallery
The so-called "Neighborhood Gallery for the World", Manifest Gallery holds year-round international calls for exhibition, bringing contemporary art to the small neighborhood of East Walnut Hills. Check the website to see what's up at the gallery, as there is some downtime in between exhibitions.
Parks
With more than 100 parks and green spaces covering an area of over 5,000 acres, Cincinnati has the most extensive and highest regarded park system in the nation. In addition to offering respite from the urban landscape, the parks also offer scenic views, hiking areas, floral landscapes and picnic facilities.
See Eden Park
Eden Park is a particularly nice city park nestled in the hills near Mt Adams. It's home to the Cincinnati Art Museum, Playhouse in the Park, Murray Seasongood Pavilion, and the Irwin M. Krohn Conservatory. If you're taking a bus you can reach the park by taking bus number 11 or 69 and get off at the Cincinnati Association of the Blind, then walk into Eden Park until you find a trail that leads up a hill (the trail will take you up to the museum). Alternatively, you can take bus number 1, however, you may be required to walk up a steep hill, if the road is blocked.
Public squares
Due to Cincinnati's age, a number of the more genteel neighborhoods on the East Side have charming public squares which can be a good place to hang out and enjoy a nice day.
See Hyde Park Square
Charming patch of Greenery that anchors the main business district of the posh Hyde Park neighborhood. Old, rich, and elegant in a very turn of the last century kind of way. Probably the best spot in the city on a summer day to enjoy some Greaters Ice Cream which is right next to the square.
See Oakley Square
Remodeled, this is a nice patch of greenery that anchors the once working class now wannabe Hyde Park neighborhood of Oakley. On a nice Summer day, enjoy some Aglamesis Bros ice cream and watch all the young professionals mulling about.
See Mt Lookout Square
More of a landscaped parking lot than a square, this gives the Mount Lookout a quaint small village feel.
Do
Music and theater
Do TimberWolf Amphitheatre
This arena also draws some big name artists, usually teen heartthrobs like Aaron Carter.
Amusement
Do Appalachian Festival
The Appalachian Festival hosts more than 130 crafters, dozens of entertainers on three stages, cultural and educational programs and a new mountain life exhibit area. The Appalachian Festival draws nearly 50,000 people over the three-day event to Coney Island on the shores of the Ohio River.
Sports
- ,
Do Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center (River Downs)
Until 2013, this race track and casino was known as River Downs. Free admission and free parking everyday. It has a unique 110 channel in-house television system in place that allows the viewers access to race replays of every race, advance viewing of upcoming simulcast race conditions and preview shows, changing odds formats and program changes.
Buy
Shop Cherry Grove Plaza Shopping Center
Eat
Budget
Eat Aglamesis Bros
A long-time competitor of Graeter's in the gourmet ice cream category. Take a step back in time as this parlor is largely unchanged since it was opened in 1913!
Eat Arthur's Cafe
Great bar and cafe in trendy Hyde Park neighborhood. Excellent burgers that are borderline amazing. On Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, Arthur's has "burger madness" where burgers are $5.50 with unlimited toppings.
Eat The Echo
Great diner just off of Hyde Park Square. Try the fish special on Fridays.
Eat Gordo's Pub and Grill
Owned by Raymond Gordo, former chef de cuisine for local celebrity and restaurateur Jean-Robert, Gordo's is renowned for their semi-extensive beer list and delicious burgers.
Eat Graeter's Ice Cream
Quite possibly Cincinnati's greatest gift to humanity. No drive through Cincinnati is complete without Graeter's ice cream or another one of their delicious desserts. Often Cincinnati natives who have moved to different cities make it a priority to stop here if they are in town. There are other locations throughout Cincinnati, including one store directly on the Hyde Park Plaza. Celebrities such as Oprah and Jessica Simpson have claimed it to be their favorite ice cream.
Eat Quatman Cafe
"Keep it simple, stupid" is the motto here. No frills, but many locals will tell you this greasy spoon is home to the best burger in town.
Eat Zips Cafe
Zips Cafe is not only the absolute best place in Cincinnati to get a burger (the Zip Burger - though some would put Terry's Turf Club in that category), but it is also a bar.
Eat Terry's Turf Club
A small, hole in the wall burger joint that has garnered multiple awards over the years for its burgers, and is well known around Cincinnati. It's a small place with a casual atmosphere complete with peanuts on the floor and knick-knacks on the wall.
Eat Pleasant Ridge Chili
A local favorite that offers great food at great prices. Home of Gravy Cheese Fries which has been bringing people back since 1964. The menu also includes great breakfast at anytime.
Mid-range
Eat Mt Adams Bar and Grill
According to the restaurant, this was a speakeasy founded by George Remus (the bootlegger who inspired Jay Gatsby of The Great Gatsby fame) and was one of the first places in Ohio to apply for a liquor license when prohibition was repealed. Lunches are reasonable and the airy sun room in back is a good weekend getaway for lunch.
Eat Fifty West Brewing Company
Good selection of beers and very good food.
Splurge
Eat The Precinct
The Original Jeff Ruby Steakhouse, set in a former police precinct!
Eat Cincinnati Dinner Train
Train ride with 1950s era dining cars that gently rides down tracks towards Downtown, including the Oasis line where the neighbors defeated intercity rail, but for some reason can tolerate this weekly train excursion. Price includes 3-course meal and there is also a bar car on board. Check website for details on special trips, including excursions to popular events like Riverfest. Book ahead to reserve tickets.
Drink
Drink City View Tavern
City View Tavern has for years been a popular spot amongst locals to grab an after-work drink. The outdoor deck is small but offers one of the best views of the city.
Drink The Blind Lemon
Great bar with delightful outdoor space. The bar is down a stone alleyway staircase on the side of Mount Adams Bar and Grill. Live music is a staple, and they have some great lemon inspired drinks.
Drink Madtree Brewing
A new microbrewery close to the Oakley Neighborhood.
Nearby
Fort Thomas
City / town · 11 listings · 4 mi away
Newport
City / town · 26 listings · 4 mi away
Covington
City / town · 19 listings · 6 mi away
Fort Wright
City / town · 2 listings · 8 mi away
Blue Ash
City / town · 30 listings · 8 mi away
Milford-Miami Township
City / town · 27 listings · 9 mi away
Montgomery
City / town · 7 listings · 9 mi away
Union Township
City / town · 11 listings · 9 mi away
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