Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Cincinnati, Ohio. #Top Attractions

Spread the love!

You must visit Cincinnati, Ohio, at least once in your lifetime. Here is our hand-picked list of the top activities and attractions in Cincinnati, Ohio, so you can make the most of your time there. Scroll down for the best things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the best places to visit in Cincinnati, Ohio. Wondrous Drifter is a Web 3 travel company that aspires to disrupt the travel industry.

American Sign Museum

 American Sign Museum Cincinnati, Ohio
American Sign Museum, Cincinnati, Ohio / Mobilus In Mobili / Flickr

The American Sign Museum is one of the top attractions in Ohio.

You can come to learn the history of America by seeing their signages in the American Sign Museum.

This place is a 20,000-square-feet museum known for its colorful and intriguing display with so many signs that you could hope to see.

People visiting this museum can see unique signs from the old movie poster, neon bar signs, the Philipps 66 signs, and more things on display.

Check out its neon shop on the weekdays when visitors can get to see sign makers get busy crafting.

Museum tours are even provided inside the neon shop to its visitors to give them an in-depth idea of how they process crafting signages.

One particular feature that distinguishes this museum from the rest is its signs light brightly, showcasing a visual and wonderful experience that anyone has to see. 

Self-guided tours are also provided with free audio and headphones if you bring your phone.

You have to visit the American Sign Museum to see its unique signages.

Address: 1330 Monmouth Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225, United States

Carew Tower of Cincinnati

Carew Tower of Cincinnati Ohio
Carew Tower of Cincinnati, Ohio / Sam valadi / Flickr

The Carew Tower of Cincinnati is one of the best things to do in Ohio.

The Carew Tower of Cincinnati has a scenic and bird’s eye view of the city if you go up the building.

This tower is over 49 stories, with a breathtaking view of the city and the Ohio River.

Stop by the 49th floor, the highest floor with an observation deck, as you go up the building.

If you are on top of the building, take the chance to cherish or take a moment like doing video vlogs, walking around the tower’s observation deck, and taking photos in the Carew Tower of the surrounding areas of Cincinnati.

This tower comes with a gift shop for anyone wanting to buy a souvenir or anything in Cincinnati.

Besides just going on top of the Carew Tower,  it has other nearby places to pass by, such as the restaurants, shops, and amenities inside the tower. 

Go up the Carew Tower for a breathtaking perspective of the city.

Address: 35 W 5th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, Cincinnati, Ohio / David Berkowitz / Flickr

Do you know about the Cincinnati Reds?

Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum is a place to go to learn more about this famous baseball team.

The Cincinnati Red franchisee were the ones who started building this museum and hall of fame in 1958 as a means to show tribute to their team. 

As a museum, it offers exhibits and tells stories of the events that transpired among the famous Cincinnati Red players such as people like Joe Morgan, Barry Larkin, and many other baseball players. 

If you want a bit of entertainment, they even have a movie theater with films showcasing the history of this baseball team.

Some of the amenities in this place include seeing the miniature locker rooms of the previous plays in Reds and even a playing area for children.

Inside the museum, people who visit can even play on the field and pitch balls for some enjoyment.

Then come and learn about the Reds’ baseball team at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum.

Address: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Get a glimpse of the marvels of Ohio. Check out our curated travel guides to Dayton and Sandusky! Don’t miss out on this amazing state. Check out the entertaining things to do in Dayton, Ohio and things to do in Sandusky, Ohio

Cincinnati Art Museum

Cincinnati Art Museum Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, Ohio / David Ohmer / Flickr

Going inside the Cincinnati Art Museum should be on your list of things to do if you want to view such great art.

This museum features more of around 60,000 collections from various histories of over 6,000 years.

There are prominent art pieces worth seeing, such as several unique ceramics, pictures, and sculptures.

Check out its permanent collection and temporary exhibits that feature something both international and national for anyone to see.

Some iconic art pieces that visitors have to see in this museum include the works of famous artists like the works of Claude Monet, Sandro, Botticelli, and many other artists.

It has other unique collections, such as sculptures and paintings from European and America and textiles, art, photograph, and decorative art from Africa and the Far East.

This museum hosts yearly special events and programs that are anything art-related for people to watch.

Come and see the magnificent works of art at the Cincinnati Art Museum.

Address: 953 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Cincinnati History Museum

Cincinnati History Museum, Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati History Museum is one of the best places to go in Cincinnati, Ohio

A visit to the Cincinnati History Museum is a great way to learn about the city’s history.

This museum is Cincinnati’s most extensive cultural institution, and every year, this market attracts around 1.4 million people.

It is a unique museum where you can find iconic places like the National Historic Landmark, Union Terminal, and Art Deco train station.

Visitors can look around the museum to see its temporary and permanent exhibits. It comes with a research facility, Collections, and Research Center complemented by the museum.

It has a lot to offer for visitors planning to visit, such as seeing its many collections, educational programs, community-wide cultural event tours, public programs and lectures, historic site tours, and so much more in the museum.

This museum has 1.8 million collections of artworks, archives, and artifacts showcased in its research, programs, and exhibitions for visitors to see and learn.

You also cannot miss the Queen of the West, which is a centerpiece of this museum. 

Discover a great deal about Cincinnati’s past here at this museum.

Address: 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203, United States

Planning to travel to Ohio? Explore our extensive travel tips for Columbus and Cleveland! Take time to notice these cool things to do in Columbus, Ohio and the fun things to do in Cleveland, Ohio

Cincinnati Music Hall

Cincinnati Music Hall Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Music Hall, Cincinnati, Ohio / Ohio Redevelopment Projects – ODSA / Flickr

Passing by the Cincinnati Music Hall is an ideal place to hear some iconic music to listen.

This music hall used to be where some performing art groups performed when it first opened around 1878. This place used to be where some famous performing groups like the Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Cincinnati Ballet, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra were.

As a building, this music hall is unique for its design based on Victorian-gothic architecture and became a national historic landmark around 1975.

From around 1970, this music hall was a venue for programs for traditional exhibits, sporting events, and other various programs. 

Eventually, the Cincinnati Music Hall became a famous spot internationally as several superstars performed there, like Elton John, Miles Davis, Janis Joplin, BB King, Pink Floyd, Frank Sinatra, Neil Young, and many other famous people.

The auditorium inside the music hall can accommodate over 3,516 seats per person.

So stop by the Cincinnati Music Hall and take a seat to enjoy.

Address: 1241 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Cincinnati Observatory

Cincinnati Observatory Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Observatory, Cincinnati, Ohio / Warren LeMay / Flickr

If you are still thinking of what to do in the city of Cincinnati, you can come to visit and sightsee at the Cincinnati Observatory.

They constructed this observatory in 1892 and located at Mount Lookout.

Located in the western hemisphere, it used to be the first public observatory with some of the oldest telescopes used globally.

As an observatory known to be the birthplace of American astronomy, it is a unique observatory unlike any other for visitors to come by.

Today, it promotes educating its guest about the practice of science and astronomy in the 21st century. They still preserve the historical heritage in this place.

It is considered America’s oldest observatory, with over 16-inch and 11-inch refracting telescopes with apertures.

Some of its notable exhibits visitors have to try can be the “Lighthouse of the Sky” for people to glimpse and learn, particularly about our universe.

Every year, it offers various activities and events like watching film nights, taking astronomy classes, concerts, telescoping training, and many more.

It is a worthwhile experience visiting the Cincinnati Observatory.

Address: 3489 Observatory Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45208, United States

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Cincinnati, Ohio
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, Cincinnati, Ohio / Rawpixel Ltd / Flickr

Come and plan a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden if you want to have a trip to see an exotic garden and animals at the same time? 

As a zoo, it is America’s second-oldest zoo, over 140 years old, making it a top destination worth visiting. The zoo has more than two thousand animals of over five hundred unique species that anyone into animals may be intrigued to see.

It is in the center of Cincinnati near the Avondale neighborhood, stretching over 65 acres. 

The zoo has various animal breeds like the rare bonobo, Sumatran Rhinocerous, pygmy chimpanzees, Malayan tigers, and many other species for people to see.

Besides seeing the animals, people can check out the native plants, a botanical garden galley, plant research, plants for pollinators, plant exhibits, and other garden-related facilities.

 Then, come and plan a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden.

Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220, United States

Downtown Cincinnati

Downtown Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
Downtown Cincinnati is one of the best places to go in Cincinnati, Ohio

The Downtown Cincinnati is one of the best places to visit in Ohio.

To begin going around Cincinnati, you might start by visiting Downtown Cincinnati.

Downtown Cincinnati is a place that has a lot to offer. If you want to drink and eat, there are places to have dinner, bars, coffee, lunch, and even brunch. 

There are affordable condominiums, apartments, and housing for any resident or visitor wanting to renting or looking for a place to stay. 

Downtown Cincinnati has many areas to do and see around. Some places in downtown Cincinnati involve various events hosted, the nearby attractions, art centers, shopping districts, sports centers, hotels, and culture centers.

It comes along with particular rides such as Cincinnati Red Bikes, Metro System, and the Electric Scooters for anyone to bike or ride around.

There are nearby districts such as the Over-the-Rhine, Central Business District, West End, and other places worth visiting in Downtown Cincinnati.

It is well worth the time to look around Downtown Cincinnati.

Address: Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA

Eden Park

Eden Park, Cincinnati, Ohio
Eden Park is one of the best places to go in Cincinnati, Ohio

Do you prefer going to an abundant park that is breathtaking to see?

If that is the case, visiting Eden park has to be part of your things to do in the city of Cincinnati.

Eden Park is among Cincinnati’s famous parks, particularly for having the Bettman Fountain, Mirror Lake, and the Hinkle Magnolia Garden, a garden with beautiful memorial tree groves, pathways, and a gazebo.

It has various areas for people to see and enjoy, like the bicycle parks, walkways, the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers, and two lakes.

People can also see the Cincinnati Art Museum, Krohn Conservatory, and Cincinnati Playhouse found within this park to provide them with something to do and somewhere else to go.

People who visit this park may even go to the Water Tower, built-in 1894 and around 172 feet. The city is now using this tower as a communication facility.

Eden Park is a sight to behold going around.

Address: 950 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Findlay Market

Findlay Market Cincinnati, Ohio
Findlay Market, Cincinnati, Ohio / 5chw4r7z / Flickr

Are you looking for a market in Cincinnati where you enjoy an outdoor shopping experience? 

If so, then come Ohio’s oldest market in Ohio, called the Findlay Market.

This market is an open-air public place supplying and flourishing to provide fresh foods per year.

It is near a historic neighborhood downtown close to the Over-the-Rhine with a 19th-century architectural building. 

In 1855 was when they opened the Findlay Market to the public. Eventually, over a million have been attracted to this market. It has remained a vibrant center of selling locally sourced, artisanal, specialty, and farm-fresh products every year.

This market has over fifty merchants selling various products from flowers, ethnic foods, poultry, produce, fish, and more.

During the weekends, the streets in this market with vendors selling various things from corn, purses, and even jewelry around fall, spring, and summer.

Every weekend, there are other activities that visitors can see, such as watching special events and various street performers dancing.

It is worthwhile to stop at this market to look around and shop.

Address: 1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Fountain Square

Fountain Square Cincinnati, Ohio
Fountain Square, Cincinnati, Ohio / Geoff Henson / Flickr

Found in the center of Cincinnati lies the Fountain Square as a focal point and gathering place, along with a stunning fountain.

This place is where they built the iconic fountain called “The Genius of Water,” or “Tyler Davidson Fountain.”

The reason why they call it the Fountain square is that because of 

It is a place with various things to see for visitors and residents, such as restaurants, hotels, and shops to go around and buy.

Every year, Fountain Square has a series of programming, events, lunchtime contest, and free concerts for anyone to participate.

Around 2 million people visit this place annually to go around and enjoy. 

It is a social and ideal center filled with carious assortments to come by and eat, particularly during the summer.

People visit the square because it serves as a meeting place, with free programs, concerts, local restaurants, cafés, amusement areas, and other activities to observe.

Then come to the famous gathering place of Cincinnati at the Fountain Square to explore around.

Address: 520 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Great American Ball Park

Great American Ball Park Cincinnati, Ohio
Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, Ohio / Geoff Livingston / Flickr

Going to the Great American Ball Park will give you a glimpse to watch something sportful and entertaining.

It is near the Ohio River and where the Cincinnati Reds play. 

This park is among the largest in Ohio for playing baseball. It has a spectacular view of the field for people to watch with comfy seats that have been angled for visitors to look at the baseball field.

It’s a great way to spend time with friends and family while watching your favorite team’s fly balls land as they compete to win.

They built the Great American Ball Park with restaurants that have been glass-encased and new and improved scoreboards.

There are amenities provided, such as kitchenettes, lockers, baby changing stations, restrooms, and other amenities for anyone’s convenience.

Presently, this is a place where visitors can enjoy watching in a family-friendly atmosphere.

This ballpark involves other things, such as non-gameday events, ballpark tours, restaurants, and a lot more to see in this ballpark.

Great American Ball Park is the place in Ohio to watch baseball.

Address: 100 Joe Nuxhall Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge Cincinnati, Ohio
John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, Cincinnati, Ohio / rabesphoto / Flickr

The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge has been an iconic symbol in the city since its construction in 1866.

This bridge provides people access and connects from going to Covington and Cincinnati.

The bridge was built and planned by John A. Roebling. Around 1867, it was built over 1,57 feet and is known to be the world’s longest bridge. 

They say it was a state-of-an-art engineering masterpiece such that this bridged built involved using numerous bridge-building techniques.

It used to be the first to use vertical suspenders and diagonal stays on the bridge. Suspension Bridge is even among National Historic Landmarks, making it a unique bridge. 

Every year, this bridge gets commemorated as pubs, cafes, artists, and local eateries come together and showcase their skills.

So get to look around at Roebling Suspension Bridge.

Address: John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, Covington, KY 41011, United States

Mount Airy Forest

Mount Airy Forest, Cincinnati, Ohio
Mount Airy Forest is one of the best places to go in Cincinnati, Ohio

If you want to enjoy an outdoor forest experience, visit the Mount Airy Forest. 

This park is among Ohio’s biggest recreational parks, with over 1,459 acres.

If anyone wants to take a stroll or explore this forest, it has bridle trails near the Diehl Road and hiking trails that you can even go on riding a horse throughout the trip in this park.

One unique feature of Mt. Airy is that it has the only publicly accessible tree out only for those in wheelchairs. There are other features to enjoy at the park, such as its disc golf with over 180 holes and an enclosed dog park to bring dogs along.

For those wanting to reserve an area for themselves to enjoy, Mount Airy has three picnic spots and two lodges in the forest. 

This park is even a suitable wedding venue because it has a stunning lake, a gazebo, and gardens.

It is worth exploring Mount Airy Forest.

Address: 5083 Colerain Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45223, United States

Krohn Conservatory

Krohn Conservatory, Cincinnati, Ohio
Krohn Conservatory is one of the best places to go in Cincinnati, Ohio

Are you looking for a terrific spot in Cincinnati to visit?

Come by the Krohn Conservatory for its unique showcase of plants and butterflies.

This place is a conservatory encased in glass. There are over 3,500 various plants in this conservatory collected from different parts of the world.

It was called before the Eden Park Greenhouse when it first opened. However, in tribute to Irwin M. Krohn, who passed away around 1937, they eventually renamed this conservatory to become the Krohn Conservatory.

This place is well-known for its butterfly show, among the most popular things in this conservatory. In this show, people can get to see how butterflies in the conservatory fly and roam freely around. 

Every year, the Krohm conservatory does hosting for several family-friendly and intriguing programs and exhibits.

Check out this conservatory’s permanent exhibit, which has plant displays of the famous Desert and Orchid houses, Palm, and Tropical. There is even a rainforest waterfall inside.

Get to see the spectacular plants and butterflies at Krohn Conservatory.

Address: 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Cincinnati, Ohio
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati, Ohio / Anthony / Flickr

A visit to the National National Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati will let you broaden and learn more about the concepts of freedom.

This center is near the Ohio river around the north banks. 

They built this center in a 20 by 30 feet structure around the 1800s. It was initially a slave auction where people used to stay.

It is a place for anyone to see and learn the importance and relevance of fighting for freedom globally based on history until this day.

The Freedom Center has three unique buildings with three pillars of freedom that represent collaboration, perseverance, and bravery. 

It features programming and exhibits to provide an inspiring and informative experience for adults and kids who plan on visiting.

It has things to showcase like relics about slavery, stories, text, pictures, and other features among the things to see in the center showing freedom.

Learn more about freedom here at the National National Railroad Freedom Center. 

Address: 50 E Freedom Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum Cincinnati, Ohio
Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum Cincinnati, Ohio / David Ohmer / Flickr

It’s possible that visiting a cemetery isn’t high on your list of typical vacation activities, but Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum will make you rethink that decision.

The Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum is a beautiful old place and part of a National Historic Landmark.

Even though this is America’s second-largest cemetery, it is Ohio’s largest cemetery in the whole state.

It stretches over seven hundred acres, surrounded by tree groves, gardens, ponds, hills, and lakes.

When visiting this place, expect to see numerous famous graves. As you walk around, you may spot and find a particular or notable person for being a scientist, politician, sportsman, and other unique graves.

This cemetery is a great place to stroll around, particularly looking to see the surrounding Gothic architecture built and the natural surroundings making this place beautiful. It even serves as an educational center for Cincinnati with a 750-acre garden. 

Check out the unique cemetery and arboretum at the Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum.

Address: 4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232, United States

Smale Riverfront Park

Smale Riverfront Park Cincinnati, Ohio
Smale Riverfront Park, Cincinnati, Ohio / 5chw4r7z / Flickr

Visit Smale Waterfront Park if you are looking for a pleasant park to visit that is close to the riverfront.

This park is a famous meeting place for the locals living in Cincinnati.

It connects with a few riverfront parks nearby, particularly the Ohio River.

This park is among the city’s jewels for visitors to see, like its water features, public playgrounds, vast lawns, and gardens.

If you are wondering where to start going in the Smale Riverfront Park, check out its staircase with a cascading waterfall from the upper to lower level. 

People who come to this riverfront park for recreational activities go to the cycling trails, walk, run, and do other activities.

This park has many events hosted a year for people to see, such as folk festivals, yoga classes, and farmer’s markets.

Come to the Smale Riverfront Park if you want to go to a fun park near the river.

Address: 166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Taft Museum of Art

Taft Museum of Art, Cincinnati, Ohio
Taft Museum of Art is one of the best places to go in Cincinnati, Ohio

A visit to the Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati is worthwhile if you want to see some iconic works of art that you don’t commonly see often.

They built this museum in 1820, initially as a private place for a few prominent people in Cincinnati. Eventually, this art museum became one of America’s small art museums and earned its place among the National Historic Landmarks.

This art museum features small yet distinctive collections involving unique sculptures, paintings made by Old masters, European Decorative Arts, and other art pieces.

If ever you plan to visit this museum, stop by the Abraham Lincoln statue made in 1917 by George Grey Barnard. This statue was considered his best work despite being controversial during his time.

This art museum has social events and educational talks regularly for visitors to learn yearly.

Taft Museum of Art is a must-visit to see some stunning art.

Address: 316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, United States

Volunteer At Animal Shelters

Animal Shelters in Cincinnati, Ohio
Animal Shelters in Cincinnati, Ohio

Volunteering at a local animal shelter to help animals is one of the most meaningful things to do. Our communities need the hard work of animal shelters to reunite lost pets with their owners, offer safety for abused and neglected animals, and place unwanted pets in loving homes.

Volunteering helps to promote awareness and contribute to the solution to pet overpopulation, neglect, and abuse.

If you’re short on time, donate old towels and bedding to rescue groups or the humane society. Animal shelters are always short of warm bedding. If your kids don’t utilize their baby blankets, a puppy or cat could. Humane societies and rescue groups can always use cat and dog food, litter, leashes, and toys.

Check out the list of animal shelters in Cincinnati, Ohio, where you can volunteer.

Traveling and having fun in the USA? You have to check out this page – the best states to visit in USA for the most fun and unusual travel ideas.

Is there anything else holding you back from making Cincinnati, Ohio, your next vacation destination? Visit reasons to visit Cincinnati, Ohio, at least once in your lifetime here.

Spread the love!