Often overlooked by travelers, this vibrant riverfront city reveals a fascinating mix of cultural influences, architectural styles, and historic landmarks. From world-class museums and leafy parks to lively sporting events and entertainment venues, it offers far more than many visitors expect.
Cincinnati, the third-largest city in Ohio, lies on the north bank of the Ohio River in the southwest corner of the state. Known for its striking skyline and picturesque setting among rolling green hills, the city has earned the nicknames “Queen City” and “Pearl of the West.”
With so many things to do in Cincinnati and a wide variety of neighborhoods to explore, the city truly embodies Ohio’s motto of being at “The Heart of It All.”
Smale Riverfront Park
Just south of the center you can find the scenic Smale Riverfront Park, which hugs the banks of the Ohio River and lies between the Paul Brown Stadium and Great American Ball Park. In addition to its pretty green spaces, the park offers all kinds of recreational opportunities, as well as fine views over the river.
Only opened in 2015, its playgrounds, paths, and riverside promenade occupy what was once the site of the Riverfront Stadium. Dotted about are gorgeous gardens, lawns and groves of trees with wonderful water features.
Besides its fabulous facilities and scenery, the park also hosts numerous concerts and cultural events during the year, and lies not far from many of the city’s main sights.
Findlay Market
One of the best places in the city to grab a bite to eat, shop for fresh produce or buy some souvenirs is the vibrant Findlay Market. The oldest continuously operated public market in Ohio, its stalls and stands can be found in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
Since 1855 people have flocked to the market to buy everything, from fresh fruit and vegetables to baked goods, cheeses, meats, and more. While some vendors hawk their wares in its wrought-iron building, others line its exterior with street performers also regularly making an appearance.
Open Tuesday through to Sunday, the market is lots of fun to peruse with many people also selling arts and crafts, jewellery, and flowers. There are countless cafes and shops to be found nearby, too.
Eden Park
A popular place to explore is the enormous Eden Park which lies northeast of the center on the banks of the Ohio River. Besides its gorgeous green spaces and extensive array of outdoor activities, the hilltop park also offers outstanding views over Cincinnati.
Once the estate of the wealthy landowner Nicholas Longworth who called it his ‘Garden of Eden’, the land was bought by the city and turned into a park in 1869. Nowadays you can find pretty paths and picnic areas alongside playgrounds, public artworks, and the lovely Twin Lakes.
Besides its stunning scenery, Eden Park contains important landmarks such as the Elsinore Arch and Spring House Gazebo, with the Cincinnati Art Museum and Krohn Conservatory also located within its confines.
Fountain Square
Since 1871 Fountain Square has not only been at the heart of the city’s civic, commercial and social life but also acted as its symbolic center too. Now lined by countless shops, restaurants and hotels, it is a lively place to stop by with excellent dining and entertainment to be had nearby.
The centerpiece of the square is undoubtedly the majestic Tyler Davidson Fountain that makes for a striking sight with its superb sculptures and sparkling jets of water. Around it are tables and chairs where you can enjoy a drink or meal. The fountain also looks impressive when lit up at night.
A popular gathering space, Fountain Square often hosts concerts and cultural events with a huge ice rink occupying the plaza during the cold winter months.
Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum
Another of the city’s outdoor areas that’s not to be missed out on is the atmospheric Spring Grove Cemetery and its attractive Arboretum. Located fifteen minutes drive north of downtown, it has many amazing old tombstones and memorials amidst leafy grounds and lush gardens.
Since being established in 1845, the cemetery has expanded considerably and is now remarkably the second largest in the States. Designated a National Historic Landmark, Spring Grove is the final resting place of countless important and influential figures from throughout the country’s history.
Sometimes described as a ‘garden cemetery’ due to its scenic and serene landscapes, the cemetery sprawls over several hills with lakes and ponds, flowerbeds, woods, and statues.
Roebling Suspension Bridge
One of Cincinnati’s standout symbols and sights is the elegant Roebling Suspension Bridge that spans the Ohio River and connects the city to Covington in Kentucky. Due to its design, it’s popular to visit and photograph since the iconic bridge is an integral part of the city’s skyline.
The longest suspension bridge in the world when it was built in 1866, it stretches an impressive 322 meters in length. As well as wonderful Romanesque arches, it exhibits draped cables, diagonal stays and vertical suspenders; all of which are painted a lovely shade of blue.
For the best view and photos of the bridge head to the Smale Riverfront Park with fine views of the Cincinnati skyline also to be enjoyed from upon the bridge itself.