Top 10 Things to Do in Cincinnati

Are you looking for some fun things to do in Cincinnati? Whether you are a local or a visitor, you will find plenty of options to enjoy the city and its surroundings. Cincinnati is a city with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty, offering something for everyone. From museums and parks to bridges and stadiums, here are top 10 best things to do in Cincinnati for adults who want to have an adventure, learn something new, or just relax.

Cincinnati Art Museum

What is it?
A museum that showcases more than 67,000 works of art from ancient to contemporary times. Admission is free, and the museum offers guided tours, lectures, and special exhibitions.

Why should you go?
To see a fantastic art museum in scenic Eden Park featuring an unparalleled art collection of works spanning 6,000 years of human creativity. Admire masterpieces from various cultures and periods, such as ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art, European and American paintings, Asian ceramics and textiles, African sculptures, and contemporary installations. You can also enjoy free hands-on art-making and family activities in the Rosenthal Education Center, a library and archives, a museum shop, and a terrace café.

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National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

What is it?
A museum that tells the stories of the people who fought for freedom from slavery and oppression. The museum features interactive exhibits, films, and artifacts that explore the history and legacy of the Underground Railroad.

Why should you go?
A visit to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will give you a chance to experience a museum of conscience based on the history of the Underground Railroad and the struggle for freedom in the past, present, and future. This museum center is situated in downtown Cincinnati, on the banks of the Ohio River, which was a natural boundary between slavery and freedom.

The museum center features three pavilions that celebrate courage, cooperation, and perseverance, as well as an OMNIMAX Theater and a library and archives. You can discover the stories of the enslaved people who escaped to freedom, the abolitionists who helped them, and the heroes who fought for civil rights and human dignity. You can also witness the original slave pen, a two-story log structure that was used to hold enslaved people before they were sold at auction.

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Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

What is it?
The sixth-oldest zoo in the United States, opening in 1873, home to more than 500 animal species and 3,000 plant varieties.

Why should you go?
To see one of the world's best zoos and gardens. The zoo is famous for its conservation efforts and adorable hippo Fiona, the smallest hippo to survive after being born six weeks premature. Meet amazing animals like gorillas, elephants, giraffes, and polar bears. You can also enjoy animal encounters and experiences, from feeding a giraffe to riding a camel. And don't forget to explore the beautiful gardens, such as the Native Plant Garden, the Rain Garden, and the World of Wings Butterfly Garden.

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

What is it?
A complex of museums and attractions housed in a historic Art Deco train station. The center includes the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, the Duke Energy Children's Museum, and an OMNIMAX theater.

Why should you go?
One of the best things to do in Cincinnati, the center houses three museums: the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Duke Energy Children's Museum, as well as an OMNIMAX Theater and the Cincinnati History Library and Archives. Explore the history, culture, and science of Cincinnati and beyond, from ancient fossils to modern technology, from historic artifacts to interactive exhibits. You can also enjoy spectacular shows on the giant dome screen or learn more about the history and architecture of Union Terminal itself. The Cincinnati Museum Center is a perfect place to discover, learn, and have fun.

Fountain Square

What is it?
A public plaza in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Founded in 1871, the square features a large fountain called the Tyler Davidson Fountain and hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.

Why should you go?
Don't miss this opportunity to see one of the best outdoor attractions in Cincinnati. The square is surrounded by many shops, restaurants, hotels, and offices, offering a variety of options for dining, shopping, and entertainment. You can also enjoy free concerts, festivals, and events throughout the year, such as Oktoberfest, Winterfest, and Salsa on the Square. The square is also a great place to watch sports games on the big screen or join the crowds for the annual Findlay Market Opening Day Parade for the Cincinnati Reds.

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Findlay Market

What is it?
Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market, founded in 1852 and located in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.

Why should you go?
Findlay Market is a place where people from all over the city come together to enjoy food, culture, and community. Open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday, the market has more than three dozen indoor merchants selling various products, such as meat, fish, poultry, produce, flowers, cheese, deli, and ethnic foods. On Saturdays and Sundays from March to December, the market also hosts a farmers' market and other outdoor vendors, street performers, and special events.

The market building is a historic landmark itself, built with iron framework technology that was one of the earliest in the nation. The bell from Cincinnati's first market house now hangs in the market's bell tower. If you're a fan of architecture and history, make sure to include this place in your itinerary!

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Carew Tower

What is it?
A 49-story skyscraper that is the second-tallest building in Cincinnati. The tower has an observation deck on the top floor that offers panoramic views of the city and the Ohio River.

Why should you go?
One of the best places to go in Cincinnati is the Carew Tower. This tower is an Art Deco masterpiece that was completed in 1930 in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, overlooking the Ohio River waterfront. It is the city's second-tallest building and a National Historic Landmark. Take an elevator to the top floor and climb a few stairs to reach the observation deck, where you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the city and its surroundings. You can see Fountain Square, the Roebling Suspension Bridge, the Great American Ballpark, and more. The Carew Tower is a Cincinnati icon that will give you a memorable experience.

Krohn Conservatory

What is it?
A greenhouse that showcases more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. The conservatory has different themed exhibits throughout the year, such as the Butterfly Show, the Holiday Show, and the Orchid Show.

Why should you go?
A visit to the Krohn Conservatory will give you a chance to enjoy nature's beauty and tranquility in Cincinnati. The conservatory is a stunning example of Art Deco style, so if you're an architecture lover, make sure to check out this attraction! But, of course, the extensive plant collection is the main conservatory's highlight. There are seven distinct collections and six seasonal exhibits. Explore the tropical rainforest, the desert, the orchid house, and more. You can also see the amazing Butterfly Show in springtime, where hundreds of butterflies flutter around you. The Krohn Conservatory is definitely one of the best things to do in Cincinnati, especially for nature lovers.

Smale Riverfront Park

What is it?
A park that stretches along the banks of the Ohio River, offering scenic views and recreational activities. The park has a carousel, a playground, a water play area, a bike center, and a foot piano.

Why should you go?
To enjoy the scenic views of the river and the city skyline, as well as the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge. One of the best free things to do in Cincinnati, the park has something for everyone, whether you want to relax, play, or explore. You can splash in the water features, swing on the giant swings, ride on the carousel, or wander through the gardens. You can also learn about the history and culture of Cincinnati through the public art and monuments, such as the Black Brigade Monument and the Marian Spencer Statue. You can also find nearby attractions, such as the Icon Music Center and the Moerlein Lager House.

American Sign Museum

What is it?
A museum that displays more than 200 signs from different eras and industries and showcases the history and artistry of sign-making in America.

@americansignmuseum
Why should you go?
If you are looking for a fun and fascinating way to explore the history and art of American signage, you should visit the American Sign Museum in Cincinnati, Ohio. This museum is the largest public museum dedicated to signs in the United States, covering more than 100 years of sign history in 20,000 square feet of indoor space.

You can walk through the ages of technology and design, from early gold leaf signs to neon wonders to modern plastic signs. You can also stroll down your personal memory lane and see signs that remind you of your favorite places, products, or memories. The museum also features a full-time neon workshop where you can see tube-benders working their craft, making signs for today. Don't miss this chance to see a unique slice of American culture and history!

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