Visiting Cincinnati: The Top 10 Things You Should Do For An Unforgettable Trip

As the third largest city in Ohio, Cincinnati is a vibrant city full of rich culture. It is home to the Ohio River and the second-oldest zoo in the United States, among other attractions. Due to its historic location – slaves crossed the Ohio River to reach freedom in Cincinnati – and unique culture, there is always something to do in Cincy.

Contemporary Arts Center, Cincinnati

Art Gallery, Building, Museum

Founded in Cincinnati in 1939 as the Modern Art Society by three visionary local women, the Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first institutions in the United States dedicated to exhibiting contemporary art. Housed in the beautiful and extraordinarily futuristic building in the heart of the city, the CAC showcases ‘art of the last five minutes’: it focuses on new developments in painting, sculpture, photography, architecture, performance art and new media. Over the years it has gained international acclaim and a reputation for provoking and introducing new ideas, as well as a for being a guiding light for progressive thought in the community for more than 65 years.

Findlay Market

Market

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Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continuously-operated public market, and draws in hundreds of visitors a day. Located in Cincinnati’s historic Over-the-Rhine neighbourhood, it offers a diverse and interesting selection of delicious fresh foods, hand-made wears, dining, entertainment and even a biergarten. Findlay Market has been in operation since 1855, so come and check out a slice of Ohio history.

Cincinnati Art Museum

Museum

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The Cincinnati Art Museum is home to an amazingly extensive art and sculpture collection from many different cultures and time periods. The museum is a feast for the eyes from the moment you walk in – look up and you’ll see the beautiful blue Chihuly glass sculpture hanging from the ceiling. Visitors can also stop at the lovely terrace café for refreshments, so you can really make a day of it.

Paycor Stadium

Architectural Landmark

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Paycor Stadium, which was previously known as the Paul Brown Stadium, is the home venue of the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL (National Football League). It opened in August of 2000 and is a iconic landmark in Cincinnati, Ohio.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Memorial, Museum

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The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center provides Cincinnati residents with an incredible opportunity to explore their state’s history. Cincinnati was an important city to the slaves, with many of them crossing the Ohio River from the slave state of Kentucky to find freedom in Cincinnati. The center is an interactive museum that gives a fuller representation of slavery and the Underground Railroad through its film and multimedia exhibits, as well as artefacts.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

Cincinnati’s 74-acre zoo and botanical garden is a very popular place to take visitors, and for good reason. Peacocks roam free around the grounds, the Festival of Lights brightens the entire property with scores of colourful Christmas lights in winter, and families can feed some of the animals, from giraffes to camels, or take a tour on the small express train that snakes its way around the site.

Newport Southbank Bridge

The Newport Southbank bridge, colloquially known as the ‘Purple People Bridge,’ provides Ohioans with a shortcut to Kentucky. People can begin the 2,670-foot journey in Cincinnati and get off the other side of the bridge in Newport, Kentucky. To add historical significance to the walk, the bridge crosses over the Ohio River, which many slaves crossed in order to escape the slave state of Kentucky and enter the free state of Ohio.

Segway Tour

Segway tours are becoming an increasingly popular way to navigate around Cincinnati without having to deal with the hassle of urban traffic or the tiring option of walking throughout the entire city. People taking part in the tours receive a short lesson in how to safely operate a Segway, before going on a guided tour of the city.

Graeter’s

All Cincinnati residents know that Graeter’s is a go-to destination for out-of-towners. Its custom, handmade ice cream is truly one-of-a-kind perfection and its creamy black raspberry chocolate chip and rich mint chip are testament to this. In addition to serving delicious ice cream, Graeter’s provides its customers with various flavours of gelato, milkshakes, and assorted desserts.

Krohn Conservatory

Built in 1933, this stunning Art Deco conservatory is home to over 3,000 plant species from around the world. Make sure you make time to see the Rainforest Waterfall and the Orchid house for breathtaking beauty and a show for all the senses.