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Cincinnati, Ohio, a vibrant city nestled on the banks of the Ohio River, offers a delightful blend of rich history, diverse culture, and modern attractions. From its stunning architecture and world-class arts scene to its thriving culinary landscape and passionate sports fans, Cincinnati has something to captivate every visitor.
Things to do in Cincinnati
Whether you’re exploring the historic Over-the-Rhine district, catching a game at the iconic Great American Ball Park, or indulging in the city’s famous chilli, you’ll discover a unique and welcoming spirit that makes Cincinnati a truly unforgettable destination.
This list of ten things to do in Cincinnati will introduce the rich heritage of this Ohio River city.

The Findlay Market
The Findlay Outdoor market has been an institution since the turn of the 19th Century. It is the oldest continually operating market in the state of Ohio. Open every Saturday from April to November, the Market features a wide variety of foods including sausage, candy, cakes and desserts, spices and seasoning, fish and seafood, beef, pork, and poultry. Take-out, fully prepared meals are also on sale at the Market.
Flowers, bedding plants, souvenirs, clothing, crafts, newspapers, books and cut flowers are also represented in the booths. Located at 1801 Race Street, and open from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., the Findlay open-air market is also a place where you can enjoy art, see performers and travelling street musicians. Summer hours include shorter times on all weekdays. Call ahead or look at the market website for a calendar of events.
The Cincinnati Museum Center
Plan to spend several days at the Cincinnati Museum Center located in the Union Terminal in downtown Cincinnati. The remodeled railroad terminal hosts the Omnimax Theater, the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science and the Cinergy Children’s Museum all under the same gigantic roof of the former train station.
The terminal is located at 1301 Western Avenue and is the largest half-dome building in the world. Call ahead for hours for each of the centres and museums. A year-long calendar of special events is available to members or for online viewing. The complex offers the opportunity to dine in a recreated 1920s ice cream parlour for lunch!
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Located on the Ohio River, Cincinnati was a hub for the bustling freedom route. This new centre provides the historical background of the Underground Railroad and how the city of Cincinnati contributed to the success of the route.
The three buildings represent Courage, Cooperation and Perseverance and tell the story in interactive displays and guided tours of the rich history of this period in Ohio. This museum and centre is part of a national Underground Railroad tour. Check out the details online before planning your visit.

Play Ball!
Purists will be disappointed that Crosley Field is no longer there, but for most baseball fans the Cincinnati Reds Stadium is a fine site to behold. See the Cincinnati Reds at their home games at Cinergy Field, formerly called Riverfront Stadium, located on the river banks at the edge of the city. The stadium was the first to use artificial turf and hosted the All Star’s Game, a play-off game, and a World Series in the first year it opened. Ticket prices are some of the lowest in the country!
Tall Stacks
Every four years the Tall Stacks Music, Arts and Heritage Festival is held on the Ohio River. Dozens of riverboats make their way to Cincinnati for the celebration. History events, a non-stop calendar of on-shore entertainment and dining experiences are available for the entire family.
Skyscraper Viewing
Most people are not aware that Cincinnati was once on the cutting edge of high rise architecture. The Ingalls Building on the corner of 4th Street and Vine was the first reinforced concrete skyscraper built in the United States. The Central Trust Tower building downtown was the fifth tallest building in the world when it was constructed in 1913. It was also the tallest building outside of New York City when in erected in that same year.
The downtown Carew Tower was a forerunner for the New York Rockefeller Center. Cincinnati has a pride in their historic architecture. Visitors will appreciate the care taken to maintain these landmark buildings celebrating the history of United States architecture and design.
The Cincinnati Observatory Center
Located high above the city at 3489 Observatory Place on Mount Lookout is the Cincinnati Observatory Center. The site is home to two historical buildings that offer guided tours every Thursday. Other tours are available by calling ahead for a reservation.

Rookwood Pottery
Eat lunch at the historic Rookwood Pottery. The kilns are still standing at one of the oldest art pottery factories in the United States. Tour the ground and see displays of historic pottery in the restaurant. Although the pottery produced goods until the 1960s, this location was closed in the late 1950s. The stone-walled factory and kilns will give an idea of what it must have been like at the bustling factory at the turn of the century.
The Historic Gaslight District
The hilltop Clifton area of the city continues to operate gaslight street lighting. The district is home to a vast selection of restaurants and shops. Walk the district and eat lunch, or arrive in the evening for dinner and enjoy live music in the many restaurants and clubs. Bring comfortable walking shoes, since the district is quite large and there are many opportunities for shopping and identifying historic architecture. Prices for dining run the gamut from inexpensive to top dollar.
Cincinnati Zoo
Adults and kids will both enjoy the 70 acres of the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The zoo, for another year, was ranked as one of the top five zoos in the nation by the Zagat polling company. A different theme is introduced each year and educational exhibits and programs all revolve around the year’s theme. Over 500 animals and 3,000 plant species call the zoo home. The Cincinnati Zoo is located off Dury Avenue and is easy to find if you follow the large street signs posted in all directions. Special hands-on exhibits and programs are available throughout the year, call ahead for programs.
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