Why Go to Cincinnati
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Charles Dickens visited Cincinnati in the 1840s and came away impressed by its beauty and cheerful energy. He'd likely be impressed all over again today. The Queen City is in the middle of an exciting revival, and you can see it best in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, home to bustling Findlay Market, Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market, and the grand Cincinnati Music Hall, home of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
Downtown shines too, with the riverfront Great American Ball Park, home of the Reds, and lively Fountain Square at the heart of the city. But Cincy has kept its green side as well. Stroll the beautiful grounds of Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum, one of the largest in the country, and explore Eden Park, home to the Cincinnati Art Museum. Don't leave without trying the city's famous chili, served over spaghetti with a mountain of cheese.
Cincinnati is an easy road trip from much of the Midwest. I'll plan a weekend around a ballgame, the food scene or a family trip to the Cincinnati Zoo and nearby attractions.
BEST FOR
Families, architecture fans, foodies and sports travelers
BEST MONTHS
May to October for parks and outdoor events.
EXPLORE
Over-the-Rhine is known for historic buildings and dining; downtown overlooks the Ohio River; Mount Adams offers hilltop views, while Covington and Newport are across the river in Kentucky.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Cincinnati
North America › Midwest › USA › Ohio
Riverfront parks, historic neighborhoods and distinctive local food.
River
Sports
Architecture
Art
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Walk Smale Riverfront Park and cross to Covington or Newport for a different skyline perspective.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Allow time to explore Union Terminal as well as the Cincinnati Museum Center exhibits; different experiences may use separate admission.
Cincinnati Museum Center
See exhibits within the striking historic Union Terminal.
Findlay Market is a working public market; visit when stalls are active and bring a reusable bag for purchases.
Findlay Market
Browse Ohio’s longstanding public market.
Check Cincinnati Zoo ticket and parking options before arriving; the large grounds reward an early start on hot days.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Explore a major zoo and landscaped grounds.
Smale Riverfront Park follows the Ohio River; choose a shaded break and watch for cyclists on shared waterfront paths.
Smale Riverfront Park
Follow lawns and paths along the Ohio River.
Over-the-Rhine is best explored on foot; cross at marked intersections and check each shop or restaurant’s individual hours.
Over-the-Rhine
Explore restored historic architecture, restaurants and shops.
A contemporary-art-focused boutique hotel near the Aronoff Center and central cultural venues. Suits guests who enjoy combining lodging with the downtown arts scene.
21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati
Downtown / Walnut Street
Boutique · City
A landmark Art Deco hotel in the Carew Tower complex near Fountain Square, appealing to architecture enthusiasts and downtown explorers. Confirm room type and parking.
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
Downtown / Fountain Square
City
A modern riverfront-area hotel near sports venues and the Ohio River, well positioned for guests prioritizing The Banks entertainment district. Check event-night traffic.
AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks
The Banks / Riverfront
City · Value
An upscale boutique property overlooking Lytle Park, offering a quieter downtown base with access to nearby museums and riverfront areas. Confirm dining and parking details.
The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection
Lytle Park / East Downtown
Boutique · City
A university-area hotel suited to campus visits and Uptown activities. Note that it is outside the downtown riverfront district and plan transfers accordingly.
Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati
Uptown / University of Cincinnati
Value · City
A boutique hotel across the river with views of the Cincinnati skyline.
Hotel Covington
Covington, Kentucky
Boutique
A stylish, good-value boutique hotel downtown.
Kinley Cincinnati Downtown
Downtown
Boutique · Value
A central hotel connected to the convention center, good for families.
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Downtown
City · Family
A full-service hotel overlooking Fountain Square.
The Westin Cincinnati
Fountain Square
City
An indoor water park resort next to Kings Island.
Great Wolf Lodge Cincinnati/Mason
Mason
Family
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Cincinnati
High 54°F · Low 35°F · Rain 3.4 in
Holiday lights begin across the city, including the PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo.
May to October for parks and outdoor events.
Best Times to Visit Cincinnati
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
06
Parking and Day Trips
A rental car helps reach sites outside the core. Review event-day parking restrictions near stadiums and riverfront facilities.
05
Walking Downtown and Over-the-Rhine
The riverfront, downtown and Over-the-Rhine are walkable in sections; choose transit or rideshare between distant stops.
04
Southbank Shuttle and River Crossing
Trips to Newport or Covington across the Ohio River need a separate routing plan. Check TANK service and pedestrian bridge access.
03
Metro and Local Buses
SORTA Metro buses connect selected neighborhoods and attractions. Check current timetables and whether your hotel is near a stop.
02
Getting around locally
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is across the river in Kentucky. Downtown’s streetcar connects key central neighborhoods; rideshares and cars help for attractions farther afield.
01
Airport and arrival transfers
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is across the river in Kentucky. Downtown’s streetcar connects key central neighborhoods; rideshares and cars help for attractions farther afield.
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is across the river in Kentucky. Downtown’s streetcar connects key central neighborhoods; rideshares and cars help for attractions farther afield.
Getting Around Cincinnati