Stargaze At The Cincinnati Observatory
If youre into stargazing, this is the place for you!
Nestled in a peaceful hilltop garden overlooking downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, perched on top of Mount Lookout, the 175-year-old Observatory wields the title of the oldest operating professional observatory in the United States, as well as boasting the worlds oldest telescope that remains in public nightly use.
On clear nights when the stars are shimmering, you can even look through its historic telescopes for a closer look at the moon.
Best Budget Hotel In Cincinnati Quality Inn Downtown Cincinnati
With a lack of a hostel scene, backpacker-friendly budget accommodation in Cincinnati comes in the form of value-for-money hotels like this one. Quality Inn Downtown Cincinnati isnt just cheap though: theres plenty of perks here, including a pool and a gym, and even an on-site eatery. The rooms are pretty standard, traditional hotel rooms, but theyre clean and looked after.
The Melting Pot Restaurant
The Melting Pot is an exclusive restaurant dedicated to the art of eating fondue, perfect for a romantic dinner in Cincinnati. Replicating the famous Swiss dining style of dipping, sipping and sharing laughs with friends, the Melting Pot offers a menu of entrées, salads and desserts which are cooked in a variety of fondue cooking styles.
Guests can savor a four-course fondue experience, which includes a mouthwatering cheese fondue, freshly made salad, choice of entrée and delicious dessert. Try a simple fondue cheese and wine pairing with vintages chosen from the restaurants extensive wine list, or a delectable menu finishing with a chocolate fondue for dessert.
11023 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249, Phone: 813-881-0055
You are reading “25 Best Things to Do in Cincinnati, Ohio” Back to Top or More romantic weekend getaways
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Explore Space At The Cincinnati Observatory
The Cincinnati Observatory is the countrys oldest professional observatory, with two buildings housing the Merz und Mahler 11-inch and Alvan Clark & Sons 16-inch refracting telescopes, which were made in 1845 and 1904, respectively.
The Cincinnati Observatory dubbed the Birthplace of American Astronomy, provides frequent viewings of the telescopes, including daytime and nighttime stargazing, as well as active space programs for both kids and adults.
Best Hotel In Cincinnati The Westin Cincinnati
A great option for a mid-range place to stay in Cincinnati, The Westin is right in the heart of the skyscraper district. Youll be utterly surrounded by places to eat and drink on the doorstep. The bonus is having somewhere so nice to use as a base: modern rooms, big plush beds and floor to ceiling windows so you can lap up those views. And theres even a swimming pool .
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Visit The William Howard Taft National Historic Site
History buffs: this one is for you!
As the birthplace and childhood home of the nations 27th president who also happens to be the only person in U.S. history to serve as both President and Chief Justice it is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone seeking a fuller understanding of Americas past.
While youre free to roam at your own pace on William Howard Taft National Historic Site, guided tours are available daily for a more in-depth understanding.
Arriving At The Airport
Theres nothing worse than trying to decipher a new transport system and lugging your bags onto a crowded bus after just deplaning, right? Why not start your vacation off on the right foot with pre-arranged airport transfer?
With a range of options, including personal drivers and shared shuttles, your transport to the city center will be smooth and stress-free just what you need after that long flight.
A big thank you for checking out our collection of things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio the Queen City! If you have anything youd like to add to the list, feel free to leave a comment below.
Want to keep the adventure going? If traveling by car, all of Indianapolis, Louisville, and Columbus are within 2 hours drive while the country music capital, Nashville, is less than 4 hours away.
Bon voyage!
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Deer Park Days In The Park Festival
Another family-friendly event to attend, the Deer Park Park Board is hosting its annual Days in the Park Festival this weekend. The event will have live music, rides, games, local food vendors and fun for all ages. Both The Remains and Cassette Junkies are set to take the stage during the festival, and on Saturday there will be a fireworks show at 10 p.m.
The park board requests that those attending leave any furry friends or pets at home though.
WHAT: Days In The Park FestivalWHEN: Friday, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday, 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.WHERE: Chamberlin Park, 7640 Plainfield Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
Best Airbnb In Cincinnati Modern Bohemian Loft: Over
The clue is in the name: this top Airbnb in Cincinnati is a stylish loft thats cool and clean. Think exposed brick, wooden floors and antique furnishings. Staying here means having Over-the-Rhine is just on your doorstep as well as basically being in Downtown, since its just off Main Street a good hunting ground for cafe lovers and crate diggers alike.
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Learn The Fun Way At The Duke Energy Childrens Museum
Encourage your children to have fun while learning about themselves and their environment at the Duke Energy Childrens Museum. Previously known as the Cinergy Childrens Museum, it offers a variety of hands-on educational activities.
Preschoolers can explore the farm-themed playground as well as a miniature town with shops and a veterinary clinic. Other active exhibitions for older children include rope bridges, a climbing wall, and a tree house.
The Food Youll Eat During A Long Weekend In Cincinnati
I never really pegged Cincinnati, Ohio as a foodie destination but I didnt have a thing there that didnt blow my mind. And yes, Im a simple girl, so often it was just the potato chips.
Cincinnati has a lot of foods you can only get in Cincinnati which is both awesome for them and crappy for me. Like, whats a girl gotta do to get some goetta or Grippos or Graeters around here? What I wouldnt give to pair my New England craft beer with some Hen of the Woods.
Some of the best meals I had were at Forno Osteria+Bar , Quán Hapa Asian Street Food in OTR, and Bauer Farm Kitchen in downtown Cincinnati. And if youre not ready to blow all your beer money on a dish with the words cream corn in it, theres always a plate of Cincinnati chili.
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Pamper Yourself At A Spa
Splitting headache from that pub crawl? Or just in need of some simple R& R? Either way, youll never run out of spa retreats to pick from in Cincinnati.
There are literally dozens of day spas and salons across the city, offering anything from hot stone massages to yoga sessions, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, saunas and steam rooms, and even traditional mineral salt baths
Hot tip: save up to 50% by booking treatments online in advance, and dont be late!
World’s Longest Yard Sale
Evertyone loves a good yard sale, but what about one that stretches from Alabama to Michigan. The 127 Yard Sale is the world’s longest yard sale, and it’s making its way through Covington and Northside this weekend. Covington is holding its 127 Yard Sale along Mainstrasse both Saturday and Sunday. Northside is holding its yard sale at various houses in the neighborhood Saturday, but the sale’s central location is at Churches Active In Northside, 4230 Hamilton Avenue. Attendees at both the Covington and Northside locations can expect a variety of items on sale, including clothing, decor, knick-knacks, furniture, books and more.
For those interested in the exact addresses of yard sales in Northside,
WHAT: World’s Longest Yard SaleWHEN: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.WHERE: Mainstrasse, Covington, KY 41011 & Various Locations in Northside, Cincinnati, OH 45223
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Cheer On The Home Team At The Great American Ball Park
Home to the MLBs Cincinnati Reds, the Great American Ball Park is a fun spot for all and were not just talking about baseball!
Aside from watching Americas favorite pastime , you can tour the on-site interactive Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum, where youll discover fun facts about the team, its history, and players take the kids to the batting cages or playground in the Trihealth Family Zone, or knock back a cold one at the sports bar.
Outside of the main baseball season, the Park hosts a range of diverse events check the website to see whats on during your visit!
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A Weekend In Cincinnati Oddity: Jungle Jims
Im about to tell you to visit a grocery store during your long weekend in Cincinnati. Now just hear me out. I only wish I could accurately describe . Maybe if groceries had a theme park?
In short, they have anything and everything you could ever want. In long, they have everything else in the world that you would never want or need in a million years but you have to see every bit of it with your own two eyes to believe it.
There are currently two Jungle Jims locations taking up a combined 500,000 square feet of these United States. They offer products from all over the world70 different countries to be exactand some that just have to be from outer space.
My friends and I spent a good couple of hours here and we werent even looking for anything in particular the whole time except each other . But did I buy a bag of Grippos the size of four bags of Grippos? You betcha.
Did I also buy a bag of potato chips made from crickets? Absolutely. Whether or not youre in the market for a bottle of Big Mac special sauce or a gummy bear so big youd need a stroller to get it home, you need to check out Jungle Jims.
If theres any kind of food item youve been missing since you took that trip to France/Italy/Greece/Spain/the Caribbean/Thailand/Mexico/India/Russia/Pakistan/Africa, you need to check out Jungle Jims.
Take The Youngsters To The Duke Energy Childrens Museum
Traveling with kids in tow? Then add this Union Terminal activity to the top of the Cincinnati bucket list! Rated one of the top family-friendly attractions in the state by the likes of TripAdvisor, the multi-story, heavily-interactive, hands-on museum is a guaranteed hit with the little ones.
While not exhaustive by any means, the beloved Duke Energy Childrens Museum highly educational attractions surround themes like building and construction, fossils and the earth, health and the human body , farming and water conservation, and even a variety of reptiles to meet and greet!
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Hit The Bullseye Go Ax Throwing
Seemingly out of nowhere, the traditional lumberjack pastime of ax throwing has taken the recreation world by storm so why not get in on the action and try it for yourself when visiting the Queen City?
At a range of venues across town, youll not only be run through to ins and out of the pastime-turned-sport but also get the chance to participate in a handful of games and challenges with axes of all shapes and sizes!
While its not as easy as it looks, with safety-focused instructors on hand, youll be hitting the bullseye in no time.
Check Out Smale Riverfront Park
Smale Riverfront Park is a sprawling public space that sits right on the Ohio River overlooking Kentucky. Its a fantastic place to enjoy a midday stroll. If you get warm, the many water features and fountains of Smale Riverfront Park are there to send a cool misty breeze your way. The park is bursting with gardens and tranquil paths, and it even features a huge functional piano. Tap into your inner kid and play a little something!
Perhaps the most fun feature of Smale Riverfront Park is the row of swings facing the river. Theyre perfect for kicking up your feet, enjoying an iced coffee, and simply watching the boats lazily make their way down the river. Tucked away from the sounds of traffic, Smale Riverfront Park is a relaxing haven in the big city.
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And Eat All The Food In Over
More German heritage can be found in Cincinnatis famous Over-the-Rhine district. We mean, its in the name, right? But its not necessarily just the place to chow down on a bratwurst or two. Here in this foodie-centric area, youll find food from all over the world.
One particularly good place to figure it all out is at Findlay Market. This 19th-century market hall is the oldest in Ohio and today is home to a bunch of different tasty treasures to seek out. Stop off for artisan cheese at The Rind, grab a pastry at Brown Bear Bakery, and get waffles at Taste of Belgium. It doesnt have to be expensive , so its a top thing to do in Cincinnati on a budget.
My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags: dont be like my missus. UP YOUR PACKING GAME!
Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE.
Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
Robert J. Rockefeller | Shutterstock
Entry tickets: Adults: $15, Children : $10, Seniors: $10
Address: 3400 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45220
- It was opened in 1875
- It has over 3,500 animal and plant species
Why you should go: Located in Avondale, Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the second oldest zoo in the country.
Furthermore, it is home to the Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife , established to further conservation efforts.
The zoo boasts over 2,000 animals and 3,000 plant species, spread across over 65 acres of land within and beyond the city.
It is here that the successful breeding of California sea lions was first done.
Additionally, it is famous for being home to the last living Carolina parakeet, Icas, and the last living wild pigeon, Martha.
Things to do: The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is one of the best places to visit with children.
You will find exhibits that display a wide range of animals like elephants, gorillas, hippos, lemurs, white lions, rhinos, cheetahs, flamingos, and giraffes.
At CREW, you will have the opportunity to see endangered species as well as exotic animals hosted here to protect them from poachers and to also encourage their breeding so that they do not go extinct.
The botanical garden is quite a sight to see.
Your whole family will enjoy taking a nature walk and identifying the different plant species.
- It is 23 minutes from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
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Cincinnati Music Hall Cincinnati Ohio
Built in 1878, the glittering chandeliers and Old World ambiance of the Cincinnati Music Hall undoubtedly make it one of the most beautiful concert theaters in the world, and one which has been attracting music, opera, and theater lovers for over a century.
The Music Hall is home to an array of world-class performing arts, including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, the Cincinnati Opera and the Cincinnati Ballet, as well as playing host to May Festival, which is the longest-running choral festival in the Western hemisphere.
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975, the Music Hall is located in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood across Elm Street and a few blocks from Findlay Market.
1241 Elm St, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202, Phone: 513-744-3344
Spend The Day In The Great Outdoors At The Cincinnati Nature Center
A splendid activity for nature lovers, this underrated spot is a must-visit while visiting Cincinnati.
Located a short drive east of the city about 30 minutes by car this laidback parkland welcomes visitors with a dozen enchanting hiking, biking, and running trails that span some 16 miles in total.
Thanks to its diverse landscapes: forest, fields, streams, and ponds, the Nature Center has been hailed among the top ten nature centers in the country, with self-guided tours, nature programs, bird walks, and ample wildlife to experience and enjoy!
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Discover An Underwater World At The Newport Aquarium
If youre looking for a new family day out, look no further than Newport Aquarium.
With over 16,000 animals from some 650 species to explore as well as an IMAX theatre and more than 70 different sea life exhibits this is one attraction thats both educational and entertaining.
Dubbed one of the leading aquariums in the country by Travel Channel, largely thanks to its shark tunnels and world-first rope suspension Shark Bridge , its undeniably one of the top things to do in Cincinnati for voyaging families.
