Things to do in Cincinnati
-
A
Skyline Chili
Don't worry - you can keep your clothes on for this experience, though you may want to loosen your belt. A 'five-way' in Cincinnati has to do with chili, which is a local specialty. It comprises meat sauce (spiced with chocolate and cinnamon) ladled over spaghetti and beans, then garnished with cheese and onions. Although you can get it three-way (minus onions and beans) or four-way (minus onions or beans), you should go the whole way - after all, life's an adventure. Skyline Chili has a cultlike following devoted to its version. There are outlets throughout town; this one is downtown.
reviewed
-
B
Cincinnati Museum Center
Two miles northwest of downtown, the Cincinnati Museum Center occupies the 1933 Union Terminal, an art-deco jewel still used by Amtrak. The interior has fantastic murals made of Rookwood tiles. The Museum of Natural History (adult/child three to 12 years $8/6) is mostly geared to kids, but it does have a limestone cave with real bats inside. A history museum, Omnimax theater and children's museum round out the offerings. Discounted combination tickets are available. Parking costs $5.
reviewed
-
C
Carew Tower
- Cincinnati, USA
- Sights › Tower
Get a bird's eye view from the world's tallest standing pre-WWII tower. The 49th-floor observation deck has a fine art deco interior and affords magnificent views. You can look across the Ohio river to Kentucky or gaze down on Cincinnati's architecture.
reviewed
-
D
Graeter's Ice Cream
It's a local delicacy, with scoop shops around the city. The flavors that mix in the gargantuan, chunky chocolate chips top the list.
reviewed
-
E
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, aka the 'Sexiest Zoo in America,' has the country's highest rate for successful breeding. It's famous for its gorillas, white lions and rhinos, and is located 3 miles north of downtown. Parking is around US$7.
The city zoo is internationally known for its collection of endangered species, though it has the dubious distinction of having been the last place a passenger pigeon or Carolina parakeet ever drew breath. The zoo's gorillas and white tigers have been making up for the sad past by producing a record number of babies in captivity.
reviewed
-
F
Chez Nora
Its tables sprawl throughout a quaint multistory building, while its menu sprawls from chicken-and-goetta spring rolls to chilled mussels to walleye sandwiches to vegetarian pesto pasta. The rooftop bar provides views of Cincinnati's skyline (especially nice on Tuesdays with half-price bottles of wine).
reviewed
-
G
Hathaway's
Hathaway's hasn't changed its retro dinette tables, or apron-wearing waitresses, since it started feeding hungry business people 30-plus years ago. Try the goetta (pork, oats, onions and herbs) for breakfast - it's a Cincy specialty. The milk shakes will please sweet tooths.
reviewed
-
H
Greenup Café
Greenup's French owner has imported the flavors of his homeland to this cheerful, bohemian bistro in an old brick warehouse. Get your croissants and croque monsieur (egg and ham sandwich) for breakfast; meatloaf hoagies and black-bean burgers for lunch; and pastries anytime.
reviewed
-
I
Bootsy's
True, it's trendy. And loud. But you gotta love a place vibed after Bootsy Collins, a Cincy boy done good as the funk bassist for James Brown and George Clinton. Check out Bootsy's gold records and other memorabilia while sipping mojitos and noshing on sushi, paella and duck tacos.
reviewed
-
J
Newport Aquarium
Newport is to the east and known for its massive Newport on the Levee restaurant and shopping complex. The development also contains the well-regarded Newport Aquarium, where you can meet Sweet Pea the shark ray, parading penguins and more.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
K
Krohn Conservatory
The Krohn Conservatory is a vast greenhouse with a rainforest, desert flora and glorious seasonal flower shows. Most visitors just ascend the hill for a look around, a drink and a pause to enjoy the view from the hilltop Catholic church.
reviewed
-
L
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center exhibits on how slaves escaped to the north; Cincinnati was a prominent stop on the railroad and a center for abolitionist activities led by residents, such as Harriet Beecher Stowe.
reviewed
-
M
Slims
This bright, simple Northside restaurant serves organic and seasonal dishes - maybe a Chilean vegetarian stew or citrus-braised pork belly - at long communal tables from 5:30pm 'until the food runs out.' Cash only; bring your own vino.
reviewed
-
N
Findlay Market
Indoor-outdoor Findlay Market greens the somewhat blighted area at downtown's northern edge. It's a good stop for fresh produce, meats, cheeses and baked goods. The Belgian waffle guy will wow your taste buds.
reviewed
-
O
Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Arts
The Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Arts displays modern art in an avant-garde building designed by Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid. The structure and its artworks are a pretty big deal for traditionalist Cincy.
reviewed
-
P
Music Hall
The acoustically pristine Music Hall is Cincy's classical music venue, where the symphony orchestra, pops orchestra, opera and ballet hold their seasons. This is not the best neighborhood, so be cautious and park nearby.
reviewed
-
Q
Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse
Almost as renowned and addictive as Cincinnati chili are Montgomery Inn's barbecued ribs. There are a couple of outlets, but this riverside one is the best, taming carnivores with 13.5 tons of meat weekly.
reviewed
-
R
Procter & Gamble World Headquarters
- Cincinnati, USA
- Sights › Tower
East of Fountain Square is the postmodern Procter & Gamble world headquarters, often called the 'Dolly Parton Towers' due to its resemblance to the country singer's most prominent features.
reviewed
-
Fountain Square
Fountain Square is the city's centerpiece, a public space with a seasonal ice rink, chess tables, free wi-fi and the fancy old 'Spirit of the Waters' fountain.
reviewed
-
S
Blind Lemon
Head down the passageway to enter this atmospheric old speakeasy. It has an outdoor courtyard in summer, with a fire pit added in winter, and there's live music nightly.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
T
Southgate House
Big and small, touring and local bands alike play in this 1814 haunted mansion, which also happens to be the birthplace of the tommy gun.
reviewed
-
Great American Ballpark
Home to the Reds (pro baseball's first team), Cincy is a great place to catch a game thanks to its bells-and-whistles riverside ballpark.
reviewed
-
U
Cincinnati Art Museum
The Cincinnati Art Museum emphasises on Middle Eastern and European arts, as well as local works.
reviewed
-
Comet
The casual Comet, in Northside, has the city's best jukebox and bar food; try the burrito.
reviewed
-
Paul Brown Stadium
The Bengals pro football team scrimmages a few blocks west of the ballpark.
reviewed
