A public market located in Over-the-Rhine, a historic neighborhood in Cincinnati, Findlay Market is one of the country’s oldest continuously operating public markets. A bustling hub of activity, Findlay Market features over two dozen indoor merchants selling fresh meat, seafood, produce, cheese, spices, baked goods, and other specialty items.
The market also features outdoor vendors selling flowers, crafts, and other goods and various food stalls offering everything from tacos and pizza to Belgian waffles and barbecue!
Home to the world-famous hippo Fiona, Cincinnati’s zoo prides itself on saving unique animal species and has been doing so since 1875 — making it the sixth oldest zoo in the country.
In addition to its animal and plant collections, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden also offers a range of educational and recreational programs for visitors of all ages. These include guided tours, animal encounters, and special events like the annual “Zoo Brew” beer festival.
The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a historic train station and museum originally built in the 1930s. It’s home to several museums and educational institutions, including the Cincinnati History Museum, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Natural History and Science.
This museum center is an excellent option for guests in town with their little ones, as the children’s museum offers plenty of hands-on learning experiences for kids.
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center opened in 2004 and currently works to tell the story of the Underground Railroad. The museum’s exhibits explore the history of slavery in America, the experiences of enslaved people, and the role of abolitionists and other freedom seekers. This Cincinnati area attraction is great for guests passionate about history who want to learn more about contemporary issues related to freedom and human rights.
Located within Eden Park in between Cincinnati's East Walnut Hills and Mount Adams neighborhoods, Krohn Conservatory is an incredible botanical garden filled with over 3,500 plant species from around the world. It’s widely recognized as one of the country’s largest public greenhouses. It also draws architecture buffs, as the 1933 building is a classic example of the Art Deco style.
During a visit to Krohn Conservatory, you can explore seven distinct collections, including the tropical Palm House and the Orchid House, plus six seasonal exhibits. In springtime, the Butterfly Show is a can’t-miss. No matter when you visit, you can choose to wander on your own or join a guided tour to learn more about this unique collection of plants.
Friends and family that love sports will want to add the Great American Ball Park to their schedule. Home of the Cincinnati Reds, it’s famous for its views of the Ohio River and the Cincinnati Skyline. The stadium is also known as one of the premier baseball venues in the country, and its design incorporates several nods to Cincinnati’s baseball history and culture.
Located across the river from Cincy in Newport, Kentucky (8 min drive from Downtown Cincy), the aquarium is home to thousands of animals in a million gallons of water. It’s easy to spend a full day here: Walk through the coral reef tunnel, marvel at the freshwater creatures that live in the Amazon Tunnel, and walk across Shark Bridge–a 75-foot suspended rope bridge that dangles just inches above a tank filled with sharks, rays, and fish.
Junior marine biologists will stay engaged for hours, thanks to activities like a tide pool touch tank, penguin encounter, and a colorful play area. After you’re done at the aquarium, take some time to explore the surrounding Newport on the Levee area, which includes retail, restaurants, entertainment venues, a movie theater, and more.
Kings Island is located in Mason, Ohio (30 min drive from Downtown) with an acknowledged reputation as one of the finest seasonal amusement parks in North America. The 364-acre amusement and water park is chock-full of world-class rides and attractions, amazing shows and food, and other activities for guests to enjoy.
Something you won't really find outside of Ohio, Cincinnati chili is a sauce usually used over spaghetti or hot dogs, containing a unique spice blend that gives it a very distinct, sweet-and-savory taste.
Try the cheese coney or the three way!
Some love it, some hate it - but be prepared for most locals to ask you if you've tried Skyline!
Graeter's is a regional ice cream chain based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Founded in 1870 by Louis C. Graeter - a must try if you have a sweet tooth!