Things to Do in Cincinnati

Cincinnati is the Midwest’s most vibrant destination known for its major league sports and world-class arts and culture. According to The New York Times, the city is finding an artsy swagger, infused with a casual combination of Midwest and Southern charm. The city center, for decades rich with cultural and performing arts venues, now offers a renovated Fountain Square area and a gleaming new baseball stadium with views of the Ohio River.

Whether you take in a game, a museum, or some shopping, there is something for everyone.

Fountain Square

Located in the heart of Cincinnati at the corner of Fifth and Vine Streets in the middle of downtown, Fountain Square is a public space where Cincinnatians gather, celebrate and connect as a city. Presiding over the Square is the historic Tyler Davidson Fountain, dedicated in 1871 to the people of Cincinnati.

Museums

Located in scenic Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum features an unparalleled art collection of more than 60,000 works spanning 6,000 years. In addition to displaying its own broad collection, the Art Museum also hosts several national and international traveling exhibitions each year.
The Freedom Center’s physical location in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, is just a few steps from the banks of the Ohio River, the great natural barrier that separated the slave states of the South from the free states of the North. The museum tells the dramatic story of the enslaved crossing over that river on the journey to freedom, assisted by men and women of all backgrounds who hated slavery and had created a secret network of escape routes that came to be called "the Underground Railroad."

Music, Dining and Fun

Cincinnati USA's full calendar of festivals devoted to music, food and hospitality comprises one of the best collections of annual events found anywhere in the nation. Cincinnati's calendar of festival fun is packed year around.

For jazz, food and a great atmosphere also check out

Newport Aquarium

This attraction provides a million gallons of fun. With 70 exhibits and 14 galleries, Newport Aquarium, located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, lives up to its motto, "A million gallons of fun."

Opera

Founded in 1920 and the second oldest opera company in the U.S., Cincinnati Opera presents a thrilling roster of world-class artists and conductors, important company debuts, stunning sets and costumes, and the spectacular Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Today the company is hailed as Cincinnati's "prime summer arts festival" attracting a passionate regional audience as well as opera tourists from throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Shopping

Ranked by Zagat as the number one shopping and mall attraction for families in the USA in 2004, Newport on the Levee provides residents and visitors to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky with a varied and fulfilling experience just a bridge walk away from downtown Cincinnati.

Sports

When you're in the birthplace of professional baseball, you know you're in a place where sports are special. Have a major league experience at the Great American Ball Park - home of the Cincinnati Reds.

Zoo

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden has been delighting visitors for more than 135 years.

For more fun attractions, delicious dining, sporting events, and other great ways to enrich your vacation visit the Cincinnati Visitor's Bureau.