Visiting Cincinnati may not be on the top of many lists as a place to vacation. However, for those who are familiar with this area of the country know there is more to do in Cincinnati than most expect. Cincinnati has most of what other big cities promote such as professional sports, amusement parks, cultural events, shopping, night life, and fine dining.

What to do in Cincinnati, Ohio

As a frequent visitor to Cincinnati there are several places I like to visit when I get the chance. Much of the entertainment will depend on the time of year you visit Cincinnati. Sporting events run year long in the area, however there are many festivals and cultural events that will coincide with the seasons.

Sporting Events—Entertainment

• Cincinnati Reds MLB (Great American Ball Park)
• Cincinnati Bengals NFL (Paul Brown Stadium)
• University of Cincinnati (Big East)
• University of Xavier (Atlantic-10)
• Cincinnati Cyclones ECHL (US Bank Arena)
• Cincinnati Marshals NIFL (US Bank Arena)
• Lindner Family Tennis Center (Western & Southern Financial Open)

Sports Teams Near Cincinnati

• Miami RedHawks (MAC)
• Wright State Raiders (Horizon League)
• Northern Kentucky University  Norse (Division II)
• University of Dayton Flyers (Atlantic-10)

Attractions and Cultural Events

Entertainment and Festivals

• Aronoff Center (6th and Walnut)
• Cincinnati Opera (Music Hall)
• Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park (Eden Park)
• Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra (Memorial Hall)
• Cincinnati Pops Orchestra (Music Hall)
• Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (Music Hall)
• Cincinnati Art Museum (Eden Park)
• Cirque Du Soleil
• International Quilt Festival
• Oktoberfest Zinzinnati (September)
• P&G Taste of Cincinnati Memorial Day Weekend
• Syrian Shrine Circus
• WEBN Labor Day Fireworks

Attractions

• Cincinnati Museum Center (Union Terminal)
• Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• Krohn Conservatory
• Sawyer Point
• Cedar Fair Kings Island Amusement Park
• The Beach Waterpark
• Great Wolf Lodge
• Coney Island
• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
• Newport Aquarium
• National Museum of the United States Air Force (Dayton, OH)
• Jungle Jim’s

Where to Eat in Cincinnati—Dining

• Montgomery Inn Boathouse
• Skyline Chili
• LaRosa’s Pizzeria
• The Anchor Grill’s / Mokka (For Goetta)
• Hofbrauhaus (Newport, KY)
• Mecklenburg Gardens
• Jeff Ruby’s Precinct
• Rock Bottom
• The Rookwood
• Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub
• The White House Inn (Mulhauser Rd, Hamilton, OH)
• Walt’s BarBeque
• Graeter’s Ice Cream
• The Bonbonerie

Other Activities–Outdoor Entertainment

• Hiking
• Fishing
• Hunting
• Boating
• Golfing
• Frisbee Golf
• Marathons and half marathons
• Wine Tasting
• Festivals
• Bike Trails
• Canoe Trips
• Horseback Riding

How to Get Around—Transportation Options

Cincinnati offers most of what other larger city’s have for transportation such as taxies, buses, and airports. Cincinnati airport, or better known as the Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), is located 13 miles south of the city  in Northern Kentucky. The physical address (for use with GPS mapping devices) is 2939 Terminal Drive, Hebron, KY 41048. You can also travel by rail or by bus to get to Cincinnati from other locations around the country.

Taking a vacation to Cincinnati allows you to enjoy a city rich with cultural heritage, sports, and fantastic original foods. The cost of living is moderate and the prices visitors pay reflects the reasonable cost associated with a weekend getaway or vacation to Cincinnati. Great experiences await for you to share with friends, family members, children, or with your spouse.

Do you have any tips on traveling to Cincinnati, Ohio? What is your favorite place to visit or eat? We would love to hear from you.