Cincinnati/Downtown

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• Carew Tower & Observation Deck

  phone: +1 513 579-9735
  address: 441 Vine St
  The Carew Tower served as the basis for the design of the later Empire State Building. During the mid- to late-1980s, a giant inflatable gorilla was attached to the upper floors! Notice the Art Deco interior of the common areas as you follow the signs to find the elevators. You have to change elevators and then take the stairs up the final level to make it to the 49th floor. The 49th floor of Cincinnati's 2nd tallest building provides a breathtaking, inexpensive, and gorilla-less view of the city. Take a high-speed elevator to the 45th floor, then choose from walking up four flights of stairs or taking another elevator to the 48th floor and walking up one flight. The admission is collected once you reach the top.

• Fountain Square

  address: Fifth and Vine Streets
  The renovated Fountain Square holds the Tyler Davidson Fountain, newly added and renovated restaurants, an ice skating rink, a big screen video board, free Wi-Fi, and a hands-on water wall!
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• John A. Roebling Suspension BridgeThe John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world at 1,057 feet (322 m) when the first pedestrians crossed on December 1, 1866 — a status it maintained until 1883. You can still walk across it today and tour the Riverside Drive historic district - one of the oldest neighborhoods in the region in Covington It served as the prototype for Roebling's design of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. This bridge was featured in the movie Rain Man.

• Merchantile Library

  phone: +1-513-621-0717
  address: 414 Walnut Street, 11th Floor
  Non-members can browse but not check out books during business hours and it's open to the public. Old-school private library complete with busts of famous literary figures, artwork, globes, dusty stacks of books and spiral staircases. Also hosted here are frequently literary events, lectures and local public affairs talks. Its worth a look to see a unique library space.

Religious buildings

• Isaac M. Wise Temple

  phone: +1 513 793-2556
  address: 726 Plum Street, at the corner of Plum and Eighth Streets
  Built in 1865-1866 for B'nai Yeshurun, this is one of the best-preserved Moorish Revival buildings of the 19th century. This was also major pioneering center for the development of Reform Judaism.

• Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral

  phone: +1 513 421-5354
  address: 325 W 8th St
  Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral is a beautifully and ornate cathedral, a recommended sight for anyone traveling through Cincinnati. St. Peter in Chains Cathedral was the city's tallest structure when completed, as well as one of its most elegant buildings. Copying elements from classical Athenian buildings, architect Henry Walter produced one of the finest neoclassical Greek revival buildings in the United States with a look that is quite a bit more Byzantine than one would expect from a normal Catholic church. Well worth a look, particularly if you can get inside!

• Sherith Isreal Temple

  address: Ruth Lyons Way
  Like most old large cities in the US alleyways have old houses and buildings on them, Cincinnati is no exception, though not as many survived the onslaught of mid-late 20th century urban destruction as are in Philly or Boston. In one of these alleys is the oldest synagogue west of the Appalachian mountains, that was saved by being converted to condominiums in the early 2000s. This is a private residence, but should be something noted by travelers who happen to be next to Restaurant Row/The Aronoff Center. The alley is well lit and fairly wide as its branded the Backstage District.

Museums and galleries

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• Contemporary Arts Center

  phone: +1 513 345-8400
  address: 44 East Sixth St
  The CAC is one of the regional leaders in thought-provoking art; the building is a piece of art with some of Cincinnati's boldest architecture. The center has also been the center of controversy; some may not see the "art" in some exhibits. If you do get this kind of art, hop one door north on Walnut to the 21C Museum Hotel for a few more exhibits in its publicly open/free museum, for info on staying there see details under the Sleep section below.

• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

  phone: +1 513 333-7500
  address: 50 East Freedom Way
  The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum of conscience; it offers lessons on the struggle for freedom in the past, in the present, and for the future as it attempts to challenge visitors to contemplate the meaning of freedom in their own lives. Its location recognizes the significant role of Cincinnati, where thousands of slaves escaped to freedom by crossing the Ohio River, in the history of the Underground Railroad.

• Taft Museum of Art

  phone: +1 513 241-0343
  address: 316 Pike St
  The Taft Museum of Art is known as one of the finest small art museums in America. A National Historic Landmark built around 1820, the Taft is home to an extensive art collection that includes European and American master paintings; Chinese porcelains; and European decorative arts.

• Cincinnati Fire Museum

  phone: +1 513 621-5553
  address: 315 West Court St
  The museum for all of us, who wanted to be a firefighter, but never became one. The museum documents the history of firefighting and it's fitting that the museum is in Cincinnati, which was the first place in America to have a fully paid professional fire department.

• Weston Art Gallery

  phone: +1 513 977-4165
  address: 650 Walnut St
  The Weston Art Gallery is in the Aranoff Center for the Arts. Exhibitions feature painting, sculpture, prints, photography, textiles, independent film, performance and electronic media. Ten diverse exhibitions are programmed annually in the gallery's 3,500 square foot museum-quality space.

Parks and squares

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• Sawyer Point

  phone: +1 513 352-4000
  address: 720 E. Pete Rose Way
  Sawyer Point is one of Cincinnati's party parks, where in the summer radio stations throw free outdoor concerts. The park is also used to host the Tall Stacks festival. A popular place to laze about is the Serpentine Wall steps that lead into the Ohio River.

• Theodore M. Berry International Friendship Park

  address: 1101 Riverside Dr
  The park is named in honor of Cincinnati's first African American mayor, Theodore M. Berry. This park features an International Plaza with ceremonial flags, an earth sculpture in the form of two interlocking hands, a pavilion to provide settings for communal gatherings, celebrations and events, Commissioned sculptures, a serpentine-shaped sitting wall, garden areas representative of the continents, and a bike trail.

• Piatt ParkAlso known as Garfield Park for its statue of President Garfield, its more of a two block long public square than a park, at 200 years old this is the oldest park in the city. Elegantly landscaped, a good place to take a break while exploring downtown by foot. In the summer there is even music sometimes on weekdays aimed at workers on lunch break.

• Arnoff Center for the Arts

  address: 650 Walnut St
  This is the main place in Cincinnati to see a Broadway musical, famous stand up comics, the Cincinnati Ballet and other large scale performing arts events.

• Taft Theater

  phone: +1 513 232-6220
  address: 317 East 5th St
  A large old venue that's good for seeing bigger comedians or musical acts.

• Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

  phone: +1 513 381-2273
  address: 718 Race St
  Well-regarded local theater troupe specializing in Shakespearean and Classic plays.

• Jack Casino

  phone: +1 513-252-0777
  address: 1000 Broadway St
  Jack Casino is an urban casino, and one of three that were given special permission by the state of Ohio to operate. Horseshoe Casino boasts 100,000 square feet of gambling floorspace. It features approximately 2,000 slot machines, 85 table games and a 31-table World Series of Poker room. The Casino also has five restaurants including Prism Steak and Seafood and Bobby's Burger Palace. Must be 21+, even at restaurants.

• Stratus Helicopters

  address: 99 Riverboat Row, Newport
  Though it's in Newport, this company provides various tours of scenic Cincinnati from the air in a helicopter. Included on the itinerary is a date night tour. Tours last anywhere from 10 min to a few hours.

Festivals

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• Bunbury Music FestivalAnnual festival happening around mid-July, featuring 100s of (mostly rock) bands on multiple stages along Cincinnati's riverfront parks. The festival was founded by MidPoint Music Festival co-founder and former Fountain Square managing director Bill Donabedian. Reaching beyond music, the festival integrates eco-friendly and technology initiatives.

• Midwest Regional Black Family ReunionConceived in 1986 by Dr. Dorothy I. Height, President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, the Black Family Reunion Celebration is a 4-day cultural weekend event which brings consumers, corporations, communities and government agencies together to focus on the historic strengths and traditional values of the Black Family.

• Oktoberfest

  address: Fifth St
  Cincinnati remembers its German history with a two day festival dedicated to beer and the marriage of Bavarian royalty. Cincinnati's Oktoberfest draws 500,000 over two days (Munich's Oktoberfest draws 6 million over two weeks) making it second biggest Oktoberfest after Munich's. On the Sunday everyone gathers at Fountain Square to participate in the "World's Largest Chicken Dance." Second and Third streets are closed along the interstate and lined with food vendors, beer tents (both local and Bavarian breweries participate), souvenir stalls, and music stages. Some of the acts are local rock bands, but rest assured, there are plenty of accordions and tubas for the traditionalists. The Thursday before hosts the "Running of the Wieners" on Freedom Way, where 100 dachshund owners enter their dogs to see who's the fastest in a 100-foot dash. This is a must for any visitor to Cincinnati. Oktoberfest is held in mid to late September.

• PNC MidPoint's Indie Summer

  address: 5th and Vine
  Fountain Square on Friday nights is the place to be for all fans of independent rock music. Local, regional, and national bands will perform every Friday night from 7 to 11PM!

• Party in the ParkHeld several times through out the summer, 8,000 locals and visitors are entertained by the hottest musical acts and cold draft beers. The party is held at Yeatman's Cove.

• RiverfestRiverfest is Cincinnati's largest bash and is held on the banks of the Ohio during the Labor Day weekend. The event is essentially the spectacular Rozzi's fireworks display, which last for half-an-hour and is choreographed to music by local radio station WEBN. There's also a famous race between rubber ducks called the Rubber Duck Regatta.

• Taste of CincinnatiTaste of Cincinnati is held every Memorial Day weekend and draws 500,000 people each year. More than 40 restaurants sell their food for $5 or less. Live musical acts are there for entertainment once you're full.

Sports

• Cincinnati Bengals

  phone: +1 513 621-8383
  address: One Paul Brown Stadium
  For more than a decade, the Bengals were the punchline of a joke about the NFL. No more, though. Since the hiring of Head Coach Marvin Lewis, the Bengals have gone on to win the AFC North Division and have gained respect within the NFL. In his first season (2003), Lewis led the Bengals with an 8-8 record compared to the 2002 record of 2-14. The Bengals have since posted an 8-8 record in 2004 and an 11-5 record with an AFC North Division Championship. They made the playoffs in each season from 2011 to 2015. However, this success under Lewis hasn't carried over to the postseason—the Bengals haven't won a postseason game since 1990. Since their turnaround, a visit to a Bengals game is recommended — if you can get a ticket. Their new home is Paul Brown Stadium, named for the Hall of Fame founder and owner/first head coach of the team in their American Football League days, who before that was affiliated with and gave the name to the original Cleveland Browns, one of their fiercest rivals.

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• Cincinnati Reds

  phone: +1 513 765-7000
  address: 100 Main St
  The "Big Red Machine" has always been a leader in professional baseball since its formation as the first professional baseball team. The team earned their nickname during the 1970s, when the team made six post-season appearances and won two World Series with the likes of Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Tony Perez and manager Sparky Anderson. The Reds' new home is Great American Ball Park, on the downtown riverfront near the site of the stadium it replaced, the now-demolished Riverfront Stadium. Tickets run $7-67, with most seats $22 or less. If you are on a budget, the Reds allow spectators to bring in their own food and drink. Drinks must be non-alcoholic, and in a sealed, clear plastic container. No cans or glass may be brought in. Coolers must be soft-sided and be able to fit underneath your seat. Ballpark tours that take you onto the field and behind-the-scenes are available at 11:30AM and 1:30PM on Saturdays off-season and non-game days during the season, with extra tours available on days with a night game.

• ECHL Hockey Cincinnati Cyclones

  phone: +1 513 421-PUCK
  address: U.S. Bank Arena
  Hockey has a long legacy in Cincinnati. In the 1950s, Cincinnati was home to the Cincinnati Mohawks, five-time winners of the International Hockey League's Turner Cup. In the 1970s, Cincinnati was home to a WHA team, in the Cincinnati Stingers, and an AHL team, in the Cincinnati Swords. Then came the Cyclones (1990-2004, 2006-present), and the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks (1997-2005). The Cincinnati Gardens was frequented by the likes of Barry Melrose, Don Biggs, Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky on a pretty regular basis. Now, the second incarnation of the Cincinnati Cyclones play in the ECHL and are 2007-2008 ECHL champions. Crowds run 1,000-3,000 on a weeknight and 4,000-9,000 people on a weekend, far below the capacity of 12,000, so tickets should be easy to come by. However, crowds have grown significantly during the latter part of the 2007-2008 season. Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Championship game has the largest crowd in seven years to see an ECHL championship game, with 8,676 in attendance. Game 6, and final game, had 12,722 in attendance, a league record for a post-season game.

• Saks Fifth Avenue

  phone: +1 513 421-6800
  address: 101 West 5th St
  A branch of the upscale department store selling high-priced designer goods.

• Macy's

  address: 505 Vine St
  The department store that can be found all over the country. Its headquarters (NYC only has half the business since Cincinnati-based Federated took this department store over) is 2 blocks away.

• Bengals Pro ShopGet your Bengals gear here.

• Ohio Book Store

  phone: +1 513 621-5142
  address: 726 Main St
  With 4 stories of shop space, this is a particularly large version of the classic musty bookstore. They specialize in vintage and rare books, and even will do book binding repair as well.

Budget

• Ingredients

  phone: +1 513 852-2740
  address: 21 E. 5th St
  Ingredients is restaurant with a unique concept and motto: "some assembly required". Ingredients serves salads, paninis, sandwiches, and pizzas all made to order. The ingredients used are all gourmet and very tasty!

• Izzy's

  phone: +1 513 241-6246
  address: 800 Elm St
  Izzy's is well known for its Reubens and other corned beef sandwiches. This deli has other delicious sandwiches and its corned beef is available to purchase at any Kroger's grocery store. Served with your sandwich is a big potato pancake. There are multiple locations in the Cincinnati area.

• Saigon Subs and Rolls

  address: 151 W 4th St
  Cheap and cheerful lunch-only sot spot for pho, banh mi, etc. Gets crowded if you go right at noon on a weekday.

Mid-range

• Christian Moerlein Lager House

  phone: +1 513 421-2337
  address: 115 Joe Nuxhall Way
  A microbrewery, restaurant, event space, and beerhall/garden devoted to Cincinnati's rich brewing heritage which has panoramic views of the city, the Roebling Bridge, the river and the sports stadiums. The Lager House is decorated with old advertisements, signs, bottles and other memorabilia harking back to the time when Cincinnati was one of the world's foremost beer producers. The menu features both beers produced by Cincinnati icon Christian Moerlein (with some even unique to the space) and many guest beers from all over the world and the menu has many dishes where beer is a main ingredient.

• Gilpins Steamed Sandwiches

  phone: +1 513 421-4223
  address: 37 E 7th St
  A great place to go for a quick cheap late night snack, though when the bars let out this place does get a bit too fratty.

• Nicholson's Tavern & Pub

  phone: +1 513 564-9111
  address: 625 Walnut St
  Probably has the best selection of Scotch in the city! This place servers standard British pub food, though on the anniversary of Scottish poet Robert Burns birthday they do sever haggis (sometime in January), check website for details.

• Shanghai Mama's

  phone: +1 513 241-7777
  address: 216 E 6th St
  Shanghai Mama's is a great place to grab some late-night grub. You can't go wrong with any of their noodle or rice dishes. They also feature soups and vegetarian options.

Splurge

• Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse

  phone: +1 513 784-1200
  address: 700 Walnut St
  Upscale steakhouse owned by Jeff Ruby, who gained fame in 2007 for kicking O.J. Simpson out of his restaurant in Louisville, and made more headlines during the 2016 US presidential campaign by (temporarily) banning Donald Trump from the same location.

• Montgomery Inn Ribs

  phone: +1 513 721-7427
  address: 925 Riverside Drive (formerly Eastern Avenue)
  Renowned as the place to go for great baby-back ribs, Montgomery Inn has become one of Cincinnati's most beloved eateries. The flagship restaurant is in the village of Montgomery, in the northeast suburbs.

• Palomino

  phone: +1 513 381-1300
  address: 505 Vine St
  Palomino is a vibrant restaurant, bar and rotisserie famous for its style, hardwood fired Mediterranean cooking and versatile, imaginative menu. Great view of Fountain Square too!

• Rock Bottom Brewery and Restaurant

  phone: +1 513 621-1588
  address: 10 Fountain Square
  Part of the Rockbottom Brewery chain. Features beer brewed on-site and typical bar food. Wouldn't be special except that its a place to get beer on the square.

• The Dock

  phone: +1 513 241-5623
  address: 603 W. Pete Rose Way
  Gay night club.

• Igby's

  address: 122 E 6th St
  Gorgeous rehab of an old NYC style building downtown, featuring 3 stories. Crowd can be post-college frat boy with money on weekend nights, which could be minus or a plus depending on who you are, but the bar is gorgeous. Of particular note is an outdoor balcony on the 2nd floor where you can view the crowds of drunk people below on a Saturday night. Pricey by Cincinnati standards.

• Arnold's Bar and Grill

  phone: +1 513 421-6234
  address: 210 E 8th St
  Founded in 1860, this is the oldest continuously operating bar in Cincinnati. Food was added during prohibition, snd a bathtub which was rumored to be a source of bootleg gin. has a courtyard as well as live music from varied genera.

• Holy Grail Tavern & Grille

  phone: +1 513 621-2222
  address: 161 Joe Nuxhall Way
  Not necessarily the best bar in town, but if you fancy yourself a big sports fan and want to be packed in with a lot of like minded people this is your spot. Right across from the Great American Ballpark and close to Paul Brown Stadium, this place gets packed on game days.

• The Blue Wisp Jazz Club

  phone: +1 513 241-WISP
  address: 700 Race St
  Well regarded local jazz club now in a new location a bit closer to the action at Fountain Square. The old location unfortunately is now a parking lot.

• 21C Cocktail Terrace

  address: 609 Walnut St
  Classy rooftop bar, pricey and part of the 21C Museum Hotel, with sweeping views of Downtown and Mt. Adams.

Budget

• Ramada Inn Downtown

  address: 800 West 8th St
  Cheapest traditional hotel to stay next to downtown.

Mid-range

• Garfield Suites Hotel

  phone: +1 513 421-3355
  address: 2 Garfield Pl
  All-suites hotel features large rooms with full kitchens, many with balconies offering a great view of the city.

• Millennium Hotel Cincinnati

  phone: +1 513 352-2100
  address: 141 West Sixth St
  A large hotel 3 blocks west of Fountain Square and three blocks north of Paul Brown Stadium and the Great American Ball Park.

• Holiday Inn Express Cincinnati West

  phone: +1 513 574-6000
  address: 5505 Rybolt Rd
  Near downtown Cincinnati and the airport offers affordable vacation packages and amenities including meeting space and free breakfast.

• Residence Inn Cincinnati Downtown

  address: 506 E 4th St
  Very highly rated hotel in a historic apartment building.

Splurge

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• Cincinnatian Hotel

  phone: +1 513 381-3000
  address: 601 Vine St
  In downtown Cincinnati near Fountain Square and within walking distance of the convention center and the major businesses in the city.

• Hilton Netherland Plaza

  phone: +1 513 421-9100
  address: 35 West Fifth St
  The former Netherland Plaza Hotel, a favorite of Bing Crosby and many other celebrities who frequented Cincinnati during its golden age of WLW radio. Hilton's historic luxury hotel in Cincinnati is the inside of historic Carew Tower Complex in the heart of Cincinnati (Fourth and Vine Streets). The Carew Tower is the 2nd tallest building in Downtown Cincinnati, and an Art Deco architectural landmark.

• Hyatt Regency

  phone: +1 513 579-1234
  address: 151 West Fifth St
  Central hotel with a sports bar and hosts Jazz concerts on Fridays during the summer. The hotel is circular shaped, which, depending on your luck may give you a view of a parking lot, another hotel, or Carew Tower and the Fifth Third Building.

• Westin Cincinnati

  phone: +1 513 621-7700
  address: 21 E. 5th St
  The Westin is across the street from Fountain Square and is connect to Carew Tower via the skywalk. The hotel offers a great view of adjacent Fountain Square. All rooms are non-smoking.

• 21C Museum Hotel Cincinnati

  phone: +1 513 578-6600
  address: 609 Walnut St
  Remodel of the old Metropole hotel, this is a high end boutique with a free art museum and high end restaurant (the Metropole) attached. Even the rooms here are a work of art, highly recommended for special occasions.

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• Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County

  phone: +1 513 369-6900
  address: 800 Vine St
  Visitors should visit the information desk on the ground floor. Ask a librarian to give you access to the Internet. Access is usually for an hour, but can be extended. Due to a long-standing trust fund of sorts and the city's rich history, this is one of the better libraries in the United States having some of the countries highest circulation rates.

• U.S. Post Office, Main Office

  address: 1623 Dalton Ave

• U.S. Post Office, Downtown Office

  address: 525 Vine St. (2nd floor)

Banks

• Fifth Third

  phone: +1 513 579-5580
  address: 429-433 Vine St

• PNC

  phone: +1 513-579-2345
  address: 632 Vine St

• PNC

  phone: +1 513 241-8385
  address: 3 W Fourth St

• Key Bank

  phone: +1 513 579-5023
  address: 580 Walnut St

Religious services

• Plum Street/Wise Temple

  address: 726 Plum St
  According to the Temple's website, the Reform movement of Judaism was organized here 160 years ago.

• St. Louis Church

  address: E Eighth St
  Roman Catholic church on eastern Downtown. The Chancery offices are here, as is the Archdiocese of Cincinnati's Catholic Schools Office.

• St. Francis Xavier Church

  address: Sycamore St
  Roman Catholic Jesuit Church.