Best Things to do in Cincinnati | Must-see attractions 2025

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Garden

3400 Vine St (at Erkenbrecher Ave)

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Cincinnati Zoo, established in 1873, is the second oldest zoo in the U.S., showcasing over 500 animals and 3,000 plant species amid significant conservation efforts.

Duration: 3–4 hours.

Paid. Adult tickets cost $21, children tickets are $15, and discounts are available for seniors and military personnel.

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

1140 Madison Ave (at 12th St.)

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St Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington, USA, features gothic architecture similar to Notre Dame, serving the Roman Catholic community.

Duration: About 1 hour.

Free. Donations accepted.

Cincinnati Observatory Center

1:00 PM–4:00 PM

Museum

3489 Observatory Pl

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Cincinnati Observatory Center, located in Ohio, is America's oldest professional observatory and a National Historic Landmark with rich astronomical history.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

2950 Gilbert Ave (btw Foraker Ave & MLK Dr)

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Harriet Beecher Stowe House in Cincinnati focuses on the author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, highlighting her legacy of humanity and social justice over nearly 20 years.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require registration or fees.

Nippert Stadium

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Stadium

2700 Bearcat Way

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Nippert Stadium is a football venue located at the University of Cincinnati, USA, serving as a home for the Bearcats football team and hosting various events.

Duration: 3 hours.

Prices vary by event. General adult tickets typically start around $20.

Cincinnati Music Hall

Mo-Fr 10:00-17:00; Sa 10:00-14:00

Theater

1241 Elm St (btwn 12th St and 14th St)

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Cincinnati Music Hall, completed in 1878, is a renowned concert venue for symphonies, operas, and ballets, featuring renovated facilities and rich history.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Prices vary by performance. Check official website for details.

Cincinnati Art Museum

Tu-We,Fr-Su 11:00-17:00; Th 11:00-20:00

Museum

953 Eden Park Drive

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Cincinnati Art Museum showcases over 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years of history. Admission is free, offering a rich cultural experience in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

50 E Freedom Way (at Rosa Parks St)

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The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati highlights the history and significance of the Underground Railroad and modern struggles for freedom.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Ticket prices vary. Check the official site for details; some experiences may incur extra fees.

Weller Park

6:00 AM–10:00 PM

Park

10021 Weller Rd

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Weller Park in Mason, Ohio, offers sports fields, playgrounds, and green areas, promoting community recreation and outdoor activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special community events may require registration.

Owls Nest Park

7:00 AM–8:00 PM

Park

1984 Madison Rd

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Owls Nest Park in Hamilton County, Ohio features walking trails, picnic areas, and diverse wildlife, offering a peaceful escape for nature enthusiasts and families.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. All park facilities are available at no cost.

Cincinnati Museum Center

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1301 Western Ave Union Terminal

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Cincinnati Museum Center, housed in a historic 1933 art deco structure, offers a children’s museum, natural history exhibits, and an Omnimax theater.

Duration: More than 3 hours.

Admission includes the three museums; the theater and special exhibitions cost extra. Parking is $6.

Paul Brown Stadium

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Stadium

1 Paul Brown Stadium

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Paycor Stadium is the home of the Cincinnati Bengals, featuring a futuristic design and hosting various sporting events in a prime location in Ohio.

Duration: 3-4 hours for a football game.

Varies by event. Typical NFL game tickets range from $30 to $200.

Hauck Botanic Gardens

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

2625 Reading Rd

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Hauck Botanic Gardens in Cincinnati is a serene park featuring diverse plant species, historic architecture, and various cultural events, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free to enter. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Eden Park Lower Reservoir

6:00 AM–11:00 PM

Park

950 Eden Park Dr

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Eden Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, features spacious gardens, walking paths, river views, and is home to a museum and a theater.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Krohn Conservatory

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1501 Eden Park Drive

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Krohn Conservatory in Cincinnati features 3,500+ plant species, a rainforest waterfall, and butterfly shows in an indoor botanical garden setting.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Coney Island Amusement Park

11:00 AM–10:00 PM

Theme Park

6201 Kellogg Ave (at Sutton)

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Coney Island in Cincinnati offers amusement rides, water attractions, and scenic views of the Ohio River. It's a family-friendly destination with various entertainment options.

Duration: 4-5 hours.

General Admission: $39.99 for adults, $29.99 for children (ages 3-11). Discounts available for seniors and military personnel.

Hauck House Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

812 Dayton St

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Hauck House Museum in Cincinnati showcases historical architecture and local culture, offering a glimpse into the city's rich heritage through guided tours.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

Heritage Village Museum

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

11450 Lebanon Rd

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Heritage Village Museum in Cincinnati exhibits 19th-century life in Southwestern Ohio, featuring relocated historical buildings and costumed interpreters.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Varies. Check their website for tour prices and events.

Kenwood Towne Centre

Mo-Th 11:00-20:00; Fr,Sa 11:00-21:00; Su 12:00-18:00

Mall

7875 Montgomery Rd (at Kenwood Rd)

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Kenwood Towne Centre is a major shopping destination in Cincinnati, Ohio, featuring top retailers like Dillard's, Macy's, and Nordstrom, conveniently located near Interstate 71.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Ault Park

6:00 AM–9:00 PM

Park

3600 Observatory Ave

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Ault Park features a historic pavilion, lush gardens, and walking trails, offering a serene retreat in Cincinnati's natural landscape.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Betts-Longworth Historic District

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Museum

416 Clark St

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Betts House Research Ctr, Ohio’s oldest brick house, offers programs and exhibits focusing on historic preservation and early Cincinnati history.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Special programs may incur costs.

Piatt Park

Open 24 hours

Park

30 Garfield Pl

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Piatt Park is a two-block urban park in Cincinnati, Ohio, featuring greenery and public art, maintained by the Cincinnati Park Board.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. No entrance fee is required.

University of Cincinnati

Open all day

University

2600 Clifton Ave

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The University of Cincinnati, known for groundbreaking research and academic rigor, offers an engaging campus and diverse student life in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Access to the campus and its facilities is open to the public.

Hebrew Union College

9:00 AM–3:00 PM

University

3101 Clifton Ave

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Hebrew Union College, established as the oldest Jewish seminary in the Americas, is a key institution for training Reform Judaism leaders with campuses in the US and Israel.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special programs and events may require a paid ticket.

Belterra Park Gaming and Entertainment Center

12:00 PM–1:00 AM

Casino

6301 Kellogg Rd (I-275)

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River Downs, now Belterra Park, is a racino in Anderson Township, Ohio, offering horse racing and casino gaming just outside Cincinnati.

Duration: More than 3 hours.

Free admission. Gaming costs apply on the floor.

Kolping Center

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

10235 Mill Rd (Springdale Road)

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Kolping Center in Cincinnati offers multipurpose event spaces, catering services, and amenities for gatherings, weddings, and community events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free entry to the center. Events may require a paid ticket.

Dunham Complex Golf Course

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

1945 Dunham Way

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Dunham Complex Golf Course offers a 27-hole public golfing experience in Cincinnati, featuring diverse landscapes and well-maintained greens for all skill levels.

Duration: 4 hours.

Green fees apply; prices vary based on the day and time.

Lakeridge Hall

9:00 AM–11:00 PM

Event hall

7210 Pippin Rd

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Lakeridge Hall in Cincinnati, USA offers a versatile event space suitable for banquets, weddings, and corporate gatherings, accommodating up to 300 guests.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours for events.

Free to enter. Rental fees vary based on event type and duration.

Stanley Rowe Arboretum

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

The Village of Indian Hill

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Stanley Rowe Arboretum in Cincinnati features diverse plant collections across 90 acres. Ideal for nature lovers and educational visits.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require paid tickets.

Sharonville Convention Center

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Event hall

11355 Chester Rd

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Sharonville Convention Center in Cincinnati offers versatile event space, accommodating trade shows, conferences, and banquets with various amenities.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free to enter public exhibitions. Some specific events may require a ticket purchase.

Twin Lanterns

10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Event hall

Cincinnati

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Twin Lanterns is a distinguished banquet hall in Cincinnati, offering sophisticated settings for various events like weddings and corporate functions.

Duration: 2-4 hours for events.

Not applicable; venue rental costs vary based on event type.

General Custer's Golf and Gulp

11:00 AM–10:00 PM

Golf Course

3325 Westbourne Dr

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General Custer's Golf and Gulp offers a unique mini-golf and dining experience in Cincinnati, blending entertainment with casual dining for families and friends.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Adults: $10, Children: $7. Special discounts for groups and events available.

Forest Fair Village

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Mall

600 Cincinnati Mills Dr (at S. Gilmore Rd.)

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Forest Fair Village, located in Cincinnati's northern suburbs, is Ohio's second-largest mall, notable for its troubled history and dwindling tenants.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Some specialty stores may have their own pricing.

Xavier University

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

University

3800 Victory Pkwy (at Dana Ave)

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Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a Jesuit, Catholic institution founded in 1831, offering a liberal arts education to over 6,600 students.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free for campus visits. Some events and programs may have fees.

Contemporary Arts Center

We-Fr 10:00-19:00, Sa-Su 10:00-16:00

Museum

44 E 6th St (at Walnut St.)

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The Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati exhibits modern art, photography, and performance in a unique Zaha Hadid-designed building. Regularly changing free exhibitions engage visitors.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

EastGate Mall

10:00 AM–9:00 PM

Mall

4601 Eastgate Blvd (at St. Rt. 32)

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Eastgate Mall in Union Township, Ohio, offers a variety of stores including Sears, Kohl's, and Lenscrafters, along with dining options like Gold Star Chili and Chick-fil-A.

Duration: Approximately 2-3 hours.

Free. No entry fee is required to access the mall.

Taft Museum of Art

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

316 Pike St (at 4th St)

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The Taft Museum of Art in Cincinnati showcases a significant fine art collection within its historic 1820 house, a National Historic Landmark.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

General Admission: $10, Seniors: $8, Students: $5, Free for children under 12.

Pendleton Art Center

11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

1310 Pendleton St

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Pendleton Art Center, located in Cincinnati, United States, houses over 200 local artists in a historic renovated factory. It features diverse art forms, including paintings, sculptures, and crafts.

Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.

Free. Special events may have a small entry fee.

Holy Trinity-Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

7000 Winton Rd

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Holy Trinity-Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Cincinnati focuses on preserving and practicing Orthodox Christian faith while serving the community.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations accepted for community programs.

Royal Oak Country Club

7:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

1 Stillmeadow Dr

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Royal Oak Country Club in Cincinnati, USA offers a distinguished golf experience with lush greens, a historic club house, and opportunities for social engagement.

Duration: 4 hours.

Membership required. Inquire for fees.

Trammel Fossil Park

9:00 AM–7:00 PM

Park

12026 Tramway Park Drive.

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Trammel Fossil Park in Sharonville, Ohio, invites fossil enthusiasts to explore geological history through hands-on experiences in a scenic park setting.

Duration: About 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require paid tickets.

Purple People Bridge

Open 24 hours

Bridge

Newport

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The Purple People Bridge is a pedestrian-only truss bridge connecting Cincinnati, OH to Newport, KY, spanning the Ohio River with vibrant art installations.

Duration: Around 1 hour.

Free.

Cincinnati Nature Center

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

4949 Tealtown Rd

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Cincinnati Nature Center spans 1800 acres, offering trails, educational resources, and seasonal experiences among diverse natural landscapes.

Duration: More than 2 hours.

Free. Special events may incur additional charges.

Malton Art Gallery

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

3804 Edwards Rd

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Malton Art Gallery in Cincinnati showcases contemporary fine art, representing over 100 artists in a purpose-built facility to support the arts.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Weston Art Gallery

Tu-Sa 10:00-17:30; Su 12:00-17:00; Mo off

Museum

650 Walnut St

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Weston Art Gallery in Cincinnati showcases rotating exhibitions of local artists, featuring a dynamic collection that changes 6-7 times a year.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free admission.

Modern Metal Art Gallery by Nicholas Yust

10:00 AM–7:00 PM

Museum

3602 Eastern Ave

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Modern Metal Art Gallery by Nicholas Yust showcases contemporary metal art from local and international artists in Cincinnati, offering a unique artistic experience.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains

9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Church

325 W 8th St (at Plum St.)

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The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains serves as the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cincinnati, showcasing remarkable architecture and rich historical significance.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require tickets.

Glenwood Gardens

8:00 AM–6:00 PM

Park

10397 Springfield Pike

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Glenwood Gardens in Cincinnati features 335 acres of diverse habitats, including nature trails, a kids' garden, and a gift shop for families and nature enthusiasts.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.