Greater Cincinnati Travel Guide
Discover the best attractions, food and drink scene, hiking/biking routes, and local culture in Greater Cincinnati. Plan your trip with our week-long itinerary and transportation options.
- Introduction to Greater Cincinnati
- List of Places to Visit in Greater Cincinnati
- Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Ohio River
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Greater Cincinnati
- Little Miami Scenic Trail
- Loveland Bike Trail
- Best Things to Do in Greater Cincinnati: Activities and Tours
- Visit Newport Aquarium
- Cincinnati Food Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Greater Cincinnati
- Food and Drink Scene of Greater Cincinnati
- Where to Stay in Greater Cincinnati: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
- 21c Museum Hotel
- What to Buy in Greater Cincinnati: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Greater Cincinnati
- Best Time to Visit Greater Cincinnati
- Do’s and Don’ts of Greater Cincinnati
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Greater Cincinnati: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Greater Cincinnati
- Where to Go Next from Greater Cincinnati: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Indianapolis
- Conclusion
Introduction to Greater Cincinnati
Greater Cincinnati is a diverse region located in the Midwest region of the United States of America. It is centered around the Ohio River and comprises counties in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. The region is known for its rich history, beautiful scenery, and vibrant culture. In this comprehensive guide, we will help you plan your trip to Greater Cincinnati by providing a list of the best places to visit, hiking and biking routes, activities, and accommodation options.
List of Places to Visit in Greater Cincinnati
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Great American Ball Park
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
- Newport Aquarium
- Cincinnati Art Museum
- Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
- Ohio River
- Taft Museum of Art
- Fountain Square
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal is a National Historic Landmark that houses three museums, an OMNIMAX theater, and a library. The museums include the Cincinnati History Museum, the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, and the Museum of Natural History and Science. The Cincinnati History Museum explores the history of the city, while the Duke Energy Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits for children. The Museum of Natural History and Science has a collection of dinosaur bones and other natural history exhibits.
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a museum that aims to educate visitors about the Underground Railroad and its significance in American history. The museum offers interactive exhibits, films, and artifacts that highlight the stories of freedom seekers and abolitionists.
Natural Attractions of Greater Cincinnati: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Ohio River
The Ohio River is a scenic attraction that offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can rent a boat or kayak and explore the river, or take a walk or bike ride along the riverbank.
Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is not only a cultural attraction but also a natural one. The zoo comprises over 500 animal species, including endangered species such as the Sumatran rhinoceros and Malayan tiger. The botanical garden features over 3,000 plant species.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Greater Cincinnati
Little Miami Scenic Trail
The Little Miami Scenic Trail is an 80-mile trail that stretches from Springfield to Newtown. It follows the Little Miami River and offers scenic views of the surrounding nature.
Loveland Bike Trail
The Loveland Bike Trail is a 70-mile trail that is located in Warren County. The trail offers several scenic views of the region, including waterfalls, wildlife, and historic landmarks.
Best Things to Do in Greater Cincinnati: Activities and Tours
Visit Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium is a world-class aquarium located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati. It is home to over 14,000 animals, including sharks, stingrays, and penguins.
Cincinnati Food Tours
Cincinnati Food Tours is a great way to explore the city’s bustling food scene. The company offers walking tours that include tastings of local cuisine.
Week-Long Itinerary for Greater Cincinnati
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit National Underground Railroad Museum |
| 2 | Explore Cincinnati Art Museum, Taft Museum of Art, and Fountain Square |
| 3 | Hike Little Miami Scenic Trail |
| 4 | Take a tour of Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden |
| 5 | Taste local cuisine with Cincinnati Food Tours |
| 6 | Visit Newport Aquarium |
| 7 | Bike Loveland Bike Trail |
Food and Drink Scene of Greater Cincinnati
Must-Try Dishes
- Cincinnati-style chili: A chili dish served over spaghetti noodles and topped with cheese and onions.
- Goetta: A breakfast sausage made from pork and oats.
- French pot ice cream: Rich, creamy ice cream churned in a French pot.
Local Beverages
- Rhinegeist Brewery: Known for their IPAs and ciders.
- Christian Moerlein Brewing: A brewery that specializes in German-style lagers and ales.
- Graeter’s Ice Cream: A Cincinnati institution that offers premium ice cream.
Where to Stay in Greater Cincinnati: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza
The Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza is a historic hotel located in the heart of downtown. The hotel has over 500 guest rooms and is known for its Art Deco style.
21c Museum Hotel
The 21c Museum Hotel is a unique hotel that doubles as an art museum. The rooms are decorated with contemporary art pieces, and the hotel also offers a restaurant and bar.
What to Buy in Greater Cincinnati: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Cincinnati-themed apparel: T-shirts and sweatshirts with Cincinnati slogans and designs.
- Cincinnati-style chili mix: A spice mix for making Cincinnati-style chili at home.
- Graeter’s Ice Cream: Premium ice cream that can be taken home in pints or quarts.
Local Culture and Customs of Greater Cincinnati
Greater Cincinnati is known for its strong sense of community and Midwestern hospitality. Locals take pride in their city and are welcoming to visitors. The region is also known for its rich history, including its role in the abolitionist movement and the Underground Railroad.
Best Time to Visit Greater Cincinnati
The best time to visit Greater Cincinnati is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy.
Do’s and Don’ts of Greater Cincinnati
Do:
- Try Cincinnati-style chili.
- Explore the region’s natural attractions.
- Be polite and respectful to locals.
Don’t:
- Underestimate the importance of the region’s history.
- Forget to try local ice cream.
- Be afraid to ask for directions or recommendations.
Safety and Health
Safety in Greater Cincinnati
Greater Cincinnati is generally a safe region, but visitors should still take precautions when exploring the city. It is best to avoid walking alone at night and to be aware of your surroundings in busy areas.
Health in Greater Cincinnati
The region has several reputable hospitals and medical centers. Visitors should have travel insurance and be aware of their medical coverage.
Getting to Greater Cincinnati: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Greater Cincinnati
- Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
- Dayton International Airport
Bus Stations Near Greater Cincinnati
- Greyhound: Located in downtown Cincinnati
- Megabus: Serves Cincinnati from several nearby cities
Other Options
- Amtrak: Serves Cincinnati with multiple routes
- Uber/Lyft: Rideshare services available in the region
How to Get Around in Greater Cincinnati
The best way to get around the region is by car or public transportation. The Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) offers a bus system that serves the Cincinnati area.
Where to Go Next from Greater Cincinnati: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky is just a 2-hour drive from Cincinnati. The park offers guided tours of its extensive cave system, as well as hiking and camping opportunities.
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is a 2-hour drive from Cincinnati and offers a variety of cultural attractions, including the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Conclusion
Greater Cincinnati is a region full of history, natural beauty, and exciting cultural attractions. Whether you’re interested in hiking and biking, exploring museums and historical landmarks, or indulging in local cuisine, there is something for everyone in this vibrant region. We hope that this comprehensive guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Greater Cincinnati.
