city tour in cincinnati ohio

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Cincinnati Tours

From underground tunnels to a living art museum

Cincinnati is a city with no shortage of history, architecture, public art, worldly cuisine, and an unmatched beer and bourbon scene. If you want to see it all, a tour is the way to go!

Much like current day Cincinnati, Cincinnati in the 1800s was brimming with German Heritage and breweries. In fact, Cincinnatians were known to consume 40 gallons of beer per person every single year! To keep the beverage cold, beer brewers created and utilized subterranean tunnels to bottle and store it all. Years of technological innovation left those tunnels forgotten, until recently when they were rediscovered in Cincy’s Over-The-Rhine neighborhood! Go underground into the historic lagering tunnels on the Queen City Underground Tour , one of the top five underground tours in the country, and learn all about Cincinnati’s hidden history and early residents!

Fascinated by Cincinnati’s brewing history? Discover the official Brewing Heritage Trail marked by embedded trail markers all around Cincinnati’s downtown. Book a tour to follow a Brewing Heritage storyteller along the trail (and underground). Or download the Brewing Heritage Trail app for a self-guided tour at your own pace!

Right across the river from Cincinnati is Kentucky, the birthplace of bourbon. So it’s only fitting that here in Northern Kentucky you’ll find the gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The B-Line, a collection of distilleries, bourbon bars, and bourbon centric restaurants that allows you to sip your way through the epicenter of bourbon culture and history at your own pace. Download The B-Line passport , or pick one up at any of the participating establishments, or find the best distilleries, tours and bourbon bars in the Cincy region.

Northern Kentucky’s Augusta Distillery 13 year Bourbon crowned “Best in the World”

Celebrity chef, Simon Majumdar once said that Cincinnati’s food scene was one of the most fun food scenes in the country , and he definitely wasn’t wrong. If you want to try a little bit of everything, these tours and trails are the perfect places to start.

The Findlay Market Food Tour will give you the opportunity to see the city’s entrepreneurial spirit, and eclectic taste. Get to know vendors that have been around the historic market for generations, sample foods from around the world, and try a Cincinnati delicacy: goetta!

The Butler County Donut Trail is an 80 mile, passport-style trail through the Cincinnati suburbs. This self-guided tour covers 12 donut shops, including the original Holtman’s Donuts , a Cincinnati staple. Download the passport, or pick one up at one of the participating shops. Each donut you try gets you one step closer to a free Donut Trail t-shirt!

Cincinnati has an amazing public art program, which means that walking around downtown can feel like walking through an art museum. In fact, there are more than 50 murals that exist in Cincinnati’s downtown, and you can usually find one or two more in progress! All of this is because of ArtWorks, a local nonprofit that believes that art has the power to better our community. From May through October, you can join one of ArtWork’s public walking tours and have a guide talk you through a variety of the city’s murals, or you can download ArtWork’s map of murals and take a more self-guided approach to our living art museum.

Cincinnati is home to some incredible Art Deco and Italianate architecture. In fact, here you’ll find the prototype of the Empire State Building, the Brooklynn Bridge, and the largest half dome in the Western Hemisphere! Check out one of the best examples of Victorian Gothic Revival by taking an outdoor tour of Cincinnati Music Hall ! Tours run April-November and are packed full about the building’s intricate details, and stories about this iconic location, and the people who built it.

We Have Trails and Tours For Just About Everything

Hit the road for beer, bourbon, bikes, and donuts—not necessarily in that order—on one of these mini Cincinnati region excursions.

There's a lot to see around here

And we have no doubt that you’ll find something you love.

What to explore next?

• Tours & Activities
• Things to Do in Cincinnati

Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour

Join us on a walking tour of Cincinnati to learn about Cincinnati's hidden history on one of the Top Five Underground Tours in the U.S. Enjoy a stroll through Over-the-Rhine, home to America's largest set of historical landmarks. Visit buildings in the Gateway District that were home to over 130 saloons, bars, beer gardens, and theaters. Then, descend below the city streets for exclusive access to a hidden crypt where some of Cincinnati's first residents were buried. Next return underground to explore hidden tunnels vital to Cincinnati's brewery heritage at the Kauffman Brewery. Tours will go on rain or shine!

About this ticket

What's included, additional info.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience's local time.

Customer reviews

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• Tour Calendar
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513-995-8687

Cincinnati History Tour

Past and Present

To Cincinnati's only bus tour company,  that tells the rich history of the Queen City's evolution over the past 200 years.

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History of cincinnati tour, party bus for your celebration.

Take a scenic, multi-media tour of Cincinnati, Newport, and Covington, and see and hear how this queen city evolved. So much rich history on both sides of the river, youll be amazed at how much you will learn on this cincinnati history tour

Our company offers a full array of services including party bus service to turn your group's event, in to a night to remember! Weddings, birthdays, concerts, you name it, we do it. If your event needs our long list of services, click below to learn more. 

Give the best gift in history

Choose from a custom cash amount gift card or prepay for as many tickets to send your special someone on a trip down memory lane. You choose!

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For private group tours, we would love to be a part of your history. If you have a special request, send us a message, and we will be sure to get right back to you.

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Our parent company has been dazzling the greater Cincinnati area for over a decade.  If you have a special event comining up, you should check out our party bus options. 

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Arts, Food, Drink, History, & Architectural Tours in Cincinnati, OH

Featured tours, let us share the queen city with you.

• Clock 3 - 4 hours

Cincinnati Craft Brewery Tasting Tour – Three-Hop Stop

Experience three local breweries on this tasting tour. You get behind the scenes tours, history, trivia, prizes and fun! Plan on three to four hours.

• Clock 1.5 - 2 hours

Cincinnati Historical Sightseeing Bus Tours

Cincinnati has an incredible history and amazing sights to behold. Places like the John Roebling Bridge, Carew Tower and Netherland Plaza, Fountain Square, Music Hall, and more are waiting for you to learn their story.

Other Cincy Tours

Book a beer tour.

Learn More »

Book a Streetcar Tour

Book a wine tour, book a private tour, book a food tour, book a bourbon tour, book a mural tour, about tour cincy.

Welcome to Cincinnati’s premier tour agency. We offer tours of the local arts, food, drink, history, architecture, and more. If you are looking for an outing of any sort here in town, we can offer it. Our tour guides are some of the most experienced, knowledgeable guides in the area, and we are proud to tell the story of our town.

What People Say About Our Iconic Tours!

We had a blast with Matt as our tour guide. Gained a bit of history while enjoying great local craft beers.

Our family had a great trip on the Cincy Brew bus 2018. Justin was a great tour guide! Merry Christmas.

Had an awesome time with Cincy Brewbus. Brian was a really fun tour guide. Highly recommend for a good time!

Awesome time. The tour guides were friendly and knowledgeable. The brewery selection was varied and interesting.

Our tour guide (Matt) was great. We visited 4 breweries over 5 hours and had an awesome time with great friends. Highly recommend!

Matt was an awesome and highly knowledgeable tour guide. We had a wonderful time and learned so many things about Cincinnati's Brewery history.

We had so much fun on Cincy brewbus for our anniversary! Our tour guides were awesome and Kim is a kick-a$$ driver! Our guides did an awesome job at choosing beers to appeal to everyone! Will definitely be taking another tour soon!!

RIVERSIDE FOOD TOURS

Explore the best of cincinnati & covington.

FOOD, DRINKS, HISTORY, STREET ART AND CULTURE The Only Tour You Really Need Choose from 10 Delicious Food & Culture Tours with the Highest Rated Food Tour Company.

• Family Friendly Morning Tour
• Streetcar + 2 Miles Walking

Cincy Top 10 ‘Sites and Bites’ City Tour

Discover the ideal morning tour tailored for families and first-time visitors to Cincinnati! From Monday through Friday, immerse yourself in a delightful 3-hour guided experience, and a delectable lunch. Make your exploration of the city a memorable and enjoyable experience.

• Most Popular Afternoon Tour
• Streetcar + .5 Miles Walking

Cincinnati Streetcar Food Tour + Findlay Market

With so much to see and do in Cincinnati, you’ll find there’s simply not enough time to do it all. Our Streetcar food tour lets you experience the best of our local cuisine in just a few short hours. Get ready for a 3-hour adventure filled with food and fun!

Book a tour with confidence! For a full refund, call 513-289-0035

Our tours are refundable up to 24 hours prior to the start of your tour. 

PRIVATE TOUR EXPERIENCES

The perfect plan for family & friends.

A food tour is the perfect celebration! Make memories with friends and family on a customizable 3 hour culinary adventure. How can we help you create an amazing experience?

CORPORATE OUTINGS

Take your crew somewhere new.

On a food tour, we keep things moving!  You will see the sites, try new bites and sit next to whoever you like. How can we help you create an amazing experience?

WHY BOOK A RIVERSIDE FOOD TOUR?

It’s fun for locals and visitors in the Cincinnati area to indulge in off-the-beaten-path neighborhood eateries. You’ll love meeting and interacting with the chefs and owners.

EXPLORE & DISCOVER

Whether you choose Cincinnati, OH or Covington, KY, you are led by a professional tour guide who shares interesting stories that entertain and educate as we stroll from place to place.

Create memories of food and fun as you learn about the dishes you eat, back stories of the restaurants, history, architecture and culture of this National Historic Registry Village.

TripAdvisor ranks us #1 for “Food and Drink” related activities with a 5-star rating in Cincinnati, Ohio and in Covington, Kentucky.

Cincinnati, OH 

Covington, KY

#1 FOOD TOUR IN CINCINNATI ON TRIPADVISOR AND GOOGLE!

Terry was an amazing tour guide, he is full of so much knowledge and excitement!! We did the Street Car Food Tour and it was exactly what we were hoping for! Amazing food and wonderful company!

Thank you so much for your time. It was a great experience with the food and at the same time learning the history of Cincinnati. Mrs. Laura is very acknowledged of the history and also about the foods. Very friendly and very polite with us. It was a great experience if I come back to Cincinnati I will schedule another food tour again. Thanks, Mrs. Laura, and thanks Riverside Food tours

Laura was an excellent guide. Very knowledgeable in the history of Cincy. All of the food taste were good. My thumbs down was in jest. I’m not a smoothie person. Really enjoyed the tour.

Laura was an amazing tour guide! She was lively, knowledgeable, fun, and super kind! Highly recommend this tour if you’d like to eat delicious local meals and learn more about the history of Cincinnati! It’s perfect for people new to the city or those who like to explore something new.

I had an amazing time touring Cincinnati with my friends and colleagues. David, our guide was very knowledgeable, and friendly which made a great difference in our tour. Thank you, David!

So fun! Laura was a great guide! It was great to explore our own city with our teenagers. Great food (6 stops!) and great sightseeing! We will definitely be signing up for more tours with Riverside!

I highly recommend this tour, Laura was so informative of the history around Over the Rhine, and the food was next level fantastic. There was so much I even had to take some home! She gave us a lot of recommendations around the area and even walked me to the local pottery studio where I did another tour! Fantastic, thank you so much Laura!

Awesome experience from start to finish. Beth, our tour guide, was so pleasant and knowledgeable. Food quality was excellent…such an array of Cincinnati flavors. Highly recommend!

I had a fantastic time on the food tour with my husband! Laura, our tour guide, was outstanding. She reached out via text ahead of time to address any questions and ensure we knew where to meet her. Laura's extensive knowledge was truly impressive, and we learned so many fascinating facts from her. The food stops were equally incredible, and the amount of food we received was mind-blowing. We wholeheartedly recommend this tour to both locals and visitors. It was a delightful experience!

We wanted to do this tour to learn more about the history of Cincinnati and restaurants in the downtown area. This tour did not disappoint. Our guide, Terry, was very informative and knowledgeable. The restaurants chosen and food served was fantastic. We greatly enjoyed this tour and highly recommend it. Terry was a wonderful guide.

Jackie was a fantastic tour guide! I learned so much about the history of my hometown of Cincinnati! The food at the six eateries was delicious! I am taking another one of their tours in three days!

This company offers the BEST customer service! I sent an email asking for information and the owner personally replied very quickly and gave me the information I needed. I booked the street car tour for my grandson, my sister, and me for a quick vacation to Cincinnati. Our tour guide, Terry, texted us well in advance of the trip to provide logistical information. We had another couple on our tour, so our group of five got along quite well, and Terry was very good at making everyone feel welcome. He provided lots of fun Cincinnati history and information that added to the experience. My nine-year-old grandson thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was hard to choose a favorite restaurant at the end of the tour because they all were delicious!

This tour is a must. Laura, our tour guide should be classified as a historian of all things, Cincinnati. This tour was well organized and there’s a lot that is packed in the three hours. It was wonderful meeting people from different states as well. She had a wonderful pulse on who we were so that she can deliver and customize the tour. She sent out reminders before the tour to keep us organized. She was warm and inviting. It was a great experience. Her communication skills are A+.

My husband and I were encouraged to make reservations for the Riverside Food Tour after our best friends took the tour in the summer. We are so glad we did! Our host Laura was made for the job! She was personable, knowledgeable and imparted so many pieces of Cincinnati's history to us while ensuring that we were enjoying delicious "tastes" of the city! We whole-heartedly recommend the Riverside Food Tour to everyone coming to Cincinnati for the first (or one hundredth) time!

My mother and I booked a tour with this company on September 25th, which just so happens to be my birthday. We had David as our guide and he was phenomenal! It was a group of 13 and everyone was so friendly and it felt like we all came together. Taste of Belgium is where I was able to try Belgium waffles and Goetta for the first time. Both were VERY good. I especially loved the waffle though. Definitely would recommend this spot if you’re visiting the area. Next we went to Skyline Chili, then to Macaron Bar, and Greater’s Ice Cream. David knows his stuff for sure and was VERY thorough throughout our tour.

We had a great time and David was a wonderful guide. It felt like a friend was showing us around town, not a formal tour. We learned a lot about the city and history and architecture, but also enjoyed the food. Definitely recommend.

Terry did an amazing tour. It was so good. I really learned a lot about Cincinnati and tasted great food.

Jackie was our guide very knowledgeable enjoy the tour. Enjoyed well worth the money. Plenty of good food to eat also.

There were four of us on this food tour with Beth, and we all had an excellent time. It was a great balance of interesting food and history of Cincinnati. Beth made sure everyone was comfortable, had a good time, and shared lots of great information. We would highly recommend this tour.

We took Mike's Mainstrasse food tour on Saturday and had a wonderful time! Mike was the perfect host and gave us interesting facts about each of the restaurants we visited, as well as the Mainstrasse area in general. The food stops were well organized, and the samplings were delicious. A food tour is the best way to see a city and this one is terrific. I would go back and take another Riverside Food Tour as they have many options.

Our tour guide, Beth, was knowledgeable and personable. The tour was even more informative than we had hoped. Great way to learn about the city and experience some good eats! Staff was very accommodating with our dietary restrictions. I am vegetarian and my daughter is such a picky eater. But they figured it out. Great tour and I highly recommend it for people new to the city, visitors to Cincy and even locals!

Today we took the Roebling Bridge Tour in Covington, KY. We visited Molly Malone's, Smoke Justis, Keystone Bar & Grill, Gruff Pizzeria and Blinkers Tavern. Fabulous food at every stop. Highly recommend this tour.

What a fun way to start Reds game day in the city, with a historical tour and sampling of some of OTR’s fine food offerings! Our big group really enjoyed the history from Laura and hospitality from the restaurant teams. Highly recommend to all kinds of groups, as the walk was leisurely and not too taxing on the less mobile. Thank you!

Loved the tour. Great food and 5 restaurants. Interesting info about the neighborhood and the Roebling. Laura was a wonderful, knowledgeable guide!

Laura guided us on a wonderful tour of Covington, the Roebling bridge, and surrounding area. We had delicious food and got a ton of history while we walked through the beautiful historical neighborhood. We had so much fun! Highly recommend!

Our family of 6 did the sites and bites tour on a Friday and we all absolutely loved it. Jackie was our guide and she did a phenomenal job. It was very informative and the samplings of food were great. None of us had ever been to Cincinnati before so we didn't know anything about it, so thought this would be a good way to check all that it had to offer. It was perfect and had us talking of making plans to come back when we have more time to check out what Cinci has to offer. I would highly recommend any of the Riverside Food and Culture Tours based on my experience with this tour.

Fantastic morning with David touring all the historical and current must-see-and-do attractions in Cincy! The food tastings were the best. Skyline Chili, Taste of Belgium, Graeters Ice Cream…were among my favorites. David brought a comfortable, fun vibe to our little group of strangers that met up to experience Cincinnati with a home grown expert! He even gave us tips about crossing the Roebling Suspension Bridge to visit historic Covington, KY.

With our travels over the past 15 to 20 years, we have frequently enjoyed food tours in cities across the country. Our recent food tour with riverside food tours titled Cincy top 10 sites and bites city food tour with Jackie was truly a stand out! In addition to iconic Cincinnati foods, Jackie gave us an abundance of Cincinnati history. With her intelligent and engaging conversation, supplemented by visual aids, (!) she made us fall in love with Cincinnati. Wish we would have been in Cincinnati longer, as I would’ve loved to have taken another one of their tours.

Had a great time on our Cincinnati Food and Findlay Market Tour. Our Guide Terry was a wealth of information and lots of fun!

We did the Mainstrasse tour this past Saturday with Riverside and could not have been happier with it! Mike, our tour guide, was so informative and personable. As it turned out, our party of 4 were the only participants so we had our own private tour. The restaurants and food were fabulous. We can't wait to come back to the area and do one of their other tours. Highly suggest if you are looking for a food tour in the greater Cincy area, you go with Riverside Tours! 5 stars for sure!

Our guide, Beth, was very friendly and knowledgeable. She gave wonderful historic information and insights and gave us excellent recommendations on how to enjoy the city after our tour was over. Food was absolutely delicious! I definitely recommend this tour!

We had a fantastic tour with Laura. Lots of cool history and the food was incredible! This was our second tour and we were planning our third before we even left Findlay Market!

This was an awesome tour and tasting! My sister was in from Florida, so my husband and I thought this would be a fun time. We were right! Our tour guide, David, was amazing! We loved every minute (and taste). We would recommend this fun and informative tour even if you are from the area. We definitely learned a lot from David. THANK YOU!

My fiance and I went on the new Court Street food tour. We both spend time downtown a lot due to our jobs, and we were really excited to hear the history of Court St. and the Hamilton County Court house. The food we had was delicious. Our favorite place to visit on the tour was a restaurant called MidCity. Great food and great atmosphere! Laura, our tour guide, was wonderful!! If you are new to the area or just want to have a fun day date, the court street food tour is perfect!

My mom, aunt, and I ran across this tour online and decided to book it and spend a weekend in Cincinnati! The tour was SO much fun and our tour guide was amazing! We learned a lot about the history of the city and of course the food was delicious! Would highly recommend spending an afternoon doing the Cincinnati Streetcar Tour!

As soon as we booked the tour, Laura texted us immediately with the details and also asked if we had any concerns or questions. She was super professional, very friendly and knowledgeable, and took us to many wonderful restaurants. As we ate, she gave us a brief history of the city and carried poster-cards from the 1800s to compare with the current architecture of the city. She took many pictures of our group that have now become fond memories. I highly recommend this tour- a wonderful way to see Cincinnati's beautiful architecture + understand it's history while also enjoying some lovely meals and treats! Thank you Laura for an amazing experience. My family was so happy.

My family and I have loved the two tours we’ve done with Riverside. A food tour is a fantastic way to experience the city! Laura is a gracious and knowledgeable guide, and she selects a great variety of spots to enjoy. Riverside was recommended to us, and now we are recommending it to friends and family. Money and time well spent!

We had a wonderful tour throughout Covington, KY. Mike was our tour guide and he did a great job of telling us about local history and making sure we experienced a nice variety of restaurants. I hope to return soon to some of these new-found great spots in Mainstrasse Village.

Fun, laid back. A real treat! Terry was an awesome guide. It was Dec 27, we had a little snow on the ground, streetcar was running great, the group was up for a fun time and Terry took us to quite a few local spots. He has relationships with many local restaurateurs so you get in, get seated, have a bite, he gives some local history, and you have a great time. Very personable and sets a great tone. I don’t want to spoil anything but you get good food, see the sites, arts and culture and you’re going to Loooove Cincinnati!

We had a fantastic time on the OTR Cocktail tour. I was able to check of several bars that I’d wanted to try since moving to the area about a year and a half ago and all of the cocktails we tried were excellent. We also got several snacks along the way to break up the drinking. Juliann our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the city and provided an insight into Cincinnati’s history on the walks between bars. Overall it was a fantastic value and experience and would recommend to anyone interested in the bar scene of Cincy!

Great tour with Jackie and Terry! Learned a lot about the history, culture, and FOOD of Cincinnati. We saw all the sights we wanted to see and ate tons of delicious food along the way. I was surprised at how big the servings were. I had expected a bite of this and a bite of that but after the third stop I was almost too full for more. I loved it all and after the tour was over went back to buy more to take home. Most of the food stops included water, so I would have not needed to bring my own... and there were plenty of restroom stops along the way. I would suggest doing this early in your visit to Cincinnati as it was great for learning how to get around, how to ride the Cincinnati Connector and for getting good suggestions for the rest of our stay.

We booked a Saturday Brunch tour in OTR for my birthday! It was cold but we came prepared. Laura was on point! Her knowledge of the surrounding buildings & city was very impressive! Each stop was coordinated perfectly! It was exciting to learn about the city I was born and raised in along with people who had never been. There is so much to offer in Cincinnati! Thank you!

This was the most informative food tour I've been on. David did an excellent job of explaining the history of the town and the restaurants. Highly recommend for any first-time traveler to Cincinnati.

Absolutely loved every minute of this food tour. Our guide, Laura, was completely knowledgeable, not only about the arts, culture and history of Cincinnati, but also about all of the vegan restaurants, bakeries, and chocolate shops we passed along the way. She told entertaining stories, and pointed out lesser-known destinations. The food was amazing as well. The portions and number of food stops we made were far beyond expectations, and included both savories and desserts. I would do the tour all over again just to enjoy all the tasty treats one more time.

What a great tour! Laura was super knowledgeable, made a hot day fun (in and out of the shade) and took us to some great places for food! You will NOT go hungry!

We had an excellent time touring the city with David. He was very knowledgeable, personable and was willing to answer all of our questions and modify the tour to our interests. We came away with an excellent sense of Cincinnati, it’s history and its people. We could not more highly recommend this tour if you are interested in getting a clear sense of what Cincinnati is like.

Loved the Ethnic Food Tour with our guide, Jackie. Our group enjoyed a variety of dishes, Asian, Hawaiian Asian, German, Mexican, and Lebanese. It’s hard to pick a favorite. Soba noodles, pork buns and bubble tea, a mini charcuterie tray of German specialties, Mexican crunch turtle, and Lebanese pita, hummus, and chicken. The portions were substantial, not just a tiny bite, so I will be skipping dinner tonight! I understand they mix it up with a variety of different restaurants to choose from so every tour might include different bites! As we walked through OTR (Over The Rhine) our guide, Jackie, shared some of the history of Cincinnati and its German heritage. I’m a native Cincinnatian and would recommend this tour to locals and visitors. Thanks Riverside Tours!

We loved this tour. Darrell and I only had one day and two nights to take in the sites and sounds of Cincinnati and we are not normally "tour" people. The description of this tour on Airbnb hooked us and boy are we glad it did. What a great way to take in the sites and tastes of this wonderful town! From waffles to goetta, what a culinary treat. David was the best and we were lucky it was 28 degrees. Why, you ask? Because we were the only two on the tour and got David to answer many of our questions. It was a rare treat and we will do it again.

I can't recommend this enough. If you are looking for something fun and different to do for the day in Cincinnati, I highly recommend. We did the brunch and streetcar tour. Laura was our guide and she was so knowledgeable and friendly. We are already making plans for another with some of our friends!

Mainstrasse Tour of Covington was top notch, it’s the first food tour I have ever done and it sets the bar very high. Laura not only knows her food and the best places to go but she knows the local history adding a layer to the tour that makes you appreciate history. The restaurants we stopped in are all locally owned, what a great way to support the local economy. Definitely will go back to have meals at all the establishments. Look forward to taking another tour with Riverside Food & Culture Tours.

A+++ Outstanding tour with Jackie! WOW! Loved learning about and seeing the history, culture, and foods of Cincinnati. We had driven around the downtown area the night before our tour and were not impressed, but with Jackie's perspective and stories, we fell in LOVE with Cincy! We give Riverside Food Tours our highest recommendation! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!! Thank you Jackie & Laura, we'll be back!

Had a wonderful time with Jackie on our Ethnic food tour. She was very friendly and knowledgeable! Our luck had it that myself and my boyfriend were the only ones on that tour that day so we had all the attention. This was a great value for the price and even though I have lived in Cincinnati for more than two years I definitely learned a lot and have greater appreciation for this lovely city. The food stops were great and we felt pleasantly full by the end of it. We will definitely consider doing another one of the tours for a fun date in the future.

We did the Ethnic Eats Tour with Laura. It was a beautiful day and Laura was a fantastic tour guide and so knowledgeable about the OTR area. Food was amazing!! Will absolutely do another one!!

Cincinnati   Travel Guide

17 Best Things To Do in Cincinnati

Updated Feb. 13, 2023

Nearly every sort of traveler will find a niche in Cincinnati. Foodies have an abundance of options at their disposal, from vegan joints to trendy bars to fancy Zagat-rated restaurants. Sports-lovers will enjoy a game at the Cincinnati Reds' Grea

• All Things To Do

Eden Park Eden Park free

On a nice, sunny day, Eden Park lives up to its paradisiacal name. Located next to the trendy Mount Adams neighborhood, the park encompasses 186 acres of green space and tree groves complete with walking paths. There are also a couple of lakes, a magnolia garden and several scenic overlooks.

One TripAdvisor user was blown away by Eden Park's setting, saying it has "beautiful views of the city — especially at night time." However, some travelers say that the park is a little hard to find. To get there from downtown, drive north on Gilbert Avenue until you reach Eden Park Drive. You can also just call a taxi. For more information, visit the Cincinnati Parks website .

Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum free

Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum was chartered back in 1845, and today exists as one of the pioneers of landscape design for cemeteries. The grounds are idyllic, with gravestones punctuated by ponds, sculptures, footbridges and lots and lots of trees. "It may sound strange to visit a cemetery, but this one is unlike any I have seen before," said one TripAdvisor user. "It is a beautiful and tranquil place to visit and take a walk in the fall."

You can visit the cemetery and arboretum every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours May 1 through August 31. During the warmer months (April through October), you can participate in public and private tours. Public tram tours run at different times, so you can refer to the cemetery's calendar for further details. Tours cost $5 per person, with discounts for kids and seniors. To book a private tram tour, you can call 513-853-6877 or email [email protected] . These run $75 per person.

Cincinnati Art Museum Cincinnati Art Museum free

The Cincinnati Art Museum contains more than 60,000 works from across 6,000 years of history. Masterpieces by Sandro Botticelli, Claude Monet and other famed artists adorn the walls of the museum. And all of this art is housed in a building that was erected at the close of the 19th century; though it has undergone several additions and restorations, the structure stands as one of the city's historic  – and simply beautiful  – gems.

As well as complimenting the museum's extensive collection, past visitors also hail its locale, calling the building "stunning." Meanwhile, others were impressed with the views of downtown Cincinnati. 

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Great American Ball Park Great American Ball Park

If the Great American Ball Park seems a pretty lofty title for a stadium, you should know that it is home to the country's oldest professional baseball team — the Cincinnati Reds. And that's where the stadium gets its exalted name. But the Major League Baseball team didn't even start playing at the Great American Ball Park until 2003; since the 1880s, the team has played at seven different stadiums. The team's name has even changed over the course of time: from the "Red Stockings" to the "Reds" to the "Redlegs" and then back to the "Reds."

Today, visitors enjoy the Great American Ball Park for its fun-loving atmosphere and for the great views from nearly every seat. (However, some visitors do mention that the seats are rather narrow.) One TripAdvisor user visited the park with her four kids and was delighted with the availability and cleanliness of its restrooms. She added: "It's nice that you can bring a cooler and snacks and water. It helps a lot for the cost for us. … The view of the river is awesome!"

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

This museum, which opened in 2004, sits along the banks of the Ohio River. And it's a very fitting location since thousands of slaves actually crossed the river from Kentucky into Cincinnati when following the Underground Railroad. Today, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center tells the story of slavery in America with several exhibits, giving a broad sweep of three centuries of history and a more detailed look at the Civil War era. The center also works to educate visitors on the slavery that continues to plague the world.

One TripAdvisor user had high praise for the center: "Such a fantastic, educational museum chronicling the Underground Railroad's history. The staff is friendly, the facility is clean, parking is affordable and accessible."

Cincinnati Music Hall Cincinnati Music Hall

Opened in 1878, the Cincinnati Music Hall is the home to several performing arts groups, including the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. The Music Hall's Springer Auditorium can fit 3,516 audience members in its red seats. And that doesn't include the ghosts; the Music Hall was built over a cemetery, which has spawned rumors that it's haunted.

Recent visitors can't stop raving about their experience. According to one  TripAdvisor , "You will love any event you attend at the Cincinnati Music Hall. From the beautiful architecture to the sounds of the orchestra. You will not be disappointed." However, some visitors do say that the place is beginning to look worn, citing the faded carpet and crumbling plaster.

Findlay Market Findlay Market free

The Findlay Market first opened in 1855, but only just recently has it expanded into the vibrant mix of ethnic food stalls and flea market vendors that it is today. On the weekends in spring, summer and fall, the streets fill with vendors selling everything from jewelry to kettle corn to purses. You'll also find stalls devoted to goods like chocolate, fresh fruit, vegetables and artisan bread.

Many visitors recommend coming on Saturdays for the best experience — you can sample a variety of international fare while you people watch.

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

Cincinnati is home to the country's second-oldest zoo. It's especially noted for its work with endangered species like black rhinos. The zoo is also known for its innovative birthing programs with animals like the Indian and Sumatran rhinos. On a visit here, you'll see everything from an arctic fox or an African lion to an Indian peacock or an Amazon milk frog.

According to one  TripAdvisor , "the Cincinnati Zoo is quite small, but you would never know it from the amazing way they have laid it out and the abundance of animals that they have there." Other visitors agree that the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden feels spacious, though some mention that there are some serious hilly areas that make pushing a wheelchair or stroller rather difficult.

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Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum

If you're a baseball aficionado — and especially if you aren't able to catch a baseball game at the Great American Ball Park — you might want to drop by the nearby Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. This museum tells the story of the Cincinnati Reds' past with exhibits on famed players like Barry Larkin and Joe Morgan. There's also a movie theater that displays films about the Reds' history, and even a children's play area complete with a miniature Reds locker room.

One of the things visitors most enjoy about the Hall of Fame and Museum is its interactive exhibits — you can actually pitch and field balls inside the museum. A TripAdvisor user had this to say about her experience there: "The museum was neat. I enjoyed watching my husband try to throw a strike ball. Beyond hilarious. I would suggest anyone to go see if you haven't been before."

Smale Riverfront Park Smale Riverfront Park

Managed and operated by the Cincinnati Park Board, Smale Riverfront Park was completed in 2015 and offers a comfortable, interactive green space for visitors and locals alike. There are an array of levels and terraces boasting amenities for kids across the park's 45 acres. Such features include jungle gyms, rock climbing walls, a carousel, a water splash area and a giant foot piano. Adults will enjoy taking in scenes of the Ohio River and Roebling Bridge while picnicking in the grass or wandering along the waterfront paths. The park also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including farmer's markets, folk festivals and yoga classes on the event lawn.  

Recent visitors said Smale Riverfront Park is a great spot to walk, ride bikes or just hang around. Travelers enjoyed lounging in the large swings along the river and dining at the plethora of nearby restaurants. While most parkgoers noted that there are ample restroom facilities on the premises, some felt they could be better spread out throughout different areas of the park.

MainStrasse Village MainStrasse Village free

The German-style MainStrasse Village is on the National Register of Historic Places and makes for a lovely place to stroll. Nearly every month there is a vibrant event to attend, like Goettafest in June and the World's Longest Yard Sale in August. There are also restaurants that range from French ( Chez Nora ) to Italian ( GoodFellas Pizzeria ) and of course, German ( Strasse Haus and more). And there are a number of little shops and boutiques to explore as well.

MainStrasse Village is actually located across the Ohio River from Cincinnati in Covington, Ky., but it's a quick trolley ride away via the TANK-operated Southbank Shuttle. You can also drive and park in the free visitor lot. For more information, visit the community's website .

Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

The Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal — or the Cincy Museum as it's sometimes called — is actually a compilation of museums housed within the art deco-style Union Terminal building. There's the Cincinnati History Museum, which contains exhibits on everything from the city's various modes of transportation to the city's contributions during World War II. There is also the Duke Energy Children's Museum, which features interactive exhibits for little ones. The center's Museum of Natural History & Science covers a variety of subjects, including dinosaurs, the Ice Age and the astronaut Neil Armstrong. In addition to these museums, the center has an OMNIMAX theater, a library and archives and a research center.

One TripAdvisor user raves about the diversity of attractions housed here: "Whether you are spending the day, or just looking to kill a few hours, the variety and selection of the various exhibit halls is amazing."

Carew Tower Carew Tower

For some of the best panoramic views of Cincinnati (and even into northern Kentucky), head to the 49th floor of the Carew Tower. The city's second-tallest building stands at 574 feet, beaten only by the Great American Tower office building, which is about 90 feet taller. Situated in the heart of downtown, the Carew Tower was completed in 1930, designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994 and is home to more than two dozen shops and restaurants, as well as offices and the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza hotel.

From the observation deck, recent visitors reported having excellent views of the entire city, including sights like the Ohio River and both the baseball and football stadiums. They liked that the deck is open-air, meaning that no glass or walls get in the way of the views. However, travelers should know that the main elevator does not travel the full 49 floors, so they will need to cover the remaining distance in a smaller, older elevator followed by one flight of stairs, or by skipping the second elevator and walking up four flights. This may not be feasible for some travelers.

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Top 10 Sites + Top 5 Foods of Cincinnati Morning Tour

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American Sign Museum American Sign Museum

The American Sign Museum has an interesting way of tracing America's history — via signage. Here, you'll find everything from a Phillips 66 sign to neon bar signs to old movie posters and more. As the museum's website relates, signs "reflect the history, technology, commerce, and culture of our communities. Signs and the sign industry have their own stories to tell."

One TripAdvisor user, who found the museum fascinating, offers a recommendation: "Take the tour with the owner of the museum ... he really makes it all come alive!"

Newport Aquarium Newport Aquarium

This sprawling aquarium, near the banks of the Ohio River in Kentucky, contains everything from sharks and jellyfish to frogs and fish. One of the best things about this aquarium is its special events calendar. For instance, there is a daily penguin parade, in which African Penguins process through the aquarium on a float. There are also dive shows most days, where scuba divers swim in a glass-enclosed aquarium and instruct visitors about the animals.

According to one  TripAdvisor user, "[T]he many tunnels, petting areas […] and the great view of the Ohio River and Cincinnati just after a few steps outside it was well worth going." 

Krohn Conservatory Krohn Conservatory

If you are looking for a specific spot to visit in the 186-acre Eden Park , head to the Krohn Conservatory to see more than 3,500 plant species from around the world. Each year, the conservatory hosts five unique floral shows, ranging from an Italian-themed summer exhibit with fragrant herbs and cypress trees to a special holiday season display. One of the conservatory's most popular recurring programs – the spring Butterfly Show – incorporates thousands of live butterflies for visitors to admire and interact with throughout the showroom and garden. The nationally recognized venue is also known for its collection of rare orchids and its rainforest waterfall, plus it features art deco architecture (dating back to the conservatory's founding in 1933).

Past visitors were especially fond of the Krohn Conservatory on rainy or cold days; they said the facility transported them to a warm, tropical paradise. Year-round, guests say they enjoyed the array of plant life and commended the friendly staff. One common criticism was that the conservatory was not as large as some travelers had envisioned, so you shouldn't expect a visit to take up too much of your day. It is also worth noting that the building can become quite crowded when popular exhibits are there.

Taft Museum of Art Taft Museum of Art

Art lovers will adore the Taft Museum of Art's collection of Chinese porcelains and European and American master paintings, as well as its breathtaking gothic ivory sculpture, which is regarded as one of the greatest of its kind in the United States. The intimate museum is located in the Baum-Longworth-Sinton-Taft House, a National Historic Landmark dating back to 1820. Originally a residence, the villa became the Taft Museum in 1932 and was extensively remodeled into the Taft Museum of Art in 2004. Visitors can walk the halls of this museum admiring major works by artists like Rembrandt, Goya, Reynolds and more.

The vast majority of recent museumgoers were impressed by the Taft's exhibits and were pleased with the small size of the property, noting that they could leisurely enjoy the full collection in about 90 minutes or so. Even visitors who weren't necessarily looking forward to touring the museum said they were pleasantly surprised by the hidden gem. However, some travelers warned that the atmosphere of the museum can be a bit stuffy and is therefore not best suited to children.

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WHERE CULTURES

Welcome to the Cincy Region - where Cincinnati's midwestern, urban vibrancy meets Northern Kentucky's southern charm & funky flavors. Our cultures collide creating wildly different, yet easily accessible experiences for your next getaway. 

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Plan your trip, performing arts & music, for the whole family, food and drink scene, sports & outdoors, upcoming events, cincinnati compass presents cincinnati rhythm.

• Sep 13, 2024
• Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal

The Kroger Queen City LPGA Championship

• Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024
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Covington Oktoberfest

• Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024
• Goebel Park

Oktoberfest Zinzinnati

• Sawyer Point & Yeatman's Cove

Greater Cincinnati Restaurant Week: Fall 2024

• Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
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2024 Cincinnati Moon Festival

• Sep 28, 2024
• Fountain Square

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Insider's Guide

Things to do in the cincy region – september 2024.

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In 2023 British Airways launched a new direct route between the Cincinnati region and London Heathrow five days a week at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). This is the only direct flight between the UK and all of… Learn More

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