Cincinnati, OH Things to Do and Attractions
With its fleet of three paddle wheelers - the Belle of Cincinnati, the Mark Twain and the River Queen - BB Riverboats provide a variety of breathtaking public and private cruises on the beautiful Ohio River from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
With its fleet of three paddle wheelers - the Belle of Cincinnati, the Mark Twain and the River Queen - BB Riverboats provide a variety of breathtaking public and private cruises on the beautiful Ohio River from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Dinner and brunch cruises, New Year's Eve and Valentine's Day cruises, and Fall Color and Harbor Sightseeing cruises all offer unique and different experiences on the river.
The one-hour Harbor Sightseeing cruise is a popular afternoon excursion for visitors. During this tour, participants can enjoy the sites of the harbor while the captain provides a lively commentary.
Charters are available for corporate events. Cruise prices and schedules vary based on type. Limited cruises are also offered during the off season. Harbor Sightseeing cruise fares are $7.95 for children ages 4-12, $13.95 for adults and $12.95 for seniors ages 60 and older.
After surviving three decades of several incarnations, the oldest jazz club in downtown Cincinnati is back from the brink and better than ever. Ed Felson, the most recent owner and a jazz lover himself, has made welcomed improvements such as the
After surviving three decades of several incarnations, the oldest jazz club in downtown Cincinnati is back from the brink and better than ever. Ed Felson, the most recent owner and a jazz lover himself, has made welcomed improvements such as the famous Blue Wisp Big Band on Wednesday nights and the addition of variety of musical performers on weekends. With open ceilings and exposed silver piping, the club is large enough to accommodate a big band and a sizable audience, yet small enough to give guests that intimate jazz club feel.
The club features local talent including young jazz performers from high schools and universities, as well as national and international headliners. Recent audiences enjoyed U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Big Band and Dutch jazz pianist Amina Figarova. The bar offers a recently expanded food and beverage menu for guests to enjoy along with the soothing notes. Nightly shows start between 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Monday night jazz jam sessions begin at 7:30 PM. Cover charges average $5 to $15.
The Cincinnati Art Museum in Eden Park is considered among the top 4 art museums in the country. According to a Zagat Survey, the museum's art collection and activities rank equally with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Art
The Cincinnati Art Museum in Eden Park is considered among the top 4 art museums in the country. According to a Zagat Survey, the museum's art collection and activities rank equally with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Art Institute in Chicago. Its collections number more than 80,000 works and span over 6,000 years of world civilization. Some of the museum's most unique exhibits include the only collection of ancient Nabataean art outside of Jordan, the renowned Herbert Greer's French collection of old master prints, and a fine collection of European and American portrait miniatures.
The museum has several spaces for private events, including the Great Hall for a reception of up to 400 guests and the Alice Bimel Courtyard. The Cincinnati Art Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM and Wednesday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Free tours of the permanent collection run Tuesday through Friday at 1 PM, Saturday at 2 PM and Sunday at 1 PM and 2 PM. General admission is free, though some special exhibitions may require additional charges.
One of the largest urban history museums in the country, the Cincinnati History Museum is also acclaimed for the quality of its permanent exhibits, many of which feature interpreters who portray characters of the time period. Visitors can step aboard
One of the largest urban history museums in the country, the Cincinnati History Museum is also acclaimed for the quality of its permanent exhibits, many of which feature interpreters who portray characters of the time period. Visitors can step aboard a 94-foot-long side-wheel steamboat at the re-creation of the 1850s Cincinnati Public Landing, or see a restored streetcar at Cincinnati Goes to War. Also, at Forming a New World, guests can explore Cincinnati's role as the machine tool capital of the world with exhibits such as a 1910 machine shop full of products, blueprints and photos. The Cincinnati History Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM.
A Beaux Arts architectural treasure, the 1933 Union Terminal's centerpiece is a 10-story-high rotunda. Decorated with kaleidoscopic swirls of yellow, gold, and orange, and accentuated by bold bands of silver and historical murals around its walls.
A Beaux Arts architectural treasure, the 1933 Union Terminal's centerpiece is a 10-story-high rotunda. Decorated with kaleidoscopic swirls of yellow, gold, and orange, and accentuated by bold bands of silver and historical murals around its walls. Once a bustling transportation hub, the landmark structure is now a cultural hub for three of Cincinnati's finest museums and the OMNIMAX Theater. Now the largest cultural institution in the area, the center saw over one million visitors in 2007.
Several spaces in the Cincinnati Museum Center are available for private events, including the magnificent main rotunda area and a 300-seat auditorium. The center's exceptional meeting facilities are enhanced by an award-winning catering staff, audio-visual department and ample parking.
Visitors can purchase tickets to any single attraction at the center or discounted tickets to multiple attractions. Single attraction admission, which includes any one museum or the OMNIMAX show, is $5.25 for children ages 3-12 and $7.25 for adults. Admission to two attractions is $7.25 for children and $10.25 for adults; three attractions, $9.25 for children and $16.25 for adults; and four attractions, $11.25 for children and $16.25 for adults. A Toddler Pass, which admits children ages 2 and under to all attractions, is $4.25.
Guests can take a step back in history at this museum, which explores how all aspects of the natural world interact. At Clues Frozen in Time, visitors journey 19,000 years in the past to when the last glacier in the Ohio Valley began to move north;
Guests can take a step back in history at this museum, which explores how all aspects of the natural world interact. At Clues Frozen in Time, visitors journey 19,000 years in the past to when the last glacier in the Ohio Valley began to move north; the exhibit includes a re-created glacier and ice cave and information on the animals that lived at that time. For more interactive learning, guests can walk through the simulated limestone cave modeled after those in the tri-state region. Divided into two levels, the cave encompasses 500 feet of beginner and advanced trails, passing a waterfall and bat chamber. The Cincinnati Natural History and Science Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Dating back to 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo is the nation's 2nd oldest zoo and the city's top attraction. Guests can explore over 500 animal species and 3,000 plant varieties, including the newest exhibit Giraffe Ridge, which features a raised viewing
Dating back to 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo is the nation's 2nd oldest zoo and the city's top attraction. Guests can explore over 500 animal species and 3,000 plant varieties, including the newest exhibit Giraffe Ridge, which features a raised viewing platform that gives visitors a thrilling, eye-to-eye interactive experience with a herd of young giraffes.
The zoo is also an internationally-recognized leader in education and conservation efforts that focus on saving endangered species. Visitors at the zoo's newly renovated Sumatran rhino exhibit not only get the opportunity to see this great animal up close, but also have the chance to learn about the breakthroughs in research that are helping to save the world's most endangered rhino species.
The Botanical Garden features one of the largest annual trial/display programs in the area, as well as collections of perennials, native plants, trees and shrubs and ornamental grasses. Guests can see banana and coffee plants in the Food Garden or the colorful plants used in the life cycles of butterflies at the Butterfly Garden.
The zoo has several spaces for private events, including the warm, rustic Safari Lodge and indoor TreeTops, which overlooks the Oriental Garden and Koi Pond. The Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden are open daily year-round, with hours varying based on season. Admission is $8 for children ages 2-12, $13 for adults and $11 for seniors ages 62 and older. Parking is $6.50.
Since its opening in 1998, Duke Energy Children's Museum continues to rank among the top 10 children's museums in the world. The museum's eight exhibit areas are lively and interactive, full of opportunities to climb, crawl and explore. The Infant
Since its opening in 1998, Duke Energy Children's Museum continues to rank among the top 10 children's museums in the world. The museum's eight exhibit areas are lively and interactive, full of opportunities to climb, crawl and explore. The Infant Garden and Toddler Farmyard, aimed at children under 4, include a sand table and puppet shows, while The Woods is full of rope bridges and climbing logs, as well as a real waterfall and treasure hunt activity. The Duke Energy Children's Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 6 PM.
Home to more cultural attractions than any other city park, this pastoral 186-acre oasis is a major center of Cincinnati cultural life. The Elsinore Arch, modeled after Elsinore Castle in Hamlet, was built in 1883 to commemorate a Shakespeare
Home to more cultural attractions than any other city park, this pastoral 186-acre oasis is a major center of Cincinnati cultural life. The Elsinore Arch, modeled after Elsinore Castle in Hamlet, was built in 1883 to commemorate a Shakespeare Festival and now serves as an elegant invitation to park visitors. A popular gathering spot, Mirror Lake shoots an enormous geyser during warm weather and becomes a public ice-skating rink in the winter. At Seasongood Pavilion, guests can enjoy free music programs and panoramic views of the Ohio River, while 50,000 daffodils delight the senses in the park's elaborate Queen City's Garden of Eden exhibits.
The world-class Cincinnati Art Museum, as well as the acclaimed Krohn Conservatory both call Eden Park home. One of the most unique conservatories in the world, Krohn features 3,500 plant species grouped in the natural settings of four world climates. The lush, tropical rainforest exhibit showcases a cascading waterfall below a glass domed ceiling. Children also delight in the annual Summer Butterfly Show when the gardens are filled with the flutter of exotic butterflies.
Eden Park offers bandstands and picnic areas for private events, and Krohn Conservatory can be reserved for private events as well. Krohn Conservatory is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
For most locals, Fountain Square is the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The flagship of the city's spectacular $2 billion revitalization, Fountain Square brings to mind Rockefeller Plaza with its ambiance, ice-skating rink and annual Christmas tree
For most locals, Fountain Square is the heart of downtown Cincinnati. The flagship of the city's spectacular $2 billion revitalization, Fountain Square brings to mind Rockefeller Plaza with its ambiance, ice-skating rink and annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. A tree-lined piazza gives way to the square's centerpiece, a 43-foot-tall bronze sculpture of a woman in the midst of a majestic water fountain, rivaling the grandest fountains in Europe.
Extending roughly three blocks each way from Fifth and Vine, the Fountain Square District has become a shopping and entertainment hub with signature retail and dining such as Tiffany and Co., Saks Fifth Avenue, Rock Bottom Brewery, Graeter's Ice cream and Palomino. Its two stages also make it a popular venue for several annual festivals.
The rich history of America's first professional baseball franchise is evident as fans enter the new Great American Ballpark through Crosley Terrace. A nostalgic reminder of Crosley Field, the Cincinnati Reds' previous home, the entranceway is
The rich history of America's first professional baseball franchise is evident as fans enter the new Great American Ballpark through Crosley Terrace. A nostalgic reminder of Crosley Field, the Cincinnati Reds' previous home, the entranceway is dominated by life-size bronze sculptures of former Reds greats. With seating for 42,000 fans, the new ballpark also honors Cincinnati's great riverboat heritage with two steamboat stacks behind right center field that light up and launch smoke and fireworks to celebrate a home run.
Also at the park, the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame is a treasure house of great moments and memories of the game and team that date back to 1869. Multimedia exhibits, photographs and memorabilia honor the three-time World Series championship team. In the Glory Days Gallery, life-size sculptures of baseball greats such as Pete Rose, Ken Griffey, Jr., and Davey Concepcin, celebrate the victorious 1972 National League Pennant game.
The Cincinnati Reds' schedule runs March to September. Ticket prices vary based on seats, with Kroger Bleachers seats starting at $7. The Hall of Fame is open Tuesday through Sunday, October to February, and Saturday and Sunday, March to September, from 10 AM to 5 PM. On game days, it is open from 10 AM until two hours after the end of afternoon games, or from 10 AM to 8 PM during evening games. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors ages 55 and older. Admission for children under 4 is free.
About 30 minutes from Cincinnati, Kings Island Amusement Park is one the world's most famous parks, garnering accolades such as the best theme park in the Midwest. Over 80 rides, including 14 roller coasters, populate the park, and admission also
About 30 minutes from Cincinnati, Kings Island Amusement Park is one the world's most famous parks, garnering accolades such as the best theme park in the Midwest. Over 80 rides, including 14 roller coasters, populate the park, and admission also includes a trip to the 15-acre Boomerang Bay water park. Thrill seekers flock to Kings Island to buckle into the Firehawk, a half-mile-long flying coaster, and the Beast, the longest wooden coaster in the world. Other rides include the suspended swing Zephyr, bumper cars and the Grand Carousel. The park also boasts the world's largest collection of Nickelodeon-inspired attractions for children.
Kings Island Amusement Park offers catered and non-catered group outings for 100 to over 5,000 people. Hours and schedules vary, but the open season generally runs April to August. Admission varies based on season, but averages $30 for guests ages 3-61 who are over 48 inches tall and $25 for guest ages 3 and older who are under 48 inches tall.
Crossing over Cincinnati's Purple People Bridge into Kentucky, guests can check out one of the main attractions of the city of Newport's Riverwalk: the nationally ranked Newport Aquarium. The excitement begins with a big splash when visitors walk in
Crossing over Cincinnati's Purple People Bridge into Kentucky, guests can check out one of the main attractions of the city of Newport's Riverwalk: the nationally ranked Newport Aquarium. The excitement begins with a big splash when visitors walk in the lobby and are surrounded by whales, sharks and other sea creatures.
Visitors enjoy the opportunity to have an up-close experience at the Shark Central Exhibit, where they can pet sharks swimming around the 5,000-gallon touch tank. The Giant Pacific Octopus, seahorses and flashlight fish populate the 13 exhibits of the Bizarre and Beautiful Gallery. Newport Aquarium has 70 exhibits overall, and guests can traverse them under five acrylic tunnels to watch the aquatic life from dramatic vantage points.
The aquarium has venues for private events. The Newport Aquarium is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours during the summer. Admission is $11.95 for children ages 2-12 and $18.95 for adults.
One of the most successful of its kind in the country, the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater provides larger-than-life entertainment on a five-story, 72-foot-diameter domed screen. OMNIMAX often features films that coordinate with exhibits at
One of the most successful of its kind in the country, the Robert D. Lindner Family OMNIMAX Theater provides larger-than-life entertainment on a five-story, 72-foot-diameter domed screen. OMNIMAX often features films that coordinate with exhibits at the Museum Center. Recently, The Human Body served to complement an exhibit about the topic presented at the Cincinnati Natural History and Science Museum by chronicling the many amazing processes that happen in the human body in a single day.
After recent renovations, the OMNIMAX Theater now offers improved screens, a completely new sound system and new seats, as well as new carpeting and lighting. Show times vary based on event.
Located in Cincinnati's Hyde Park neighborhood, Beluga Sushi's innovative restaurant, lounge and bar stimulate the senses with award-winning food and an extensive wine list. Attracting a hip local crowd, Beluga Sushi mixes classic Asian and American
Located in Cincinnati's Hyde Park neighborhood, Beluga Sushi's innovative restaurant, lounge and bar stimulate the senses with award-winning food and an extensive wine list. Attracting a hip local crowd, Beluga Sushi mixes classic Asian and American seafood with a French accent. Serious sushi fans dine at the bustling sushi bar on spicy tuna rolls or beluga rolls with tempura lobster and three colors of caviar. Others can grab a seat at white linen tables to feast on a tantalizing menu of inventive entrees such as Togarashi ahi tuna, lobster and lamb and crab- stuffed salmon.
Beluga Sushi is open Monday through Thursday from 5 PM to midnight and Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 2:30 AM. Entrees range from $18 to $26.
The region's only four-star Mobil and four diamond AAA designated restaurant, Pigall's in downtown Cincinnati serves contemporary Parisian-style food with New York ambiance and Cincinnati charm. In a comfortable setting of creamy golden walls, dark
The region's only four-star Mobil and four diamond AAA designated restaurant, Pigall's in downtown Cincinnati serves contemporary Parisian-style food with New York ambiance and Cincinnati charm. In a comfortable setting of creamy golden walls, dark wood wainscoting and private booths, diners can enjoy either a three-course prix fixe menu or the five-course Menu Gourmand. Both feature decadent entrees that transport diners to a luxury restaurant in France, such as the rack of lamb with cabernet and herbs, salmon with Alsatian wine saffron sauce, and duck trio ravioli. With an emphasis on French wines, Pigall's award-winning wine list has over 450 international varieties to enjoy.
Pigall's provides three venues for private events: the main dining room seats 80 guests; the Fourth Street Gallery seats 50 people; and the Alcove seats 12 people. The restaurant serves dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 6 to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 PM. Lunch is served the last Friday of the month for the Final Friday Lunch Club at 11:30 AM or 1 PM, as well as Monday through Friday during the holiday season after November 23 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The prix fixe menu is $72 per person and the Menu Gourmand is $92. Reservations are recommended.
Located in downtown's fashionable Fountain Square entertainment district, Palomino is known for its stylish ambiance and imaginative menu of European-inspired regional American cuisine. Guests enjoy a wide variety of reasonably priced selections that
Located in downtown's fashionable Fountain Square entertainment district, Palomino is known for its stylish ambiance and imaginative menu of European-inspired regional American cuisine. Guests enjoy a wide variety of reasonably priced selections that include grilled prawns and brick-oven baked feta as appetizers, and a King crab cake trio, duck confit cassoulet, and grilled salmon with artichoke tartar as entrees.
The restaurant can accommodate large groups of 10 or more guests. Palomino serves lunch Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 4 PM and dinner Monday through Thursday from 4 to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 4 to 11 PM and Sunday from 3 to 10 PM. Entrees range from $31 to $50.
High atop historic Mount Adams with sweeping views of Cincinnati and the river, Porkopolis Tavern and Grill is located in the former factory of world-famous Rookwood Pottery - guests can even dine in one of the original kilns where pottery was once
High atop historic Mount Adams with sweeping views of Cincinnati and the river, Porkopolis Tavern and Grill is located in the former factory of world-famous Rookwood Pottery - guests can even dine in one of the original kilns where pottery was once fired. In a rustic setting of exposed brick walls and high ceilings, the landmark building provides hearty all-American fare to its hungry patrons. The meat-lovers menu, fitting for a city that was once the pork capital of America, includes favorites such as a rack of succulent baby back ribs, boneless grilled pork chops, and filet mignon with garlic butter. Guests can also opt for its decadent Sunday brunch offerings, which include corned beef hash, French toast and eggs Benedict.
The restaurant has private rooms available for special events and offers banquet menus. Porkopolis is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9:30 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 10:30 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 9 PM. Brunch is served Monday through Friday from 8 to 11 AM and Saturday and Sunday from 8 AM to 1 PM. Entrees range from $11 to $30.
Consistently chosen as Cincinnati's best place for steaks, the Precinct gets its name from its location in a former police station. An outstanding example of 1901 Romanesque architecture, the turreted red brick structure is on the National Historic
Consistently chosen as Cincinnati's best place for steaks, the Precinct gets its name from its location in a former police station. An outstanding example of 1901 Romanesque architecture, the turreted red brick structure is on the National Historic Register. The menu sizzles with restaurateur Jeff Ruby's signature, generous portions of hand-cut beef and fresh seafood and an exceptional selection of international wines. Appetizer specialties include pan-fried crab cakes and Tiger shrimp cocktails. Dinner guests are tempted with entrees such veal chops, wood-grilled swordfish, and Jack Ruby's Gem, a bone-in filet mignon Chateaubriand cut.
Private banquet rooms invoking 1940s elegance are available for private functions and meetings of 30 to 100 guests. The Precinct serves dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 PM. Entrees range from $31 to $50.
