Cincinnati is the perfect destination if you’re looking for a fun weekend trip. With plenty of activities and attractions to keep you busy, you’ll never run out of things to do in this vibrant city. You can visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, explore the city’s art scene, or take a scenic ride on the Ohio River. There’s something for everyone in Cincinnati, so pack your bags and prepare for a fun-filled weekend!
Things to do
For animal lovers, a visit to the Cincinnati Zoo is a must. Home to over 500 species of animals, the zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the city. You can see everything from lions and tigers to giraffes and monkeys during your visit. The zoo also has a botanical garden with over 3,000 plant species, making it the perfect place to stroll and take in the beauty of nature.
If you’re interested in learning about Cincinnati’s rich history, there are plenty of museums and historical sites to explore. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a great place to start. This museum tells the story of those who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad. The Cincinnati Art Museum is another excellent option for art lovers. With over 60,000 works of art, it’s one of the largest art museums in the United States.
The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum is a must-visit for baseball fans. Located at Great American Ball Park, the museum chronicles the history of the Cincinnati Reds, one of America’s oldest professional baseball teams. You can see artifacts like jerseys, bats, and balls used by Reds greats like Johnny Bench and Pete Rose.
The Mercantile Library is one of Cincinnati’s hidden gems. This library is home to over 100,000 books, making it the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon browsing the shelves. The Mercantile Library also hosts regular events like author readings and poetry slams, so there’s always something going on.
Cincinnati is also home to many parks and green spaces. Eden Park is the city’s largest park and offers scenic views of the River. There are also several hiking trails, a playground, and a botanical garden. Grove Cemetery is another great option for nature lovers. This cemetery is one of the oldest in the country and is home to over 7,000 trees.
And no trip to Cincinnati would be complete without a ride on the scenic Ohio River. You can take a ferry from downtown Cincinnati to Newport, Kentucky, and enjoy views of the city skyline and the riverfront. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy all that Cincinnati offers.
Enjoy the food of Cincinnati
Cincinnati is home to various excellent restaurants, so you’re sure to find something to suit your taste. Skyline Chili is a local favorite if you’re looking for a quick bite. This chain restaurant serves delicious chili con carne with cheese and onions. Another popular option is Graeter’s Ice Cream, which has been serving up sweet treats since 1870. For a more upscale dining experience, check out Orchids at Palm Court. This award-winning restaurant offers French-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting. For fine dining with a view, head to Primavista. This restaurant is located atop Mt. Adams and offers stunning cityscape views.
For dinner with nice views, Taste of Belgium is a great choice. This restaurant serves up delicious Belgian waffles and other sweet treats with two locations in the city. Or, if you’re in the mood for something savory, try the Belgian fries with one of the many dipping sauces. La Soupe is another excellent option for those looking for a hearty meal. This soup kitchen offers a variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads.
It’s also worth noting that Cincinnati has a strong German heritage. This is reflected in the city’s food scene, with many restaurants serving traditional German dishes. Some best places to get your fill of German cuisine include Schaller’s Pub, Mecklenburg Gardens, and Hofbräuhaus Newport.
Have a night out on the town
Cincinnati is home to a vibrant nightlife scene, so there’s no shortage of places to go for a night out. If you’re looking for a place to dance the night away, check out The Cincinnati Dancing Pig. This club features live music and dancing seven nights a week. For a more laid-back experience, head to The Lackman. This bar is located in downtown Cincinnati and offers a wide selection of beers, cocktails, and wine. If you’re in the mood for some live music, The Southgate House Revival is the place to be. This venue hosts a variety of musical acts, from local up-and-comers to national touring acts.
Where to sleep
The hotels in Cincinnati offer something for everyone, from luxury accommodations to more budget-friendly options. The Cincinnatian Hotel is a great choice if you’re looking to splurge. This historic hotel has welcomed guests since 1882 and offers upscale rooms and suites. Consider the Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati Downtown for a more affordable option. Other popular hotels in the city include the 21c Museum Hotel, the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, and the Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps. There are also several hostels in Cincinnati for those on a tight budget, including the AAE Cincinnati Hostel and the HI-Cincinnati.
How to get in
Cincinnati is served by the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, which is located just outside the city. Once you’re in Cincinnati, getting around is easy. You can walk or take the bus to get around downtown. If you’re planning to venture out of the city, several rental car companies are located at the airport.
There are many parking options in the city for those who come by car. Parking meters are located downtown and are enforced from 8 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. There is also a parking garage located at 5th and Vine Streets. This garage offers hourly and daily rates.
Getting around
Cincinnati is a very walkable, so you’ll have no trouble getting around on foot. If you want to explore further, there are plenty of options for public transportation. The Cincinnati Metro offers bus and light rail services throughout the city. You can also rent a bike from Red Bike, Cincinnati’s bike-sharing system. Cincinnati is a very walkable, so you’ll have no trouble getting around on foot. If you want to explore further, there are plenty of options for public transportation.
No matter what your interests are, Cincinnati has something for everyone. So pack your bags and head to this vibrant city for a weekend you’ll never forget!
