3 Days in Cincinnati: Culture, Food, and Fun

Discover the heart of the Midwest in Cincinnati.

22 April 2023

Visiting Cincinnati as a tourist offers an exciting blend of fun, entertainment, and culture. Explore the city's rich history at the Cincinnati Museum Center and admire the gorgeous architecture of the Music Hall. Take in the stunning views from the Carew Tower Observation Deck and indulge in some delicious local delicacies like Skyline Chili and Graeter's Ice Cream.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Queen City Start

  • Check in at the hip 21c Museum Hotel, where modern art installations adorn each room.
  • Start the day with a visit to Cincinnati's famous Findlay Market, an outdoor market offering local produce, fresh baked goods, and unique gifts.
  • Take a stroll through the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, known for its architecture, boutique shops, and craft breweries.
  • Tour the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, a stunning Art Deco train station turned museum complex featuring exhibits on science, history, and culture.
  • End the day with dinner at the vibrant and eclectic Bakersfield OTR, serving up delicious street-style tacos and an extensive tequila selection.
Day 2

Cincy Culture

  • Fuel up at the cozy Sleepy Bee Cafe, known for its hearty breakfast dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Get a taste of Cincinnati’s culture with a visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum, a beautiful museum showcasing over 67,000 works of art from around the world.
  • Explore the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, where you can meet over 500 animal species and stroll through beautiful gardens.
  • Take a scenic riverboat cruise along the Ohio River with BB Riverboats, offering narrated tours and stunning city skyline views.
  • Head to the trendy Over-the-Rhine hotspot Sundry and Vice, for craft cocktails and a speakeasy vibe.
Day 3

Sports and Skyline

  • Grab breakfast at the legendary Tucker’s Restaurant, a local institution serving up breakfast classics for over 70 years.
  • Catch a Cincinnati Reds baseball game at the Great American Ball Park, with views of the riverfront and stadium-style eats.
  • Head across the river to Newport, KY for a visit to Newport on the Levee, a retail and entertainment destination with a Ferris wheel and lively nightlife scene.
  • Sample Cincinnati’s signature dish, the "3-way" chili, at Skyline Chili, a fast-food chain found throughout the Midwest.
  • End the trip with a nightcap at rooftop bar 21c Terrace, sipping cocktails while taking in sweeping city views.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Cincinnati by plane is to fly to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). There are direct flights from major cities in the US, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta.

Car

Driving to Cincinnati is a good option as it allows for flexibility and can be more cost-effective than flying. The best route is via interstate highways 75 and 71. The drive is approximately 9 hours from New York and 6 hours from Chicago.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no direct train routes to Cincinnati, so taking a train is not the best option.

Boat

Since Cincinnati is not located near any major bodies of water, taking a boat is not a viable option for reaching the city.

Bus

Taking a bus to Cincinnati is a convenient option. Greyhound bus lines offer several routes to Cincinnati, with buses arriving at the Cincinnati Greyhound Station located at 1005 Gilbert Ave.

More travel plans

3 Days in Cincinnati: Culture, Food, and Fun

Visiting Cincinnati as a tourist offers an exciting blend of fun, entertainment, and culture. Explore the city's rich history at the Cincinnati Museum Center and admire the gorgeous architecture of the Music Hall. Take in the stunning views from the Carew Tower Observation Deck and indulge in some delicious local delicacies like Skyline Chili and Graeter's Ice Cream.

Romantic Weekend Getaway in Cincinnati

Experience the perfect romantic getaway in Cincinnati with your loved one. Explore the beauty of the sprawling parks and stunning waterways, take in the vibrant arts and cultural scene, and indulge in delicious culinary offerings at some of the city's top-rated restaurants. Relax and rejuvenate in luxurious accommodations, while enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals.

Cincinnati on a Budget: 3 Days of Fun!

Cincinnati is a city in Ohio, United States, known for its rich history and culture. On a limited budget, visitors can explore the city's attractions, including the Cincinnati Zoo, the Cincinnati History Museum, and the Cincinnati Art Museum. Cheap eats can be found at local restaurants and food trucks, and affordable accommodations can be found in budget-friendly hotels and hostels.

Wildlife, Adventure, and Fun in Cincinnati

Cincinnati offers a multitude of affordable and exciting attractions for budget travelers. Highlights include touring the historic Over-the-Rhine district, exploring Cincinnati's rich art scene, and indulging in local eats like chili and goetta. For inexpensive accommodations, hostels and budget hotels are readily available in downtown Cincinnati.