Cincinnati on a Budget: 3 Days of Fun!
Discover the hidden gems of Cincinnati without breaking the bank.
21 June 2023
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
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.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check in to the budget-friendly Quality Inn & Suites, conveniently located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati.
- Start the day with a hearty breakfast at the legendary Price Hill Chili.
- Take a stroll along the Ohio Riverfront and visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
- Head to the bustling Findlay Market to experience the vibrant local culture and taste some of the city's best cuisine.
- Explore the trendy Over-The-Rhine neighborhood and grab a craft beer at Rhinegeist Brewery.
- End the day with a show at the iconic Taft Theatre.
- Have breakfast at Tucker's Restaurant, a historic diner established in 1946.
- Visit the impressive Cincinnati Art Museum and learn about the city's rich art scene.
- Head to the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, a national historic landmark, and discover the city's industrial and cultural history.
- Catch a game at Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds.
- Enjoy an authentic Cincinnati-style chili dog at Skyline Chili.
- Finish the day with a stroll in Eden Park and a visit to the Krohn Conservatory.
- Start the day with the best pancakes in town at Sugar n' Spice.
- Hike, bike or picnic at the scenic Mount Airy Forest, the largest park in the city.
- Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, home to over 500 animal species.
- Stop by the iconic Graeter's Ice Cream for a sweet treat.
- Enjoy a ride on the historic Coney Island Ferris Wheel.
- End the trip with a memorable dinner at Eli's BBQ, a local favorite for delicious smoked meats.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.