Wildlife, Adventure, and Fun in Cincinnati

Discover Cincinnati's hidden gems on a budget-friendly adventure.

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Gettin' Groovy in Cincinnati

Check-in to The Summit Hotel, a budget-friendly option with a rooftop bar & stunning views of the city skyline.
Head to the Cincinnati Art Museum for a groovy exhibit on the psychedelic 60s.
Take a stroll through the scenic Eden Park, admire the stunning views, and have a picnic.
Visit the American Sign Museum to get your fill of neon signs and vintage advertising.
End the day with a delicious meal at Taste of Belgium, known for their mouth-watering waffles.

Day 2

Cincy's Past and Present

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Maplewood Kitchen and Bar, known for their fresh, healthy eats.
Explore the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and learn about Cincinnati's history in the Underground Railroad.
Take a walk through the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and admire the 19th-century architecture.
Visit Findlay Market, Ohio's oldest continuously-operated public market, and sample local goods.
Head to Rhinegeist Brewery for some delicious craft beers and live music in the rooftop beer garden.

Day 3

Riverfront Fun

Begin the day with a breakfast at the recently renovated historic hotel, The Lytle Park Hotel.
Head over to Newport on the Levee for a ride on the SkyWheel and a visit to the Aquarium.
Take a Riverfront walking tour, and learn about the history of the Ohio River.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at Smale Riverfront Park.
Cap off the evening with a Reds game at the Great American Ball Park.

Day 4

Adventure & Entertainment

Start the day with a breakfast at Sleepy Bee Cafe, featuring locally-sourced ingredients.
Take a hiking trip to the nearby Smale Park, loaded with outdoor sports facilities and adventure courses.
Explore King's Island amusement park and waterpark.
Grab a quick dinner at camp Washington Chili, serving up delicious chili since 1940.
Attend a concert or event at the iconic Music Hall, home to Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

Day 5

Cincy's Wildlife

Start the day with a breakfast at Cheapside Cafe, known for their coffee and pastries.
Visit the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, one of the best zoos in the world.
Take a stroll through the Cincinnati Nature Center for a scenic and peaceful hike.
Stop by the Cincinnati Observatory Center to learn about astronomy.
End the day with a burger at Terry's Turs & Burgers, a local favorite with a delicious menu.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.