Come for the hippos, and stay for the neon, international grocery store, and roller coasters! I want to share some of our favorite spots in Cincinnati. After traveling there for about two years to visit our daughter at college, we’ve explored many places, and I thought it would be fun to share our top picks with you!
Cincinnati is probably best known for its zoo, and for good reason—it’s beautiful and fun! To me, it’s like Animal Kingdom as a zoo. We’ve visited several times, including their amazing holiday lights event, which is truly something special. But today, I’ll provide you with a few other attractions to check out while you’re in town, along with the famous hippo bloat of Bibi, Tucker, Fiona, and Fritz!
American Sign Museum
First up is the American Sign Museum. Honestly, I would expect to find a museum like this in Las Vegas, not Cincinnati! This place is pop culture at its finest, featuring nearly 100 years of signs that act as silent storytellers. They offer a fascinating window into America’s past, showcasing design trends, consumer behavior, and, of course, advertising.
Located in the historic Oesterlein Machine Company building, the museum has plenty of space to showcase its massive collection. As you wander through, you’ll see signs for businesses you remember, along with others from the past that might spark a memory. It’s truly a time capsule wrapped in neon and lights, and the care taken to preserve these pieces of history is commendable. With free parking and an admission fee of just $15, it’s an excellent value for a couple of hours of your time!
Over-the-Rhine & Findlay Market
Next, we’ll head to Over-the-Rhine, a historic neighborhood known for its stunning 19th-century architecture, vibrant nightlife, and thriving art scene. Founded in the 1820s by German immigrants, this area has undergone significant revitalization and is now a popular destination for tourists and locals.
A must-visit in this neighborhood is Findlay Market, Ohio’s oldest continuously operating public market. But don’t make the mistake we always do: don’t eat before going! With over 50 vendors offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, and international specialties, there’s something for every foodie. Grab a bite to eat and something to drink, and enjoy it at the outdoor tables when the weather is nice!
If you’re looking for something to take home, stop by Maverick Chocolate at Findlay Market. Their bean-to-bar chocolate is absolutely delicious, and you can’t go wrong with their chocolate chip cookies.
Jungle Jim’s International Grocery Store
Next up is Jungle Jim’s International Grocery Store. Yes, I’m telling you to visit a grocery store, but trust me—this is no ordinary grocery store. It’s like the Disneyland of grocery stores!
With two locations in Cincinnati, we’ve only visited the Eastgate store, but it’s a must-see. When you pull up and see a monorail coming out of the store, you know you’re in for something unique.
Jungle Jim’s offers international products from over 70 countries, and wandering the aisles feels like an adventure. You’ll find everything from the bakery to the deli and meat departments that are unlike anything you’ve seen. The store is full of fun displays that make it feel like an amusement park!
On our first visit, we were surprised to find a beer and wine section with a bar and sitting area. We tried a few local beers and grabbed a bite to eat before checking out. If you’re into food, beer, or amusement parks, this is a must-do!
King’s Island
Speaking of amusement parks, another spot just outside of Cincinnati is King’s Island. I haven’t personally visited the park, but my daughter has, and she had a fantastic time.
Originally called Coney Island, the park moved to its current location in 1972 due to flooding. Known for its legendary wooden coaster, The Beast, which holds the record for the longest wooden coaster in the world, King’s Island is a thrill-seeker’s paradise. Julia had a blast, and I’m taking her word for it! The park is seasonal, so be sure to check their website for opening hours and special events.
Crossing the River to Kentucky
Let’s hop across the Ohio River to Kentucky for a bit! The Newport area is a fun spot with shopping and food trucks in shipping containers, offering great views of downtown Cincinnati.
In Covington, you’ll find MainStrasse, a revitalized historic district with beautiful 19th-century architecture. It’s a delightful area to explore, with shops, food, and drinks, and if you’re lucky, you might catch one of their festivals!
Performances at CCM
Here’s a little tip: when planning your visit to Cincinnati, check the website for the College Conservatory of Music (CCM) at the University of Cincinnati. You might find some incredible performances while you’re in town. Their musicals are particularly amazing, showcasing talent that will leave you in awe—all for a fraction of the price of a theater ticket!
Cincinnati is a fantastic city for the arts, and CCM is just one of the many places to experience it.
Cincinnati’s Food Scene
Now, let’s talk food! Cincinnati is famous for its chili, especially Skyline Chili. If you’re a fan of Cincinnati chili, you should definitely give it a try!
However, if you’re looking for something else, allow me to introduce you to Dewey’s Pizza. Now, before you come for me, I’ll admit it’s not the best pizza I’ve ever had, but it’s good, and you can find locations all around the city.
And you cannot visit Cincinnati without trying Graeter’s Ice Cream! Founded in 1870, their ice cream is made using French pots, resulting in a denser, creamier texture. My favorite flavor is Boldly Bearcat, a creamy mascarpone ice cream filled with Oreo cookies and signature chocolate chips. Do yourself a favor and get some ice cream while you’re in Cincinnati!
Cincinnati’s Craft Beer Scene
Lastly, Cincinnati has a vibrant craft beer scene. Over our visits, we’ve checked out several breweries, and they’ve all been fantastic!
First up is Rhinegeist Brewing, located in Over-the-Rhine. Their spacious taproom features a cool rooftop bar, games like cornhole and ping pong, and a lively atmosphere reminiscent of a German beer garden.
Next, we visited MadTree Brewing in Oakley, a B Corp certified company committed to social and environmental responsibility. Their facility is welcoming with plenty of seating, and they offer a diverse selection of over 30 taps!
If you’re heading to Jungle Jim’s in Eastgate, don’t miss Fifty West Brewing Company. This brewery is so much fun, with an expansive outdoor space that includes an ice rink for skating and curling in winter. Plus, there’s plenty of space for pickleball and volleyball in the summer!
Last but not least is Taft’s Brewporium, named after President Taft, who was born in Cincinnati. This brewery is located in a more industrial area, but it’s well worth the trip. They serve great beer along with delicious pizza and calzones.
And if you can’t make it to any of the breweries, you can always find cans from all of them at Jungle Jim’s!
So there you have it! Cincinnati is full of fun activities, from exploring unique museums and neighborhoods to indulging in delicious food and craft beer. Whether you’re visiting for the hippos or the vibrant culture, this city has something for everyone.
