Cincinnati is one of the best cities to visit in the state of Ohio. Located right on the Ohio River, Cincinnati is known for its wide variety of sports teams, unmatched bar and brewery scene, a wide variety of cultural and eclectic restaurants, and tons of history. This guide will show you how to fit the most out of 3-days in Cincinnati and create a memorable and fun one weekend in Cincinnati.
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How do I get to Cincinnati?
Cincinnati is best visited by car or plane. Depending on where your starting destination is, either option is suitable. If flying, the most convenient, the closest airport is the Cincinnati Northern/Kentucky International Airport (CVG).
Cincinnati Northern/Kentucky International Airport is actually located across the river in Kentucky, about 15 miles outside of the city.
Cincinnati is a very spread out city and is best visited with a car (vs. public transportation). If flying, you may opt for renting a car for the weekend.
What is the best time to visit Cincinnati?
The best time to visit Cincinnati is sometime between May-September. If visiting during the spring or fall, visitors can enjoy ideal weather conditions and a full event calendar for the city with loads of options. Visiting during the summertime allows visitors to enjoy various other activities, such as concerts at Riverbend or Fountain Square.
Where should I stay in Cincinnati?
Since Cincinnati is so spread out, where you choose to stay might dictate what you decide to do. However, when visiting Cincinnati, the best areas to stay are the Downtown region, and right across the bridge in Covington/Newport, Kentucky.
Downtown gives visitors access to a lot of attractions within walking distance and access to the public bus line in need be. Stay in Covington allows visitors to avoid a lot of the traffic of the city, and a more relaxed and aesthetic vibe views amazing views of the beautiful Cincinnati skyline.
Sample 3-Day Cincinnati Weekend Itinerary
Day 1 in Cincinnati
Morning:
The Findlay Market is the oldest and most popular public market in Ohio, and a perfect place to begin your visit. It is one of the most attractive points of interest in the city, especially for food lovers. There is an array of stalls and local vendors selling meats, fruits, vegetables, and even some art, flowers, and jewelry as well. Definitely, a must-see in Cincinnati.
Afternoon:
After a busy morning at the market, visit The Underground Railway Center in the afternoon. While this may not be for everyone, the center gives visitors a realistic look back into the past to see what life was really like in the days of slavery. It is important to learn this history, so it is not repeated, and the stories and pictures within the center will make for an unforgettable trip.
Evening:
One of the best ways to see the city of Cincinnati is by boat. Seeing the city skyline from the river gives viewers a different perspective, especially at night. Various Riverboat Cruise companies offer dinner cruises and sunset tours around the city.
Day 2 in Cincinnati
Morning:
On your second day in Cincinnati, start with an off-the-beaten-path attraction; The Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum. This is the third-largest cemetery in the country and is a National Historic Landmark. It is the resting place of Civil War veterans, artists, athletes, and politicians. It is famous for its gothic-inspired architecture and impressive gravestones.
Afternoon:
Over The Rhine is the artiest and most cultural part of the city. It is located downtown in a neighborhood known for originally being poor. Over the years, it transformed into one of the most famous parts of the city, having establishments such as the Cincinnati Music Hall and Emery Theater.
Evening:
Enjoy a relaxing evening on the river at the Cincinnati River Walk. The trail stretches from the Roebling Suspension Bridge to Smale Riverfront Park, in both Ohio and Kentucky. The path is 4 miles long allowing visitors to enjoy sights, landmarks, and many stops along the way in both states.
If you would rather explore the riverwalk via bike, you can rent a bike at the RedBike station located at Smale Riverfront Park (5 W Mehring Way).
Day 3 in Cincinnati
Morning:
Kings Island is one of the most famous amusement parks in the country, and home to The Beast, the longest wooden roller coaster in the world. The Park is located on the outskirts of the city and is home to dozens of roller coasters, rides, games, and much more excitement inside.
Afternoon:
Since your trip to Kings Island will more than likely last long through the afternoon, end it with visiting a brewery. Cincinnati is home to dozens of local breweries, one of the most famous being Mad Tree Brewing Company.
Evening:
Complete your visit by exploring the downtown region, and finishing with a peaceful evening on the water at Sawyer Point. This is a great time to pick up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts to bring back home as well.
Other things to do in Cincinnati:
- Abandoned Subway Tunnels: Unknown to most, Cincinnati was once home to a booming subway system. Now unused and abandoned, these tunnels are one of the most unique untouched things to see in all of the city.
- Cincinnati Zoo: The Cincinnati Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the whole city, and one of the best zoos in the country. The zoo had a wide range of animal life from all over the world, as well as a conservation program, and many animals are now extinct.
- Cincinnati History Museum: The Cincinnati History Museum is actually built in one of the abandoned railway terminals, which is actually very relevant to its purpose. The museum is based on the history of the city of its architecture, infrastructure, and booming growth.
- Mounty Airy Forest: This is one of the largest recreational parks in the state and a perfect place to escape the excitement and bustle of the city. Mount Airy Forest has many hiking trails, treehouses, lots of space to relax, and even horseback rides.
- City Scavenger Hunt: Compete with friends and learn more about the cities best kept secrets!
- Cincinnati Ghost Tour: Explore the spookier parts of the city with this guided walking ghost tour.
Other Tips to know before visiting Cincinnati:
If choosing to stay downtown, avoid the Fairmont region. Northwestern and Southern Fairmont has the highest crime rates in the whole city. Despite this, there is a wide variety of other accommodation options in other areas and Cincinnati is overall a safe city.
3-day Cincinnati Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: The Findlay Market, The Underground Railway Center, Dinner Riverboat cruise
- Day 2: Spring Grove Cemetery, Over the Rhine neighborhood, Riverwalk
- Day 3: Kings Island, Madtree Brewing Company, Sawyer Point
Keep Reading::: Extend your road trip with a weekend in Lexington or Louisville!
One Weekend In Cincinnati Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Cincinnati that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Cincinnati itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Cincinnati!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Cincinnati” Itinerary?
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