Cincinnati Visitor Guide 2024: Everything you need to know

Cincinnati, the Queen City of the West, has often been neglected by tourists in the past. However, that's changing as more and more visitors discover for themselves what the city has to offer. Located along the banks of the Ohio River, the city's skyscrapers make it look like the quintessential modern metropolis. But start exploring the downtown area, and you'll soon trip over its 18th-century roots.

Historic immigration from Germany and other European countries has given Cincinnati an impressive food and beer culture. In fact, the city hosts the second largest Oktoberfest in the world after Munich. It's also home to several interesting museums and other attractions that make the city well worth exploring. Drop off your unneeded bags at a Cincinnati luggage storage service and see for yourself what makes this Ohioan city so special.

A weekend in Cincinnati

A weekend in Cincinnati isn't going to exhaust everything the city has to offer. But it will give you enough time to experience at least some of the top attractions. Drop off your heavy bags at a Cincinnati bag storage so you can pack more fun into a short visit.

• The Skystar Wheel is one of Cincinnati's top attractions. This massive Ferris wheel features climate-controlled gondolas that offer an incredible view of downtown and the river. To see the city at its best, take the ride at night and watch the buildings lit up against the darkness.
• The Banks is one of Cincinnati's most exciting urban developments. Located on the Riverside, it's home to great bars, a couple of stadiums, and a beautiful riverfront park. This is a busy area both day and night, and it's a good place to lose yourself in vibrant city life.
• Enjoy some old-fashioned fun at the Coney Island Amusement Park. Located just outside of downtown, the park combines a waterpark and an amusement park. Enjoy waterslides, wave pools, roller coasters, and tons of restaurants.

Cincinnati lockers

The deeper you look in Cincinnati, the more you find to experience. If you really want to immerse yourself in the city, you can make things easier by dropping off your heavy bags at a Cincinnati luggage locker. Traveling light lets you explore the town in comfort and live like a local no matter how long your visit. Drop off your bags and enjoy yourself.

Off the beaten path in Cincinnati

Once you've seen the top attractions, Cincinnati has more to explore. Add depth to your trip by checking out some of these lesser-known gems of the city. Leave your bags behind at a Cincinnati luggage storage service while you explore a lesser-known side of this town.

• Learn about a dark period of history at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Cincinnati was an important stop on the Underground Railroad that helped rescue runaway slaves from the south.
• Cincinnati's most famous dish has to be chili served on spaghetti noodles. You can try this unique delicacy in many places around the city, but Pleasant Ridge Chili is one of the best. This old-school diner isn't fancy, but it's a great place to try a unique treat.
• Stretch your legs on the Ohio River Trail. This five-mile-long path runs along the river in downtown Cincinnati. It's a great place to walk or jog, and you can even rent a bike to explore on two wheels.

What to do alone in Cincinnati

Cincinnati makes a great destination for a solo trip. Whether it's business or pleasure that brings you to the city, you'll find lots to do. Friendly locals are eager to share the best of their city with visitors, and there's more than enough to keep you occupied on a solo trip.

• Learn more about Cincinnati's fascinating history with an American legacy tour. Tours take you underneath the city into the brewery tunnels of downtown. You can also enjoy a gangster tour, a bourbon tour, or a wine and dessert tour. They're all great ways to meet fellow travelers and learn more about the city while you visit.
• The Cincinnati Museum Center is home to some of the city's top cultural attractions. The Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Robert D Lindner theater are all located in this area, and you could easily spend a day or more just exploring these cultural attractions.
• Take a dinner cruise along the Ohio River. An old-time paddlewheeler carries you along the calm waters of the river, letting you see a different side of the city and experience it the way it used to be.

The best souvenirs in Cincinnati

To show off your Cincinnati pride, visit Cincy for branded T-shirts, hats, and other apparel proudly bearing the name of the city. Or you can visit Rookwood pottery for quirky ceramics that celebrate many of the city's most famous landmarks. Of course, in this beer-loving city, drinking is part of life. Pick up some ale glasses engraved with images of local attractions at Bar and Vine.