Things to Do in Downtown

Downtown Cincinnati feels like a city that's figured something out. It's not a large business district that empties after dark. You'll hear the hum of conversation spilling from sidewalk cafes in the evening and see families strolling toward the riverfront. The air carries the occasional waft of caramelizing sugar from a candy kitchen or the sharp, malty scent from a brewery vent. You can feel the smooth, cool stone of century-old facades on some blocks, while the next street over hums with the energy of a new food hall. It's a place where you might find yourself admiring the intricate terra cotta details on a 1920s office building one minute and watching kayakers paddle the Ohio River the next. Downtown Cincinnati has a way of mixing its industrial past with a very present sense of community, creating a core that's surprisingly walkable and lived-in for a Midwestern city.

Downtown Cincinnati is compact and very walkable, though be prepared for a few gentle hills. The Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar is a fantastic and free way to travel the north-south spine of downtown, connecting the riverfront to the edge of Over-the-Rhine. For trips further afield, like to the museums across the river, ride-sharing services tend to be cheaper than traditional taxis. If you're driving, street parking is metered but garage parking is widespread and a mid-range cost for a city of this size. Using a garage in the evening is often more budget-friendly than you might expect.