These 4 Places Made Me Fall in Love With Cincinnati—And I’d Visit Them a Million Times

Tell people that you’re planning a trip to Cincinnati and you’ll get one of two responses. Those who’ve never been will ask you why you’re even bothering. Those who know the city will get wide-eyed with excitement and tell you to have a blast. In fact, I’ve never met a single person who doesn’t love this woefully underrated Midwestern destination, and it’s not hard to see why. The city has world-class museums, beautiful parks, great food, and a fascinating history. But unlike cities like Chicago and New York, Cincy also boasts friendly and welcoming locals — a true rarity in a metropolis. 

Cincinnati offers so many things to do that it warrants multiple trips. And you'll find new places to explore, no matter how many times you visit. Even so, there are a few spots that I’d want to return to whenever I'm in the Queen City, and that I think every traveler should check out.

1. The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center

Traveling is not just about having fun, but also about facing the uncomfortable parts of history and learning from them. Cincinnati’s National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is one of the most significant places in the Midwest (perhaps the country) that commemorates enslaved people’s fight for liberty. I recommend setting apart half a day to fully explore the museum’s exhibitions, which include films about enslaved people who managed to escape, information about key figures in the Underground Railroad, and a structure where traffickers held people captive. Although it’s difficult to reckon with the reality of slavery, the institution ultimately highlights the strength of those who worked against a repressive and inhumane system. 

2. Findlay Market

Cincy’s food scene holds its own against that of larger cities. It has diversity, tradition, and creativity. The best place to get an overview of local cuisine is Findlay Market. Located in the historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, this community hub has been open since 1852. Numerous food stalls sell fresh produce, international products, and mouthwatering homemade bites. Visit the 6th-generation butcher shop Eckerlin Meats to try a deliciously crispy goetta, an iconic Cincy dish invented by German immigrants. Then, pass by Grandma Debbie’s Kitchen for warm soup that will restore your faith in humanity, and finish with Makers Bakers' famous banana pudding. While you can go to the market on your own, I’d recommend booking a tasty experience with Cincinnati Food Tours. On this dynamic tour, you’ll get samples from multiple stalls while learning about the area's history.

3. Cincinnati Museum Center

Set in a gorgeous Art Deco train terminal that’s still partly operational, the Cincinnati Museum Center is so unique and fun that even locals rave about it. The grandiose facade gives way to an even more magnificent interior, featuring large glass mosaic murals by Winold Reiss. Trains only pass through the station three times a week, yet the Museum Center has multiple cultural institutions that open daily. Visitors can enjoy interactive exhibitions at the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History & Science, and the Children’s Museum. The center also has the Holocaust & Humanity Center, the Cincinnati History Library, an OMNIMAX theater, and revolving temporary exhibitions. Each museum is so well-curated, informative, and interesting that a single visit to the center is simply not enough. 

4. Ghost Baby

German immigrants had a powerful impact on Cincinnati, both above and below ground. The city has numerous underground tunnels that were once used to store beer (and, if rumors are to be believed, to smuggle it during Prohibition). Ghost Baby is a speakeasy-style bar set in one of these old tunnels. The vibe recalls a posh mid-20th-century club, with velvet-covered chairs, dim lighting, and a stage for live jazz. The drinks are excellent, and the service is incredibly friendly, even by Cincy standards. If I lived in the city, I’d come here so often that the bartenders would know me by name and recognize how I like my bourbon. 

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to Cincinnati using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.