Ohio’s Queeny City, Cincinnati, is a vibrant city brimming with character, taste, and hidden treasures. From historic zoos to quirky architecture, world-class theater, and a food scene that’ll leave you hungry for more, Cincy delivers a perfect blend of classic and offbeat. Here’s how to make the most of one unforgettable day in Cincinnati.
Visiting the Cincinnati Zoo
A must-see is the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, America’s second oldest zoo which opened in 1875. The zoo is carefully designed so that even with crowds, there’s a natural flow as you move through the park.
Be sure to check out the lions, who often sun themselves in the morning.
The primates are also a must-see, especially if you enjoy slapstick antics in African jungle Gorilla World.
Lunch in Cincinnati
After the zoo, you’ll be hungry. Fortunately, Cincinnati is a true foodie city.
All over town, you can find Graeter’s, a Cincinnati institution. You can’t go wrong with a scoop of their black raspberry chocolate chip, which accounts for a quarter of their sales.
I also recommend trying Cincinnati chili, made with Mediterranean spices and noodles. Skyline Chili is a popular local chain. You may have seen cans of their product in your local grocery store.
If you’re craving something more familiar, 4th & Walnut Restaurant & Tavern serves a killer burger of Angus beef topped with braised shortrib.
If you’re not sure what you want and variety sounds nice, stop in at the year-round Findlay Market.
The Unusual Mushroom House in Hyde Park
Cincinnati is home to some world-class museums and attractions. One hidden gem that’s both Instagrammable and unusual is the Mushroom House in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
This whimsical, organic structure, designed by architect Terry Brown, looks like it sprouted from a fairy tale with its wavy lines, colorful mosaics, and fungus-like walls. It’s a quirky stop that perfectly captures Cincy’s knack for blending art with the unexpected.
Flowers, Art, and an Arch at Eden Park
While you’re in town, spend an hour strolling the 186-acre Eden Park with sculptures, fountains, flowers and scenic views of the Ohio River valley.
If you have extra time, visit the Cincinnati Art Museum, located inside the park. Admission is free. You can also admire the outdoor installation art, including the Art Climb staircase.
If the weather isn’t flower-friendly, as sometimes happens in Ohio, the Krohn Conservatory is blooming year-round. There’s a small admission fee, but it’s a lush green escape in winter worth the cost.
Near the entrance of the park is a favorite local sight: a Romanesque castle arch called Elsinore Tower. It’s not a garden folly (as much as I love those). It’s actually an 1880s water tower inspired by a production of Hamlet. The theatrical arch is a fitting architectural flourish for the park, which is also home to your last stop of the night: the Cincinnati Playhouse.
Live Theater at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park
A professional regional theater company founded in 1959, the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park puts on nearly a dozen shows each season for sold-out audiences.
On show nights, the playhouse is a bustling entertainment complex. If you haven’t had dinner yet, you can grab something to eat here 90 minutes before the show at the Delish Dish or have a drink at one of the two full-service bars.
The lobby also features a 95-foot mural crowded with caricatures of playwrights and actors connected to the playhouse. On display, you can admire their prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Awards. They’re really that good.
