The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Cincinnati, Ohio (OH)

August 26, 2021 Moriah Teneyck

Hilly Cincinnati boasts a thriving arts scene, major league sports teams, a world-class zoo and aquarium and a revitalized riverfront with shopping, clubs and restaurants. Located on the Ohio River in southwestern Ohio, Cinci claims more than 4,000 restaurants, and more chili restaurants than any other city in the world. Adrenaline-junkies will want to visit the nearby Kentucky Speedway and Paramount's Kings Island, home of the tallest and fastest wooden roller coaster in the world.
Restaurants in Cincinnati

1. Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

1101 Madison Ave Covington, Kentucky, Cincinnati, OH 41011-3115 +1 859-431-2060 http://www.covcathedral.com/
Excellent
86%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 220 reviews

Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption

A gothic cathedral that has a design similar to Notre Dame in Paris.

Reviewed By kathleenl739 - Michigan City, United States

Everyone in America should experience this Basilica. This Cathedral is 1/6 the actual size of Notre Dame in Paris. So next time you are in this neck of the woods stop in and be in awe. You don't know what you are missing

2. Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum

4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45232-1934 +1 513-681-7526 http://www.springgrove.org/
Excellent
83%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 736 reviews

Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum

Reviewed By chellye - Lexington, United States

Visited to see the grave of General Joseph Hooker. What a beautiful site! Very well maintained and tons of interesting monuments. Definitely going back in the spring when the weather is nice.

3. Smale Riverfront Park

West Mehring Way, Cincinnati, OH 45201 +1 513-352-6180 http://www.cincinnatiparks.com/smale-riverfront-park/
Excellent
83%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 696 reviews

Smale Riverfront Park

Reviewed By everydaywanderer - Kansas City, United States

Nestled between Paul Brown Stadium, where the Cincinnati Bengals play football, and the Great American Ball Park, where the Cincinnati Reds play baseball, is Smale Riverfront Park. Running parallel to the Ohio River, the 32 acres of immaculately-maintained green space includes: - a carousel, - pergola-covered, oversized swings that face the water, - a 1.75 acre tree grove and rose garden, - unique play areas with log climbers, a rope bridge, a flying pig, and a giant foot piano, - multiple fountains and other water features, and more It is a beautiful way to spend time along the Ohio River on a gorgeous day in Cincinnati! Get advice on what else to do, see, and eat in Cincinnati by visiting my blog (details in profile)!

4. Ault Park

3600 Observatory Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208-2549 +1 513-221-2610 http://www.aultparkac.org/
Excellent
80%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 93 reviews

Ault Park

Reviewed By 937barrym - Cordova, United States

An Easter weekend visit to Cincinnati was topped off with a trip to Ault Park. The sun was shinning and the weather was perfect for a visit to the park; obviously we were not the only one's who thought it was a perfect day to be out in nature for the park was covered with people, but the crowd did not detract from the charm and beauty of Ault Park. The park looked to be a great location to stroll through the cherry tree orchard, eat a picnic on the concert green, take a hike on one of the many trails, or view the surrounding area from the top of the pavilion.

5. Cincinnati Museum Center

1301 Western Ave Union Terminal, Cincinnati, OH 45203-1138 +1 513-287-7000 [email protected] http://www.cincymuseum.org
Excellent
0%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
100%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,811 reviews

Cincinnati Museum Center

Visit cincymuseum.org for details on updates regarding the museums, programs, events, hours and more!

Reviewed By jwrw919

What do you like to see at a this is not a artist display per say but there is art here too. There are nature displays past and present. There are historical displays some years to long ago Natural science to modern science. There is a cave area with dinasaurs and the ice age There are special displays too. The kids area has climbing,water play and crafts too. Yes there is food too. And don't forget the 360 movies

6. Cincinnati Art Museum

953 Eden Park Dr In Eden Park, Cincinnati, OH 45202-1557 +1 513-721-2787 http://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/
Excellent
72%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,072 reviews

Cincinnati Art Museum

One of the most prestigious art museums in the country, with over 100,000 works of art, this grandiose building atop an Eden Park hill, is well-known for its 19th-century European and American paintings, but also contains numerous other works including an outstanding pottery gallery.

Reviewed By Go785432

Terrific Museum with diverse collection. It's an excellent way to spend an afternoon wandering and discovering.

7. Mount Adams

938 Hatch St, Cincinnati, OH 45202-1575 +1 513-621-3666
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 224 reviews

Mount Adams

A small hill east of downtown Cincinnati that gives visitors a sweeping view of the city.

Reviewed By OccasionalTraveler69

Ate at Mt. Adams bar and grill - great neighborhood eatery. Ordered the black bean burger and Caesar salad with marinated chicken - both classics prepared with care. Sat in the back where the noise level is very low, casual seating, beautiful views, and excellent service. This is one of those comfort places where you feel like kicking off your shoes and lingering over a second cup of coffee or tea. Like home.

8. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

3400 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH 45220-1333 513-281-4700 [email protected] http://cincinnatizoo.org/
Excellent
70%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,800 reviews

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

This second oldest zoo in the U.S., considered one of the best in the country, is most renowned for its endangered species and birthing programs, particularly for gorillas and white tigers, and has a wonderful collection of felines and a delightful manatees exhibit.

Reviewed By 339matthewf - Cincinnati, United States

I've been coming to this zoo for 30 years and I cannot express in words the memories that have been made here. I remember when Bruiser the walrus would spit water on me as a kid (excellent way to cool off on a summer's day). I got to stay overnight and do a guided night tour, traveled behind the scenes to see how they take care of animals, and have watched this place grow throughout the years. 'Africa' added lions and a large paddock for grazers in addition to a nice balcony with tables overlooking the whole area. Cooling stations run all day when it's hot, penguins roam the paths with keepers when it's cold, and I proposed to my wife at the Festival of Lights 'round Christmas. They also have animal encounters which, while a bit pricey, contribute to conservation efforts and offer once in a lifetime experiences like being face to face with an elephant. You can feed a giraffe if you like. They have learning stations everywhere, rotating educational encounters, and anyone in a zoo uniform will tell you a personal story about one or more of the animals. Finally, if you plan to go, I strongly advise a membership pass if only for the free parking. You get discounts on food and merch, as well; it pays for itself in two trips. Check the website out, too; they have some really cool events that go to help with conservation efforts and are a lot of fun to attend. Give it a shot and you might find you keep coming back for the rest of your life.

9. William Howard Taft National Historic Site

2038 Auburn Ave Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, OH 45219-3025 +1 513-684-3262 ext. 201 http://www.nps.gov/wiho/index.htm
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 256 reviews

William Howard Taft National Historic Site

Birthplace of America's 27th president, now a museum containing momentos of Taft's personal life and political career.

Reviewed By 81evac - New Britain, United States

Taft home and museum about this US President who also served on the Supreme Court. Very informative tour by ranger, with plenty to see and learn. Scavenger hunt for kids as well to keep them entertained during visit. Well worth the stop.

10. Taft Museum of Art

316 Pike St, Cincinnati, OH 45202-4214 +1 513-241-0343 http://www.taftmuseum.org/
Excellent
66%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 368 reviews

Taft Museum of Art

Built in 1820 by Martin Baum, a merchant and Cincinnati's first millionaire, the house is a registered National Historic Landmark. The House was the home of Cincinnati's leading citizens for several generations. Among them was arts patron Nicholas Longworth, who hired African-American painter Robert S. Duncanson to paint eight landscape murals considered one of the finest suites of domestic murals dating from before the Civil War. Iron magnate David Sinton, father of museum co-founder Anna Sinton Taft, bought the house in 1871. He lived there with Anna, his only surviving child, and her husband, Charles Phelps Taft. The Taft's began to assemble a renowned collection of fine and decorative arts--items acquired not only for their beauty but also to teach and inspire, thus helping their community grow culturally and economically. In 1908, William Howard Taft--younger half-brother of Charles Phelps Taft--accepted his party's nomination for the U.S. presidency from the house's portico.

Reviewed By rons320 - New York City, United States

Absolutely wonderful! A small private collection of the Tafts located in their formed mansion showing their personal taste. A Rembrandt and three Halses are definite highlights but the collection ranges from Corneille de Lyon to Dutch painters (de Hoogh, ter Borch, Steen) to Goya, Turner, Corot and Sorolla. A couple of good Sargents, the portrait of Robert Louis Stevenson being one of them, and an interesting painting by Henry F. Farny. Excellent!

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