edit Cincinnati Travel Guide

• Carew Tower & Observation Deck - served as the basis for the design of the later Empire State Building. During the mid- to late-1980s, a giant inflatable gorilla was attached to the upper floors! The 49th floor of Cincinnati's tallest building provides a breathtaking (and gorilla-less) view of the city.
• Cincinnati Observatory Center - the first professional observatory in America, and is now operated by volunteers. Hosts star gazing events, which, are remarkable considering light pollution has nearly surrounded the observatory.
• With more than 100 parks and green spaces covering an area of over 5,000 acres, Cincinnati has the most extensive and highest regarded park system in the nation.

Formerly known as Losantiville, the city was renamed Cincinnati by the first governor of the Northwest Territory, Arthur St. Clair, in honor of the Society of the Cincinnati, a society named after Roman consul Cincinnatus and founded at the end of the Revolutionary War.

The city's early economy was based on the pork industry, and this was celebrated in the summer of 2000 with the Big Pig Gig, during which large flying pig statues took up residence along the city's main thoroughfares. Many of these pig statues later found homes downtown in offices, parks and even private residences.

Cincinnati also has a charming riverboat heritage that dates back to the days when large, steam and paddle-wheel driven vessels were used to transport locally produced pork products. In recognition of this tradition, the city plays host to the Tall Stacks Festival every four years, during which time the river front is transformed into a mass of color, with river boats of all shapes and sizes jostling for positions along the river banks. Baseball is another Cincinnati tradition, and the Cincinnati Reds were the first professional baseball team in the United States; in deference to that, Opening Day is always a home game for the Reds, held at the new Great American Ballpark.

Cincinnati has a thriving local industrial economy and is home to many businesses ranging from manufacturing to services, including General Electric, Procter and Gamble, Fifth Third Bank, Milacron, Chiquita, Kroger, Federated Department Stores, and the American Financial Group. In World Wars I and II, Cincinnati's local machine tool companies, such as LeBlond (now Makino) and the Cincinnati Screw and Tap Company (now Milacron), played an important role, providing what is commonly considered the best machine tool technology in the world for its time.

Recently, Cincinnati has seen some large scale "revitalization" projects, such as the construction of Great American Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium, and the reconstruction of Fountain Square in Cincinnati. Despite the progress, county officials, city government, and area residents remain flabbergasted that other large scale projects like "The Banks" – a proposed site for an upscale hotel, shopping and dining center – remain undeveloped, while the smaller cities of Newport and Covington, across the Ohio River, continue to develop their riverfronts and draw visitors away from Cincinnati.

By plane

• Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. (Follow I-275 south then east to Exit 4 (State Route 212.) Follow the signs to airport terminals and parking.) Phone: +1-(859) 767-3151 (info@cvgairport.com). Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (IATA: CVG; ICAO: KCVG) is on the Kentucky side of the Ohio River, so you'll have to cross the bridge to get to Cincinnati itself. Delta has its second largest airport at CVG, so Delta may offer more direct flights to or from CVG. However, fares to CVG are the most expensive in the nation thanks to Delta's near monopoly at the airport. On the upside, CVG has one of the best records for flights leaving and arriving on time in the entire US.
• Lunken Airport - in general, only travelers flying their own private planes or who chartered a flight will use the airport.
• Travelers visiting the area should consider using Port Columbus International Airport (IATA: CMH) in Columbus, Dayton International Airport (IATA: DAY) in Dayton, or Louisville International Airport (IATA: SDF) in Louisville, since flights to/from these airports are often cheaper than those serving CVG — which is, by some measures, the costliest airport in the U.S. Louisville, Columbus, and Indianapolis are all within a two hour drive from Cincinnati, while Dayton is only 45-60 minutes away.

By train

Amtrak, 1301 Western Ave (Union Terminal/Cincinnati Museum Center), Phone: 1-800-872-7245 (Amtrak's main line). Tu.-Sun.: 11PM to 6:30AM. All incoming and outgoing passenger trains stop at Union Terminal/Cincinnati Museum Center during the night. The station is one mile from downtown Cincinnati and since all trains arrive before public transportation is available it may be wise to call a taxi to finish your journey.

By car

Cincinnati is served by Interstates 71 (from Columbus and Louisville), 74 (from Indianapolis), 75 (from Dayton and Lexington), 471 (a spur of I-71 to the south), and 275 (the circle beltway). US 50 also serves the area as an expressway to the eastern neighborhoods (Columbia Parkway) and western neighborhoods via the Sixth Street Expressway, which links River Road and the Waldvogel Memorial Viaduct to Downtown.

One of the most beautiful panoramic views in the country occurs when driving northbound on Interstate 71/75 (the interstate routes share the same highway in part of Northern Kentucky) traveling into downtown Cincinnati, just before the Brent Spence Bridge. Traffic on the bridge sometimes backs up, though, especially during rush hour. Try to plan your trips so you don't get too much of this truly spectacular view!

By bus

• Greyhound, 1005 Gilbert Avenue, Phone: +1-(513)-352-6012. Station & ticketing hours: Daily: 24 hours. Greyhound offers passenger bus service from many U.S. cities. Buses arrive and depart from Greyhound's station in downtown Cincinnati.
• Megabus, 7th Street at Vine Street (Southern side of West 7th Street, between College Street and Vine Street.), Phone: +1-877-GO2-MEGA. Megabus is a budget bus company offering service to Cincinnati from Chicago, Indianapolis, and Columbus. Fares start at $1.

By boat

By Car

By Mass Transit

Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (Sorta) operates Metro, the bus company that serve the Ohio side of the state line. The Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (Tank) serves Northern Kentucky and all routes between Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Bus lines marked with a "X" are express routes and make less frequent stops. Be sure to check whether the bus makes a stop at your required destination before you get on.

Sorta and Tank operate a different fare rate system, though both require passengers to submit the exact fare and no change is given.

Metro charges passengers based on zones: Zone 1 (The City of Cincinnati), Zone 2 (Hamilton County, outside of Cincinnati), and Zone 3 (Stops outside of Hamilton County and the City of Cincinnati). Prices for each zone are respectively: $1, $1.50, and $2. Metro has several routes, most notably routes 71X and 72 (Both $2.25), which charge a slightly higher fare than normal. Transferring between one bus route to another on the Metro system requires another 25 cents for a transfer ticket and passengers transferring from a Zone 2 or 3 bus to another Zone 2 or 3 bus should ensure that the bus driver hole punches the appropriate zone on the transfer ticket. Otherwise a further payment equivalent to the difference between the zone you're traveling to, if your trip ends in zone 2 or 3, and zone 1 fare must be paid.

The newly-renovated Government Square is the main bus hub for Metro and is on Walnut Street. Occasionally, when large events are going on downtown, bus routes will be re-routed to avoid Government Square. The square received its name due to the government buildings that border the square, such as the Federal Office Building, a Federal Courthouse, and a Federal Reserve Bank branch. Within the complex is an information kiosk providing details of bus routes and a free Wi-Fi service.

Below is a short list of the most important SORTA (Metro) lines that serve tourist sites. Line 1 is listed twice because the downtown stop changes depending on the direction of the bus.

• Route 1 Stops from Union Terminal/Museum Center to Cincinnati Zoo via Downtown: Museum Center, Ezzard Charles & Linn Street, 5th Street & Main Street, Ida Street & Celestial Street, Lincoln Avenue & Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati Zoo on Erkenbrecker.
• Route 1 Stops from Cincinnati Zoo to Union Terminal/Museum Center via Downtown: Cincinnati Zoo on Erkenbrecker, Lincoln Avenue & Gilbert Avenue, Ida Street & Celestial Street, 4th Street & Walnut Street, Ezzard Charles & Linn Street, Museum Center.

• Route 72 Stops from Downtown to Kings Island: Walnut Street & Court Street (Downtown), Government Square, Area B, Kenwood Road & Montgomery Road, Mason-Montgomery & Fields Ertel Road ("Park and Ride"), Mason-Montgomery & Western Row Road, Kings Island.

By Foot

Cincinnati's business district has a Skywalk path. The Skywalk is an indoor, above-ground path through the streets of Cincinnati's business district. The Skywalk is free, and only used by pedestrians. Urban analysts hired by the city and downtown business leaders want to tear down chunks of the elevated passageways. Although some of the paths have been torn down, most of the skywalk still exists, allowing travelers continue to beat the weather.

Tornado activity is a problem in mid-spring and even as late as late fall in the tri-state area. Heed all weather warnings provided by the National Weather Service.

Police

Fire Department

Hospitals

Crime

In recent times, Cincinnati has experienced a rise in murder and violent crime, so it's inadvisable to be out alone late at night in certain neighborhoods, particularly Over-the-Rhine, Avondale and Bond Hill. Downtown Cincinnati is generally safe; however, travelers should still travel in groups and exercise caution especially at night.

Smoking

• Fountain Square - holds the Tyler Davidson Fountain, newly added and renovated restaurants, an ice skating rink, a big screen video board, free Wi-Fi, and a hands-on water wall!
• John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge (Riverfront) - was the longest suspension bridge in the world at 1,057 feet (322 m) when the first pedestrians crossed on December 1, 1866 — a status it maintained until 1883. It served as the prototype for Roebling's design of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York.
• Saint Peter in Chains Cathedral - a beautifully and ornate cathedral, a recommended sight for anyone traveling through Cincinnati. St. Peter in Chains Cathedral was the city's tallest structure when completed, as well as one of its most elegant buildings. Copying elements from classical Athenian buildings, architect Henry Walter produced one of the finest neoclassical Greek revival buildings in the United States.
• American Classical Music Hall of Fame - includes a timeline through classical music (focusing on American classical music) and interactive displays of inductees
  
• Art Beyond Boundaries - a visual art gallery showcasing the work of local artists with disabilities. They also have showings at Pendelton Art Center's Final Friday.
• Cincinnati Art Museum - located in the beautiful Eden Park, which perfectly reflects the artwork the museum houses. According to the Zagat Survey, The Cincinnati Art Museum ranks with The Art Institute of Chicago and The Museum of Modern Art in New York as the best art museums in the nation. The museum features special exhibitions and a terrific collection of art by Cincinnati artists. The Damascus Room is a particular interesting artwork and should be seen by all of the museum's visitors.
• The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education - features a heart-wrenching and inspiring exhibit called Mapping Our Tears, which follows the stories of Cincinnatians involved in the resistance to Nazis and Holocaust survivors now living in Cincinnati. One part of the exhibit tells the tale of a local man, who after interrogating suspects to be tried at the Nuremberg Trials became U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg.
  
• Taft Museum of Art - known as one of the finest small art museums in America. A National Historic Landmark built around 1820, the Taft is home to an extensive art collection that includes European and American master paintings; Chinese porcelains; and European decorative arts.

Cincinnati is centrally located in reference to other interesting Midwest cities, and the following are accessible as day trips:

• Chicago. The largest city in the Midwest is a little over a four hour drive from Cincinnati via Interstates 74 and 65.
• Cheviot, OH. Tiny city close to Cincinnati, popular destination for bar-goers.
• Cleveland. The Rock and Roll city is located in northern Ohio and is about a four hour drive from Cincinnati.
• Columbus. Ohio's capital and largest city is a 1½ hour drive from Cincinnati.
• Covington (Kentucky). Just south of Cincinnati across the river, home to good resturants and Devou Park, which provides one of the best views of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Mainstrasse Village is a popular destination for bar-goers.
• Creation Museum, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd, Petersburg KY (7 miles west of the airport, in Kentucky), 1-888-582-4253. M-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su (Memorial-Labor Day) 12PM-6PM. A unique and interesting attraction, whether you believe it or not. This museum presents a "young Earth" interpretation of the book of Genesis, depicting vegetarian dinosaurs roaming the Garden of Eden, and explaining how a world that science suggests to be ancient could be only several thousand years old. $10 children/$20 adults/$15 seniors.
• Daniel Boone National Forest. The Daniel Boone National Forest is home to the Red River Gorge Geological Area--over 80 natural arches, historical sites, and miles and miles of trails made for cross-country backpacking or just day hikes. Eastern Kentucky past the city of Winchester.
• Dayton. Just 45 min. north on I-75. Home of the Wright Brothers, The Dayton Art Institute, The National Museum of the United States Air Force, and The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery.
• Indianapolis. Home of the Indianapolis 500 and Brickyard 400 automobile races. A two-hour drive from Cincinnati via Interstate 74.
• Kentucky Speedway. A new racing speedway located in Sparta KY, home to major motor races.
• Lexington, KY. Lexington is Kentucky's beautiful college town. It's home to the University of Kentucky and the top ranked Wildcats, and is generally acknowledged as the Thoroughbred racehorse capital of the world, with many famous horse farms located nearby. Lexington is a 1½-hour drive south on Interstate 75.
• Louisville. Home of the Kentucky Derby, the world's most famous horse race. A 1½-hour drive southwest on Interstate 71.
• Mammoth Cave National Park. The world's largest cave system, located in Kentucky. About three hours southwest, via Interstates 71 and 65.
• Milford-Miami Township. An average town with plenty of outdoor activities and parks.
• Newport (Kentucky). Just south of Cincinnati across the river, locally famous because it was home to local Italian mobsters. Newport Aquarium and Newport on the Levee are popular destinations.
• Oxford (Ohio). Home to Miami University, called "the prettiest campus ever there was" by Robert Frost.
• Perfect North Slopes. Winter ski resort in nearby Lawrenceburg, IN. 1/2 hour from Cincinnati.
• Serpent Mound. The largest effigy of a serpent in North America (¼ mile long). The park is dated to belong to the Fort Ancient era. The mound apparently represents an uncoiling serpent eating an egg. It's believed that the head of the serpent is aligned with the summer solstice sunset and the coiled tail is pointed toward the winter solstice sunrise and the equinox sunrise. Located at 3850 State Route 73 in Peebles, Ohio.