5 Things That Will Make You Book a Trip to Cincinnati Today

For most people, the things that come to mind when they think about Cincinnati are quite obvious. Cincinnati chili is popular across the country, and sports teams such as the Cincinnati Reds are a huge part of what makes the city what it is.

With so much to do, how should you make the most of your trip if you’re visiting this city for the first time? You’ll find loads to do when planning your trip to Cincinnati, but we’ve put together five favorite attractions that no visit would be complete without.

Smale Riverfront Park

Image on Flickr by weissa415

Running from the Great American Ballpark to the Paul Brown Stadium, the Smale Riverfront Park is without a doubt one of the city’s biggest attractions. Home to fountains, playgrounds, restaurants, walkways, and gardens, the park is often used for larger events and gatherings.

It opened in May 2012 and offers great views of Cincinnati’s beloved Roebling Suspension Bridge. The park is also a great entry point to the city.

Cincinnati Sports Stadiums

The Cincinnati Reds were baseball’s first professional franchise, and the team has one of the game’s longest and richest histories. The Reds’ 1970s domination of Major League Baseball was a great time for the city, and enthusiasm for the sport and the team hasn’t dwindled since.

Located on the banks of the Ohio River, the $280 million, 42,271-seat stadium is a must for any sports fan visiting Cincinnati. At the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, you can enjoy baseball year-round with player appearances, exhibits, and interactive attractions.

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Thanks to some very impressive landscaping, this is one of the prettiest zoos in the United States. With more than 3,000 plant species, it’s easy to see why this zoo is so popular. More than 1.5 million people visit the zoo and its 500 animal species annually.

The Cincinnati Zoo also holds the title of the second-oldest zoo in the United States. The zoo opened its gates in 1875, two years after the founding of the Zoological Society of Cincinnati.

Kings Island

If you’re looking for something to increase your excitement levels and get your heart pumping, then consider a visit to a huge amusement park. Kings Island is just 24 miles northeast of Cincinnati and has more than enough to keep the family entertained all day.

Adults will find plenty to test their nerves, including the recently added Diamondback, a 230-foot, 80-mph coaster with 10 vertical drops. Kids can enjoy what Kings Island likes to call the world’s best kids’ area — Planet Snoopy.

Purple People Bridge

Back in the heart of the city, the Purple People Bridge was originally built in 1886 to support a railway system. It’s the largest of its kind in the country, and it connects two states. After a $4 million restoration, the bridge now allows pedestrians only and offers incredible views of the downtown Cincinnati skyline.

There’s so much to see and do in Cincinnati that narrowing the list down to a few top attractions is difficult. But if you’re short on time or only visiting for the weekend, these five will give you a brilliant taste of what Cincinnati has to offer.