Top 5 Local Approved Areas

Planning your trip to this fun city in Ohio will feel like a breeze after reading this guide on where to stay in Cincinnati!

I recently spoke to a Cincinnati local who gave me countless tips on how to visit her hometown like a pro! I’ll include all that in the post along with all the juicy things I found during my thorough research, from the top hotels to the main things to do.

In short, Over-the-Rhine is the best area to stay in Cincinnati, as that’s where you’ll find countless attractions and stunning architecture. But definitely check the other 4 neighborhoods as each is just as amazing. 

I’d also recommend booking your hotels here in advance. This town offers entertainment all year round so tourists are always around. Trust me, it’s better to secure your spot early!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here are the best places to stay in Cincinnati, Ohio with hotels from luxury to budget. They all have good reviews and great locations!

Here is a map about where to stay in Cincinnati, Ohio with the 4 best areas I will be talking about in this travel guide so you can easily visualize them:

1. Over-the-Rhine – best place to stay for the first time

Historic architecture, breweries, chic shops, Over-the-Rhine is a tourist’s dream come true and undoubtedly the best place to stay for first-time visitors.

Once you step foot in this area, you might feel as if you’ve taken a detour and arrived in some European city. And with all the breweries down the streets, it might feel as if you’ve arrived in a German town.

Lots of years back many Germans came and settled here, which definitely contributed to the European vibe.

According to Maria (@mariathewild), a local from Cincinnati, you can easily explore this area on foot. That way you can admire the architecture and stumble across lots of shops, trendy restaurants and bars.

PRO TIP: There’s an electric streetcar that connects Over-the-Rhine and Downtown, so you could use that instead of walking, since it’s free of charge. It’s called the Connector. 

Some attractions that you should check out here are the Cincinnati Music Hall and the Pendleton Art Center (map).

Our local guide also said you should definitely stop by Findlay Market (map), which is the oldest market in Cincinnati, for lunch, as you can grab lots of yummy food and then head to Washington Park (map) and enjoy it there! 

Talking about food and drinks, you’re probably wondering which places to hit first. As I mentioned there are lots of breweries here like Braxton Brewing Company (map) but also tons of other bars.

Some amazing spots that our local guide recommended are Somerset Bar (map), and Ghost Baby (map) which is housed in an old underground brewery cellar and where you can listen to some nice jazz music. 

Other accommodation options in Over-the-Rhine

Things to do in Over-the-Rhine

• Grab some cocktails at Lost & Found (map)
• Check out the Cincinnati Music Hall
• Go for a stroll in Washington Park
• Join a ghost tour in Cincinnati
• Grab a bite from Findlay Market 
• Listen to some jazz music at Ghost Baby
• Catch a show at the Memorial Hall (map)

2. Downtown Cincinnati – where to stay for sightseeing

Unlike its neighbor, Downtown has a more modern vibe going on. 

Here the buildings are newer and taller, which makes sense since this is also the business and financial district. 

Still, according to Maria, our local guide there still are some cultural attractions that you should check out here like the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge (map) which apparently inspired the famous Brooklyn Bridge.

PRO TIP: If you’re in town during the famous Oktoberfest festival (usually held at the end of September as it’s warmer) definitely attend the celebrations as Maria said the town hosts one of the biggest Oktoberfests in the world! 

What’s fun about it is that you can just cross the bridge and you’ll no longer be in Ohio, but Cincinnati! 

By the bridge, you’ll also find the Smale Riverfront Park (map), a super nice green area where you can chill and watch the sunset. You could also rent a bike and head down the Ohio River Trail (map). 

Right near the park, there’s the Banks area (map), which is home to the Great American Ball Park (map) where you can catch baseball games. So if you’re a sports fan, definitely check out what’s on when you’re visiting.

There are also lots of cool museums in this neighborhood, like the Contemporary Arts Center, the Taft Museum of Art and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

As for places to eat, don’t worry you’ll find plenty here! Some amazing ones like Sotto (map) and Boca (map).

Other accommodation options in Downtown Cincinnati

Things to do in Downtown Cincinnati

• Learn new things at Cincinnati History Museum
• Visit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
• Go for a stroll in Sawyer Point Park (map)
• See an exhibition at Contemporary Arts Center
• Catch a sunset in Smale Riverfront Park
• Visit the famous Great American Ball Park stadium
• Grab dinner at Boca
• Attend the Blink Festival in October

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3. Uptown – best place to stay in Cincinnati for foodies

Set North of Over-the-Rhine area, around a 10 min drive away, Uptown is a larger area that encompasses the smaller areas of Clifton and Corryville.

NOTE: If you’re planning to explore all the different neighborhoods in Cincinnati, I’d recommend renting a car or bringing your own. Maria, the local guide, said that you can get around by using the bus. However, that will probably take more of your time plus she mentioned that the city is not super walkable. 

PRO TIP: If you are renting a car, you can download the Cincy EZPark app so you can easily pay for your parking spot easily, online.

Uptown is home to the University of Cincinnati and to countless restaurants, cafes and pubs making it the perfect place to stay for foodies or those looking for a younger crowd. 

Maria mentioned that you should totally explore the university campus (map) as it’s packed with unique buildings!

She also said that you’ll find so many dining spots that serve international cuisines! Indian, Chinese, Italian food, you name it, you’ll definitely find a great place here that serves that. 

If you’re looking for some specific spots, definitely head to Mr. Sushi Clifton (map), Island Frydays (map) or El Taco Veloz (map).

As for attractions, some spots you should check out are the Esquire Theater (map), Mt. Storm Park (map), the Burnet Woods Park (map) and the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden.

P.S. Maria, told me that generally Cincinnati is a safe town, just take care when walking around at night and maybe take a cab if it’s late and you’re alone. 

Other accommodation options in

Things to do in Uptown 

• Grab a bite at Skyline Chili (map)
• Have fun at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
• Enjoy dinner at Mr. Sushi Clifton 
• Go for a walk in Burnet Woods Park
• Explore the University of Cincinnati campus
• Catch a sunset in Eden Park (map)

4. Covington – a hip district Cincinnati

Set across the Ohio River from Downtown Cincinnati, Covington is technically in a different state (Kentucky) however it’s still considered part of Cincinnati. 

This is a super hip area, packed with quirky boutique shops, restaurants, bars and other fun attractions. 

If you’re looking for a more unique place to stay in Cincinnati, then Covington is surely for you!

Start your adventures on Main Street (map) where you’ll find lots of cafes, restaurants and shops. You can definitely stop Cedar (map) for a yummy brunch and then do a bit of shopping!

If you like witchy, Harry Potter-ish things, definitely head to Hierophany & Hedge (map), a store that our local guide recommended, where they have wands and all sorts of cool things like candles and more. 

She also said you should check out what’s on at the Madison Theater (map), as they always have concerts or other events there. 

Some other places that you should check out here are the Devou Park (map) which is super big and hosts lots of sites like a golf course, concert hall and the Behringer-Crawford Museum. for you:

Other accommodation options in Covington

Things to do in Covington

• Grab a drink at Second Story bar (map)
• Visit the Behringer-Crawford Museum
• Have a delicious dinner at Blinkers Tavern (map)
• See the Gothic Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption (map)
• Get some souvenirs from Hierophany & Hedge 

5. Newport – where to stay in Cincinnati for families

Newport is located just next to Covington, 2 miles (3 km) Southeast of Downtown Cincinnati across the Ohio River. 

According to Maria, the local guide, this area is perfect for families! Not only is it more tranquil but it also offers some fun attractions that the whole crew will love!

Plus you won’t be too far from Downtown and Over-the-Rhine! You only need to cross the Taylor Southgate Bridge and you’re there.

Back in Newport, you’ll find the Aquarium which has the most amazing walk-through tunnels and right next to it, you’ll also find Newport on the Levee mall (map). The area is also home to some cool restaurants, like Hofbräuhaus (map), a spot where you can indulge in lots of yummy German dishes.

Other accommodation options in Newport

Things to do in Newport

• Discover the underwater world at Newport Aquarium
• Don’t get too scared at the USS Nightmare
• Catch a performance at Thompson House (map)
• See a movie at the Newport on the Levee mall 
• Take a trip to Kings Island Amusement Park

FAQs about lodging in Cincinnati, Ohio

🗺️ What are the bad areas of Cincinnati, Ohio? 

I would avoid the North Fairmount and South Fairmount areas as those have a higher crime rate. 

✨ What part of Cincinnati, Ohio is nice?

Downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine are some of the best areas to stay in Cincinnati, as that’s where you’ll find some of the main attractions.

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 What are the best hotels in Cincinnati, Ohio for families?

🤔 What should I not miss in Cincinnati, Ohio?

Some sites you shouldn’t miss out on are the historic Over-the-Rhine area, the Washington Park and the Contemporary Arts Center and the Taft Museum of Art.

🏈 Where do visiting teams stay in Cincinnati, OH?

Whether it be baseball or football, visiting teams usually stay in Cincinnati Downtown and have often been spotted at Renaissance and The Westin. 

🛎️ What are the best hotels in Downtown Cincinnati, OH?

Final thoughts

What a ride! I hope that this guide on where to stay in Cincinnati, OH, helped you decide which area and hotel to pick.

I’ve included lots of tips from Maria, our local guide plus lots of other amazing things that I found from my extensive research.

If you’re still not sure which hotel to pick for your stay, here are my top-rated 2 favorite hotels:

Just remember to book your hotels here in advance! Cincinnati is a popular holiday destination and the good hotels always go first.

Enjoy your adventures, and as always, if you have questions, you can drop them in the comment section below!

Have a great time in Cincinnati,

Victoria 

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