Cincinnati walking tour & city guide
A hilly river city of Italianate streets, markets and its own chili.
6 videos · uploaded 2020–2026
Smale Riverfront Park and Fountain Square
Video by Clueless Nomads · Sep 2024 · All rights belong to the creator
All rights belong to the creator.
About this video
A sunny early-evening walk through downtown Cincinnati with no narration, filmed in April 2024. It starts just behind Fountain Square, takes in the Tyler Davidson Fountain, then heads down Vine Street, over Interstate 71 and along Rosa Parks Street to the riverfront. The last part follows the Ohio River past the 'Sing the Queen City' sign and Smale Riverfront Park, with views of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge.
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Explore Cincinnati
City guide
Cincinnati on foot
Cincinnati rises from the north bank of the Ohio River onto a ring of hills, with Kentucky just across the water. In the 19th century it was one of the largest cities in America, and German immigrants left it a remarkable stock of brick buildings, breweries and churches. Today its restored neighbourhoods, riverfront parks and old bridges make it one of the most rewarding Midwest cities to explore on foot.
Over-the-Rhine and Findlay Market
Over-the-Rhine, just north of downtown, is one of the largest historic districts in the United States: street after street of Italianate row houses, now filled with restaurants, bars and shops around Washington Park and the grand Music Hall. At its northern edge, Findlay Market is Ohio's oldest continuously operating public market, busiest on weekend mornings.
Downtown and the riverfront
Fountain Square, with its bronze 19th-century fountain, is the city's meeting place. A few blocks south, Smale Riverfront Park steps down to the Ohio River with gardens, play areas and swings facing the water, next to the baseball stadium of the Reds, the oldest professional baseball team. The blue Roebling Suspension Bridge, opened in 1866, carries walkers across to Covington in Kentucky.
A classic Cincinnati walk
Start at Findlay Market, walk south through Over-the-Rhine past Washington Park and Music Hall, and continue down Vine Street to Fountain Square. Carry on to Smale Riverfront Park and cross the Roebling Bridge on foot for the skyline view from Kentucky. The route is about 5 kilometres; the downtown streetcar links the market and the riverfront.
Visiting tips
Spring and autumn are the most pleasant; summers are hot and humid. In September, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati fills downtown with German food and music. For views over the river bend, take a walk up to Mount Adams or Eden Park.
Don't miss
Top sights in Cincinnati
- 1
Over-the-Rhine
Italianate streets, Music Hall and Washington Park.
- 2
Findlay Market
Ohio's oldest continuously operating public market.
- 3
Roebling Suspension Bridge
An 1866 bridge to Kentucky, open to walkers.
- 4
Smale Riverfront Park
Gardens and swings on the Ohio River.
- 5
Fountain Square
The city's central square and fountain.
- 6
Cincinnati Museum Center
Museums inside an Art Deco train station.
Eat
Food markets & where to eat in Cincinnati
Findlay Market
Butchers, bakeries and food stalls.
Over-the-Rhine
Restaurants and breweries in old row houses.
The Banks
Bars and restaurants by the river and stadiums.
Taste
Food to try in Cincinnati
Cincinnati chili
A spiced meat sauce over spaghetti, topped with cheese.
Goetta
A breakfast sausage made with pork and oats.
Cheese coney
A small hot dog with chili and a pile of cheese.
On foot
Walking guides by travel writers
Hand-picked walking routes for Cincinnati from independent travel writers. Preview the streets in the videos above, then follow their route on foot.
- Stair Wandering in Cincinnati (opens in a new tab)
by David Ryan · Gentle Art of Wandering
Down and up the public stairways of Mount Adams, from the end of Celestial Street to Columbia Parkway and back via Oregon Street, past the piers of the old incline and the pilgrimage steps by Holy Cross–Immaculata, with river views over to Kentucky.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
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