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Cincinnati in 48 Hours
- Rachel Huie
- Feb 25
- 4 min read
Located roughly halfway between St. Louis and Pittsburgh, the "Queen City" of Cincinnati reigns over the Ohio River's midpoint, and, by the time I finished cruising, we were all loyal subjects. Maybe it's the history, so intricately restored to walk hand-in-hand with the future. Or maybe it's the appearance, buildings covered in murals, streets decorated by gardens. Or it could be the culture: storied sports teams, festivals for every season, and world cuisine with a home-grown twist. Whatever it is, Cincinnati gets it right.
Keep reading for some of the many things you can do during 48 hours in the city.
Day One
When visiting a new place, I always try to stop by the local history museum first to build the foundation for the rest of the trip. Housed in a 92-year-old train station in all its art deco glory, the Cincinnati Museum Center is a fitting embarkation point, in more ways than one. As you head into the lobby, make sure to look up at the mosaic-bedecked half-dome, which also happens to be the largest in the western hemisphere.
From there, you have the choice of three museums in one: the Cincinnati History Museum, the Museum of Natural History and Science, and the Duke Energy Children's Museum. No matter how you start the morning, make sure to finish it with a stop at the in-house Rookwood Ice Cream Parlor, which serves up hometown favorite Graeter's ice cream in a setting adorned by vintage, locally made tiles.
If you're in the mood for a more substantial lunch, look no further than Findlay Market; going strong since 1855, it is one of the country's oldest public markets. With 50+ full-time vendors selling everything from artisan goods to full-blown meals, it's a great place to not only try out a new cuisine but also pick out a one-of-a-kind souvenir. On weekends, the space also hosts an outdoor market, performances, and various other seasonal events.
After lunch, head a few miles north to one of Cincinnati's most unique museums, dedicated to something a lot of us take for granted. Opened in 2005, the American Sign Museum is home to over 800 signs, ranging from the gold leaf of the Victorians to the neon of the midcentury, all combined in a walk through a hundred years of advertising. Also onsite, you'll find Neonworks of Cincinnati, where you can watch artisans repair and create neon signs. If your trip to the museum leaves you wanting to start your own collection, they'll even help you customize your very own sign!
As the day draws to a close, head back downtown to sample another of Cincinnati's signature dishes: chili — but not that chili. If the word conjures up images of cookoffs and cowboy hats, then you're in for a sweet surprise (literally). Cincinnati chili is more like a sauce, most often served over spaghetti or hot dogs and covered in mounds of shredded cheese. Everyone uses different combinations of spices to achieve the dish's notorious sweet-but-savory flavor, with some of the best-known restaurants being Skyline Chili and Gold Star Chili.
Day Two
After breakfast at Taste of Belgium, a local restaurant group renowned for its waffles and crepes, head just a few blocks over to the Reds Hall of Fame. Professional baseball got its start here in 1869 with the Cincinnati Red Stockings, and the hall tells the story of them and other Cincinnati legends through expansive and interactive exhibits. Make sure to also join the walking tour for an insider's look at Great American Ball Park; with potential stops including the dugouts and warning track, the baseball fans on our cruises said this was the most immersive tour they'd ever joined!
Next, head across the street to Moerlein Lager House for yet another twist on Cincinnati history, this time calling to mind the beer gardens of the 19th century. With a menu featuring everything from fish and chips to filet mignon and from bratwursts to cauliflower wings, the restaurant truly offers something for everyone.
After lunch, head to the outskirts of downtown, where you'll find Eden Park. Home to gardens, walking trails, lakes, and concert venues, it's no surprise that this nearly 200-acre urban escape is one of the area's most popular parks. You could spend the whole afternoon walking around — and, if you do, make sure to make time for the Ohio River overlook and the adjacent neighborhood of Mt. Adams, one of Cincinnati's most historic. If you aren't yet museumed out, take a guided or self-guided tour of the Cincinnati Art Museum, one of the oldest in the country, with a collection of over 60,000 works spanning 6,000 years. Also at Eden Park, you'll find Krohn Conservatory, one of the country's largest public greenhouses, which features seven collections showcasing plants from around the world, as well as seasonal exhibits.
For dinner, end on a local note. Seasonal, farm-to-table dishes meet contemporary art at Metropole, which gets its name from the first hotel to occupy the century-old building (now a 21c Museum Hotel). Yet again, Cincinnati marries the past and present in a tasteful (and tasty) combination.
Travel Tip:
A few steps away from Metropole, you'll find Fountain Square, a central gathering place named for — you guessed it — the 43-foot-tall fountain in its center. Look closer, and you might recognize it from the opening credits of WKRP in Cincinnati.
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