I’ll be honest: when I moved to Cincinnati in 2018, I wasn’t exactly thrilled about it. I grew up near the beach, and trading saltwater and sand for the Midwest felt like a tough sell. For a while, I kept my head down and didn’t really explore, and looking back, I almost missed out on one of the most underrated regions in the country.
Then I started saying yes. Yes to the Asian Food Festival. Yes to Oktoberfest Zinzinnati. Yes to Taste of Cincinnati. Yes to that little restaurant I’d been driving past for months. And somewhere along the way, Cincinnati and the charming Northern Kentucky towns just across the river completely won me over. The moment I knew I was a convert? Standing under the cherry blossoms at Ault Park in the spring, thinking how did I not know about this place?
Since then, I’ve made it my mission to explore this region one new place at a time (at least once a week) so I can share what’s worth your time and what’s not. I’ve eaten my way through neighborhoods on both sides of the Ohio River, visited local events, and dug into the hidden gems that visitors sometimes miss.
That’s exactly why I built this Cincinnati Visitor’s Guide page. Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or you just moved here and don’t know where to start, this is your one-stop guide to Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, with everything from where to stay and what to eat, to the best things to do and the events you won’t want to miss. Let’s get into it.
Planning Your Trip to Cincinnati
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or just passing through, a little planning goes a long way in getting the most out of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. We’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to, from figuring out where to stay to navigating both sides of the river like a local.
- Why You Should Visit Cincinnati (coming soon)
- Where to Stay in Cincinnati by Neighborhood (coming soon)
- Cincinnati Hotel Reviews (coming soon)
- Do You Need a Car in Cincinnati? (coming soon)
- Getting Around Cincinnati & NKY (coming soon)
Want to book a hotel in the area? Reserve a hotel room today, or check out the prices on the map below!
For a recommendation, I love staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites near the Kenwood Mall! It’s a great location near shopping and some fantastic restaurants.
If you’re looking for a recommendation that’s closer to the airport, the Marriott Cincinnati Airport is a perfect choice!
Explore Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky
Now that you’ve got your trip planned, it’s time for the fun part, actually exploring! Whether you’re a first-time visitor trying to hit the highlights or a local looking to finally check off that restaurant you’ve been meaning to try, this section is your starting point.
From the best things to see on the Cincinnati side to the hidden gems tucked away in Covington, Newport, Florence, and beyond, we’ve got you covered on both sides of the river. Check out some of our favorite guides below:
- The 10 Best Things to See in Cincinnati (coming soon)
- A Weekend in Cincinnati Guide (coming soon)
- The 10 Best Places to Eat in Cincinnati Right Now (coming soon)
- Top Things to Do in Northern Kentucky (coming soon)
- Famous Cincinnati Foods (coming soon)
- 10 Best Annual Cincinnati Events (coming soon)
Find More on Cincy + NKY Wanderlust
Looking for more things in the area? Browse our main categories below to find everything we’ve explored across Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, from the best bites and brews to neighborhoods worth wandering and day trips worth the drive. We’re always adding new content, so check back often!
- Restaurants (coming soon)
- Breweries (coming soon)
- Coffee Shops (coming soon)
- Things to Do (coming soon)
- Neighborhoods (coming soon)
- Hotels (coming soon)
- Day Trips (coming soon)
- Events (coming soon)
- Bars & Cocktail Bars (coming soon)
- Brunch Spots (coming soon)
- Northern Kentucky (coming soon)
- Festivals & Food Events (coming soon)
And don’t forget to check out our latest posts to see the things we’ve experienced recently!
Monthly and Seasonal Events Links
If you want to find things to do depending on the month or season, check out our lists of things to do by month and season. We try to update these often to keep all the dates fresh (but be aware dates/times/venues can change, so double-check!).
Monthly Events Links
- January (coming soon)
- February (coming soon)
- March (coming soon)
- April (coming soon)
- May (coming soon)
- June (coming soon)
- July (coming soon)
- August (coming soon)
- September (coming soon)
- October (coming soon)
- November (coming soon)
- December (coming soon)
Seasonal Event Links
- Spring (coming soon)
- Summer (coming soon)
- Fall (coming soon)
- Winter (coming soon)
Follow Us on Social Media
Don’t forget to follow Cincy + NKY Wanderlust for more local content finds across the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area!
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If you have any questions or any ideas of places I should explore next, please contact me!
-Beth
Founder, Cincy + NKY Wanderlust