In this guide, I will help you to find Where to stay in Cincinnati, best area to stay in Cincinnati, best hotels in Cincinnati for all budgets, and the safest areas to stay in Cincinnati.
Founded in 1788, Cincinnati, also known as The Queen City, is the 3rd largest city in Ohio and features the largest metropolitan area in the state.
Cincinnati is generally safe for tourists, but as in any big city, you should always stay in well-lit areas, keep your belongings secure, and be aware of your surroundings.
Hyde Park, Sayler Park, Mt. Lookout, and Mt. Washington are some of the safest neighborhoods in Cincinnati. Downtown is overall a safe area as long as you practice common sense.
Where to stay in Cincinnati?
The best areas to stay in Cincinnati for tourists are Downtown Cincinnati, The Banks, Over-The-Rhine, West End, Eden Park, Avondale, and Corryville. These are popular neighborhoods for visitors that provides a range of tourist attractions and amenities.
Downtown is the overall best area for first-timers. It is the heart of the city where you can find the highest concentration of accommodations, restaurants, bars, and shops for all budgets.
You can also consider to stay in Over-The-Rhine, where you can experience a part of the city with a distinctly German feel, from the architecture to the beer breweries.
| 💖 Best Area for first-timers: | Downtown Cincinnati |
| 💎 Best luxury hotel: | 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati |
| 🏨 Best mid-range hotel: | Hyatt Regency Cincinnati |
| 💰 Best budget hotel: | AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks |
Map of areas and neighborhoods in Cincinnati:
8 Best areas to stay in Cincinnati for tourists are:
1. Downtown Cincinnati
Downtown is the best area to stay in Cincinnati for first-time travelers. It has super central location, within walking distance to top sights, shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Located along the Ohio River, Downtown is the Central Business District of the city and the economic center of the entire metropolitan area.
Towering buildings are a prominent feature, with twenty-four of the twenty-five tallest buildings in the city located here, as well as dozens more that are listed on the National Register Of Historic Places.
The Cincinnati Skywalk, a 1.3 mile stretch of elevated, indoor walkways, connects many of these buildings, making it quick and easy to get from one place to another while you are exploring.
Meanwhile, the public observation deck on the 49th floor of the Carew Tower makes for a fabulous place to take in the views of the city in its entirety. It also houses over 25 shops, restaurants, the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza & offices.
In modern times, Cincinnati Downtown has largely become a residential district, with many of its public spaces having been converted into blocks of offices and luxury condominiums, although Piatt Park, the oldest in the city, still remains. Outside of housing, its other most abundant feature is banks, with 6 major banks headquartered here.
You can also find Fountain Square where concerts, festivals, and events take place during the year. It also boasts an ice rink and a large Christmas tree, food trucks during the holiday season.
Cincinnati features the largest unused subway system in the United States, where 2 miles of tunnels have been left abandoned since the project was indefinitely canceled in 1928. While not officially open to the public, urban explorers often visit the city to try and make the most of an incredibly unique opportunity.
Downtown is home to the Backstage District, offering abundant dining and nightlife options. Art lovers can visit Aronoff Center for the Arts, Contemporary Art Center, Alice F. and Harris K. Weston Art Gallery, and 21c Museum boutique hotel.
Other places of interest are the Taft Museum of Art, Duke Energy Convention Center, and Taft Theatre which is a 2,500-seat theater that hosts Broadway shows.
Downtown is the location of the second-largest Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, an annual weekend festival, based on the original German Oktoberfest.
Downtown offers great nightlife scene, where you can find some of the best bars, nightclubs and restaurants in the city.
Compared to many American cities, Cincinnati is relatively safe. Downtown is overall safe for tourists, but you should stick to the main streets and built-up areas, and avoid walking alone at night in unlit streets.
Accommodation in downtown are varied, you can find big chain hotels, budget guest houses, apartments, and B&B. Downtown has highest concentrations of luxury hotels in Cincinati.
Best places to stay in Cincinnati Downtown:
luxury ($$$): 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati, 4.5-star family-friendly hotel, located in downtown Cincinati, easy walk from Fountain Square. It has an art gallery and a rooftop bar, and a business center. The 21c Cocktail Terrace has 75 seats where you can enjoy a fabulous view of the city.
mid-range ($$): Hyatt Regency Cincinnati, 4-star hotel located in the heart of Cincinnati city center, short walk from Great American Ballpark and Paul Brown Stadium. It has an on-site restaurant, indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, and sun terrace.
budget ($): Residence Inn by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown/The Phelps, 3-star hotel, featuring family rooms, well-located in Cincinnati’s Business District, close to Cincinnati Zoo, Botanical Gardens, Eden Park, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the Banks.
2. The Banks
The Banks, also known as Cincinnati Riverfront, is technically part of the Downtown neighborhood that is located along the bank of the Ohio River. The Banks provides something for everyone, from family-friendly restaurants to sports-friendly bars.
A largely modern area, with many of its attractions having only been constructed since 1996, it is one of the most popular parts of the city for tourism and recreation.
Its most popular attractions are a pair of stadiums, the Great American Ball Park (home of the Cincinnati Reds) and the Paul Brown Stadium (home of the Cincinnati Bengals). Great base to attend a game or event.
You can also catch a Cincinnati Cyclones hockey game at Heritage Bank Center (U.S. Bank Arena) for a fun experience.
This area has a great selection of Bars, shops, restaurants, and hotels, catering to people with all tastes and budgets.
There is also the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum; and GE Global Operations Center.
Outside of the stadiums and bars, you also have a few other options to enjoy, such as the Smale Riverfront Park. Covering more than 40 acres of the riverfront, it features bike trails, boat docks, fountains, playgrounds, promenade, historical markers, and stunning views of the river.
Smale Riverfront Park is located under the iconic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, which is designed by famous engineer John Roebling. The bar and restaurant district at the foot of the bridge on the Kentucky side is known as Roebling Point.
Around the Covington area, you will find the Northern Kentucky Convention Center, a popular hipster hangout of Mainstrasse Village, Historic Riverside District, Behringer-Crawford Museum, and Newport Aquarium.
The Banks hosts numerous events, music festivals, food & cultural festivals, Light festivals, Marathons through out the year including Bunbur,Oktoberfest and Celtic Fes, and The Flying Pig.
Best place to stay in Cincinnati Riverfront:
budget ($): AC Hotel by Marriott Cincinnati at The Banks, 3-star hotel, located close to Great American Ball Park, Freedom Center and Paul Brown Stadium. It offers air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a safety deposit box, as well as a restaurant, private parking, a fitness center, and a bar.
mid-range ($$): The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection, 3-star family-friendly hotel, conveniently located in Cincinnati, featuring air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and Private parking.
3. Over-The-Rhine
Created and named by the predominantly German residents in the area during the 19th-century, Over-The-Rhine used to lie on the banks of the Miami Canal, which they affectionately referred to as The Rhine, in reference to the famous river in their home country. Often simply referred to as OTR, it is one of the largest intact historic districts remaining in the United States.
Predominantly home to working-class citizens, the neighborhood is further broken up into a number of different districts, all with their own cultures and atmosphere.
Perhaps the most popular OTR district among tourists is the Brewery District, which is the heart of Cincinnati’s incredible beer brewing industry. With the first brewing company opening its doors here in 1853, it is a fabulous destination for anyone who wants to learn a little history, find out how beers are made, and sample some of the local beverages, straight from the source.
The Northern Liberties and Sycamore – 13th Street Districts feature a number of the most historic buildings in the city, all displaying their own distinctive architectural styles, still located in an area that thrives on the atmosphere they create.
The Venetian Gothic Cincinnati Music Hall, Beaux-Arts Memorial Hall, Eastlake Germania Building, Renaissance Revival Hanke Building, and Art Deco Entrance To The America Building, as well as numerous other examples of the changing cityscape, paint a beautiful picture that allows history buffs to get a true sense of how the city has looked throughout the years.
You even have the Washington Park Area, also known as The Gateway Quarter. This is the wealthiest, most exclusive part of the neighborhood, as well as possibly the entire city. With high-end shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels, it is a fabulous destination for anyone who wants to surround themselves with luxury while they are on vacation.
Overlooking Washington Park is the Cincinnati Music Hall, where you can find the Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and the Cincinnati Opera.
Over-The-Rhine also boasts the largest farmer’s market in Cincinnati, Findlay Market, also Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market where you can buy local fresh products. On weekends, the Market also hosts an Outdoor Market, a farmers market, and a lot of street performers.
OTR’s little sister, Pendleton is where you can find Pendleton Art Center and Hard Rock Casino. There are plenty of new shops, restaurants, bars, and breweries around Sycamore Street, Liberty Street, and Reading Road.
If you love beer, you must visiti Rhinegeist on Elm Street, which is one of the most well-known and largest breweries in Cincinnati. It has a wide variety of local beers on tap, a huge interior, a rooftop bar, and a space exclusively reserved for corn hole games.
In the past, Over-The-Rhine had a reputation for being a dangerous neighborhood in America, but things turn around when a real estate development organization invest in the area. It now become a vibrant neighborhood with trendy bars, restaurants, and breweries. According to locals, south of Liberty Street and east of Central Avenue are safe areas.
Best Places to stay in Cincinnati in Over-The-Rhine: Symphony Hotel & Restaurant, 4-star accommodation located in Cincinnati, featuring a restaurant, free private parking, a bar, and a shared lounge, as well as air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi.
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4. West End
The West End is a district located in the south-central region of Cincinnati, immediately to the west of Over-The-Rhine. Formerly one of the most historic parts of the city, many of its buildings were demolished in the ’50s, to make way for a number of urban renewal projects and the construction of Interstate 75.
Despite that, there are still plenty of locations that remain from the city’s past, displaying some unique and vibrant architecture. The Dayton Street, Laurel Homes, and Betts-Longworth Historic Districts still contain numerous examples of how the area would have once looked, including the Betts House, the oldest surviving brick house in the state.
The stunning Union Terminal building houses the Cincinnati Museum Centre, a library, a symphonic pipe organ, as well as a number of other museums, theatres, and special traveling exhibitions, making it a great place to take it a unique piece of architecture, as well as learn and be entertained, all at the same time.
The Cincinnati Fire Museum is also an interesting location nearby which highlights the significant contributions that Cincinnati has made to the firefighting profession.
There is even a collection of other, slightly less famous locations to explore and enjoy, such as the Regal and State Theatres, as well as the historic Washburn, Lafayette-Bloom, Heberle Elementary, and St. Joseph’s Catholic schools.
Art lovers will want to visit the art galleries such as the Carl Solway Gallery and the Beyond Boundaries Art Gallery.
In terms of more modern attractions, it is also the location of the brand new TQL Stadium, which was only opened in May 2021. Built on the site of the old Stargel Stadium, it is an ultramodern location that serves as home to Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati. This makes it an ideal place to stay for anyone coming to town to watch a match.
Stay in West End if you are visiting to see an FC Cincinnati Football Match; you are a fan of museums; you want to see some of the oldest buildings in the state.
5. Eden Park
The next place I am going to suggest, the popular destination of Eden Park, is not actually a neighborhood itself. It is instead split between the two neighborhoods of Mount Adams and Walnut Hills.
Originally created in 1869 by the prominent landowner and horticulturalists Nicholas Longworth, the park covers 186 acres, creating a beautiful hilltop getaway, surrounded by the predominantly urban environment of the city.
Originally called the Garden Of Eden, in reference to the biblical location of the same name, the park features numerous attractions that are equally popular with both tourists and locals alike.
The Elsinore Arch acts as an entrance to the park. Constructed in 1883, it is designed to resemble the Elsinore Castle from Hamlet and is included on the National Register Of Historic Places.
Connected to the arch via a set of historic, wooden steps is the Cincinnati Art Museum, which is one of the oldest in the country. Containing more than 67,000 pieces spanning 6000 years, these two locations are a fabulous spot for art enthusiasts to take in the historical styles of the city.
Other historical buildings located throughout the park include the Spring House Gazebo, one of the oldest remaining structures and the icon of the park, as well as the Krohn Conservatory, a public conservatory featuring Art Deco and Gothic Revival architecture styles.
There are even a number of venues in the park that hold numerous events throughout the year, such as the Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park and the Seasongood Pavilion.
For those looking to enjoy the more natural side of the environment, the beautiful landscape features such locations as the Presidents Grove Trail, the Twin Lakes, and stunning views of the Ohio River.
Dotted throughout, you will find a number of tasteful monuments and works of art, like the Melan Arch Bridge, Capitoline Wolf Statue, a statue of a cormorant fisher, and memorials to soldiers lost in both the Vietnam and First World Wars.
You combine all of this and add to it the concessions stands located around the park, as well as the cafes and restaurants surrounding it, and it makes Eden Park a fabulous option for anyone who wants to enjoy a relaxing city break, where they have plenty of open spaces to walk and unwind in.
Stay in Eden park if you are traveling as a family; you prefer to stay in a more natural area; you enjoy wide-open spaces; you are attending one of the events held within the park; you are a fan of art.
If you want to stay near Eden Park, there are several accomodation in the Mount Adams neighborhood such as the 3-star all-studio hotel SpringHill Suites by Marriott. It has an indoor pool, daily continental breakfast, a lobby bar, and an onsite convenience store.
6. Newport
Located on the bank of the Ohio River in northern Kentucky, Newport has a wide variety of bars and restaurants and is home to the famous Newport Aquarium.
Newport Aquarium is a great place to spend a fun day with your kids. This state-of-the-art facility is where you can find penguins, jellyfish, alligators, and sharks.
You can visit Newport on the Levee which is a dining and entertainment complex with restaurants and shops, a movie theater, a bowling alley. be sure to check out the Bridgeview Box Park, an outdoor with local food, drink establishments, and live music.
You can also take a stroll along Purple People Bridge, known as the Newport Southbank Bridge. It is a pedestrian footbridge that offers nice views of the city and the Ohio River.
The Newport Riverwalk, a part of Riverfront Commons Trail, is a great place for walking and cycling with beautiful views over the Ohio and Licking Rivers.
Another cool thing to do in Newport is attending a live musical performance at the Southgate House Revival and the Falcon Theatre.
There are plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, breweries in Newport. You can grab a cafe at Carabello Coffee, get lunch at Baker’s Table or York Street Cafe, have an Italian meal at Pompilios Italian Restaurant on Washington Avenue, and end your night at Brother’s Bar & Grill.
Accommodations in Newport are mostly 3-star and 2-star hotels such as Aloft Newport on the Levee and Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati, KY
7. Covington
Newport’s next-door neighbor, Covington is located across the Ohio River in Northern Kentucky. Covington has an exciting dining and bar scene with a wide variety of restaurants and outstanding outdoor spaces.
In Covington, you can explore the 19th-century Mainstrasse Village, with its 6th Street Promenade and Goose Girl Fountain. On the 6th Street Promenade lies the Goebel Park with its traditional German glockenspiel that has 43 bells.
There are also many boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants on Main Street.
If you love art, you can find street art murals, statues, mosaics, and sculptures in Covington Central Business District. You can see the Roebling Murals, some art at the Carnegie Theater and Art Gallery.
Take a stroll along the Covington Riverwalk that spans along the Ohio River from the Brent Spence Bridge to the Licking River.
You can admire the architecture of 19th-century houses and mansions, visit 7 Covington waterfront statues, and relax at George Rogers Clark Park in the Licking Riverside Historic District.
The 700-acre Devou Park is also a must-see where you can find a golf course, Behringer-Crawford Museum, and the amphitheater.
Walking across the historic bridge John A. Roebling Bridge to visit the neighbor Cincinnati for sports events.
If you love museums, the Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati is where you can find a vintage car and learn more about the history of trains.
You can taste local flavor at Braxton Brewing is one of the best brewers in Northern Kentucky and the Bourbon at Revival Vintage Bottle Shop.
There are Left Bank Coffeehouse and Roebling Point Books & Coffee. The best eateries can be found on Main Street, Madison Avenue, and Roebling Point.
Covington offers great mid-range accommodations with 3-star and 4-star traditional hotels, guest houses, and apartments. The best places to stay in Covington are:
- mid-range ($$): Hotel Covington Cincinnati Riverfront, 4-star hotel, situated in Covington, short drive by car from Northern Kentucky Convention Center, featuring private parking, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage for guests.
- budget ($): Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cincinnati Riverfront, an IHG Hotel, 3-star hotel, set on the Ohio River, short drive from Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati and Paul Brown Stadium. offering on-site indoor pool and rooms with 43-inch flat-screen TVs.
8. Avondale and Corryville
Much like the West End, Avondale is an area that is more affordable for those traveling on a budget, with lower prices on everything from accommodation to goods and services.
The location of two explosive race riots in the late ’60s, the neighborhood has never financially recovered from the mass exodus of its residents in the ensuing years.
Despite that though, there are a number of sites and attractions here that can make it an ideal place to stay for the right visitor, especially when combined with the low prices on offer.
For starters, you have the Cincinnati Zoo And Botanical Garden, the sixth oldest zoo in the United States, which first opened its doors in 1873. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987, it contains more than 500 animals and 3,000 species.
Unfortunately, it was the location of the controversial “Harambe” incident in 2016, in which a gorilla was shot dead. Despite this though, initiatives such as the “more home to roam” campaign, the highly publicized birth of a premature baby hippopotamus, and a collection of animals, still make it a fabulous place to visit to learn about nature and enjoy and experience it first-hand.
On a similarly natural theme, you also have the Fleishmann Gardens park, where visitors can spend their days enjoying the great outdoors, roaming around the 4 acres of public land.
It is also a great place for students, as the University Of Cincinnati lies just on the outskirts of the district. With lower prices that appeal to students in general, it helps to create a somewhat bohemian and laid-back environment, particularly in the bars, shops, restaurants, and cafes that are located in this part of the city.
Stay in Avondale if you are traveling on a budget; you are, or are visiting, a student at the University Of Cincinnati; you want to visit the Cincinnati Zoo And Botanical Gardens.
Best place to stay in Corryville:
- mid-range ($$): Graduate Cincinnati
- budget ($): Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Uptown/University Area
- budget ($): Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati / Uptown – University Area
Where should I stay in Cincinnati for the first time?
Downtown Cincinnati is the best place to stay in Cincinnati for first-time travelers due to its prime location. If you stay here, you will be located in the heart of the city, within easy access to attractions, as well as restaurants, bars, and shops.
What are the best areas to stay in Cincinnati?
Downtown, The Banks, Over-The-Rhine, West End, Eden Park, Avondale, and Corryville are the best areas to stay in Cincinnati because they are the most popular areas with a wide range of things to do and see.
Where is the safest place to stay in Cincinnati?
Downtown Cincinnati is generally safe for tourists, if you are looking for the safest place to stay in Cincinnati, look into Hyde Park, Sayler Park, Mt. Lookout, and Mt. Washington.
Where not to stay in Cincinnati?
You should avoid English Woods, Sedamsville, and South Fairmount because they have higher crime rates compared with other neighborhoods. Downtown Cincinnati is safe for tourists to book a stay.
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In conclusion, Downtown, The Banks, Over-The-Rhine, West End, Eden Park, Avondale, and Corryville are some of the best places to stay in Cincinnati for tourists. They offers a wide variety of accommodation options for all budgets.
Overall, Downtown is the best area in Cincinnati for first-timer. Staying here puts you in the heart of the city, within walking distance to attractions, shopping, dining, and nightlife venues.