We seriously heart Cincinnati, and while this is by no means an exhaustive list, it does capture many of the reasons why. 

Cincinnati Chili Nothing beats Cincinnati-style chili on a cold day, and, let’s face it, outside our professional sports teams, its the thing we’re best known for (and maybe the thing we’re most made fun of). From Skyline to Gold Star to the many neighborhood chili parlors dotted around the city, there are plenty of places to grab a coney or a whatever-number-you-want-way piled high with our signature chili and fresh cheese. Photo: facebook.com/Skyline Chili
The Breweries Brewing is such a big part of Cincinnati’s heritage, that it just makes sense we have so many great and award-winning craft breweries in the Queen City. Whether you prefer a hoppy IPA or fruity sour, you can find a locally made drink you enjoy while you catch up with family and friends. Photo: facebook.com/BraxtonBrewingCompany
Goetta Goetta is a delicious Cincinnati staple made up of meat, oats, broth, spices and sometimes onion, brought to us by early German immigrants to the city. You fry it up (and in the process get to play the fun game of Dodge the Hot, Flying Oats) and can eat it ground up or as a patty. Photo: Sean M. Peters
The Ice Cream Graeter’s, Agalamesis Bro’s and UDF form the perfect trifecta of ice cream, and they’re all locally owned and offer something different, depending on what you’re looking for. Graeter’s (which is a favorite of Oprah’s and was served at Naomi Biden’s wedding) is rich and creamy, filled to the brim of your cone with chocolate chunks; nobody makes Italian ice like Agalamesis and UDF has a mix of classic and fun flavors. And with the holidays coming up, all these places have delicious peppermint ice cream…yes, please! Photo: Jesse Fox
The Restaurant and Bar Scene Chili is king here, but we also have a lot more to offer in the food and drink scene. From fine dining to cheap, but delicious street food, we’re a growing foodie city with a lot of flavor and a selection of bars with vibes ranging from chill to raging. Photo: facebook.com/InclinePublicHouse
The Parks Cincinnati is blessed with numerous amazing parks. You can walk along the riverfront and enjoy the view before a night on the town at Smale Riverfront Park. Eden Park is home to a theater and world-class art museum, not to mention Mirror Lake. Cincinnati Parks are also home to plenty of walking and hiking trails, play areas for kids and other gathering spaces. We’re also surrounded by Hamilton County’s Great Parks, some of which have fantastic bike trails, lakes for kayaking and boating and programming where you can learn new hobbies and skills, like archery. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Museums We’re crazy lucky to have the Cincinnati Art Museum and its FREE admission. There’s also always a new exhibit to check out there, the Taft Museum of Art or Cincinnati Museum Center, which also houses the OMNIMAX Theater and the children’s museum. And we can’t forget about the American Sign Museum which is just so glowy and neon and cool AF. Photo: Devin Luginbill
The Arts Scene We have so much love for Cincinnati’s arts scene, which is one that consistently punches above its weight. Whether it’s a musical at the Aronoff, a modern take on a Shakespeare play at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, a show at the Cincinnati Ballet or a symphony at Music Hall, there is always a show or performance to see. We also are home to some pretty other incredible theaters, like Playhouse in the Park, the Know Theatre, Warsaw Federal Incline Theater and the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati. Photo: Peter Mueller Photography
West Side vs. East Side “Rivalry” There’s been a longstanding, all-in-good-fun “feud” when it comes to Cincinnatians and their side of town. West Side, best side, amirite? But the East Side has Zip’s Cafe, so we’re torn. By the way, which high school did you go to? Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Theetge says the Walking Patrol would simply ask for compliance with the law when faced with these “quality of life” issues, and only use police enforcement when the compliance is refused. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Public Libraries Our local libraries hold so much information and entertainment, not to mention their phenomenal resources. The Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library is one of the most utilized library systems in the country, and who would have thought you could go there to use a 3D printer? They and the other library systems in the region can also help you search for jobs and prepare for interviews, research your family tree or just get your hands on a new book. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Music Scene Cincinnati has a strong local music scene, and lots of famous tours stop here (Taylor Swift, anyone?). Not to mention you can see quality live music any night of the week in a variety of genres. Photo: Ava Lamb
The Murals The murals add so much life and color to the city. You can spend a whole day downtown and in Over-the-Rhine and Pendleton just walking around appreciating these quality pieces of art. Photo: CityBeat
Festivals Taste of Cincinnati. Riverfest and the WEBN Fireworks. Oktoberfest (the biggest outside Germany, thank you very much!). BLINK. Cincinnati knows how to throw an incredible party and bring in people from all parts of town, and even from across the country and world. Photo: purplepeoplebridge.com/boomregistration
Fountain Square Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Sip, Bite and Stroll at Findlay Market 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine At more than 150 years old, Findlay Market is Ohio’s oldest continually operated public market. Go for the farmers market, butcher shops, flower stalls, OTR Biergarten and eclectic eats. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Roebling Suspension Bridge Photo: Hailey Bollinger
The Bengals WHO DEY?! Not the Steelers after that game Nov. 20, that’s for sure. We bleed orange and black in the Queen City, and while the Bengals came up short in the Super Bowl this year, we know they’ll be back. Honorable mentions go to Joe Burrow and his 300-yard games and WR Trenton Irwin for the most genuine, giddy excitement over his touchdown against the Steelers. Photo: Cincinnati Bengals media assets
The Reds We know you didn’t have your best season, guys. It’s OK. We still love you. Photo: Ron Valle
FC Cincinnati FC Cincinnati games always come with lots of excitement and enthusiasm. They also made it to their first MLS Cup playoff game in 2022 and even won the first round against the New York Red Bulls. While sadly they lost in the second round, we’re excited to see where they go from here. Photo: twitter.com/fccincinnati
Florence Y’alls mascot, the Florence Y’all Watertower Photo: Provided by Florence Y'alls
CVG International Airport So many direct flights in and out of CVG make it easier to see the world, and we’re getting new ones all the time, like a direct flight from here to London. Plus it’s funny when out-of-towners are confused because Cincinnati’s international airport is actually in Kentucky. Photo: facebook.com/CVGairport
Cincinnati Bell Connector Streetcar This baby can help you easily get around downtown and Over-the-Rhine and explore the shops, restaurants and bars along its route. Be cool if it also went into Uptown, though (hint, hint City Council). Photo: Scott Dittgen
Future Infrastructure Projects We’re very excited for the days when the Brent Spence gets its much-needed companion bridge to ease traffic and the aging Western Hills Viaduct is replaced. Photo: Anthony 22, Wikipedia
Every Cincinnatian is born with the knowledge of how to do the chicken dance. Photo: Provided by Oktoberfest