If you’re looking for somewhere around Cincinnati to snap some pics for Insta, we’ve got you covered. From historic landmarks to rooftop bars, parks and a castle in the ‘burbs, the Queen City has no shortage of beautiful places.Â
Krohn Conservatory
1501 Eden Park Dr., Eden Park
This giant greenhouse features deserts, tropics, a butterfly garden, orchids and an interior waterfall, which guests can walk behind. Seasonally themed exhibitions feature unique plants, and the ever-popular annual butterfly show showcases butterflies from various parts of the world. Photo: Kellie Coleman Taft Museum of Art
316 Pike St., Downtown
Tucked away in downtown Cincinnati, the Taft Museum of Art is a living landmark where art and history live on the walls—and in the walls. Built around 1820 as a private home, the Taft Museum of Art is now one of the most esteemed small art museums in America. The museum is home to 17th to 19th century watches, Chinese porcelains and French Renaissance enamels. From June 11 through Sept. 4, Jane Austen fans can peruse the museum’s newest exhibit, Fashion & Sensibility, which features costumes worn in film adaptations of Austen’s novels. Photo: Kevin J. Watkins Somerset
139 E McMicken Ave, Over-the-Rhine
Somerset features two bar spaces — one in the plant-filled and glass-roofed conservatory and another in the cozy lounge space. The grounds are also home to a double-decker bus that has been converted into a kitchen with a rooftop seating area (run by the team behind Mazunte); and, the pièce de rĂ©sistance, Somerset’s awe-inspiring garden space, loaded with tropical plants, unique seating nooks and imported pieces from co-founder and creative lead James Fisher’s collection, as well as the collections of his friends and family. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Cincinnati Murals
Since its inception in 2007, the ArtWorks mural program has been a boon to public art along the streets of Cincinnati. The nonprofit organization — dedicated to employing and training local youth and other creative individuals to achieve community impact through art — has created nearly 200 of them. Download or print a map from online and build your own tour, or purchase a ticket for a ArtWorks-guided tour. Photo: Savana Willhoite Loveland Castle
12025 Shore Road, Loveland
World War I army medic and Boy Scout troop leader Harry Delos Andrews built Chateau Laroche aka the Loveland Castle over the course of 50 years with handmade bricks (formed with quart-sized paper milk cartons) and stones from the nearby Little Miami River. Modeled after European castles, it features towers, a dry moat, hand-tiled ceilings, murder holes and a collection of period weaponry. The castle grounds are available for picnics, overnights and parties and are rumored to be haunted by a variety of ghosts. Photo: Brittany Thornton Devou Park
1201 Park Drive, Covington
It is said that Cincinnati is built on seven hills, like Rome— the city is actually named for Roman agrarian and military general Cincinnatus— but the reality is we have plenty more hills, heights and neighborhood names that begin with “Mount” than that. The alternating peaks and valleys of the city create excellent views from a variety of vantage points. There are about 50 classified scenic overlooks throughout the Tristate and many other secret spots from which to see the lights of the city and the winding Ohio River and Devou Park in Covington might have one of the best. With over 700 acres (plus a golf course, trails, bandstand and history museum), the overlook area is open dawn to dusk and offers a panorama of the city skyline from the Big Mac Bridge and Great American Tower to Carew Tower and the Kroger building. The designated overlook also offers benches, a gazebo, picnic tables and is ADA accessible. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Juneteenth Tasting at Findlay Market
10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 18
Findlay Market is hosting their Juneteenth event, representing Black-owned businesses and community partners. All of the proceeds from the event will go back to the present Black-owned businesses. Attendees will be able to redeem tickets for bites of food at participating vendors and market merchants. Each individual ticket is good for one sample at a participating business. You can pick up your ticket at the ticket tent during the event.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 18. Findlay Market, 1801 Race St., Over-the-Rhine, eventbrite.com. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Roebling Suspension Bridge
First opened in 1867, the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge connects Cincinnati and Covington and at the time was the world’s longest suspension bridge. It now is an iconic landmark of Cincinnati that carries both cars and people across the Ohio River. It’s the perfect place for a picture, as long as you’re not in the way of traffic. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Cincinnati Observatory
3489 Observatory Place, Mount Lookout
Built in 1873, the Cincinnati Observatory is the oldest public observatory in the United States, housing fully-functional 19th century telescopic technology for the public to use. Seated atop Mount Lookout, the original building and the infamous dome added in 1895 are a significant fixture in the city’s history. Known as “The Birthplace of American Astronomy,” the Cincinnati Observatory is a bedrock for astronomical discoveries and advancement. Photo: Brittany Thornton Fairview Park
501 West McMillan St., Clifton Heights
Fairview Park is located near the University of Cincinnati’s campus and has some of the most beautiful views of the city. The small city park is filled with evergreens and sycamores, plus a playground and soccer field, but the star of the show is the overlook. Built by the Federal Works Projects Administration, the stonewall overlook features a unique view of the city, perfect for pictures and watching the city light up with fireworks on the Fourth of July. Photo: Hailey Bollinger The Cincinnati Museum Center will be setting off 100 baking soda volcanoes in the Rotunda Friday at 10 a.m. Photo: Hailey Bollinger No. 1 Best Italian Restaurant: Pepp & Dolores
1501 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine
Must-try: Try the Butternut & Mascarpone pasta: Filled agnolotti pasta served with brown butter, sage, pepitas and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Photo: facebook.com/peppanddolores Contemporary Arts Center | 44 E. Sixth St., Downtown Photo: facebook.com/cincycac Everybody’s Treehouse
1212 Trail Ridge Road, Mt. Airy
Hidden in the largest city park in Cincinnati is a magic treehouse. Few know about it, but those who do come from all over to live out childhood dreams. This otherworldly, elevated structure buried in trees and seemingly snatched out of a fantasy novel is the Mount Airy Treehouse. It’s located in Mount Airy Forest and has a sign that reads “Everybody’s Treehouse” at its entrance. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Cincinnati Art Museum
953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams
The Cincinnati Art Museum opened its doors in 1886, making it the oldest art museum west of the Allegheny Mountains, according to the CAM website. The museum now has more than 67,000 items that date back to more than 6,000 years ago. Photo: facebook.com/cincinnatiartmuseum American Sign Museum | 1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington Photo: Hailey Bollinger Rhinegeist Brewery
1910 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine
Rhinegeist, known for being one of Cincinnati’s most popular craft breweries, has a massive taproom attached to their warehouse where they create their delicious brews. While the inside is cool, the true beauty of the space can be seen up on the rooftop bar where you can get a cold drink and see the city. Photo: facebook.com/rhinegeist Smale Riverfront Park
W. Mehring Way, Downtown
Smale Riverfront Park connects downtown from Paul Brown Stadium to Great American Ball Park with 45 acres of greenway. Operated by the Cincinnati Park Board, the park opened in 2012 and features public art, interactive fountains, playgrounds and a giant swing set that gives a hell of a view of the Ohio River. Photo: facebook.com/SmaleRiverfrontPark Shires’ Rooftop
509 Vine St., Downtown
Shires’ Rooftop is located on the 10th floor of the City Club Apartments with views of the riverfront and the surrounding cityscape. This rooftop spot features an indoor dining room, an outdoor patio and a private event lounge with a bar, cigar patio, baby grand piano and firelit tables. This restaurant offers perfectly Instagrammable food, cocktails and a city view. Photo: facebook.com/ShiresGarden Coppin’s at Hotel Covington
638 Madison Ave., Covington
The Patio at Coppin’s Restaurant and Bar located inside luxury Hotel Covington provides a sun-splashed “urban refuge” for guests. Play lawn games during the day or watch movie screenings at night when looking for space outside the hotel room. Coppin’s has a unique cocktail menu, featuring imaginative and picture-worthy drinks for a beautiful evening. Photo: Provided by Hotel Covington Washington Park Photo: Hailey Bollinger The Blind Lemon
936 Hatch St., Mount Adams
Mount Adams’ favorite backyard bar since 1963. Walk down a set of stairs to find a secret, little hideaway. Outside, the relaxed garden patio is like a bohemian blend of Bourbon Street and Paris life. With live music often on the schedule, it’s one of the most romantic drinking destinations in the city. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Rosedale
208 East 12th St., Over-the-Rhine
The overgrown ivy at Rosedale, a shaded getaway in the middle of Over-the-Rhine, makes the space perfect for an Instagram photo. The small inside bar has a speakeasy-style aesthetic, with a fireplace and dark wood furnishings but the outside it where the fun is at. The large patio has a full bar, bocce ball courts and often other outdoor games to enjoy. Photo: Facebook/RosedaleOTR French Park
3012 Section Road, Amberley Village
French Park has a trail almost 3 miles long and is open year round. Enjoy a stroll, jog or run past woods and a creek for a fairly easy hike. Visit the park’s beautiful historic French House where you can feel like you’re in the early 1900s. Photo: Madeleine Meeks The Neighborhood: Over-the-Rhine (OTR)
The vibe: Rich in history, nightlife and community, OTR has everything you could possibly need or want within walking distance. At the heart of Cincinnati’s urban core, this neighborhood is also very diverse, trendy and artsy.
Ideal for: Artists. Hipster families. LGBTQ+ folks. Anyone who wants a vibrant urban lifestyle.
Not ideal for: Those who want peace and quiet.
Extra perk: Tons of restaurants, bars and third places with varying atmospheres. The most intact historic district in the U.S. Super walkable, plus the street car rolls through here.
Where to meet locals: Washington Park. Findlay Market. Rhinegeist. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Mt. Echo Park
202 Crestline Ave., East Price Hill
Mt. Echo Park offers 84-acres of wooded areas and hiking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and a historic picnic shelter. The pavilion, built in 1928, is a popular community gathering spot that can be rented out for parties, wedding dances and much more. The park also features a beautiful overlook of the Ohio River, downtown and Northern Kentucky. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden
3400 Vine St., Avondale
Founded in 1873 and officially opening its doors in 1875, the Cincinnati Zoo is the second oldest in the country. While at the time they just has a few animals — including eight monkeys, two grizzly bears and six raccoons — today the zoo has many breathtaking exhibits and gardens. See the famous Fiona the hippo by the beautiful African habitat, hang out with the kangaroos or take the train around the park. Photo: Stephanie Scarbrough Art Climb
953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams
Starting near the intersection of Eden Park Drive and Gilbert Avenue, the expansive Art Climb is a flight of 164 steps that ascends from the sidewalk, zig-zags up a hill and connects to the Cincinnati Art Museum parking lot. Flanked on either side by greenery and modern light beams, the nine-story structure includes 16 landings and rotating artworks placed at four different outdoor plazas. Photo: Hailey Bollinger Loveland Bike Trail
Loveland, Ohio
Spanning more than 70 miles along the Little Miami River, the Loveland Bike Trail is a haven for cyclists, runners and walkers alike. The paved, flat trail was developed in 1983, replacing what was once the Pennsylvania Railroad. Now, visitors pedal through to immerse themselves in the landscape of Little Miami State Park, grab ice cream at Loveland Sweets or Loveland Dairy Whip, and maybe even learn a thing or two at the Loveland History Museum. Loveland is also a DORA (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area) district, so if you grab a brew from Narrow Path Brewing, you can take it with you while you wander the quaint downtown. And if you don’t own a bike, don’t worry — rentals are a phone call away. Photo: facebook.com/lovelandbiketrail
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