These Two Greater Cincinnati Neighborhoods Ranked Among Top U.S. Spots for International Vibes

Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood is a good place to visit for some European vibes without leaving the country, according to a recent poll of travelers.

International travel is a bucket-list item for many, but often money, time and other factors can delay those trips of a lifetime. If you’re saving up to travel the world, but still want to experience places with some international charm, there are a number of neighborhoods across the United States that have been influenced by different cultures — from Europe and Africa to Latin America and Asia.

Turn the Paige Travel recently conducted a survey of over 3,000 travelers, asking them to share the towns and neighborhoods in the U.S. that offer the most “foreign feel.” The responses were compiled into a list of 140 “Heritage Havens,” with several spots from Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana making the list.

In Cincinnati, Over-the-Rhine ranked 112th. Turn the Paige Travel notes that it’s one of the most intact historic districts in the country, praising its Italianate buildings constructed by Cincinnati’s German-American residents.

Main Street in Over-the-Rhine Photo: Hailey Bollinger

“Revitalized today with breweries, beer gardens, and German restaurants, OTR reflects the culture of its German founders in both architecture and ongoing traditions, such as annual Bockfest celebrations,” the company wrote.

Covington’s Gothic/German-inspired Mainstrasse Village actually ranked higher than OTR on the list, coming in at No. 101.

Elsewhere in Ohio, German Village in Columbus ranked the highest in the Buckeye State at No. 31. Zoar in Northeastern Ohio came in at No. 66 and Sugarcreek in Central-East Ohio ranked No. 132. The list also highlights two other Kentucky locales, including Maysville (No. 29), just an hour from Cincinnati, and Louisville’s Germantown (No. 82). In Indiana, Notre Dame’s campus in South Bend (No. 64), Oldenburg (No. 69) and Berne (No. 81) were also recognized.

If you’re wondering where the top spots on the list are, those went to New Orleans, Savannah and San Antonio. You can see the full list of Heritage Havens here.