4 Fun Things to Do With First-Time Visitors in Cincinnati

Cincinnati has so many attractions it’s difficult to know where to start. If you have friends or family visiting your apartment, you’ll undoubtedly want to plan some special outings to show off the city. Let everyone get a taste of what makes Cincinnati so great with a stop at these top-notch local attractions.

The Cincinnati Art Museum’s collection features over 65,000 pieces of art covering a span of 6,000 years. The permanent collection includes African art, Asian art, contemporary works, fashion arts and textiles, musical instruments, photography, prints and drawings, and more. Special exhibitions also complement the permanent collection for an experience that’s never the same twice. Admission to the museum is free, though pricing for special exhibitions may vary. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Just 30 minutes from Springs at Liberty Township, the Cincinnati Zoo is a great destination for visitors of all ages. With exhibits that range from Painted Dog Valley and Giraffe Ridge to Gorilla World, Monkey Island, and Manatee Springs, there’s something for every type of animal lover. Check out the creepy crawlies in the World of the Insects, get to know some slithery friends at the Reptile House, or cast your eyes skyward at the Wings of the World exhibit. The Cincinnati Zoo opens daily at 10 a.m.

Cincinnati Museum Center isn’t one museum, but many. Here, you can get to know an Egyptian mummy from over 1,800 years ago at the Museum of Natural History & Science, step inside a giant mouth at the Duke Energy Children’s Museum, or experience local music from the 1860s at the Cincinnati History Museum. The complex also includes the Geier Collections and Research Center, Cincinnati History Library and Archives, Union Terminal, OMNIMAX Theater, and Welcome to the Edge of Appalachia. You can experience everything with an All Museums Pass, so your visitors can get a taste of it all.

The Cincinnati Music Hall is a National Historic Landmark, first constructed in 1878. Considered one of the world’s most beautiful concert theaters, this venue is home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Ballet, and Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. You can take your guests for a live show or concert, or simply go to the music hall for a tour of its historic highlights. Tours generally take place between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays.

Cincinnati has something to offer any type of visitor. Did your favorite attractions make the list? Share your top picks near our apartment community in the comments below.