Things to Do in Cincinnati (2025)
Ohio’s oldest continuously operated public market occupies an iron-frame building in Over-the-Rhine and starts each day with the ringing of a market bell as more than 50 merchants fill indoor stalls with street food, deli meats, and fresh produce while farmers populate outdoor spaces on weekends. I enjoy the historic surroundings, the nearby restaurants run by James Beard–nominated chefs, the many stands selling goetta, and local sausages from Kroeger & Sons Meats alongside seasonal Ohio produce.
Go beneath OTR to lagering tunnels and a secret crypt while guides weave frontier, beer, and true‑crime lore. A staple on local must-do lists and praised by visitors for immersive storytelling.
A brewery and live room inside a historic church, famed for Midwest Fruit Tart ales. Lauded by drinks writers and local press for bold, real-fruit beers and community events.
Hands‑on classes near the market turn dinner into a skill-building party. Featured by Cincinnati Magazine and beloved for chef‑led instruction, small groups, and menus tied to local producers.
OTR’s indie workhorse books original music most nights, free to enter, and consistently earns nods from local critics for championing new artists.
By day, artisan coffee; by night, a true listening room that draws top regional and national jazz, with programming supported by a local nonprofit.
An iconic Cincinnati maker since 1880. Go behind the scenes in the working studio bordering the market to see clay become tiles and collectible ceramics.
An independent Clifton landmark screening indies, revivals, and festival fare. Regularly recognized by CityBeat readers as the city’s best movie theater.
Founder‑led tastings introduce merchants, goetta lore, and neighborhood stories. Recommended by national travel writers, with routes that highlight women‑ and immigrant‑owned stands.
Northside’s beloved indie record shop and label fuels the city’s music ecosystem with deep bins, in‑stores, and local releases—often cited by culture outlets as a must‑visit.