Cincinnati FAQ
It's been portrayed as a conservative Midwestern town with plenty of quirks (a foot race named for swine with wings?). But Cincinnati is filled with exciting events, attractions, and thousands of great restaurants!
What can I do that is unique to Cincinnati?
Cincinnati currently has hundreds of attractions, and thousands of events, you just need to find the one that is right for you!
How's parking downtown?
Well, it depends on when you're here. During the week, Cincinnati has dozens of parking buildings--but they do fill up. On the weekends, when many of the more than 90,000 people who work downtown are at home, most of the area's 30,000 parking spots become accessible. Spots are available for as little as $2.50 a day near the Cinergy Field construction site, but the price goes up considerably for many of the garages managed by Central Parking, downtown's biggest garage operator-as much as $10 a day.
Should I rent a car?
Probably. Although bus service in and around the downtown area is easily accessible, many activities here take place in the suburbs which might not be on the bus routes. TANK service from the airport to downtown runs daily from 5 a.m. to midnight. The Jetport Express shuttle runs daily every half hour from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. ($12 one-way fare, $16 round trip). If you're on a tight schedule, however, for the sake of convenience, a rental car is the way to go.
How do I get around?
SORTA, on the Ohio side of the river, and TANK (Kentucky) offer routes to many outlying areas. SORTA fares range from 30 cents to $1.50, depending on the route, and TANK fares normally run $1 or less.
I want to stay downtown but I'm on a budget. Can you help?
Most downtown hotel rooms are typically in the $100-$150 range, depending, of course, on when you stay. The lowest rates can all be found along Central Parkway: at the Budget Host Town Center Motel, 3356 Central Parkway ($45-$50), the Cincinnati Travelodge, 3244 Central Parkway ($45) and Days Inn, 2880 Central Parkway ($60). You can search for your hotel here.
Where are the pigs?
OK, we confess. We let the pigs out. See what all the fuss was about this summer at our Big Pig Gig site.
Where's a good place to shop?
One of the trendiest places is the new Rookwood Commons complex, the Norwood retail center which opened in August of 2007. The mall features 45 upscale merchants, including about a dozen or so (Zany Brainy, Z Gallery, Sur La Table, among others) that are new to Cincinnati.
But there are plenty of other places. Check out our list of area malls, shopping centers and specialty stores.
How about a place to eat?
It's hard to say, "Cincinnati," without thinking of Skyline Chili. But if your palate craves more sustenance, many locals quickly suggest a steak at the Precinct (321-5454). Other ideas? Ribs at the Montgomery Inn (a bit pricey, but a distinctly Queen City experience), pizza at LaRosa's (best thin crust pizza in town, according to a recent Enquirer poll) and, for dessert, Graeter's.
But if none of those suit your appetite, Cincinnati has plenty of other options. Use our dining directory to find the perfect restaurant.
What can I do "after hours?"
We recommend heading for Mt. Adams. With its eclectic mix of restaurants and neighborhood bars, it's a trendy yet unpretentious destination. Main Street is another popular hangout, with dance clubs and culture and hobby areas to satisfy a wide variety of entertainment tastes. But Cincinnati is full of evening entertainment options. Find some ideas here.
When is the best time to visit...
...the zoo?
There's really not a bad time to visit the country's second oldest zoo, but animals in the outdoor exhibits are usually more active early in the morning and late in the afternoon. During the holiday season, it boasts the largest holiday display of any zoo in the country, the PNC Festival of Lights.
Find out more about the Cincinnati Zoo.
...Kings Island?
During the regular season, crowds thin out on the weekdays, with Wednesdays normally having the shortest lines for rides. The park is also open on weekends from mid-April until Memorial Day and from Labor Day until the end of October. Those weekends, when kids are usually in school, are also good times to squeeze in as many coaster rides as possible. Plan a visit to Kings Island.
...the Cincinnati Museum Center?
A big attraction at the Museum Center is the Omnimax Theater, with its five-story wraparound screen. Many locals would tell you that a visit to the center isn't complete without taking in one of the theater's films, usually about an hour in length. Hours vary depending on the season and are subject to change. But midday afternoon showings and weekend morning showings tend to have the lowest crowd volume. Find out more about the Cincinnati Museum Center.
...the Cincinnati Art Museum?
If you prefer to appreciate art in relative quiet, weekday afternoons are your best bet. The Museum normally gives tours to area schoolchildren in the morning, and weekends are usually the busiest times. The Museum does offer the opportunity for self-guided tours and, depending on featured exhibits, interest can be high. Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m. Find out more about the Art Museum.
