Cincinnati, Ohio is a midwestern city with a modern feel and deep history. At one point in history it was considered the Beer Capital of the World, since German immigrants settled there and brewed an ample amount of the beverage. In fact, there are still over 50 breweries in the city and it is still a popular tasting destination. It has also been known as the Queen City or Queen of the West since around 1819 due to a newspaper referencing the nickname and the subsequent 1854 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which served to cement the term. The city’s popularity has persisted since the city ranks above other popular cities like Cleveland and Columbus in overall experience.
The city has a plethora of fun things to do that can be enjoyed by families, solo travelers and everyone in between. Even if travelers are only in the city for a day or two, they can get a good feel for the city’s culture. Some of the best things to do in Cincinnati are attractions and activities that appreciate the nature, art or wildlife of Ohio. Some tourist favorites include the Cincinnati Zoo and the Cincinnati Music Hall.
While Cincinnati is an abundant and exciting place to visit, Ohio does have differing levels of safety throughout its cities. So, travelers should be cautious. Check out what safety concerns travelers should know more about when planning to visit this hidden gem of a city.
Safety
Cincinnati is a relatively safe place to visit for tourists but the rates of violent crimes have climbed up since the COVID-19 pandemic. Cincinnati’s crime rate is technically below the national average, but some neighborhoods have higher rates. Travelers simply need to avoid dodgy neighborhoods and stay in tourist-friendly areas while they visit.
Where To Stay
Areas like Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout and Sayler Park are among the safest places for travelers to stay in during their visit to Cincinnati. They all offer residential and friendly environments that are safe enough for families. Each neighborhood has a walkable layout and small-town charm that is rich with history and accessible restaurants and shops. There are also neighborhoods to avoid while in the Cincinnati area, like English Woods, Sedamsville and South Fairmount. These neighborhoods are considered the most dangerous and have the highest violent and property crime rates.
Safest Transportation
Cincinnati is a city that is best explored via automobile. While there are some walkable neighborhoods, the attractions of the city are not near each other. To explore several areas and get around town, tourists without a car should take the bus, a taxi or rent a car. Since the international airport is about 15 miles from downtown, a ride will be necessary to get around and most travelers opt to book a shuttle or rent a car to get to their accommodation.
The public transportation in Cincinnati is not first-rate but the city has a pretty efficient bus system that costs less than $2 to ride. There are several bus systems in Cincinnati, but the most important for tourists to remember will most likely be the No. 1 metro bus which goes to the top things to do in the city (downtown, zoos, stadiums, etc.).
When To Visit
Weather and Tourism
Since Cincinnati is not a particularly large city and does not attract huge crowds, the best time to visit is dependent on each traveler’s preferences. Many travelers prefer to visit the city in September or May since there is plenty to do locally and the weather is usually moderate. Travelers who love the snow may prefer to visit Cincinnati between October and April, which is when snow is a common occurrence and travelers can appreciate slightly more affordable rates on accommodations.
Cincinnati can be somewhat dangerous and have weather that can hamper a trip. The city is susceptible to some natural disasters and can have vastly different weather throughout the year. Floods, wildfires, tornadoes and snowstorms all have occurred in Cincinnati. Although they are uncommon, it is wise to check up on weather conditions (via websites like City of Cincinnati) before traveling.
