The Open Road Travel

Cincinnati is a unique city, with a culture all of its own, which is quite an accomplishment in a country as large as America. That means choosing the best areas to stay in Cincinnati is extremely important, to make sure you have exactly the sort of experience you are hoping.

From its Germanic roots and vibrant architecture to districts dedicated to sports and entertainment, there is plenty to do in Cincy to entertain everyone and keep the visitors coming back for more.

So, if you are planning a trip to Cincinnati and want to ensure you select a neighbourhood that perfectly matches your own needs, then this is the article for you.

Cincinnati is the third largest city in Ohio, although its metropolitan area is the largest in the state.

Settled in 1788 as Losantiville, it was renamed two years later to honour the Society Of The Cincinnati, a fraternity formed to promote the remembrance of the Revolutionary War.

Its population expanded rapidly over the next 50 years, as steamboats up the Ohio River turned the city into a major hub of commerce and industry in the region.

As demand began to outpace the growth of the population, city leaders began to look elsewhere for their workforce. This led to a mass immigration of German and Irish workers in the late 1840s.

It was this immigration that helped to form the city that we known today, as a German influence began to be felt in everything from the buildings to the culture of the city, with entire neighbourhoods being given German names.

Combined with the influences from the Irish and Scottish immigrants in the workforce, the American residents, and the frontiersmen and keelboaters that regularly stayed in the city due to its location, Cincinnati blossomed into one of the most unique and diverse cities in all of America.

As industry moved away from using steamboats, Cincinnati’s place in the running of America gradually fell away.

What remains is a fabulous destination that represents a hidden gem of a city, where you can experience cultures and styles you may not see intertwined anywhere else in the world.

Those looking for the best time to visit Cincinnati will generally want to pick sometime from late May to mid-September. This is the period with the best temperatures throughout the city, which should ensure you can enjoy all of its many outdoor attractions at your leisure.

That said, Cincinnati is also a fabulous place to visit for Christmas, as it has some of the best Christmas markets and attractions in the United States.

For anyone hoping to visit the city to get in the festive mood, late November to the end of December is when most of the festivities take place.

For a more in depth look at what to do in Cincinnati around Christmas, make sure to check out the article we wrote here, for a complete rundown on everything the city has to offer.

As we move on to our list of the best areas to stay in Cincinnati, I am now going to suggest a few options. Each will be ideal for some of the most common needs people have when travelling.

Downtown Cincinnati is both the heart of the city and the economic centre of the Cincinnati Metropolitan Area.

Centred around the Central Business District, it is where you will find most of the tallest buildings in the city, many of which are included on the National Register Of Historic Places.

Among these buildings, you will find the Carew Tower, a destination known for its famous 49th floor observation deck. Offering stunning views of Cincinnati, it provides a wonderful opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective.

An iconic collection of elevated, indoor walkways, known as Cincinnati Skywalk, runs for 1.3 miles through the district, linking a number of these buildings together.

This provides incredible convenience, as you can get from place to place quickly, without worrying about the weather.

Among the attractions, you have locations like the Contemporary Arts Centre, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and Taft Museum Of Art. These will help visitors to learn about the history of art and racial diversity in the city.

Those who would prefer to take in some history outside should perhaps take a trip to Piatt Park. The oldest park in the city, you can enjoy a little nature, while surrounded by historic architecture and locations.

A section of Downtown Cincinnati known as the Backstage District will be of particular interest for those looking to enjoy every second of their stay in Cincinnati, no matter what time of day or night.

With an incredible selection of bars, clubs, eateries, restaurants, and other nightlife opportunities, you will always be able to find something to do of an evening here, regardless of your personal tastes or preferences.

This makes Downtown Cincinnati the best area to stay in Cincinnati for nightlife.

The more adventurous among you will also find one of Cincinnati’s most famous locations beneath the district.

With two miles of abandoned, unfinished tunnels, which have been left as they were when the project was shelved in 1928, it constitutes the largest unused subway system in America.

Although public access isn’t technically permitted, many will often find their way down to explore regardless, while unofficial tours are even available on occasion.

Many of the hotels on offer in Downtown Cincinnati are high-end establishments, yet the outskirts of the district are largely residential and contain a range of Airbnb properties and private apartments available for rent.

This makes Downton Cincinnati an option, no matter your style of budget.

Those who are lucky enough to be visiting during the festive season will also be greeted by an event known as Macy’s Light Up The Square. Located around Fountain Square, Macy’s Light Up The Square is one of the best Christmas events in the entire United States.

With a traditional German Christmas market, the Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt, the official Cincinnati Christmas Tree, and attractions like fireworks, ice-skating, and music, it makes Downtown Cincinnati the best area to stay in Cincinnati at Christmas.

Stay In Downtown Cincinnati If:

• You want to admire Cincinnati’s collection of towering skyscrapers
• You want to take in the stunning views from the Carew Tower observation deck
• You prefer a destination where many of the attractions are linked internally
• Nightlife is a priority during your stay
• You are visiting Cincinnati for Christmas
• You want to explore the largest unused subway system in the U.S.
• You want a great range of accommodation options
• You enjoy art, history, and nature

The Westin Cincinnati is a beautiful, 4-star hotel, situated in the heart of the district, near Fountain Square. With stylish décor both inside and out, it is a destination that exudes class and sophistication.

Each of the rooms boasts floor to ceiling windows, providing stunning views of the surrounding city, while luxury bedding and furnishings ensure you remain comfortable during your visit.

Other amenities include a flat screen TV and work desk, as well as Wi-Fi, which is available throughout the property.

The on-site restaurant serves top quality seafood for both lunch and dinner, while a continental breakfast is available each morning. A complimentary business and fitness centre also ensures you have everything you need, no matter if you want to work, relax, or exercise.

The Cincinnati Riverfront is a subdistrict of Downtown Cincinnati that lines the bank of the Ohio River. Colloquially known as The Banks, it is a modern district designed specifically for tourism and recreation, with most of its features having been built since 1996.

A large majority of the people choosing to stay in this area will do so due to the two stadiums found in the Cincinnati Riverfront.

The Great American Ball Park is a 43,500 seater outdoor stadium that opened in 2003 and has been the home of the Cincinnati Reds of the MLB ever since. This makes the district the best area to stay in Cincinnati for a Reds game.

The stadium is also where you will find the Cincinnati Reds Hall Of Fame And Museum, so is a great destination for any true fans of the team to see some historic artefacts and learn about the entire history of the team.

Then you also have the Paul Brown Stadium, a 65,500 seater outdoor stadium that opened in 2000. Home to the Cincinnati Bengals of the NFL, it makes Cincinnati Riverfront the best area to stay in Cincinnati for a Bengals game as well.

Between them, the stadiums also host many of the largest concerts and other sporting events in the city, making the area as a whole the perfect option for those seeking some top-level entertainment.

Surrounding the stadiums, an abundance of bars, hotels, restaurants, and shops cater to visitors of all budgets and tastes. This makes it an ideal for destination for a truly relaxing trip, filled with dining, shopping, and entertainment.

While entertainment and tourism may be the main draw of the Cincinnati Riverfront, one of the city’s more natural attractions is located here and comes in a close second, that being the Smale Riverfront Park, which covers over 40 acres along the Cincinnati Riverfront.

A beautiful destination, it boasts wide open, green spaces, filled with bike trails, boat docks, fountains, gardens, historical makers, playgrounds, tree groves, water features, and incredible views out over the river.

Combined with its fabulous promenade, it gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy some time strolling around in the fresh air, taking in the views and landmarks, while admiring the nature, all without ever having to venture too far from the attractions of the city centre.

Stay In Cincinnati Riverfront If:

• You are visiting for a Bengals game or a Reds game
• You are attending any event at Paul Brown Stadium or The Great American Ballpark
• You want a great selection of bars, hotels, shops, and restaurants, all within      walking distance
• You want to visit the Cincinnati Bengals Hall Of Fame And Museum
• You want to explore Smale Riverfront Park
• You enjoy river views

The AC Hotel By Marriott At The Banks is a beautiful hotel, located just a short walk from The Great American Ballpark. The property boasts a sleek, modern design and offers incredible views across the river, from both the communal areas and a selection of the rooms.

An on-site restaurant serves fabulous cuisine, as well as a continental breakfast of a morning, while the bar and terrace are both wonderful places to relax with a drink of an evening.

All guests receive access to private parking and site-wide Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped fitness centre is ideal for those who don’t want to miss a workout while they are away. There is also a 24-hour front desk in case you need anything else at any point during your stay.

All of the rooms are fully air conditioned and feature amenities including a desk, flat screen TV, safety deposit box, and a private bathroom.

Avondale is the geographic centre of the city, located roughly 4 miles to the northwest of Downtown Cincinnati.

The site of two of the most famous race riots in the country, which took place in the 60s, Avondale saw a dramatic decline in residents in the years that followed and never quite recovered.

As a result of that, the neighbourhood still boasts some of the lowest prices you will find in Cincinnati on things like accommodation, food, goods, and other services. This makes Avondale the ideal area to stay in Cincinnati for those travelling on a budget.

Avondale is also the best area to stay in Cincinnati for Cincinnati Zoo, which is located in the east of the neighbourhood.

One of the most visited attractions in the city, the Cincinnati Zoo And Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark which first opened in 1873, making it the 2nd oldest zoo in America.

Its collection of over 500 animals includes bears, big cats, gibbons, giraffes, hippos, kangaroos, monkeys, pandas, penguins, rhinos, tortoises, wild dogs, wolves, and a selection of birds, insects, and reptiles.

Their “more home to roam” campaign provides the opportunity to see these wonderful creatures in sprawling, faithful recreations of their natural habitats.

Perhaps its most infamous attraction though is its collection of gorillas, as this was the location of the unfortunate “Harambe” incident in 2016.

In the botanical garden side of the complex, a range of more than 3,000 species of plants in beautiful gardens and conservatories provides a relaxing way to experience new and unusual plant life from around the world.

Those that are fond of the great outdoors will also enjoy Fleishmann Gardens Park. With four acres of open land, it is a fabulous chance to enjoy the flora of the region.

It is also what helps make Avondale the best area to stay in Cincinnati for families, as there is plenty of wide open spaces for the kids to run around in and burn off some energy.

On the outskirts of Avondale, you will also find the University Of Cincinnati. With the area surrounding it full of bars, cafes, restaurants, and shops, all boasting a vibrant, youthful atmosphere, it is ideal for students or anyone seeking a laid-back vacation.

Stay In Avondale If:

• You are travelling with family or small children
• You are visiting a student at the University Of Cincinnati
• You are travelling on a budget
• Visiting the Cincinnati Zoo And Botanical Garden is a priority
• You enjoy a youthful, laid-back environment
• You like spending time outdoors

Graduate Cincinnati is a 4-star hotel that is just a short walk from both the Cincinnati Zoo And Botanical Garden and the University Of Cincinnati. A uniquely styled property, it features vibrant décor in keeping with the student atmosphere of the surrounding area.

A pet friendly hotel, each room features a private bathroom with free toiletries, as well as a flat screen satellite TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and stunning views of the surrounding area. Select rooms also boast their own private terrace.

Throughout the property, a bar and fitness centre are both available to all guests, to ensure you are catered to whether you want to relax or work up a sweat.

There is also a 24-hour front desk available to deal with any other needs you may have, as well as on-site private parking.

Over-The-Rhine is located immediately to the northwest of Downtown Cincinnati and is the perfect place to experience the German culture Cincinnati is known for.

Also known as OTR, Over-The-Rhine is one of the largest, fully intact historic districts still in existence anywhere in the U.S. Named by German settlers in the 1800s, it was founded on the shores of the old Miami Canal, which was likened to The Rhine river in Germany.

A working class neighbourhood since its inception, it is divided into a number of subdistricts, each with their own atmosphere, culture, and style.

The most popular of these subdistricts among tourists is the Brewery District. The hub of the city’s beer brewing industry, breweries have been operating here since as early as 1853.

With many of the breweries offering tours, you can learn about the history and manufacturing processes of the beers, before sampling some of your favourites, directly from their source.

Another popular part of Over-The-Rhine is the Northern Liberties and Sycamore – 13th Street Districts. This is an area particularly popular with fans of architecture, as it features many of Cincinnati’s most historic buildings, each boasting its own distinctive stye.

The Art Deco Entrance To The America Building, Beaux Arts Memorial Hall, Eastlake Germania Building, Renaissance Revival Hanke Building, and Venetian Gothic Music Hall are just some of the locations on offer to wow visitors and demonstrate how the city has evolved.

In The Gateway Quarter, which is officially known as Washington Square, you will find one of the most exclusive, upper-class districts in all of Cincinnati. Numerous high-end bars, hotels, restaurants, and shops are all located within walking distance of one another.

This makes the neighbourhood a great choice for anyone looking to really treat themselves during their vacation, as well as the best area to stay in Cincinnati for romantics who want to make the most of their time together.

An incredibly diverse destination, the majority of Over-The-Rhine features generally reasonable prices.

This is slowly helping it to develop a reputation as one of the best areas to stay in Cincinnati for young professionals, who have plenty of opportunities, without having to worry about breaking the bank.

Stay In Over-The-Rhine If:

• You are planning a romantic getaway
• You plan on taking a tour of a brewery
• The Germanic history of Cincinnati interests you
• You want to stay in one of the most exclusive parts of the city
• You are a young professional looking to start a new life in the city
• You are a fan of architecture
• You like destinations with a diverse range of styles and cultures
  

The Symphony Hotel & Restaurant is a 4-star hotel in a building boasting the sort of distinctive architecture that the Over-The-Rhine district is known for.

Each of the rooms features a large seating area and private bathroom, as well as amenities like a flat screen satellite TV, air conditioning, bathrobes, tea and coffee making facilities, and a desk.

The on-site bar, lounge, restaurant, and terrace are all great places to relax of an evening, while American and Continental breakfast options are also available each morning.

Free private parking, a business centre, site-wide Wi-Fi, and evening entertainment are offered to all guests, while concierge, ironing, laundry, and valet parking services are all available for a surcharge.

Cincinnati is a truly individual city that offers a diverse experience unlike anything you are likely to find elsewhere in America. This article will have hopefully helped you to find the perfect area to stay in Cincinnati based on your own wants and needs.

Whether you hope to take in the Germanic culture and get the inside scoop on how different beers are made, or have a wild weekend filled with live sports and entertainment, you should now have all the information required to determine where best to do so.

So, all that’s left is to go and start getting things booked. That way, you will guarantee you get to stay in your perfect hotel and you can look forward to experiencing this hidden gem of a city for yourself as soon as possible.