If you've lived in Cincinnati awhile, it's easy to take our beautiful city for granted. We have unique architecture around every corner, both in and around our city center. Some of these places are historic and come with incredible stories, while others are newer and are just beginning to tell their own tales. One thing is for sure: these 12 particular marvels around Cincinnati are truly awe-inspiring and must be seen to be believed.
1. Music Hall
You can't talk about marvels in Cincinnati without mentioning the grand Music Hall. It was recently renovated and restored and is now even more jaw-dropping. When you first see this historic venue and learn of its intriguing history, you quickly realize just how important it's always been to our city.
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2. The Vontz Center
Have you ever noticed the Vontz Center for Molecular Studies on the campus of the University of Cincinnati? If not, you will now, as it definitely stands out! The building was was designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry and is known for its curved lines and whimsical feel.
3. John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge
Possibly the best known structure in our city (and certainly one of the most photogenic), the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge adds so much character to our already stunning skyline and puts our city on the map for world-renowned bridges.
4. Union Terminal
If you've been inside Union Terminal recently, then you know the famous rotunda does not currently look like this. The historic train station and museum is undergoing extensive restoration, so for now we have to settle for beautiful photos of the interior and exterior of this favorite Cincinnati icon. We're looking forward to seeing the new design once the renovations are complete!
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5. The Ark
The Ark Encounter is located in Williamstown, Kentucky, less than 40 minutes from Cincinnati. This true-to-size replica of Noah's Ark may be controversial, but most would agree that it is an architectural marvel.
6. Carew Tower
This Art Deco tower in downtown Cincinnati is known for its height and views from the top, but the inside is also a special sight. The decor and style is unique and takes you back in time when you walk through the doors. It's definitely a one-of-a-kind space in our city.
7. Fountain Square
Many think of Fountain Square as a fun place to gather - which it absolutely is - but it's also home to the beautiful Tyler Davidson Fountain. This detailed sculpture holds a special place in the heart of Cincinnati and is surely a must-see place in our city.
8. The Ascent
The Ascent is a residential building in Covington that absolutely can't be missed. It stands out from the other, more traditional buildings around it and added quite a bit of interest to the views of Kentucky from the Cincinnati side of the Ohio. Love it or hate it, it's definitely an architectural masterpiece.
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9. Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption
Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is also located Covington and is a memorable sight on the skyline. This ornate basilica was modeled after the Notre Dame in Paris and is as grand on the interior as it is on the outside.
10. Walnut Hills High School
Is hard to believe that this beautiful building is a high school... and it's not just any other high school; it is one of the best in the country and a true work of art. The outside is architecturally interesting and similar to the Monticello, and if you're able to venture inside the original building, you'll find impressive art and design.
11. City Hall
A beautiful city deserves a beautiful City Hall, and we definitely have one! The building includes a 9-story clock tower and the interior is filled with lovely stained-glass windows.
12. The Loveland Castle/Chateau Laroche
Our city's very own castle can be found in Loveland, and it's a true step back in time. Believe it or not, this is just one of several castles in the Cincinnati area, and you can tour the castle and grounds and learn the history of this incredible marvel.
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How fun would it be to take a road trip around our city and see all 12 of these places in one day? Our city offers so much beauty to marvel at and this list is just the beginning. What other places around Cincinnati would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments!
And for more on Fountain Square, check out our previous article here.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
Ask someone who has lived in the Queen City for all their life for suggestions to see around the city and best things to do in Cincinnati and you'll get a few repeated notable destinations. Places like Fountain Square, the Cincinnati Zoo, Smale Park, Music Hall, and other top attractions are top attractions for a reason - they're so much fun and wonderful for visitors to our great city. These are indeed must-sees, but there's so much more to Cincinnati than the popular, most obvious places that typically make "best things to do in Cincy" lists. Cincinnati is filled with so many amazing hidden gems, and we've gathered up a few of our favorites that provide the best secret views in Cincinnati. These are all Cincinnati top things to do that you'll definitely want to add to your bucket list!
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1. Bellevue Park
Bellevue Park is a great hidden gem in Clifton. This place has some of the best secret views in Cincinnati. It's a beautiful, unique park with a fascinating history, and we're not really sure why it doesn't seem to be as popular as some of the other parks in the area. However, that's part of what makes it so special: you likely won't have to deal with as many crowds here as you might find at bigger-name parks.
2. Krohn Conservatory
The Krohn Conservatory is one of those magical places where it feels like summer all year long. It's just minutes from downtown and a beautiful oasis in Eden Park. These delightful gardens are open year-round, and the seasonal shows are especially magnificent. I love a colorful escape here during the cold months!
3. Carew Tower Observation Deck
You wouldn't think that the second-tallest building in Cincinnati would be a hidden gem, but the Carew Tower observation deck really is! Unfortunately, many locals go a lifetime without riding the elevator all the way to the top, but this is one of the best things to do in Cincinnati. These are some of the best views in Ohio.
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4. The Cincinnati Observatory
The relatively unknown Cincinnati Observatory is one of the most historic spots in Cincinnati. It's actually been in its current location since 1873! This is such a beautiful place to wander and explore. Try to attend a night event for an unforgettable look at the sky. Looking up at the constellations makes you realize how big the universe is.
5. Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum
The unique Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum is one of our favorite parks in Ohio. It" s tucked away in hamilton and combines the natural surroundings with man-made art throughout its acres. this is a place that many locals don ever think to visit but we it belongs on any must-see list of cincinnati top things do.>
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6. Sharon Woods
If you're looking for the best secret views in Cincinnati, plus some of the best hiking in Ohio, you won't want to miss the stunning Sharon Woods. This magnificent preserve offers up a lovely lake, stunning waterfall, and miles of hiking trails that are perfect for explorers of all ages and skill levels. For more information about these great trails, visit our friends at Alltrails, where you can find photos and maps of so many great hikes in Ohio, and beyond.
7. Primavista Restaurant
This long-standing Cincinnati restaurant can sometimes be lost in the myriad of countless new dining spots that seem to always be rising up within our city. However, there's a reason it's been here so long. The food and views are some of the best around, and we think this is one memorable spot you have to dine at at least once. This award-winning Italian restaurant is great for celebrating a special occasion or a romantic date night.
Do you agree that these seven hidden gems offer up some of the best things to do in Cincy? How many of these have you visited? Any other secret views in Cincinnati you think belong on this list? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!