Plan your Cincinnati Trip✨
👇Click Button Below for Our firsthand hotel, restaurant, bar & experience reviews
Collapsible content
HOTELS 🏨
🏨 Top Cincinnati Hotels for a Girls’ Trip:
- The Lytle Park Hotel, Autograph Collection: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy an upscale downtown stay with Italian dining at Subito and rooftop cocktails at Vista. A lovely pick for getting dressed up and spending an evening together.
- 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Stay inside a boutique hotel and contemporary art museum across from the Aronoff Center. Add dinner at Metropole or a spa appointment to your itinerary.
- Kinley Cincinnati Downtown: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Make this boutique downtown hotel your base for restaurants, shopping, and exploring Over-the-Rhine. Meet at The Exchange Lobby Bar before heading out with the girls.
- Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Choose a classic Cincinnati stay with beautiful French Art Deco interiors and on-site dining. A central downtown option for combining sightseeing with dinner and drinks.
- Hotel Covington: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Stay across the river in Covington, Kentucky, with boutique rooms and dining at Coppin’s. For extra space, explore the suites at North by Hotel Covington.
OTHER STAY OPTIONS 👇🏻
Want more room to spread out with the girls? Browse vacation homes and condos on Vrbo or Airbnb.
COMPARE HOTEL RATES & OFFERS 👇🏻
- Booking.com — Browse hotels, availability, and current offers.
- Expedia — Compare hotel stays and flight-and-hotel packages.
- KAYAK — Compare hotel prices across multiple travel websites.
💡 Check the hotel’s own website, too, and compare the total price, cancellation policy, and included perks before booking.
HOTEL REWARDS PROGRAMS 👇🏻
Free to join • Access to member offers • Earn points toward reward nights on eligible stays
💡 Book directly with the hotel when using its loyalty program, and check the program’s terms. Early check-in and other perks depend on your membership benefits, the property, and availability.
EAT 🍽️ & DRINK 🍸
💡 PRO TIP: Book your must-try restaurants ahead of time through OpenTable, Resy, or Tock. If your restaurant isn’t listed, check its official website for reservations or walk-in details.
🥞 Must Go To for Breakfast & Brunch:
- Maplewood Kitchen & Bar: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Start your morning with West Coast-inspired breakfast favorites, avocado toast, and brunch cocktails at this downtown café.
- Sleepy Bee Café: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy breakfast and brunch built around locally sourced ingredients. A welcoming choice for a relaxed morning before exploring Cincinnati.
- Taste of Belgium — The Banks: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Order Belgian waffles or the waffle-and-chicken combination before exploring the riverfront. This location puts you in the middle of The Banks entertainment district.
- Sugar n’ Spice: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Keep brunch casual with signature thin pancakes, fluffy omelets, and a colorful diner atmosphere at this longtime Cincinnati favorite.
- Otto’s: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Cross the river to Covington, Kentucky, for weekend brunch, mimosas, and Bloody Marys. A great addition to a morning exploring MainStrasse Village.
🍽️ Must Go To for Girls’ Night Dinner:
- Pepp & Dolores: (Click here for: WEBSITE) A Connected Legacy favorite for handmade pasta, wine, and a cozy, lively dinner in Over-the-Rhine. Start with The Dunk and save room for pasta.
- Whiskey Yard: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Head to Liberty Township for globally inspired dishes and creative cocktails. Our reviewed favorites included the whipped feta, crab cake, and lobster risotto.
- Genki Ramen & Teppanyaki: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Our reviewed West Chester Township location is a casual choice for ramen, Japanese skewers, and hibachi-style entrées while visiting Liberty Center.
- Sotto: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Settle in for rustic Italian cooking and handmade pasta. A lovely choice for a dinner you want to linger over with the girls.
- The Davidson: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy updated French, Italian, and American classics at this downtown restaurant. A polished pick for kicking off your girls’ night over dinner.
🍽️ Fine Dining & Michelin Guide / Recognized:
- Boca: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Plan a special evening around seasonal dishes, carefully presented courses, and an extensive wine program. An occasion-worthy choice for celebrating together.
- Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse Cincinnati: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Get dressed up for a luxurious downtown steakhouse dinner. A memorable pick for birthdays, celebrations, or your trip’s big night out.
- Mita’s: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore Spanish and Latin American flavors through tapas, ceviche, and dishes from chef Jose Salazar. Great for friends who enjoy sharing several plates.
- Nolia Kitchen: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Discover chef Jeff Harris’ New Orleans-inspired Southern cooking in Over-the-Rhine. Seasonal dishes and creative interpretations make this a distinctive dinner destination.
- The Precinct: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy an upscale steakhouse evening inside a former Cincinnati police patrol house. Historic character adds something special to this longtime Jeff Ruby restaurant.
🍸 Fun Bars & Nightlife:
- Ghost Baby: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Head underground for cocktails, intimate live performances, and a plush lounge atmosphere inside former brewery tunnels. Reserve ahead for your group.
- Somerset: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Sip cocktails in a lush garden and conservatory setting in Over-the-Rhine. A beautiful place to gather before or after dinner.
- Igby’s: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Meet for cocktails at this lively downtown bar. Check its events and specials when planning your night out with the girls.
- The Blind Lemon: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Head to Mount Adams for drinks, live music, and a cozy atmosphere filled with warm lighting and character.
- Vista at Lytle Park: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Gather for rooftop cocktails and views over Lytle Park and downtown Cincinnati. A lovely stop for starting your evening above the city.
☕️ Coffee & 🥐 Sweet Treats:
- Graeter’s Ice Cream: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Leave room for this Cincinnati classic, known for French Pot ice cream and generous chocolate chips. Make an ice cream stop part of your downtown exploring.
- Brown Bear Bakery: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Stop in Over-the-Rhine for seasonal pastries, espresso drinks, and a signature cinnamon bun. Pick a few treats to share with the girls.
- Coffee Emporium: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Recharge with locally roasted coffee at this Cincinnati institution. Its Over-the-Rhine café is convenient for a break between neighborhood stops.
- Deeper Roots Coffee: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Visit the downtown Fourth Street coffee bar for espresso drinks and baked goods. An easy morning stop before sightseeing or shopping.
- Allez Bakery & Café: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore artisan breads and café fare from the bakery mentioned in our Pepp & Dolores review. Check the locations page to choose your stop.
🌶️ A Cincinnati Classic to Try:
- Skyline Chili: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Work a casual Cincinnati chili stop into your trip. Try a classic 3-Way or cheese coneys for a taste of this local tradition.
EXPERIENCES✨
🎵 Major Concert Venues:
- Riverbend Music Center: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Catch major touring artists at Cincinnati’s classic outdoor concert venue. A fun centerpiece for a summer girls’ trip.
- PNC Pavilion: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy a smaller outdoor concert setting at this amphitheater on the Riverbend campus. Check its schedule when planning your music-filled weekend.
- Heritage Bank Center: (Click here for: WEBSITE) See major concerts and touring entertainment at this downtown riverfront arena. Pair your show with dinner or drinks at The Banks.
- The Andrew J Brady Music Center: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Catch touring artists at this modern venue at The Banks. Its downtown location makes it convenient for building an evening around dinner and a concert.
- Cincinnati Music Hall: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Get dressed up for the Cincinnati Symphony, Pops, or Opera inside this beautiful historic landmark. Add dinner in Over-the-Rhine before your performance.
- Aronoff Center for the Arts: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Make it a theater night with touring Broadway productions, dance, and other live performances. A great choice for dinner and a show downtown.
🏛️ Must-Visit Museums:
- Cincinnati Art Museum: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Explore art collections and rotating exhibitions near Eden Park. General admission and parking are free; some special exhibitions require separate tickets.
- Cincinnati Museum Center: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Discover history, science, and special exhibitions inside the impressive Art Deco Union Terminal. Allow time to admire the building’s beautiful rotunda.
- National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Learn about the Underground Railroad, freedom seekers, and the continuing struggle for freedom through powerful exhibits. A meaningful stop along the downtown riverfront.
- Taft Museum of Art: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Browse European and American paintings, decorative arts, and special exhibitions inside a historic downtown home. A lovely choice for a quieter afternoon.
- Contemporary Arts Center: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Discover changing contemporary art exhibitions in the heart of downtown. Check the calendar for performances and creative programs during your visit.
🩷 Fun Girly Activities:
- The Candle Lab: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Blend a custom fragrance and pour your own candle together. Reserve ahead for groups of four or more, and allow at least 90 minutes after pouring for cooling before pickup.
- Rookwood Pottery Tours & Workshops: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Go behind the scenes at this iconic Cincinnati pottery maker or book a scheduled workshop. Browse the shop for a special souvenir afterward.
- Findlay Market: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Browse local food vendors, pick up treats, and explore the market together. Check its calendar for guided tasting tours and special events.
- Krohn Conservatory: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Wander through tropical greenery, orchids, and seasonal floral displays inside Eden Park’s historic conservatory. Check which special show will be running during your trip.
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Spend an afternoon exploring animal habitats and beautiful gardens. Look through the events calendar for seasonal experiences to add to your visit.
🧖🏻♀️ Best Spas:
- The Spa at 21c Cincinnati: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Enjoy massages, facials, and body rituals at this intimate downtown spa. A convenient choice for adding some relaxation between sightseeing and dinner.
- Woodhouse Spa — Cincinnati/Montgomery: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Head to Montgomery for massages, facials, and body treatments in a relaxing spa setting. Book early if your group wants appointments around the same time.
- Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa — Lytle Park: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Choose nail, skin, or massage services at this boutique downtown location. A convenient stop for pampering before a special dinner or night out.
- Spavia Rookwood: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Unwind with a massage, facial, or body treatment at this Rookwood-area spa. Work an appointment into an afternoon of nearby shopping and dining.
- 501 Salon + Spa: (Click here for: WEBSITE) Cross the river to Bellevue, Kentucky, for customized facials, therapeutic massages, and body treatments. A relaxing option while exploring Northern Kentucky.
📅 For local events and more trip ideas, check out the Cincinnati region’s official tourism website, Visit Cincy (Click here for: WEBSITE). Browse its EVENTS CALENDAR to see what’s happening during your trip.
MUST DO ✅
🌉 Must Do in Cincinnati
📸 Walk Across the Roebling Suspension Bridge
Take in Ohio River and skyline views while walking between Cincinnati and Covington, Kentucky. This iconic blue suspension bridge makes a beautiful backdrop for group photos.
🌊 Explore Smale Riverfront Park
Stroll through the gardens, relax on the oversized riverfront swings, and enjoy views of the Ohio River. Pair your visit with lunch or drinks at The Banks.
🛍️ Spend an Afternoon in Over-the-Rhine
Browse boutiques along Vine and Main streets, admire the historic architecture, and stay for dinner. Pepp & Dolores is one of our reviewed favorites for handmade pasta and a girls’ night out.
🥐 Taste Your Way Through Findlay Market
Explore local food vendors, specialty shops, and delicious treats at Cincinnati’s historic public market. Book a guided tasting tour if you want to sample several stops together.
🌶️ Try Cincinnati Chili & Graeter’s Ice Cream
Order a classic 3-Way or cheese coneys at Skyline Chili, then leave room for Graeter’s ice cream. These longtime local favorites belong on your Cincinnati food itinerary.
🍸 Enjoy Rooftop Cocktails
Gather the girls at Vista at Lytle Park for cocktails and views over downtown Cincinnati. A lovely way to start your evening before heading to dinner or a show.
🎨 Visit the Cincinnati Art Museum
Explore the galleries and rotating exhibitions, then take a stroll through nearby Eden Park. General admission is free, making this an easy addition to your weekend.
🌿 Wander Through Krohn Conservatory
Step inside Eden Park’s historic conservatory to discover tropical plants, orchids, and seasonal floral displays. Check the current show when planning your visit.
🎶 Catch a Concert or Live Show
Build an evening around a concert at Riverbend Music Center or The Andrew J Brady Music Center. For a theater night, check what’s playing at the Aronoff Center.
⚾ Experience Cincinnati Game Day
Cheer on the Reds at Great American Ball Park or catch the Bengals at Paycor Stadium when your dates line up. Add dinner or drinks at The Banks to complete the outing.
TIP/TRICKS💡
☑️ Cincinnati Tips & Tricks
🚋 Ride the free Connector streetcar
Travel between The Banks, downtown, and Over-the-Rhine for free. Regular service ends at 11:30 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 9:30 p.m. Sunday; check the current schedule for event changes before planning your last ride.
🚕 Use Uber or Lyft to get around
Rideshares are useful for outings beyond the streetcar route. After concerts or games, follow the venue’s pickup instructions and confirm your meeting point in the app before requesting your ride.
🅿️ Consider skipping the rental car for a downtown stay
If your plans center on downtown, The Banks, and Over-the-Rhine, combine walking, the streetcar, and rideshares. Compare hotel parking charges with your expected transportation costs before booking.
📍 Group your stops by neighborhood
Whiskey Yard is in Liberty Township, and our reviewed Genki Ramen location is in West Chester Township. Pair these stops with Liberty Center shopping and plan them as a separate outing from downtown.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
Between riverfront walks, Findlay Market, and shopping in Over-the-Rhine, you may cover more ground than expected. Pack comfortable daytime shoes and an easy backup pair for evenings out.
🍽️ Reserve dinner and lounge seating early
Book restaurants such as Pepp & Dolores and Sotto ahead of your trip, especially for weekend dinners. If Ghost Baby is on your list, plan that reservation alongside your dinner timing.
🛍️ Check Findlay Market’s days and hours
Findlay Market is closed Mondays, and Sunday hours end at 4 p.m. Plan your visit earlier in the day and check individual merchant hours for any must-visit stops.
⚾ Check sports and concert calendars before booking
Look for Reds games, Bengals games, and major concerts when choosing your dates. Book your hotel early for busy event weekends and leave extra time for parking, dinner, and getting to your venue.
🎟️ Check concert bags and parking
Riverbend and PNC Pavilion have clear-bag requirements with small-clutch exceptions, so review the venue’s policiesbefore choosing your bag. Parking at these venues is included in the ticket price.
🌉 Make time for Northern Kentucky
Covington and Newport offer more restaurants, shops, and skyline views across the Ohio River. Build in an afternoon or evening to explore beyond downtown Cincinnati.
🌦️ Pack layers and check the forecast
Bring layers for riverfront walks and outdoor concerts, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. Choose your outdoor activities around the forecast when possible.
✈️ Plan your CVG airport transfer
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is in Hebron, Kentucky. For Uber and Lyft pickups, follow signs to Ground Transport East on the baggage-claim level, then confirm your pickup details in the app.