11 Most Highly Rated Tours & Things To Do In Cincinnati

Cincinnati might not be the first city that comes to mind for a weekend getaway, but it’s packed with unique experiences that appeal to a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re into sampling local bites, exploring historic neighborhoods, or trying your hand at escape rooms, Cincinnati offers something for all.

For example, food lovers will appreciate the Streetcar Food Tour and Findlay Market, which takes you through multiple neighborhoods, sampling Cincinnati’s best dishes.

And if you’re a fan of the spooky, the Haunted Cincinnati Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour offers a fun mix of ghost stories and local bars.

Whatever your style, you’ll find engaging ways to experience Cincinnati’s character. From river cruises and baseball stadium tours to ethnic food walks, the options below highlight the best tours and things to do in Cincinnati based on authenticity, variety, and fun.

1. Streetcar Food Tour and Findlay Market with Riverside Food Tours

Starting with a food-focused adventure, this tour offers a tasty introduction to Cincinnati’s culinary scene. For around $85, you’ll visit multiple restaurants and Ohio’s oldest public market, Findlay Market. The tour is designed as a small-group experience, making it ideal for newcomers wanting a curated taste of the city’s diverse eateries and culture.

Highlights include a visit to Fountain Square and Carew Tower, plus behind-the-scenes stories about Cincinnati’s architecture and food scene. The tour includes an all-day streetcar pass, so you can keep exploring after the tour ends.

Guests often mention the knowledgeable guides and the delicious food, with one reviewer saying, “Marcia was absolutely amazing—she showed us the city and took us behind the scenes to kitchens.” This tour is perfect for first-timers or those wanting a quick, fun overview of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods and food.

Bottom Line: A great way to sample Cincinnati’s best bites while getting a taste of the city’s cultural highlights. If you love food and local stories, this tour delivers.

2. The Escape Game Cincinnati: 60-Minute Adventures at The Banks

If you’re after some interactive fun, this escape room experience is hard to beat. Costing about $41, you choose from five themed games, each designed to challenge your puzzle-solving skills within a precise 60-minute window.

Themes like breaking out of a prison or finding hidden gold keep things lively and varied. The game is set near Cincinnati’s riverfront, making it a convenient, indoor escape from the city’s hustle.

Guests report that the clues and puzzles are creative and challenging, saying, “We loved it and made it out with less than a minute to spare.” The staff is praised for their helpfulness, especially if you’re new to escape rooms. It’s perfect for groups of friends, families, or even team-building activities.

Bottom Line: For a fast, fun, and brain-bending experience, this escape game offers great value and a memorable challenge.

3. Top 10 Sites + Bites of Cincinnati Tour with Riverside Food Tours

This three-hour sightseeing and tasting tour combines Cincinnati’s iconic sights with local food. Starting at $79, it’s perfect for travelers who want a little bit of everything—stunning river views, historic bridges, and a taste of Cincinnati’s culinary scene.

Highlights include the Roebling Suspension Bridge, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and a walk past the Great American Ball Park.

The tour includes food tastings, so you’re sampling Cincinnati’s signature dishes without the hassle of planning. The guide shares stories about the city’s architecture and history, making the experience both fun and educational.

One reviewer notes, “We tried local favorites and learned about the city—highly recommend for a quick, comprehensive intro.” An added bonus: your all-day streetcar pass allows for independent exploration afterward.

Bottom Line: Ideal for visitors who want a well-rounded overview with plenty of photo opportunities and bites to eat.

4. Cincinnati: Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner

For a more relaxed way to see Cincinnati, this 2-hour river cruise offers stunning views of the skyline and a delicious buffet dinner. Priced at $71, it’s a great choice for couples or families wanting a scenic, laid-back evening. The cruise departs from Kentucky and features music and entertainment, making it more than just a boat ride.

Guests love the opportunity to relax and take in the city from the river, especially during sunset, when the skyline glows beautifully. The buffet includes a variety of options, so there’s something for all. The cruise also provides a unique perspective of Cincinnati’s riverfront and distant hills, perfect for photography.

Bottom Line: A peaceful, scenic experience ideal for those wanting to combine sightseeing with good food and entertainment.

5. Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour

This ghost tour offers a spine-tingling look at Cincinnati’s haunted spots. For just $32, you’ll follow your guide through Over-the-Rhine, visiting landmarks like Cincinnati Music Hall and Washington Park. The tour mixes spooky stories with local history, making it perfect for fans of the paranormal or anyone looking for a different perspective on the city.

Tour guides like Jordan and Ellie are praised for their entertaining storytelling, and visitors enjoy the mix of creepy tales and city sights. The tour lasts about two hours, so it’s not overly long but packed with chilling stories and intriguing landmarks.

Bottom Line: A fun, eerie way to explore Cincinnati’s darker side—great for night owls or families with teens who love ghost stories.

6. Ethnic Food Tour in Over the Rhine with Riverside Food Tours

This small-group ethnic food tour highlights Cincinnati’s diverse culinary heritage in Over-the-Rhine. Costing $85, it includes visits to six different eateries, sampling cuisines from around the world, and exploring a neighborhood famous for its German roots. Your guide shares stories about the area’s immigrant past, making it both a food and cultural experience.

Guests rave about guides like Jackie, noting her deep knowledge and the variety of foods sampled, from Bavarian pretzels to local desserts. The tour also covers the neighborhood’s vibrant history and current scene, making it especially appealing for foodies who want insight along with their bites.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those who enjoy culinary exploration combined with cultural stories, and who love walking through lively neighborhoods.

7. Cincinnati: Riverboat Cruise with Lunch and Entertainment

This 2-hour river cruise combines sightseeing with entertainment and a lunch buffet, providing a relaxing way to experience Cincinnati from the water. For $57, it’s perfect for families or couples wanting a laid-back afternoon with scenic views and live music.

Guests enjoy the vintage riverboat ambiance, with panoramic views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati’s skyline. The included lunch and music make it a lively, enjoyable outing. The cruise’s schedule can fit into a day of sightseeing, offering a different perspective of the city.

Bottom Line: If you like combining food, music, and river views, this cruise delivers a memorable experience.

8. Cincinnati: Sunset Sightseeing Cruise on the Ohio River

For those who prefer a more romantic or relaxing evening, the Sunset Sightseeing Cruise is a perfect choice. At $36, this 2-hour cruise offers breathtaking views of Cincinnati’s skyline as the sun sets. It features live entertainment, creating a cozy, scenic atmosphere.

Guests say the city views at dusk are spectacular, and the relaxed pace allows for reflection on the day’s sights. It’s a wonderful way to wind down and enjoy Cincinnati’s riverfront with family or a partner.

Bottom Line: Ideal for a peaceful, picturesque evening cruise, especially if you’re into spectacular sunset views.

9. Cincy Brunch History and Streetcar Tour with Riverside Food Tours

This Saturday morning experience blends brunch, history, and streetcar rides in Cincinnati’s Historic Over-the-Rhine. For $85, you’ll explore the neighborhood’s historic architecture and local eateries, sampling dishes from several spots along the way.

Guests admire the personalized nature of the tour, with guides sharing stories of the neighborhood’s German immigrants and its evolution. The tour includes a streetcar pass, so you can continue exploring independently afterward.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a relaxed morning of food and history with a mix of walking and streetcar rides.

10. Nightmare on Elm Street Walking Tour

If you’re into spooky stories and haunted places, this 2-hour ghost tour is both fun and chilling. Costing around $35, it takes you through Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, exploring sites linked to ghostly legends and eerie tales.

Tour guides like Jordan and Ellie are praised for their engaging storytelling, and visitors love handling ghost-hunting equipment. The tour covers underground brewery tunnels and haunted landmarks, creating an atmosphere full of suspense.

Bottom Line: A great pick for horror fans or groups wanting a spooky tour with some local history.

11. Sunday Brunch at Findlay Market Tour with Riverside Food Tours

This late-morning tour combines a delicious brunch with a walk through Cincinnati’s most historic public market. For $84, you’ll sample a variety of foods like fudge, bread pudding, and ethnic treats, all while learning about the market’s centuries-old history.

Guests mention how the guide brings Cincinnati’s German-American roots to life, and the small-group setting ensures a personalized experience. The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore more on your own afterward.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for foodies and history buffs wanting to try local eats and learn stories behind them.

How to Choose

When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your interests, budget, and available time. Food tours like the Streetcar Food Tour and Ethnic Food Tour in Over-the-Rhine are ideal if you’re eager to taste Cincinnati’s dishes and learn about its neighborhoods.

For a more relaxed experience, river cruises like the Ohio River Cruise with Buffet Dinner and sunset cruise offer stunning views and entertainment.

If you’re drawn to spooky stories, the Haunted Cincinnati Tour or Nightmare on Elm Street Walking Tour are memorable options. For adrenaline junkies or puzzle-solvers, the Escape Game provides a quick, engaging challenge.

Booking early is advisable, especially for popular experiences like river cruises or themed walking tours, to secure your spot and plan your limited time in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati offers a variety of well-curated tours that appeal to diverse interests, from culinary explorations and historic river cruises to ghost walks and sports stadium tours. Whether you’re here for a quick visit or an extended stay, these experiences will help you dive into the city’s character and make your trip memorable.

For food lovers, the Food Tour and the Sunday Brunch are perfect starting points. For a more laid-back vibe, consider the river cruises.

And if you love stories with a twist of ghostly tales, the Haunted Cincinnati Tour will not disappoint. Whatever your style, Cincinnati is ready to deliver an authentic, fun experience.