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Best Things to Do in Cincinnati, Ohio: A Local’s Guide for Short-Term Travelers

What is the #1 tourist attraction in Cincinnati?

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden consistently ranks as the top destination, famous for its conservation work and family appeal.

Is Cincinnati walkable?

The urban core (Downtown/OTR) is highly walkable and connected by the streetcar. However, travelers looking for river views and larger homes will prefer a short drive from the eastern suburbs.

Where should travelers stay for nightlife vs. relaxation?

Over-the-Rhine (OTR) is best for walkability and nightlife, while Anderson Township offers quieter, spacious homes near the river and concert venues.

Why do investors love this market?

High occupancy stability. As we’ve seen with our recent acquisitions in OTR and Anderson Township, the demand for high-quality management is outpacing supply.

Italianate Architecture and Density of Chef-Driven Restaurants

Over-the-Rhine (OTR) is the largest intact historic district in the United States, famous for its Italianate architecture and density of chef-driven restaurants.

For the urban traveler, staying in OTR is non-negotiable. The ability to walk from a historic brownstone directly to Findlay Market or Washington Park creates a high-value guest experience. This is exactly why Lunabase expanded its portfolio to 1713 Lang St, a property that perfectly captures the “live like a local” demand—historic charm on the outside, modern luxury on the inside, and just steps from the city’s best nightlife.

Must-Visit Spots in OTR:

  • Findlay Market: Ohio’s oldest public market (grab a waffle from Taste of Belgium).
  • Ghost Baby: An underground lounge in a historic lagering tunnel.
  • Rhinegeist Brewery: A massive rooftop taproom with views of the city skyline.

Concerts and Urban Retreats

Riverbend Music Center
Riverbend Music Center

While the city center is electric, many families and groups prefer the space and serenity of the eastern suburbs, particularly Anderson Township (45230).

This area is strategically located for visitors attending concerts at the Riverbend Music Center or spending the day at Coney Island’s former grounds. It offers a “best of both worlds” scenario: a quiet, safe neighborhood that is only a 15-minute drive to downtown.

We have seen a massive spike in demand for single-family homes in this zone, which drove our acquisition of 1171 Shangrila Dr. This property caters specifically to guests who want a backyard, a full kitchen, and easy parking after a long day at the Cincinnati Zoo or Newport Aquarium.

The Banks District for Sports Fans

Great American Ball Park (Reds) and Paycor Stadium (Bengals) anchor the riverfront.

The “DORA” district allows fans to carry drinks between venues, creating a festival atmosphere on game days. Travelers staying in Lunabase’s OTR or Downtown portfolio can easily hop on the Cincinnati Bell Connector (Streetcar) to reach the stadiums without worrying about parking—a major selling point we emphasize in our guest guidebooks.

Great American Ball Park (1)
Great American Ball Park
Paycor Stadium
Paycor Stadium

Quick Tip for Travelers in Cincinnati, Ohio

To maximize your Cincinnati experience, leverage the CBus (free circulator) or the Cincinnati Bell Connector streetcar. These transport links connect the major entities mentioned above—The Banks, Downtown, and OTR—allowing for a seamless, car-free itinerary that maximizes your time exploring rather than parking.

Why Lunabase Chose Cincinnati

At Lunabase, we don’t just manage properties; we analyze market intent.

We recently acquired properties at Lang St (OTR) and Shangrila Dr (Anderson Twp) because they sit at the intersection of high guest demand and long-term asset appreciation.

  • Lang St captures the high-ADR (Average Daily Rate) nightlife and business traveler.
  • Shangrila captures the stable, lower-turnover family market and event-based tourism from Riverbend.
lunabase cincinnati 42
Lang 1713- Somerset & Ember
lunabase songbird retreat fenced yard (1)
Shangrila 1171- Songbird Retreat

This is the Lunabase difference. We identify the “why” behind a traveler’s visit and position our properties—and the properties we manage for our clients—to answer that need perfectly.

If you own a luxury asset in Cincinnati and want it managed with the same data-driven rigor we apply to our own portfolio, let’s talk.