Cincinnati, Ohio is a midwestern city with a modern feel and deep history. At one point in history it was considered the Beer Capital of the World, since German immigrants settled there and brewed an ample amount of the beverage. In fact, there are still over 50 breweries in the city and it is still a popular tasting destination. It has also been known as the Queen City or Queen of the West since around 1819 due to a newspaper referencing the nickname and the subsequent 1854 poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, which served to cement the term. The city’s popularity has persisted since the city ranks above other popular cities like Cleveland and Columbus in overall experience.
The city has a plethora of fun things to do that can be enjoyed by families, solo travelers and everyone in between. Even if travelers are only in the city for a day or two, they can get a good feel for the city’s culture. Some of the best things to do in Cincinnati are attractions and activities that appreciate the nature, art or wildlife of Ohio. Some tourist favorites include the Cincinnati Zoo and the Cincinnati Music Hall.
Official Travel Advisories
While Cincinnati is an abundant and exciting place to visit, Ohio does have differing levels of safety throughout its cities. So, travelers should be cautious. Check out what safety concerns travelers should know more about when planning to visit this hidden gem of a city. To date, there are no known travel advisories for Cincinnati.
Is Cincinnati Safe for Tourists and Solo Travelers?
Cincinnati’s crime rate is technically below the national average, but some neighborhoods have higher rates. Travelers simply need to avoid dodgy neighborhoods and stay in tourist-friendly areas while they visit. According to the statistics, Cincinnati’s crime rates reached a 10-year low in January 2022. Meanwhile, most of the reported crimes centered on thefts such as burglaries or car break-ins. Generally speaking, Cincinnati is considered one of the safest cities in the midwest.
Transportation
Cincinnati is a city that is best explored via automobile. While there are some walkable neighborhoods, the attractions of the city are not near each other. To explore several areas and get around town, tourists without a car should take the bus, a taxi or rent a car. Since the international airport is about 15 miles from downtown, a ride will be necessary to get around and most travelers opt to book a shuttle or rent a car to get to their accommodation.
The public transportation in Cincinnati is not first-rate but the city has a pretty efficient bus system that costs less than $2 to ride. There are several bus systems in Cincinnati, but the most important for tourists to remember will most likely be the No. 1 metro bus which goes to the top things to do in the city (downtown, zoos, stadiums, etc.).
Being a medium-sized major city in the U.S., Cincinnati has a fairly safe banking system. As with other cities in the U.S., scams such as card skimmers placed on top of ATM card slots is a possibility. Avoid this by only using ATMs in reputable locations. Likewise, there are no known health concerns for Cincinnati.
Common Scams to Be Aware of in Cincinnati
Cincinnati doesn’t have a reputation for scams targeting tourists. However, it’s always a good idea to pick a reputable taxi company, rely on public transportation, opt for rental car, or use ride-share services like Uber or Lyft when traveling around town. This is the best way to avoid being overcharged — especially when booking transportation to or from the airport.
How to Stay Safe in Cincinnati
Cincinnati is considered one of the safest Midwest cities a tourist can visit. But as with anywhere else, it’s not a crime-free locale. To stay safe, tourists are always encouraged to exercise caution and use common sense. This includes:
- Staying alert in new surroundings
- Avoiding flashing valuables or large amounts of cash
- Not walking alone at night
- Avoiding poorly lit or desolate areas
- Locking cars or ensuring that valuables are locked in hotel safes
Where To Stay in Cincinnati
Areas like Hyde Park, Mt. Lookout and Sayler Park are among the safest places for travelers to stay in during their visit to Cincinnati. They all offer residential and friendly environments that are safe enough for families. Each neighborhood has a walkable layout and small-town charm that is rich with history and accessible restaurants and shops. There are also neighborhoods to avoid while in the Cincinnati area, like English Woods, Sedamsville and South Fairmount. These neighborhoods are considered the most dangerous and have the highest violent and property crime rates.
Best Time To Visit Cincinnati
Since Cincinnati is not a particularly large city and does not attract huge crowds, the best time to visit is dependent on each traveler’s preferences. Many travelers prefer to visit the city in September or May since there is plenty to do locally and the weather is usually moderate. Travelers who love the snow may prefer to visit Cincinnati between October and April, which is when snow is a common occurrence and travelers can appreciate slightly more affordable rates on accommodations.
People Also Ask
Why is Cincinnati so famous?
Cincinnati first grew to prominence in the 1800s when German immigrants settled in the region and began brewing beer. Not long after, the region was known as the “Beer Capital of the World.” To this day, Cincinnati is still a beer haven and home to more than 50 breweries.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Cincinnati?
Some of the best options for travelers include Hyde Park, Mt. Washington, Kennedy Heights, and Sayler Park. All are top rated as the safest places for residents, young professionals, and travelers.
Is Cincinnati a rich area?
While Cincinnati may not be the richest city or even the most affluent, it boasts a lower cost of living which makes it a great option for people in the region.
Is Cleveland or Cincinnati safer?
According to recent data, Cincinnati was ranked as the 33rd most dangerous city as compared to Cleveland as the 39th most dangerous city in America. However, exercising caution and common sense is a tourist’s best bet against becoming a victim of crime.
Should You Still Travel to Cincinnati?
Whether attracted by sports or other tourist appeals, Cincinnati can be a great place to visit. As with any major city, there are a few dangerous areas — but these spots usually aren’t tourist destinations. Still, spring through fall tend to be the best times to visit thanks to better weather. Being that it’s in the midwest, tornadoes and even torrential rains that lead to flooding are a possibility. Still, there’s plenty of culture. And a lower cost of living coupled with an emphasis on a small town feel means that tourists’ dollars can go farther as compared to bigger cities in the region like Chicago.