Cincinnati's Best: Self-Guided Driving Tour of Iconic Landmarks
Places: 22 POIsDistance: 17.02 miDuration: 2h:04m
Tour #2536
About this English self-guided 2h:04m driving tour in Cincinnati, OH
Alright folks, welcome to Cincinnati, Ohio — the Queen City! We’re about to take a self-guided driving adventure through one of America’s most historic and scenic river cities. Sitting proudly on the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati is a city that’s always been about connections — north and south, old and new, tradition and innovation.
Cincinnati was founded in 1788, making it one of the first major American cities west of the Alleghenies. In the 19th century, it grew so quickly it earned the nickname “Queen City of the West.” This was a powerhouse of river commerce, pork packing, brewing, and German immigration. Fun fact: by 1850, Cincinnati was America’s sixth-largest city. Another claim to fame? The world’s very first professional baseball team — the Cincinnati Red Stockings of 1869 — played right here.
It’s also a city of “firsts.” The first reinforced concrete skyscraper, the Ingalls Building, rose here in 1903. The Roebling Suspension Bridge — the very one we’ll cross later — was the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened in 1867, and it served as the prototype for New York City’s Brooklyn Bridge. And if you’ve ever enjoyed a scoop of Graeter’s ice cream or a plate of Cincinnati chili, you’ve already tasted some of its unique traditions.
On this tour, we’ll take you from the heart of downtown at Fountain Square to cultural treasures like Music Hall and the Cincinnati Art Museum, through the bustling Findlay Market and the historic streets of Over-the-Rhine, then up to the hilltop views of Eden Park and Mount Adams. Finally, we’ll circle back to the river and finish where it all comes together — at the graceful span of the Roebling Suspension Bridge.
So buckle up, relax, and get ready. Cincinnati has stories, flavors, and views you won’t forget. Let’s hit the road and explore the Queen City together!
Distance: 0.26mi
, Attraction : Public Square (Recommended selfie spot).
412 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Fountain Square the Heart of Cincinnati
Welcome to the beating heart of Cincinnati — Fountain Square! If you’re looking for the city’s pulse, you’ve found it right here. Since 1871, this plaza has been the central gathering spot for Cincinnatians, and at its core is the stunning Tyler Davidson Fountain.
The fountain was commissioned by local businessman Henry Probasco in memory of his brother-in-law, Tyler Davidson, and gifted to the city as a symbol meant for everyone to enjoy. Designed by German sculptor August von Kreling, it’s a masterpiece of allegory. At the top, the Genius of Water extends her arms, blessing the city, while the figures below represent how water sustains life through industry, commerce, agriculture, and the arts. At the base, children and playful water creatures add a touch of whimsy.
For over 150 years, Fountain Square has been the backdrop for parades, protests, concerts, holiday celebrations, and everyday people-watching. In the winter, you’ll even find an ice rink here. A major renovation in 2006 gave it the modern look you see today, complete with a massive video board, outdoor seating, and space for events year-round.
Distance: 0.15mi
, Attraction : Museum (Recommended selfie spot).
230 Walnut St, Cincinnati, OH 45215, USA
Freedom Center Museum
Turn left, but on your right, you’ll see the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, one of the most powerful and meaningful museums in the country. Opened in 2004, it sits here on the banks of the Ohio River — the very river that once marked the boundary between slave states and free states. For many escaping slavery, crossing this river was the first step toward freedom.
Inside, the museum tells those stories through immersive exhibits, original artifacts, and powerful personal accounts. One of the most moving displays is an actual slave pen from Kentucky, once used to hold enslaved people before they were sold at auction. You’ll also find exhibits on the heroes of the Underground Railroad, the everyday men and women who risked their lives to help others find freedom.
But the Freedom Center isn’t just about the past. Its mission extends to modern times, shining a light on contemporary issues like human trafficking and the ongoing global fight for freedom and equality. The building itself, with its sweeping stone and glass design, feels open and hopeful — a place of remembrance, but also of inspiration.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Fountain Square the Heart of Cincinnati
Place 2Freedom Center Museum
Place 3Reds Baseball Stadium
Place 4Ohio River
Place 5Historic Suspension Bridge
Place 6Riverfront Park & Views
Place 7Paycor Stadium
Place 8Washington Park and the Cincinnati Music Hall
Place 9Historic Public Market
Place 10TQL Stadium
Place 11Cincinnati Museum Center
Place 12University of Cincinnati
Place 13Burnet Woods
Place 14Cincinnati World-Renowned Zoo & Botanical Garden
Place 15Cincinnati Art Museum
Place 16Eden Park
Place 17Krohn Conservatory
Place 18Mount Adams Church & Views
Place 19Taylor-Southgate Bridge
Place 20Crossing the Roebling Suspension Bridge
Place 21Back to the start
This is a premium tour, click below for complete access!
How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).