Cincinnati is a picturesque city with lots of history behind it a real old-world European feel. Located in Ohio in the US, it’s on the Ohio River and truly does have something for everyone. Whether you enjoy sporting events, great food, elegant museums, or streets lined with old world architecture, this city has got you covered.

Cincinnati’s neighborhoods are all quite different, with different attractions and vibes. So, if you’re trying to find the best neighborhood in Cincinnati close to everything, it will depend on what you most want to see and do. We can help with that. With our guide, you’ll be able to find the neighborhood that’s right for you and your trip.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Cincinnati?

• Where to stay in Cincinnati first time – Downtown
• Where to stay in Cincinnati on a budget – Avondale
• Best neighborhood in Cincinnati for families – Eden Park
• Best area to stay in Cincinnati for nightlife – Over the Rhine
• The Coolest place to stay in Cincinnati – West End

Where to Stay in Cincinnati

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Cincinnati.

Cincinnati Neighborhood Guide

Cincinnati is a large city that feels like a small town in a lot of ways. It’s modern and up to date and yet holds determinedly to its historical features. And its neighborhoods are often an easy mix of features as well. Whether you’re trying to find the best neighborhood in Cincinnati for your first time, or are on a return trip, here’s where to look for your accommodation.

The Downtown area is without a doubt the best neighborhood in Cincinnati close to everything. It’s crowded with life, restaurants, and things to do, so you won’t get bored in this city center.

The second area to check out is Avondale, where you’ll find lots of activities that are aimed at the locals, so they’re cheaper than the tourist attractions.

The third area is Eden Park, the best neighborhood in Cincinnati for families because of the huge park and its outdoor activity offerings.

And then you have Over the Rhine. Unapologetically cool, visually stunning in places and gritty in others, this is an area for young people and couples who want their days and nights filled with activities.

The final area to look at is West End, a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cincinnati for couples because of its trendy shopping and restaurants. It also has an intoxicating and hip feel that makes it an exciting area to spend time in!

Cincinnati’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

There are lots of great neighborhoods in Cincinnati, but here are some of the best for tourists.

Neighborhood#1 – Downtown

Where to stay in Cincinnati first time

• COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – Go shopping in the streets around Fountain Square.
• BEST place to visit in Downtown – The Carrer Tower for breathtaking views of the city.

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cincinnati close to everything, the Downtown area is your best bet. This is where you’ll find the biggest concentration of attractions as well as hotels and shops. It’s ideal for short trips, when you don’t have time to wander around taking public transport, and for longer ones when you need more to do. Basically, this part of the city has everything.

Downtown also has a good collection of bars and clubs, making it a good second choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cincinnati for nightlife.

• Check out the Johann Röbling Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world and inspiration for the Brooklyn Bridge.
• Eat some delicious Italian food at Sotto, Korean at Haru, or French at Jean-Robert’s Table.
• Experience the city’s art scene at the Contemporary Art Center or the Taft Art Museum.
• Learn about slavery in the US with interactive displays at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
• See a game at the Paul Brown Stadium.
• Get a refresher into the history of firefighting at the Fire Museum.

Cincinnati is spectacular! Especially since you can take day trips to see the whole region!

Best Budget Hotel in Downtown

AC Hotel by Marriott

Close to local museums and parks, this hotel is convenient and comfortable, and good for your budget! It has laundry services, a business center, a fitness center, and a terrace that you can enjoy. And the rooms are spacious, clean, and have all the usual amenities to make your stay a pleasure.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Downtown

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati

Hyatt Regency Cincinnati has an amazing location right in the heart of downtown, close by to plenty of cozy cafes, chic restaurants, and cool bars. The hotel also boasts some fantastic facilities, including a tasty on-site restaurant and a heated indoor swimming pool!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown

Renaissance Cincinnati Downtown

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cincinnati for your first time and like a little luxury, this hotel is a great choice. It’s right in the heart of the Downtown area and has a fitness center, access to outdoor activities like hiking and horse riding, laundry services, and a bar. There’s also a restaurant on-site so you won’t have to go far for a good meal.

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Want to hear something interesting? You can read about it in our Cincinnati history lesson!

Neigborhood#2 – Avondale

Where to stay in Cincinnati on a budget

• COOLEST thing to do in Avondale – Take a day to test your nerves in the many escape rooms in the neighborhood.
• BEST place to visit in Avondale – Spend some time exploring the Botanical Gardens.

When you’re trying to find the best neighborhood in Cincinnati if you are on a budget, you have to go more local. And that’s where Avondale comes in. This is a diverse part of the city with lots of activities that are aimed more at locals than tourists. This means you’ll still have plenty to do, you’ll just pay less to do them!

Avondale is also fairly close to the Downtown area, so you can enjoy its charms whenever you want.

• Go on the rides at Kings Island.
• Play a round at the Avon Fields Golf Course.
• Check out the Newport Aquarium.
• Save some cash by eating at local spots like Rally’s, the Cactus Pear, or Mecklenburg Gardens.
• Go hiking, fishing, or bird watching in Burnet Woods.
• Check out the kid-friendly events at the Clifton Cultural Arts Center.

Best Budget Hotel in Avondale

Gaslight Bed & Breakfast

Located close to Avondale, this B&B offers all the comforts of home with a touch of historic charm. It’s the kind of place where you can get to know your fellow travelers over hiking, board games, mini-golf, or while hanging out on the shared patio, lounge area, or kitchen. The rooms are big and graciously decorated with an old-world charm that’s entirely unique and welcoming. It’s a great choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cincinnati on a budget.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Avondale

Hampton Inn & Suites Cincinnati / Uptown – University Area

Hampton Inn & Suites offers a wide range of guest rooms, all of which come with air conditioning and private en-suites. The hotel also has a brilliant location near Avondale in uptown Cincinnati, meaning it is within walking distance of the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Medical College.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Avondale

Graduate Cincinnati

This hotel is close to Avondale and the Downtown area at the same time, making it a luxurious choice on a budget. It’s surrounded by restaurants and shops, offers rooms of varying sizes to suit every travel group, and has a fitness center, business center, bar, and lounge on-site.

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Neighborhood#3 – Eden Park

Best neighborhood in Cincinnati for families

• COOLEST thing to do in Eden Park – Take the kids to Eden Park for picnicking and outdoor activities.
• BEST place to visit in Eden Park – the Krohn Conservatory, for more than 3,500 species of plants.

Eden Park is close to the Downtown area but far enough that it’s quieter and less busy. This makes it the best neighborhood in Cincinnati for families. Based around a park of the same name, which is on a hilltop overlooking the river, it’s a serene area known more for its art museums than pubs and clubs.

But that doesn’t mean that this area is boring. If your kids love green outdoor spaces and running around, there’s plenty that will occupy them in this part of the city.

• Visit Cincinnati’s Art Museum
• Take a bike tour through the park.
• Take the bus into the Downtown area.
• See what’s on at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park.
• Have a meal at Boomtown Biscuits and Whiskey, Montgomery Inn The Boathouse, or Burnett’s soul food.

Best Budget Hotel in Eden Park

SpringHill Suites by Marriott

With large, fully equipped rooms, this hotel is a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cincinnati for families. The rooms are large, modern, and fully equipped for a short or long stay and the hotel itself is within walking distance of several popular tourist attractions. It also has a mini-mart on-site as well as a fitness center and shared lounge where you can sit and get to know your fellow travelers.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Eden Park

Deluxe 4-Bedroom w Huge Deck 3-Min to Downtown

Unfortunately, Eden Park isn’t home to any mid-range hotels, however, this beautifully modern house is the next best thing! The spacious holiday home has 4 bedrooms perfect for families or groups of friends traveling to Cincinnati and offers a luxurious touch throughout.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Eden Park

The Lytle Park Hotel

Located in a delightfully historic building, this hotel has more than a touch of class. It’s within walking distance of the Downtown area and local shops and restaurants and has its own fitness center, restaurants, and a rooftop deck where you can have a meal overlooking the city.

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Neighborhood#4 – Over the Rhine

Best area to stay in Cincinnati for nightlife

• COOLEST thing to do in Over the Rhine – Just wander the streets and take in the amazing outdoor murals.
• BEST place to visit in Over the Rhine – Findlay Market, for the best local food, drink, and goods.

Some of the city’s best attractions are in the area known as Over the Rhine. Located close to the Downtown area, it’s popular among locals and tourists alike, mostly because of its bright outdoor murals, which betray the city’s artistic heart. And naturally, because the area is so popular and artistic, the food is pretty good as well.

Over the Rhine is also full of clubs and bars, making it the best neighborhood in Cincinnati for nightlife.

• See a show at the Cincinnati Opera
• Get on the streetcar, which loops around the area and the best sites.
• Try some local beer at Taft’s Ale House, the Wodka Bar, or The Lackman.
• Listen to Music at the Cincinnati Music Hall
• Take the kids to enjoy Washington Park and its new playground.
• Eat a meal at Sophia’s Deli and Restaurant, Nicola’s, or First Watch.

Best Budget Hotel in Over the Rhine

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites

Within walking distance of Market Square, the ballpark, and Findlay Market, this hotel is ideally positioned for exploring the city. It’s a full-service hotel with a great restaurant, a heated indoor pool, and a fitness center that you can use. The rooms are fairly basic but contain all the usual amenities.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Over the Rhine

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Downtown

Ideally located, slotted between the Over the Rhine neighborhood and Downtown Cincinnati, guests staying at this modern hotel will have the best of both worlds with it being close enough to the hustle and bustle of the city but far enough to relax in a quieter setting.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Over the Rhine

Symphony Hotel & Restaurant

Located in the best neighborhood in Cincinnati for nightlife, this hotel is ideally positioned within walking distance of the music hall and lots of restaurants. It offers complimentary breakfasts to all guests and has a restaurant, bar, and business centers as well as spacious, fully equipped, and private rooms with sumptuous, old-world decor.

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Neighborhood#5 – West End

The Coolest place to stay in Cincinnati

• COOLEST thing to do in West End – Try to catch a soccer game at the West End Stadium.
• BEST place to visit in West End – Wander around Dayton Street to see the historic buildings.

West End is a mostly residential neighborhood and a great choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cincinnati for couples. This up-and-coming area is west of Over the Rhine and close to the Downtown area while still offering a more local feel and a bit of peace and quiet.

In this part of the city, you’ll find lots of art galleries and the main sporting arena, a twist which explains this area’s conflicting appeal. And of course, with all the trendy shopping, there’s a flourishing food scene for you to enjoy as well.

• Check out some of the local galleries like Carol Solway and Beyond Boundaries Art.
• Eat soul food at Richie’s Fast Food Restaurant or fish and chips at Hook Fish and Chicken.
• Have a drink and meal at Zula Restaurant and Wine Bar or Bar Cincinnati.
• Head into the Downtown area for a busier vibe.

Best Budget Hotel in West End

Quality Inn & Suites

Located in the best neighborhood in Cincinnati for couples, this hotel is budget-friendly and comfortable. It’s within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and attractions and offers lots of tours and activities that you can enjoy while you’re in the city. The hotel also has a pool and a snack bar on-site, as if it wasn’t already convenient enough!

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Best Mid-range Hotel in West End

Cincinnati Retreat with Patio and Grill!

No hotels in West End? No problem! The spacious holiday home is a beautiful place to stay in Cincinnati and offers guests a spacious and stunningly decorated place to stay in a sought-after neighborhood.

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Best Luxury Hotel in West End

Vaughn Lofts

These spacious lofts are situated in the heart of the West End and offer guests a touch of elegance and luxury for their stay in Cincinnati. The lofts have an urban and contemporary design with sleek furnishings throughout.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Cincinnati

Whether you’re looking for the best neighborhood in Cincinnati close to everything or if you want a quieter trip, you’ll have your pick of accommodation options in this city. Just don’t let the many options put you off visiting this city, because Cincinnati may not be on most people’s bucket list, but it’s still a hidden gem, just waiting for you to discover it.

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