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
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Elegant, modern, and scrupulously clean, this apartment is for anyone who wants a touch of luxury during their visit to Cincinnati. It’s located in a mansion and filled with decorative touches like ornate crown molding and a stunning canopy bed. It’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cincinnati for couples, with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom and located close to the center of the city.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cincinnati if you are on a budget, this is the best choice. It’s right in the heart of the city and offers clean, comfortable, convenient surroundings for a reasonable price. Within walking distance of museums, shops, and restaurants, it also has some extras like a fitness center, laundry services, and a business center.
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.
Best Airbnb in Downtown
Elizabeth’s Rooftop Monthly Rental
Great for anyone on a tight budget, this apartment is close to the center of the city and has enough space for 2 guests. It has a full kitchen and offers complete privacy as well as a rooftop patio where you can take in the views of the city from a new angle.
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Best High End Airbnb in Downtown
Beautiful Condo
Right in the heart of the city, this condo has space enough for up to 4 guests. Spacious and elegantly decorated, it has all new appliances and an open living set up with a full kitchen and laundry facilities. Best of all, it’s also really close to the center of the city, making it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cincinnati close to everything.
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.
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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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 Airbnb in Avondale
The Inn on Forest
Located close to local attractions and restaurants, this apartment is quiet and private and can house up to 4 guests. It’s newly renovated with comfort in mind and offers high-end appliances and comfortable furnishings. It’s also close to local attractions and to transport options for when you want to explore the city!
Best High End Airbnb in Avondale
Entire Apartment
With 2 bedrooms, this apartment is set up for families and can comfortably house 4 guests. It has rugged, sturdy furnishings that give the apartment a really homey feel and it’s in a comfortable local area where you can discover the less-touristy side of the city.
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.
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 Airbnb in Eden Park
Spacious One Bedroom Condo
Suitable for up to 3 guests, this spacious offering is close to Downtown and to local attractions near Eden Park. It’s clean, modern, and white, and was professionally decorated with high-end finishes. It offers an electric vehicle charger, a rooftop deck where you can enjoy views over the city, and complete privacy.
Best High End Airbnb in Eden Park
Penthouse Style Condo
This professionally decorated apartment has stunning views over the city and 2 bedrooms and bathrooms, making it suitable for up to 6 guests. The main space is large and open plan and every room is finished with a high degree of attention to the needs and aesthetic preferences of the guests. It also has a fireplace for extra comfort on cold nights!
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.
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.
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 Airbnb in Over the Rhine
Heart of Over the Rhine
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Cincinnati for nightlife, this is a good choice. It’s reasonably priced and has 2 beds, which means it can handle 4 guests. It’s located in a fascinating historic district just steps away from local shops and restaurants and has brand new appliances and spacious, modern spaces.
Best High End Airbnb in Over the Rhine
Modern Bohemian Loft
With boutique-style decorations, this open-plan loft space is on a tree-lined local street and close to the center of the city. The decor is simply stunning, filled with handcrafted pieces for a creative, welcoming atmosphere. With 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom, this apartment is perfect for couples looking for a romantic place to spend some time.
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.
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 Airbnb in West End
Brewery District Apartment
Homey and welcoming, this apartment is steps away from the market and local pubs and clubs where you can have a meal and a drink with some friends. It has 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom and enough space for 3 guests. This is an efficient kind of apartment, where you have everything you need at your fingertips so that you can spend all your time exploring the city and not worrying about your accommodation.
Best High-End Airbnb in West End
Beautiful Rooftop Condo
With 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 3 beds, up to 6 people can stay in this apartment, so it’s a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Cincinnati for families. It’s also close to local breweries and shops and newly removed, so you can be sure you’ll have everything you’ll need for your stay.
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!
Best Luxury Hotel in West End
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
Close to the West End area, this hotel is for people who enjoy a little luxury while on vacation. This 4-star hotel is within walking distance of local attractions and has its own fitness center, library, bar, restaurant, and terrace. The rooms are modern, clean, and come in family-sizes in case you’re traveling with kids or with a group of friends.
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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