Car Hire Cincinnati - Mini guide to Cincinnati

Cincinnati is known for the friendly, cheerful demeanour of its locals, lively nightlife, and manifold cultural and architectural attractions, which cumulatively make it a delightful destination for visitors.

Cincinnati Zoo is known worldwide for its impressive collection of endangered species, including gorillas and white tigers. Within the grounds is the Joseph Spaulding Children’s Zoo, with an animal nursery that provides youngsters with a unique interactive experience. The Botanical Garden boasts a re-created desert, bonsai and rain forest environments, and the large Bird Garden also features among the zoo’s attractions.

Centrally located in the heart of Cincinnati city is Fountain Square, one of the many public art fixtures in the area. Opposite the square is Carew Tower, with a gallery graced with superb views of the city’s parks and neighbourhoods, Mount Adams to the northeast, and the Ohio River.

The Union Terminal rail depot, once a functioning train station, is an architecturally magnificent, classical Art Deco building which today remains the largest half-dome building in the world and houses two notable museums. The Cincinnati Historical Museum documents the city’s African-American roots and the WWII era; while the Museum of Natural History and Science features an array of large displays and interactive exhibits and includes a Children’s Discovery Centre.

The Mount Adams neighbourhood, situated only five minutes away from the city centre, offers a broad range of activities for the visitor. Within the enormous green expanse of Eden Park is the Cincinnati Art Museum, with a phenomenal collection of artwork than spans the last 5,000 years of history.

Strolling on from the park will take you through winding streets and past beautiful 19th century homes to the central area of the neighbourhood, where there is a wide variety of fashionable shops and restaurants. The area is also permeated with pubs and clubs, which are the basis for a lively after-dark social scene.

The city also caters to outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of parks and riverside areas perfect for leisure opportunities. Walking and jogging are popular, especially on Central Parkway, the Suspension Bridge and along the river. Cyclists can head for the Little Miami Scenic River Bikeway, a pleasant 35kms pathway. Additionally, sports fans visiting Cincinnati at the right time of year can watch professional baseball and football games at the Riverfront Stadium.