Things To Do In Cincinnati, Ohio

There are many wonderful things to do in Cincinnati and Clifton is surely a highlight! Home to the University of Cincinnati, the historic Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, the Ludlow Avenue Gaslight District, and Burnet Woods, Clifton is a must-see neighborhood in Cincinnati. Read further for more on Clifton’s family-friendly activities, great nightlife, and places to visit, eat and drink, shop, as well as entertainment.

Clifton was originally established as a village in the year 1850, before being annexed in 1893. Located just three miles north, or uphill, from downtown Cincinnati (earning it the “Uptown” nickname), this area is made up of a number of smaller districts and neighborhoods, such as the Gaslight District, Short Vine, Corryville and University Heights.

UC has roots back to 1819, but fully established in 1870, and has grown to become the second largest university in Ohio, with robust programs in architecture, business, education, engineering, humanities, the sciences, law, music, and medicine. The university’s presence in Clifton gives it a unique, “college town” kind of atmosphere, yet its proximity to world-class medical facilities and downtown Cincinnati reminds visitors it’s in a vibrant city.

From sprawling Burnet Woods and the gorgeous 19th century homes in the Gaslight District, to lively football games on UC’s campus and independent movies Esquire Theatre – Clifton is a diverse neighborhood full of history, culture, and many things to do.

The Clifton Business Association (CBA) was founded in 1985 and strives to be a resource of information for the Clifton Business “Gaslight District.” CBA works to improve and enhance the Clifton community and neighborhood with a goal to foster greater cooperation and collaboration amongst businesses, organizations, and individuals.

Burnet Woods and Trailside Nature Center: Need some fresh air and scenic views during your time in Clifton? Burnet Woods and Trailside Nature Center is a great choice. It has hiking trails, a fishing lake, playgrounds, shelters, picnic areas and a disc golf course. Plus, every Saturday at 11:00 am there is FREE community yoga thanks to World Peace Yoga and Cincinnati Parks Foundation. May-September yoga class is held outdoors at the historic Burnet Woods Bandstand. October-April yoga class is held indoors at Trailside Nature Center. 

Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden: Proud to be voted the best zoo in the United States and home to the famous Fiona the Hippo, the Cincinnati Zoo has hundreds of animal habitats, attractions, and botanical gardens. Pro tip: buy your tickets online in advance.

Clifton Cultural Arts Center:  CCAC is your community hub for discovery, expression, belonging, and connection — an inclusive, uplifting place where people from all walks of life come to learn, to share, to create, and to inspire.

Clifton Library:  Beautiful, historic institution, featuring a kids’ section and a children’s reading area, as well as study spaces. Look out for their special events.

Clifton Plaza: A great spot to sit and eat outdoors in the heart of the Clifton Gaslight business district. Make sure to catch their free summer music series on Friday nights. 

Elora Spa: Elóra was born from a simple idea: when people feel truly seen and supported, confidence naturally follows.

Esquire Theatre: Catch a new movie in what is voted as “Best Movie Theatre in Cincinnati.” Sit back, relax, and watch your new favorite film.

Improv Cincinnati:  An award-winning theatre company that teaches fun and uplifting classes, produces theatrical improv and sketch comedy performances, and delivers professional team building and keynote experiences.

Mount Storm Park:  Clifton’s 73-acre Mt. Storm Park is a hidden gem in Cincinnati. Located in between Clifton and Northside, and perched on top of a hill, Mt. Storm Park offers a shelter, playground, and gorgeous overlook with views of the Clifton Skyline and the Millcreek Valley. It also is known for its awesome sledding hill in the winter and the beautiful Temple of Love Gazebo.

The Ludlow Garage: This historic building began as an automobile shop but has served as a music venue for decades under various owners and drawing in dozens of famous artists like The Allman Brothers Band, Santana, Iggy Pop and The Stooges, B.B. King, Alice Cooper, and Neil Young. Enjoy dinner and drinks upstairs, then head downstairs for an intimate show in a historic venue. 

University of Cincinnati: Home to over 50 thousand students! UC has Division I sports, tons of restaurants around campus and great nightlife. Catch a game at Nippert Stadium (football and soccer), Fifth Third Arena (basketball), or any other stadium on campus. Fun fact: some notable alumni include NFL superstars Jason and Travis Kelce. 

World Peace Yoga:  New to yoga? This is a great place to check out. They offer first 30 days FREE for both in studio and online classes. Visiting from out of town, come in studio and then finish your free month online from the comfort of your own home.

Ambar India Restaurant: Brings classic Indian food to the Clifton neighborhood with chicken, lamb, and shrimp specials. They also have lots of vegetarian options.

Biagio’s Bistro: Italian cuisine, desserts and cocktails are served up at this charming neighborhood favorite.

Gaslight Bar and Grill: This Bar & Grill is more than it seems: for 60 years, their location held the Clifton Branch Library. Now, Gaslight Bar & Grill keeps the atmosphere of the library and provides patrons with a cozy place to eat, drink and relax with loved ones. The rooftop terrace has a great view of the whole Clifton neighborhood, too!

Graeter’s: Cincinnati’s original French pot ice cream since 1870 with a sweet location in Clifton.

Kiki: A Japanese sushi bar bringing its beloved atmosphere and exceptional dining experience is sure to be a Clifton fav! 

Ludlow Wines:  A family-owned and operated retail merchant of fine wine and craft beer located in the center of the Clifton Gaslight neighborhood known for its sense of community.

Sitwell’s Act II:  Eclectic neighborhood staple – cafe, restaurant, and full bar with an extensive coffee menu, local beers + wine, specialty coffee cocktails, and exquisite dishes ranging from light and delicate to hearty and robust. Bohemian atmosphere with live music, local art, poetry readings and more.  

Skyline: A Cincinnati staple, the Clifton Skyline is one of the oldest, opened in 1966—and the busiest as well.  It resides in a turn-of-the-century Dutch Colonial brick building, sports a great looking sign, and is colorfully ornamented with local Rookwood tile. Get a coney or spaghetti topped with this delicious Cincinnati style chili. 

The Upside Brew: Can quench any kind of thirst you may have. Not only does the Upside Brew serve locally roasted and ethically sourced coffee, but they also serve beer, cocktails, and wine.

The Whole Bowl: A cute little walk up window with delicious bowls! All bowls are nut, gluten, wheat, hydrogenated oil and guilt free and come with brown rice, black and red beans, avocado, cilantro, black olives, Tillamook cheddar, sour cream, salsa and Tali Sauce. Vegan? Simply ask your Bowlista to “veganize” it!

Two Seven Two Bakery: A small, scratch-made bakery highlighting local, seasonal fruit and produce through our menu of pastry and sourdough breads, accompanied by a unique beverage menu featuring crafted espresso drinks and creative beverage options to compliment them.

Fries Cafe: Local no-frills watering hole, specializing in beer variety and overall dive-y, college vibes. 

Looking simply for a local grocery? Clifton Natural Foods and Clifton Market are fabulous options.

Kilimanjaro:  Things from Africa at your doorsteps. Authentic African art, clothing, jewelry and lots gift ideas.

LENTZ: A vintage shop full of treasures from different eras that will bnring joy to your heart. 

MAYA: Jewelry and crafts by Native American artists, as well as items from Mexico.

Pangea: Creative and fun clothing store.

Paolo:  A modern jewelry designer. 

Semesters: Sorority and fraternity gear.

The Hansa Guild:  Unique clothing and accessories. 

Toko Baru: Carefully curated treasures for everyone.

Walking: Clifton is super walkable, and it is easy to go from shop to shop or bar to bar.

By bike: Cincy Red Bikes are a great way to quickly get from place to place. These bikes are all over the city and can be rented through their app.

Metro/Sorta: The public bus system is a great way to go all over the city of Cincinnati. Students at University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati State, and Xavier University can ride the bus all year long for just $1 per ride. For non-students, each ride on the Metro is only $2.