Located in the heart of bustling downtown Cincinnati, the Fountain Square District draws tourists and locals alike for its lineup of signature restaurants and bars, free concerts, as well as for its Backstage District north of Fountain Square featuring cultural institutions such as the Aronoff Center for the Arts and Contemporary Arts Center.
- Fountain Square itself is the site of free programming all year long, but perhaps the most popular activity is Salsa on the Square on Thursday evenings. Local salsa bands, dancers of all levels and tips from expert instructors make this a hit every week, and all are encouraged to join in. Through the summer months, Fountain Square also hosts Reggae Wednesday, American Roots on Tuesdays and trivia contests on Monday nights.
- Launched in 1939, the Contemporary Arts Center was one of the first in the country to devote itself to the continuing evolution of painting, sculpture, photography, performance art and more. The center is a must-stop for anyone wanting to see the cutting edge of art and expression, and was one of the first to exhibit a young artist named Andy Warhol. The gallery is open every day except Tuesday, and currently the CAC offers free admission on Wednesday evenings, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Located across from the Contemporary Arts Center, Nada is known for Mexican food with a modern twist courtesy of owner Chef David Falk. Reserve a seat on the outdoor patio and enjoy short rib sopes, grilled salmon or Yucatan chicken with a citrus habanero salsa. The eatery is open for brunch, lunch and dinner.
- A Cincinnati original that has spread out as a regional chain, Graeter’s makes ice cream in small batches with French pot freezers, the only commercial ice cream manufacturer to do so. Since 1900, Graeter’s has kept its Old-World traditions of quality and built a massive fan base among Cincinnati natives. Try a few different flavors, like salted caramel, toffee chocolate chip, or its signature flavor, black raspberry chocolate chip.
- The historic, 49-story Carew Tower building, which features the Carew Tower Observation Deck was constructed in 1931, and its distinctive French Art Deco style makes it immediately recognizable in the Cincinnati skyline. The complex is home to the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza but you can head straight up to the 49th floor to the Observation Deck for a stunning view of the city.