Cincinnati’s most fascinating tours deliver authentic experiences without tourist traps.
The Queen City Underground Tour stands out as our favorite, offering an excellent 2-hour journey beneath the streets to explore brewery tunnels and a historic crypt – perfect for understanding the city’s brewing heritage.
We also love the Over-the-Rhine Walking Tour for its straightforward look at Cincinnati’s remarkable architecture and immigrant story.
Ghost hunters will appreciate the Queen City Is Haunted Tour, which visits genuinely spooky locations with historical significance rather than manufactured scares.
For independent travelers, the Cincinnati Scavenger Hunt provides good value and flexibility to explore downtown at your own pace.
Let’s look at our carefully selected top tours that showcase the best of Cincinnati’s history and culture.
Key Points
- The Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour provides a 2-hour intimate excursion through Cincinnati’s underground sites, including brewery tunnels and a crypt, with a 98% recommendation rate.
- The Guided Ultimate Queen City Underground Walking Tour explores the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, home to the largest concentration of 19th-century buildings in the U.S., and offers a hidden underground crypt and defunct brewery tunnels.
- The Ultimate Queen City Is Haunted Tour features notable sites like the Emery Theater and Symphony Hotel, offering ghost stories and interactive elements, such as the use of EVP meters, for a unique historical experience.
- The Cincinnati City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks is a budget-friendly, self-guided activity that allows participants to solve riddles and challenges while exploring downtown Cincinnati.
- These tours offer a diverse range of experiences, from underground exploration to haunted heritage and scavenger hunt adventures, catering to various interests and budgets for both locals and travelers.
Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour
The Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Cincinnati’s rich history and hidden heritage. This 2-hour excursion takes travelers on a journey through the city’s underground sites, including brewery tunnels and a crypt.
With a high recommendation rate of 98% from previous participants, the tour is a must-do activity for history buffs and those interested in Cincinnati’s unique culture and beer legacy.
Highlights of the tour include a visit to the picturesque Washington Park, exploration of the vibrant Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, and a stop at the stunning Saint Francis Seraph Catholic Church.
Along the way, knowledgeable and engaging guides share fascinating stories about the city’s past, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Cincinnati’s architectural and cultural heritage.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. With a maximum group size of 30, the experience provides an intimate and immersive way to uncover the Queen City’s underground secrets.
Read our full review: Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour Review
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Guided Ultimate Queen City Underground Walking Tour
Guided Ultimate Queen City Underground Walking Tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of Cincinnati’s rich history and hidden heritage. Priced at $45 per person, this 2-hour guided walking tour takes participants on a journey through the city’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, which boasts the largest concentration of 19th-century buildings in the United States.
Along the way, adventurous travelers will discover a hidden underground crypt, once a resting place for early settlers, and explore the tunnels of a defunct brewery from the 1860s.
The tour also includes visits to iconic landmarks such as Washington Park, historic Music Hall, and a picturesque fountain. Knowledgeable local guides provide insightful commentary, sharing the city’s fascinating history.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers a convenient and flexible way to dive into Cincinnati’s rich cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Guided Ultimate Queen City Underground Walking Tour Review
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Ultimate Queen City Is Haunted Tour
For those seeking a thrilling exploration of Cincinnati’s paranormal side, the Ultimate Queen City Haunted Tour offers an immersive experience. Priced at $29 per person, this highly-rated tour (4.8 average rating from 179 reviews) delves into the city’s spooky history, led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides.
The tour takes visitors to notable sites like the Emery Theater and Symphony Hotel, where they’ll hear ghost stories and learn about the city’s past. Interactive elements, such as the use of EVP meters, enhance the experience.
While some travelers felt the tour lacked intensity in terms of scares, it’s widely praised for its engaging storytelling and historical focus. The tour is recommended for both locals and travelers interested in Cincinnati’s haunted heritage, and it’s particularly well-suited for family groups, as the guides interact well with children.
Read our full review: Ultimate Queen City Is Haunted Tour Review
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Cincinnati City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks
Embarking on a Cincinnati City Scavenger Hunt excursion by Wacky Walks offers an engaging, budget-friendly way to explore the city’s downtown. This self-guided activity allows friends, families, or coworkers to solve riddles and challenges over the course of 2 hours. Participants use an activity-owned smartphone to navigate the city, with a remote interactive guide available for assistance.
The scavenger hunt starts and ends at 300 E 5th St, and detailed instructions are provided before the game. The scavenger hunt runs Tuesday through Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals. With easy access to public transportation, this scavenger hunt is suitable for most travelers. Guests can book and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Whether seeking a unique team-building activity or a fun way to explore Cincinnati, the city scavenger hunt by Wacky Walks delivers an interactive and budget-conscious adventure.
Read our full review: Cincinnati City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks Review
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Recap
Cincinnati offers a range of exciting city tours that cater to diverse interests. From the spooky Ultimate Queen City Is Haunted Tour to the interactive Cincinnati City Scavenger Hunt Excursion, visitors can explore the city’s rich history and hidden gems. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local looking to uncover new experiences, these tours provide an engaging and memorable way to discover the Queen City.