Matchday and More: What to See and Do in Cincinnati

Coming off a 4-0 victory over the Chicago Fire last Saturday evening, the Philadelphia Union now head back on the road to Cincinnati, Ohio, to face MLS Eastern Conference foe FC Cincinnati on Saturday evening at TQL Stadium—a big regular-season match with Supporters’ Shield and conference standing implications on the line.

If you’re heading to the match, I’ve put together a few recommendations to check out while you’re in town before or after kickoff. If you’d like additional suggestions, feel free to reach out to me at kyle@madhatteradv.com via my travel advisor email—I’d be happy to assist!

With that said, let’s get into it!

Places to Visit

Perched along the banks of the Ohio River, Cincinnati blends historic charm with modern energy. Known as the “Queen City,” it offers a mix of vibrant neighborhoods, iconic architecture, a thriving food and beer scene, and plenty of cultural attractions—from world-class museums to a beloved baseball legacy. Whether you’re exploring the scenic riverfront, catching a game at Great American Ball Park, or sampling the city’s famous Skyline chili, Cincinnati delivers a travel experience that feels both classic and fresh.

Here are a few places to check out while you’re in Cincinnati:

Cincinnati Zoo
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the second-oldest zoo in the United States. With 65 acres of animal habitats, attractions, botanical gardens, and the most famous hippo bloat in the world, the zoo is one of the best places to explore your wild side. It is dedicated to creating adventure, conveying knowledge, conserving nature, and serving the community.

Website: https://cincinnatizoo.org/

Jungle Jim’s
Jungle Jim’s International Market isn’t your typical grocery store—it’s a full-blown adventure. Sprawling across more than 200,000 square feet, this Cincinnati landmark is part supermarket, part theme park, and all spectacle. A highly recommended stop.

Website: https://junglejims.com/

Findlay Market
Findlay Market is the only surviving municipal market house of the nine public markets operating in Cincinnati during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, you’ll find a wide variety of food, drinks, and vendors at your fingertips to explore.

Website: https://www.findlaymarket.org/

Krohn Conservatory
Step inside the Krohn Conservatory in Eden Park and you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a tropical oasis. This Art Deco greenhouse, dating back to 1933, is home to more than 3,500 plant species from around the world—from vibrant orchids and exotic bonsai to desert cacti and lush rainforest canopies.

Website: https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/cincyparks/visit-a-parkfacility/krohn-conservatory/

Kings Island
For more than five decades, Kings Island has been the premier entertainment destination in the Midwest for millions of families seeking the best in rides, live entertainment, food, and events—all in a magical amusement park setting. At 364 acres, this massive amusement and water park is one of the top attractions in the Cincinnati area.

Website: https://www.visitkingsisland.com/

Food and Drink

Food is Cincy culture. The rest of the world is discovering what locals have long known: the city’s culinary scene is deliciously diverse. With African, Greek, French, barbecue, Cajun, and Latin American cuisines, the list of options is always growing. Send your taste buds on a global excursion and expand your culinary perspectives.

Here are a few places worth having a drink or grabbing a bite:

Esoteric Brewing Company
A unique spot offering a wide range of creative brews. Their master brewer spent years honing his craft, paying homage to traditional Belgian, English, German, and American styles made with old-world character.

Website: https://www.esotericbrewing.com/

Drunken Tacos
A wide variety of tacos, drinks, and burritos to fit everyone’s taste buds—all served in a vibrant, artistic setting with great music. Highly recommended.

Website: https://drunkentacocincy.com/

Gold Star Chili
Want an amazing Cincinnati-style 3-Way? Done. How about one of the best classic cheeseburgers around? Fresh off the flat-top grill, juicy and perfectly cooked—and even better when topped with their famous chili. Prefer chicken? Try a Chicken Sandwich and see why they’re the talk of the town.

Website: https://www.goldstarchili.com/

Urban Artifact
Our favorite Cincinnati brewery for fruited and sour beers. This Ohio brewery is dedicated to producing world-class Fruit Tarts made exclusively with real fruit. Founded in 2015, it has grown into the largest dedicated fruit brewery in the world. Urban Artifact has pioneered new brewing styles and techniques, redefining the way real fruit is enjoyed.

Website: https://artifactbeer.com/

Taste of Belgium
Looking for a great breakfast or brunch spot? Their waffle menu is a standout, along with a variety of traditional and pub fare. The Taste of Belgium location near the stadiums is also a fun place to walk around after a meal.

Website: https://tasteofbelgium.com/

That’s all for today’s travel article! If you have any suggestions or recommendations for places to visit in Cincinnati, please send them my way so they can be included in a future article.

Safe travels, and enjoy your time in Cincinnati.

Main Article Photo Courtesy of the Philadelphia Union