As you begin your virtual journey into Cincinnati, the most breathtaking moment happens before you even cross the river. Coming north through the famous Cut-in-the-Hill, the skyline suddenly reveals itself in a dramatic burst of glass and steel, framed perfectly by the rolling hills of the Ohio River Valley. The atmosphere is a charming blend of old-world heritage and modern energy. You will find yourself cruising past the iconic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, with its majestic stone towers and bright blue cables, which served as the architectural inspiration for the Brooklyn Bridge. The city’s layout is uniquely vertical for the Midwest, offering a rhythmic flow of steep climbs and sweeping descents that make every turn feel like a new discovery.
Winding through the streets of Over-the-Rhine, you will be surrounded by one of the largest collections of Italianate architecture in the world, making the drive feel more like a trip through a historic European capital than a typical American city. For a scenic stretch, head down Columbia Parkway where the road hugs the bluffs, offering glimpses of the river and the colorful houses of Mt. Adams perched high above. What makes this city so special for a virtual drive is this constant interplay between the urban core and the lush, green hillsides. Before you finish your trip, here are a few pro tips for when you visit in person: make sure to try the city’s famous Mediterranean-style chili over spaghetti, take a morning stroll through the historic Findlay Market, and keep an eye out for the massive, vibrant murals that decorate the sides of nearly every downtown building.