Cincinnati is a city full of surprises. Its mix of historic neighborhoods, vibrant arts scene, and unique local stories makes it an ideal place for a city tour. Whether you’re into spooky tales, underground secrets, or tasting Cincinnati’s famous foods, this city has a lot to offer. We especially like the Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour for its spine-tingling stories and lively guides, and the Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour for uncovering hidden tunnels and crypts most visitors miss.
Cincinnati’s diversity in tour options makes it easy to tailor your experience. Want a spooky evening? The haunted tour is perfect. Looking for a mix of history and fun? The city highlight and food tour by streetcar hits the mark. For a more interactive adventure, scavenger hunts can turn exploring into a game. Let’s explore the top options to help you pick your ideal Cincinnati experience.
1. Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour
At number 1, the Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour offers a captivating 2-hour journey through Cincinnati’s spooky side. This tour focuses on the haunted stories behind some of Cincinnati’s most iconic landmarks, like Cincinnati Music Hall and Washington Park. You’ll follow your guide through the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, hearing tales of ghostly apparitions, unexplained noises, and the infamous Witch of Washington Park.
What makes this tour stand out is the engaging storytelling, with guides sharing bone-chilling tales that make you look over your shoulder. Many reviews praise guides like Jordan Whittaker and Rachel for their entertainment and knowledge. The tour includes visits outside to places like Memorial Hall and Music Hall, where your guide recounts their eerie histories without needing inside access. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a spooky, immersive experience without the need to go inside haunted buildings. The tour’s reasonable price of $32 per person, combined with its high rating of 5.0/5 from 181 reviews, makes it a very good value.
Bottom line: If you want a fun, spooky evening with local legends and ghost stories, this tour offers a memorable experience that’s best suited for anyone looking to add a little thrill to their Cincinnati visit.
2. Cincinnati: City Highlights and Food Tour by Streetcar
Next on our list is the Cincinnati: City Highlights and Food Tour by Streetcar, which combines sightseeing with Cincinnati’s famous local flavors. For 3 hours, you’ll hop aboard the Cincinnati Connector Streetcar and explore major sights from the Ohio River to downtown, all while sampling some of the city’s best bites.
This tour is a wonderful choice for those who want a relaxed, social experience with a bit of everything. Your guide will share insights about Cincinnati’s history and culture as you walk through lively neighborhoods. The food stops highlight local specialties, making it perfect for foodies or anyone interested in Cincinnati’s culinary scene. Although the price is higher at $79, it provides a rundown of the city’s top sights and eats in a single trip. Guests tend to appreciate the friendly guide’s storytelling and the opportunity to see a lot in a few hours.
Bottom line: Ideal for visitors who want a taste of Cincinnati’s sights and flavors, this tour offers a relaxed pace and a fun way to learn about the city’s culture.
3. Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour
For those curious about Cincinnati’s lesser-known stories, the Ultimate Queen City Underground Tour provides an intriguing 2.5-hour exploration into tunnels, crypts, and hidden corners of the city. Starting at Washington Park, this tour takes you into historic neighborhoods and underground spaces that most visitors never see, including a visit to a secret crypt beneath Saint Francis Seraph Catholic Church.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on Cincinnati’s underground history. Guides share stories about old tunnels, hidden rooms, and the crypt, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Guests have praised guides like Miranda and Erc for their humor and knowledge. The tour offers a mix of walking and underground exploration, making it suitable for those interested in history, architecture, or just something a little different. It’s priced at $45, making it an affordable way to uncover Cincinnati’s hidden stories. With nearly 1,900 reviews and a perfect 5-star rating, it’s clear this tour is a favorite.
Bottom line: If you enjoy exploring underground spaces and uncovering secret stories, this tour will give you a fresh perspective on Cincinnati’s history.
$45.00 per person
4. Cincinnati City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks
Looking for a fun, active way to see Cincinnati? The Cincinnati City Scavenger Hunt Excursion by Wacky Walks turns sightseeing into a game. For just $10, you receive an app that guides you through downtown Cincinnati, challenging you to find items, solve riddles, and complete challenges. It’s ideal for families, friends, or team-building outings.
This experience is completely self-directed, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. A remote host is available for support if you get stuck, adding an extra layer of fun. The focus is on interaction and activity rather than storytelling, so it suits those who prefer hands-on exploration. Since it’s budget-friendly, it’s perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or budget. However, with only one review so far, it’s best for those comfortable with independent adventures.
Bottom line: If you enjoy a competitive, active exploration of Cincinnati, this scavenger hunt offers an affordable, engaging way to see the city.
$10.00 per person
5. Scavenger Hunt in Cincinnati by Operation City Quest
Finally, the Scavenger Hunt in Cincinnati by Operation City Quest offers an interactive, team-based challenge. Using your smartphone, you’ll uncover city highlights and complete challenges for points, competing against other teams in real-time rankings. This flexible experience is great for those who enjoy tech-driven activities and want to tailor their pace.
The hunt covers many of Cincinnati’s city gems, with a remote guide available for two hours to assist if needed. It’s priced at $10, making it an accessible activity for groups of friends or coworkers. Since no reviews are available yet, it’s a relatively new option, but its format encourages teamwork and discovery.
Bottom line: Best suited for groups who enjoy friendly competition and tech-based adventures, this scavenger hunt offers a modern way to explore Cincinnati.
$10.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
Choosing the right Cincinnati tour depends on your interests, budget, and how deep you want to go into the city. If spooky stories and ghost tales excite you, the Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour is a top pick. For a mix of sightseeing and tasting Cincinnati’s local fare, the City Highlights and Food Tour by Streetcar offers a well-rounded experience. Those interested in Cincinnati’s hidden underground spaces should consider the Underground Tour, which reveals secret tunnels and crypts.
For a more active adventure, the Wacky Walks scavenger hunt is ideal, especially if you enjoy games and outdoor exploration. Lastly, the Operation City Quest scavenger hunt suits tech-savvy travelers who want a flexible, challenge-based experience.
Consider your budget, interests, and how much time you have. Many tours can be booked online, so planning ahead will guarantee you a spot—especially during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Cincinnati offers a wide range of tours to suit nearly every interest. If you’re into spooky stories, the Ultimate Queen City is Haunted Tour provides a fun, chilling experience. For those who want a rundown of the city’s sights and flavors, the City Highlights and Food Tour balances sightseeing and local eats. History buffs eager to uncover underground secrets should consider the Underground Tour, while active explorers and puzzle-solvers will enjoy the scavenger hunts.
Booking early is always advisable, especially during busy tourist seasons, to secure your preferred time. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or in a group, Cincinnati’s diverse tour options promise memorable adventures that reveal the city’s many layers—some spooky, some delicious, and many hidden just beneath the surface.