United States
Ohio (OH)
Cincinnati
Things to Do in Cincinnati
Riverwalk
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Riverwalk

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About
This trail stretches 4 miles, from Cincinnati into Kentucky, and offers a spectacular view of the Cincinnati skyline.
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Tours & experiences
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Top ways to experience Riverwalk and nearby attractions

The area
Neighborhood: Central Business District
Best nearby
Restaurants
698 within 3 miles
Moerlein Lager House
1,349
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Brew Pub • Bar
Yard House
643
500 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Orchids At Palm Court
1,006
0.4 mi$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Taste of Belgium - The Banks
137
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Belgian • European
Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, Cincinnati
737
0.4 mi$$$$ • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Ruth's Chris Steak House
202
0.1 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Gluten Free Options
Maplewood Kitchen and Bar
472
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Healthy
Sotto
795
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Condado Tacos
79
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Bar
Sleepy Bee Cafe - Downtown
72
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Healthy
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Attractions
151 within 6 miles
Smale Riverfront Park
704
361 ftParks
Great American Ball Park
2,919
0.1 miArenas & Stadiums
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
1,050
0.1 miHistory Museums
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame & Museum
382
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Roebling Suspension Bridge
686
0.2 miBridges
Northern Kentucky Police Memorial
2
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Carew Tower
642
0.4 miArchitectural Buildings
Fountain Square
1,281
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Paul Brown Stadium
366
0.4 miArenas & Stadiums
Roebling Murals on the Floodwalls of Covington, KY
101
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
313 reviews
Excellent
208
Very good
87
Average
17
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Candace S
Auburn, ME24 contributions
Awesome way to see two states and spend the day!
Apr 2022 • Couples
The River walk along “The Banks” of the Ohio river is a must do for anyone who loves beautiful scenery while getting a sense of the city. Perfect for families with children as there are numerous playgrounds and activities. Great historical info along the way too. We did a loop that was roughly 5 miles that took us through two states and three cities, walking on the Cincinnati side to the Purple People’s bridge (a cool pedestrian bridge) to Newport, Kentucky, then across another smaller bridge to Covington, Kentucky where we walked around a residential neighborhood of Civil War era homes. Nearby are some great local restaurants where we stopped for a bite to eat and rest before walking on the Roebling suspension bridge back to Cincinnati. Great way to spend a beautiful day!
Written April 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CleopatraBunny
Flagstaff, AZ1,632 contributions
Snag a swing and just enjoy the river
Jun 2021 • Couples
Park in one of the nearby garages and then stroll along the river pathway with play areas and metal two/three seat swings that face the river. You’ll see old warehouse foundations in the grass and can enjoy views of Roebling’s Brooklyn Bridge precursor. Just a peaceful way to spend time before or after dinner downtown. If you drive over to the Kentucky side, the park is nice there and there is a statue of Roebling facing his bridge.
Written June 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN2,618 contributions
Worth a detour
Sep 2020
Sister bridge to the Brooklyn Bridge, designed by the same architect/engineer. Pretty riverfront Park, lots of trails. In a nicer part of downtown, close to restaurants and the Freedom Center. Lots of parking nearby—they are currently building a new parking garage. Honestly, this is as impressive as the Brooklyn bridge, even if it is a little smaller. Nice, wide pedestrian path on both sides to walk/run, and easily accessible from either side of the river. There are a lot of cars that pass, so there is a “whoosh” and “hum” you’ll hear. It’s worth a detour to see.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AndreaUbok
Florida2,717 contributions
Park like walk along the river
Sep 2021 • Couples
Beautiful walk way with landscaping, playgrounds, shady seating, waterfalls and views. We enjoyed walking with the bikers, runners and fog walkers. There were some picnicking & lists of events scheduled here.
Written September 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Courtney W
Willow Grove, PA193 contributions
Nice Views
Jul 2019
I spent a little time wandering the Riverwalk and was impressed with the views. I also really liked the swings that were available. I don't know what type of parking is available as I was staying in a hotel less than 1/2 mile away from it.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
amyw2012
Birmingham, AL1,779 contributions
Free, Fun, and Family Friendly
Jun 2021 • Family
This was a very night park to go visit. We walked from our hotel. There were swings, fun things for kids of all ages to play on, and a really nice view. The flying pig and water features were favorites of my family.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas & Susan C
14 contributions
"Relaxing Walk"
Jul 2020
Riverwalk is so relaxing and you can see everything from the many bridges to Newport on the Levee across the river. Many gardens and children activities. Gonna miss spending time here.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bajantravel
Las Vegas, NV110 contributions
Good
Mar 2020 • Family
Did the Ohio side of walk and was peaceful with little history lessons on the way. Perfect for a stroll after a good lunch. The brown river isn’t picturesque but it serves its purpose. Great for running/workout as well
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James G
Lexington, KY214 contributions
Lots to See and Do Walking Near Ohio River on Both Cincinnati, Ohio and Newport/Covington, Kentucky Sides
Oct 2017 • Solo
There is much to see and do while walking near the Ohio River, both on the Cincinnati, Ohio side and the Newport/Covington, Kentucky side.

You can walk from Cincinnati's Smale Park near the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge east (upriver) to the Purple People Bridge (a pedestrian only bridge now, less well known by its name as the Newport Southbank Bridge). Then you can cross that bridge into Newport, Kentucky then turn right (west, downriver) and walk to Covington, Kentucky and cross back into Ohio on the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. As an alternative, instead of crossing the Purple People Bridge into Kentucky you can walk east through more riverside parks.

Among other things, on the Kentucky side in Newport are several restaurants and an aquarium. A trail in Newport above the river includes some interesting, educational plaques along the way that tell about the history of the area. The sidewalk/trail also connects with a sidewalk leading to Covington. A few blocks away from the river in Newport is a World Peace Bell that is supposedly the largest free swinging bell in the world. On the Kentucky side in Covington, among other things there are some nicely done murals of several scenes on the floodwall.

On the Cincinnati side, Smale Park includes what is supposed to be the world's largest foot piano, exercise equipment, a flower garden, a labyrinth, an indoor carousel, swings that look toward the river, and access to the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge.

The suspension bridge served as the prototype for the Brooklyn Bridge and includes pedestrian pathways on either side of the driving lanes. The bridge leads from Cincinnati to Covington, Kentucky. Some beautiful murals are on the floodwall on the Kentucky side as mentioned earlier. Lighting makes the murals visible even at night.

On the Cincinnati side, as you walk east from Smale Park there are several plaques that describe the history of various steamboats. Cincinnati was a major docking point for steamboats back when they were popular. As you walk east, you also go through some other parks which have sculptures and other features of their own, including a statue of Cincinnatus, for whom Cincinnati is named. I walked a bit east of the Purple People bridge, but did not go through all the parks. I walked much of the riverwalk on the Ohio side on October 25, 2017 and much of the riverwalk on the Kentucky side on an earlier trip.

There is much to see and do in the area, and it is worth a few hours of one's time as I see it. Admission is free to the parks and World Peace Bell. If you decide to visit the Newport Aquarium, there is a charge for that.
Written October 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RidewithRachel
5 contributions
Very Pretty
Jun 2013
The riverwalk is super pretty and a relaxing environment. You can see the city but its right on the Ohio River. I loved walked across the bridge straight into Kentucky and being able to see both the football and baseball stadiums.
Written June 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Riverwalk (Cincinnati) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Riverwalk
We recommend booking Riverwalk tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Riverwalk tours on Tripadvisor