Perched Above Cincinnati Is A Bohemian Neighborhood With European Village Vibes And Breathtaking Views

Set along the Ohio River, the city of Cincinnati has more than 50 distinct neighborhoods for visitors to explore. One of the oldest also has some of the most dramatic views of the city, and is oozing with history and charm. The narrow streets of the Mount Adams neighborhood feel like something out of Europe, mixed with a bohemian art culture. This popular district is east of the downtown area, and owes its name to John Quincy Adams, after he gave a dedication speech in 1843 for the Cincinnati Observatory. Today, visitors can experience this hub for creativity that has top-notch museums, restaurants, shops, and breweries.

The dramatic hillside neighborhood was once home to a 945-foot wooden incline rail that transported streetcars, but it still holds beautiful views of the Ohio River. In 1886, the creative scene exploded in Mount Adams when the Cincinnati Art Museum opened, joining the Rookwood Pottery Factory as another hub for artists. The museum continues to welcome visitors and has more than 73,000 works on display; however, the pottery museum closed its doors. Its artistic side is an under-the-radar aspect of Cincinnati, but it takes the crown for the most spectacular street art city in America. In Mount Adams, one of these stunning murals is "The Roots of Vision," located on Gregory Street.

One of the shining jewels of Mount Adams is the sprawling Eden Park (which extends into the East Walnut Hills neighborhood). The 186-acre public space has two lakes, walking paths, playgrounds, and a pavilion that hosts live concerts and events, and sweeping views of the river. To top it off, it's also home to three major attractions: the Cincinnati Art Museum, the Cincinnati Playhouse for fabulous evening entertainment, and the Krohn Conservatory, where visitors can explore beautiful botanical and medicinal gardens.

Experience a taste of the city's Prohibition Era at the Mount Adams Bar and Grill, which has roots as a speakeasy and now has an eclectic arrangement of antiques and memorabilia, not to mention an array of menu offerings. Next door, the Blind Lemon is just as fascinating, with an outdoor patio, indoor bar, and live music. The neighborhood also has a vibrant nightlife, with hotspots like the Hilltop, which serves up craft cocktails and hosts events like trivia night or comedy roasts, or Hi-Fi Cincy, featuring regular events like comedy nights, music jams, and open mic.

Just north of Mount Adams is another trending neighborhood, Over the Rhine (often called OTR), which is home to the Findlay Market, Ohio's oldest public market, and a bustling culinary scene. The neighborhood is on the National Register of Historic Places and is full of craft breweries that can easily be explored from Mount Adams. Alternatively, downtown is a gem that's just west of Mount Adams, where Cincinnati's oldest park, Piatt Park, showcases public art and makes for a serene stroll. Both of these neighborhoods offer numerous types of hotel accommodations, including the Rest Hotel, which is within walking distance of most of the main attractions in Mount Adams.

If you're flying in, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport is about 15 miles from Mount Adams, and rental cars and sharing options are readily available at the airport. You can also arrive by train on Amtrak's Cardinal route or by bus (Greyhound and FlixBus both have routes to the Queen City). If you're driving in, the Mount Adams neighborhood is just off U.S. Route 71.