The Banks
Vibrant downtown district between two stadiums, offering dining, nightlife, and riverfront views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
The Banks
Best Time
Fewer crowds, relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant downtown district between two stadiums, offering dining, nightlife, and riverfront views.
"A great place to roam and play, with a lively atmosphere and beautiful river views."
🎯 Game Day Prep
Arrive early on game days for the best atmosphere and to avoid traffic. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Walkable & Connected
Easily explore on foot. Consider ride-sharing to bypass parking hassles. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Riverfront Views
Along the Ohio River
Stroll by the river, enjoy views of the Roebling Suspension Bridge, and soak in the urban energy.
Stadium Proximity
Adjacent to Great American Ball Park & Paycor Stadium
The heart of Cincinnati's sports scene, perfect for pre- or post-game festivities.
Diverse Dining & Nightlife
Throughout The Banks district
From sushi and tacos to cocktails and sports bars, find a spot for every craving.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Game Day Buzz & Beyond
Navigating The Banks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Game Day Prep
Arrive early on game days for the best atmosphere and to avoid traffic. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Walkable & Connected
Easily explore on foot. Consider ride-sharing to bypass parking hassles. :car:
🌮 Taconey Craze
Don't miss the 'taconey' at Jefferson Social – it's a must-try! :food:
💧 Hydration Station
Limited quick snack/drink options. Bring your own or be prepared for higher prices. :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Game Day Prep
Arrive early on game days for the best atmosphere and to avoid traffic. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Walkable & Connected
Easily explore on foot. Consider ride-sharing to bypass parking hassles. :car:
🌮 Taconey Craze
Don't miss the 'taconey' at Jefferson Social – it's a must-try! :food:
💧 Hydration Station
Limited quick snack/drink options. Bring your own or be prepared for higher prices. :water_wave:
🌃 Nighttime Awareness
Be mindful of your surroundings, especially after dark. Police presence is noted. :police_car:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
Great for Christmas photos and general city/river views. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Banks is a lively urban district praised for its vibrant atmosphere, especially on game days, and its scenic riverfront location. Visitors enjoy the diverse dining and nightlife options, as well as its proximity to sports stadiums. Some concerns are raised regarding the presence of homeless individuals and limited affordable snack options.
"I love the Banks. It's like going to a different place and it is the most nature and just positive feeling vibes I have experienced in a while around downtown. There is a lot of things to do and see and my favorite thing is going through with my finance. The only negative things I can say is there is not really any options to just grab a bottle of soda or a bottle of water or some quick snacks. The only place I know of for anything like that is the little conveience store located up across from the Freedom center on the first level of the main apartment/condo building down there. And trust me when I say your definitely going to have sticker shock in that place. Way to expensive. There are No vending machines anywhere. There are several restrooms that I have found rather clean and kept up with. The biggest issue for some people is going to be the abundance of homeless people your going to encounter. There are a lot of them that live down there and use the ar qs available as places to charge their phones, sleep, at night, stay out of the weather, and probably get whatever they can find or get given to them since there is such an abundance of people. I don't recommend using the portable toilets. YUCK!!! And I definitely rate the whole place a 8 or 9 on the safety scale. Lots of people and lighted areas as well as police presence and security at lots of places."
Angel Pitzer
"One of my fave places to roam and play in Cincinnati! Moerlien does a great job bringing entertainment to this district between their restaurant, the Shmidlapp lawn, & now the Roebling Event Center! BLINK was a blast last night and a highlight was the comic con themed pop up bar with Joker, Harley Quinn and an aerialist, DJ, themed drinks and more. So FUN."
Ashley Campbell
"We went a few days post Thanksgiving. Great place for taking Christmas type photos. Drinks were all around available at booths."
Maya Hawthorne
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Banks is easily accessible by car, public transport, and ride-sharing services. Parking is available in garages underneath the district. For those coming from further out, the streetcar can be a convenient option to reach The Banks.
There are parking garages located directly beneath The Banks, offering convenient access. However, during major events like Reds or Bengals games, parking can fill up quickly and be more expensive.
Yes, The Banks is a walkable district within downtown Cincinnati. It's located between the baseball and football stadiums, making it a central hub for activity.
For concerts at Heritage Bank Center, walking from The Banks is feasible. Alternatively, Uber or Lyft are recommended to avoid concert traffic and parking.
Yes, The Banks is served by local bus routes, and the Cincinnati Streetcar provides a convenient connection to other parts of downtown.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Banks is a public district and does not require tickets for entry. You only need tickets for specific events at the stadiums or venues within the area.
The Banks district itself is always accessible, but individual businesses like restaurants and bars have their own operating hours, which can vary. Many stay open late, especially on weekends and game nights. +1
There are no entrance fees to simply walk around and enjoy the atmosphere of The Banks. Fees would only apply if you are attending an event at the stadiums or patronizing a specific establishment.
While there are no strict rules against bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages, many establishments prefer you purchase from them. Quick snack options are limited, so planning ahead is advised. [^Review]
The Banks is generally accessible with paved walkways and ramps. However, specific venue accessibility should be checked directly with the establishment.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The Banks offers a lively mix of dining, bars, live music, and is adjacent to sports stadiums. It's a great spot for pre-game celebrations, enjoying riverfront views, and experiencing downtown Cincinnati's nightlife. +3
Yes, The Banks boasts a variety of dining options, from sushi at E+O Kitchen to tacos at Jefferson Social and gastropub fare at Holy Grail. Filson and Fishbowl are also popular choices. +4
You'll find a range of bars, including sports bars like Holy Grail, cocktail lounges like Hyde, and lively spots like Fishbowl, perfect for a night out. +3
While generally well-lit with police presence, some visitors note the presence of a significant homeless population. It's advisable to stay aware of your surroundings. +1 [^Review]
Yes, there are several restrooms located throughout The Banks, and many are reported to be clean and well-maintained. [^Review]
📸 📸 Photography
The riverfront area offers great views of the Ohio River and the Roebling Suspension Bridge. The area between the stadiums is also iconic, especially on game days. [^Review]
Absolutely! The Banks is situated right next to Great American Ball Park and Paycor Stadium, providing excellent vantage points for photos of the exteriors, especially during game day preparations. +1
During special events like BLINK or themed pop-up bars, unique photo opportunities arise. The general urban landscape and river views also offer a distinct Cincinnati backdrop. [^Review]
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting along the riverfront. Game days provide a dynamic and colorful backdrop with fans and stadium lights.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and near stadiums due to safety and privacy regulations. It's best to check local ordinances before attempting to fly a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, families should be aware that it can get very crowded and loud on game days. The presence of a significant homeless population might also be a consideration for some parents. While restrooms are available, the lack of readily accessible, inexpensive snack and drink options might require some planning. [^Review]
💰 Budget Travelers
Be mindful that prices for food and drinks, especially quick snacks, can be on the higher side. Exploring the area before committing to a purchase at a specific venue is recommended. Utilizing public transport or ride-sharing can also help save on parking costs. [^Review]
💑 Couples
Consider visiting during happy hour for more affordable drinks and appetizers. The lively atmosphere on weekends can be fun, but for a more intimate experience, weekdays might be preferable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Banks: A Hub for Sports and Entertainment
Beyond game days, The Banks offers a vibrant entertainment scene. Visitors can enjoy a diverse culinary landscape, from casual sports bars to upscale dining. TikTok creators often highlight spots like Jefferson Social for its 'taconey' and Holy Grail for its game-day atmosphere. The district also features nightlife options, including cocktail lounges and bars with live music, making it a popular spot for evening entertainment.
The riverfront location adds another layer of appeal, offering scenic views of the Ohio River and the iconic Roebling Suspension Bridge. This makes The Banks a pleasant place for a stroll, especially during pleasant weather. However, it's worth noting that some visitors have observed a significant homeless population in the area, which is a point of discussion among those who frequent or visit The Banks.
Dining and Nightlife at The Banks
When it comes to nightlife, The Banks has options for various tastes. Hyde Cocktail Lounge provides a more upscale experience, while Fishbowl offers a lively atmosphere for Friday nights. The district is known for its vibrant energy, particularly on weekends and event nights, with many venues featuring live music or DJs.
It's important for visitors to note that while dining and drink options are plentiful, quick snack or beverage purchases can be limited and potentially expensive outside of the main establishments. Some reviews suggest bringing your own water or snacks if you plan on spending an extended period exploring the area. [^Review]
Safety and Community Perceptions
Despite these observations, many visitors find The Banks to be a safe and enjoyable place, citing the presence of police and security personnel, well-lit areas, and the general buzz of activity. The district is described as a place where 'you see it all,' reflecting its diverse and sometimes unpredictable urban character.
Community discussions and social media content highlight the importance of being aware of your surroundings, particularly during evening hours. The advice often given is to stick to well-trafficked areas and be mindful of personal belongings, which is standard practice for navigating any busy urban environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit