Top affordable things to do in Cincinnati for college students on a budget

Living near UC means there are plenty of affordable things to do in Cincinnati for college students. Whether you're into sports, arts, food, or nature, you’ll find free events in Cincinnati and budget-friendly options across the city. Here are some student favorites:

• Blink: Murals across the city come to life with light shows and projection mapping in this biannual public art spectacle. Explore the illuminated city on foot for this must-see event typically held in October.

• Asian Food Fest: One of the region’s fastest growing and most culturally diverse events held downtown every spring boasts dishes from 50 restaurants and food trucks.

• Taste of Cincinnati: Every Memorial Day weekend, one of the largest free culinary arts festivals in the country takes over downtown Cincinnati.

• Oktoberfest Zinzinnati: Celebrate Cincinnati’s German heritage at the largest celebration of its kind in the country, second only to Germany, each September (not October).

Cincinnati Parks presents free summer concerts at various riverfront parks May-September.

Find free workout classes, trivia events, live music and more held at the popular Washington Park in the heart of Over-the-Rhine.

A downtown Cincinnati landmark since 1871, Fountain Square hosts free fun year-round, from weekly Salsa and Jazz nights when it’s warm to an ice rink in the winter.

• Cincinnati Museum Center: housed in the historic Art Deco train station Union Terminal, includes a Museum of Natural History & Science, the Cincinnati History Museum, an immersive OMNIMAX Theater and more.
  Budget tip: Keep an eye out for free admission days.
• Cincinnati Art Museum: a world-class institution with a diverse collection of art, located in picturesque Eden Park. General admission and parking are free.
• National Underground Railroad Freedom Center: a museum that tells the story of the Underground Railroad and the fight against slavery. Admission is free on the third and fifth Sunday of each month plus Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth. 
• Contemporary Arts Center: a world-renown modern art museum in the heart of downtown, and you’ll be greeted by Metrobot, a 27-foot-tall gold robot sculpture. Admission is free.
• William Howard Taft Historic Site: the birthplace and childhood home of U.S. President and Chief Justice William Howard Taft — one of UC’s most renowned alumni. Admission and tours are free of charge.

• Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden: Home to over 400 species of animals and 3,000 plant species — including the internet-famous Fiona the hippo — the Cincinnati Zoo is one of the oldest and best zoos in the country. Look out for discount admission offerings throughout the year.
  Budget tip: Plan ahead and save up to $10 per ticket on select days when you purchase in advance online, where prices are 40% lower than at the Zoo’s ticket window.
• Newport Aquarium: Cross the Ohio River and dive under the sea with species ranging from jellyfish, penguins and rare white alligators to sharks, seahorses and stingrays.
  Budget tip: Purchase tickets at Kroger to save $3 on admission.

• College-Conservatory of Music (CCM): UC students get discounted or free admission to almost every CCM performance.
• Public art: Cincinnati boasts over 300 murals, making it a top city for street art. Take a walking tour to explore the vibrant art scene
• Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra & Cincinnati Opera: Both institutions offer discounted student tickets and free shows throughout the year.
• Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park: A Tony-Award-winning production company in Eden Park with student discounts.

• Bellevue Hill Park: One of the best hangout spots in Cincinnati for college students due to its stunning panoramic views of the city and Ohio River and its unique mushroom-like midcentury modern concrete pavilion.
• Krohn Conservatory: A tranquil tropical garden and over 3,500 plant species across indoor and outdoor spaces. Also located in the popular Eden Park! Don’t miss their annual butterfly exhibit, when 16,000 butterflies fly free within the conservatory each spring.
• Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum: The third largest cemetery in the country and a National Historic Landmark. Visitors are welcome to walk the grounds during open hours, free of charge.
  

Check out Cincinnati Parks and Great Parks of Hamilton County for info on 100-plus Greater Cincinnati parks that offer fun weekend activities and free events.

• Overlooking the northern edge of UC’s campus is Burnet Woods, a popular spot for disc golf (Did you know UC has its own disc golf club, the Discats?) with a nature center, fishing lake, trails and even a hidden gem of a planetarium.
• Rent a bike and ride along the Ohio River waterfront, which offers beautiful views and a variety of activities. More ambitious riders can take on the 70-mile Loveland Bike Trail in Cincinnati’s northern suburbs.
• Take a hike in Mt. Airy Forest, Cincinnati’s largest public park, with trails, biking paths and a giant public treehouse that is the only wheelchair accessible one of its kind in the state.

Trying Cincinnati chili, a unique and delicious hometown dish, is a rite of passage for all Bearcats. Try the signature stuff on a coney or over spaghetti at Skyline, Gold Star or any local chili parlor — you’ll find one in almost every Cincinnati neighborhood. Their quick service, late night offerings and cheap prices make them some of the best places to eat in Cincinnati on a student budget.

Visit Findlay Market, Ohio's oldest continuously operated public market, located in Over-the-Rhine. Whether you’re shopping for organic produce, proteins, cheeses, baked goods and other ingredients for a home-cooked meal or looking to taste a variety of cuisines from local vendors, this historic market is one of the city’s most beloved institutions. Weekend farmers markets draw a crowd with outdoor vendors, street performers, specials events and more. Always free to browse!

You gotta cheer on the Bearcats! All full-time students are eligible for athletic event tickets, with season ticket or single game options. Season tickets can be purchased based on availability, and lottery tickets will be available for entry the week of each game. Visit the Bearcats student ticket hub for more information.

Downtown’s Fountain Square hosts a free tailgate and watch party for all Cincinnati Bengals home games. Get hyped before kickoff with live music, drink specials and games.

Is soccer more your speed? Swing by Pre-Match in the Park at Washington Park in Over-the-Rhine before all FC Cincinnati home games for pregame food, vendors, music and activities.

Esquire Theatre, an indie movie theater blocks from campus on Ludlow Avenue, offers $5 movie tickets on Bargain Tuesdays. Student tickets are always $7.75. Don’t forget the popcorn: Esquire’s is the best in the city.

Visit the American Sign Museum, a unique attraction that showcases the history of neon signs, located two miles from campus in the Camp Washington neighborhood. Admission is just $10 for students.

Lucky Cat Museum, a studio space brimming with Japanese cat ephemera, is located in Essex Studios in Walnut Hills, not far from campus. Admission is free, but schedule an appointment.

Step back in time at Loveland Castle, a medieval replica and museum hand-built by one man over 50 years. Admission is just $5. Beware: The castle may be haunted.

• Don’t forget your student ID to take advantage of discounts — most places require it.
• The Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library is an amazing resource for college students. Not only can you find books, research materials and study spaces at its 41 locations, but when you sign up for a free library card, you can reserve a Discovery Pass, which gives you free admission to many museums and attractions listed above.
• Take advantage of the free Bearcat Transportation Shuttle.
• UC students can ride Metro buses for $1 with the UC*Metro EZ Ride card.
• Use the free streetcar, The Connector, to get around downtown Cincinnati and Over-the-Rhine. Popular stops on the route include Findlay Market, Washington Park, Riverfront/Banks, the Downtown Main Library and Fountain Square.
• Take advantage of happy hour deals at local bars and restaurants.