Over-the-Rhine District Walking Tour (Self Guided), Cincinnati

The historic Over-The-Rhine (OTR) neighborhood is one of the largest districts in the U.S. recognized by the National Register of Historic Places. Its name comes from the predominantly German immigrants who developed the area in the mid-19th century and had to commute across bridges over the Miami and Erie Canal (nicknamed "the Rhine" in reference to the river in Germany) which separated it from downtown Cincinnati. Thus the newly settled district north of the canal became known as "Over the Rhine".

The neighborhood currently undergoes strong development and revival, and is home to numerous craft breweries, hip gastropubs, and trendy bars. Still, if there’s one thing Over-the-Rhine is famous for, it is the finest in the U.S. concentration of well-preserved 19th-century Italianate architecture. One such edifice is the corner structure housing Taste of Belgium, one of the oldest surviving buildings in OTR.

Another local landmark – Washington Park – is popular for its fountains and festivals and is the second oldest park in the city, originally established as a burial ground for several small churches. In recent years, it has been the focal point of gentrification, prompting this portion of OTR to be renamed as "The Gateway Quarter".

The grand Music Hall – is likely Cincinnati’s most important and best-known building, representing a mixture of styles best described as Venetian Gothic. Constructed in 1878, this concert theater is the cornerstone of OTR’s renaissance and hosts the Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, and the Cincinnati May Festival.

Findlay Market – established in the 1850s, is the oldest continuously operated public market in Ohio. The emporium is also the site of special events, bustles with indoor specialty grocers and a weekend farmers’ market.

For a more detailed acquaintance with the Over-The-Rhine area of Cincinnati, take this self-guided walking tour.