Known for its plethora of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, farmers markets, and year-round events, Hyde Park is one of the most active and trendy neighborhoods in all of Cincinnati.
Located just 10 minutes from downtown, minutes away from Interstate 71, and a short drive to the Ohio River, Hyde Park is one of the most desirable locations to live in the Queen City.
Whether you’re interested in moving to Hyde Park or simply visiting for a day, here are the top 10 best things to do around the neighborhood.
10. Coffee Emporium
Number 10 on our list is Coffee Emporium, a coffee shop that is wildly popular among locals, and for good reason: they have a wide variety of scones, teas, and locally roasted coffee.
In addition to the high quality snacks and beverages, the shop itself has the vibe of an old house, with plenty of outdoor seating both in front of the shop and in the backyard area, along with a seating area on the second floor.
This spot is a great place to get some work done, meet up with friends, or simply chill and enjoy an iced coffee. The upstairs seating area is an excellent place to hang out when the weather is cold and the outdoor patios are perfect for when it’s warm.
No matter what time of year you decide to visit, Coffee Emporium is a must-stop shop.
Website: Coffee Emporium
Location: 3316 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
9. The Mushroom House
Located directly across the street from Coffee Emporium is the number 9 attraction on our list: The Mushroom House.
This ordinary one bedroom house was transformed into a work of art by architecture professor Terry Brown between 1992 and 2006, when he used warped shingles, funky decorations, and unique staircases to turn his home into a fairytale-like home.
Sadly, Brown passed away in 2008, but The Mushroom House remains a well-known landmark in Hyde Park. Although you can’t go inside the house, it’s worth driving by to see this unique structure.
Location: 3518 Tarpis Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
8. Hyde Perk Coffee
Next up on our list is Hyde Perk, a cozy coffee shop with a welcoming vibe located in the heart of Hyde Park.
Known for their wide variety of coffees, teas, and breakfast snacks, this shop has something for everyone. Not sure what you want? Feel free to reference their hand-written chalkboard menu hanging on the wall that lists out all of their drink options.
Heck, you don’t even have to go inside to get a drink since they’re one of the few coffee shops in the Cincy area that has a full-service drive-thru window.
And not only is this a great shop to stop at in the morning and early afternoon, but it’s also a popular place for grabbing a glass of wine in the evening and for listening to some live music on the weekends.
No matter how you slice it, Hyde Perk is a unique coffee shop well worth the visit.
Website: Hyde Perk Coffee
Location: 3664-B Edwards Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45208
7. Carl’s Deli
If you’re in the mood for a deli sandwich, look no further than Carl’s Deli. Located in the heart of the neighborhood, Carl’s is known for serving up some of the best sandwiches you can find in the entire Queen City. Our personal favorite is the BLT (stacked with 10 strips of bacon) but every item on the menu is delicious.
Website: Carl’s Deli
Location: 2836 Observatory Ave # A, Cincinnati, OH 45208
6. Breakout Games
Next up on our list is Breakout Games, a company that offers escape room experiences. As explained on their site:
Cincinnati has thrilling escape rooms with a variety of game themes that are perfect for having fun with your friends, family, or even a team building exercise with your coworkers. Our company is a leader in the escape room industry and you’ll experience the difference when you visit us in Cincinnati.
Although there are several escape room experiences available around the Queen City, Breakout Games offers a truly unique experience with lifelike rooms that will blow your mind. For anyone who has visited, it’s no surprise that they have a 4.9 out of 5 star rating on Google Reviews.
Website: Breakout Games
Location: 3653 Michigan Ave Suite 205B, Cincinnati, OH 45208
5. Green Papaya
Coming in at number 5 on our list is Green Papaya, a restaurant that offers some of the best thai food and sushi available in all of Cincinnati.
Their fresh, authentic, flavor-packed dishes bring people in the door and the unique interior decorations make people want to stay.
If you’re a fan of any type of seafood, thai dishes, or sushi rolls, Green Papaya is one restaurant you can’t afford to pass up.
Website: Green Papaya
Location: 2942 Wasson Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209
4. Hyde Park Farmer’s Market
Next up on our list isn’t exactly a place, but rather an experience: Hyde Park Farmer’s Market.
Every Sunday from 9:30AM to 1:30PM, from May 19th through October 27th, the city of Hyde Park holds a farmer’s market that offers an incredible shopping experience along with live music.
As explained on their site:
Now in its 15th year, the market is known as a “growers’ market.” Offerings come from local family farms that employ sustainable and humane practices. Choose from a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, meats, eggs, cheeses, pantry items, herbs, cut flowers, garden plants, and artisan prepared foods—including rare heirloom veggie varieties and heritage breed meats. Buy with confidence knowing how and where the food was raised.
Whether you’re looking to purchase some fresh local produce, or you’re just looking for a neat place to visit and walk around, be sure to check out Hyde Park Farmer’s Market.
Website: Hyde Park Farmer’s Market
Location: 2700 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
3. Hyde Park Square
Coming in at number 3 on our list is Hyde Park Square, one of Cincinnati’s oldest and hippest places to shop, dine, and walk around.
With over 175 unique shops, restaurants, and events, there is almost always something to do at Hyde Park square. Featured spots include cafes, exercise studios, coffee shops, wine bars, and much more. This is also the hub where most public events take place including art shows, bike races, and festivals.
If you’re ever in the neighborhood and you’re looking for something to do, simply head on down to Hyde Park Square where there’s always something going on.
Website: Hyde Park Square
Location: 2700 Erie Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
2. Cincinnati Observatory
Number 2 on our list of best things to do in Hyde Park is visit the Cincinnati Observatory, an observatory that is home to the world’s oldest telescope still in use nightly by the general public.
The observatory offers daytime tours, which entail:
Each event includes a 30-minute presentation by a local astronomer on one of the many fascinating topics in astronomy followed by a guided stargaze through the oldest telescope in the United States – a 16-foot long wood and brass refractor first used in 1845 (weather permitting). We observe a variety of objects including the Moon, planets, and stars.
The observatory also regularly hosts public events, which include festivals, guided stargazing, and much more.
Whether you’re looking for a unique place to go with friends and family or simply interested in learning more about the science of astronomy, the Cincinnati Observatory is a great spot to visit.
Website: Cincinnati Observatory
Location: 3489 Observatory Pl, Cincinnati, OH 45208
1. Ault Park
The number one best thing to do in Hyde Park won’t come as much of a surprise to locals: Visit Ault Park.
This scenic park includes paved walking paths, a beautiful garden, picnic areas, nature trails, a pavilion, and an excellent lookout point. Covering over 224 total acres, this park is truly one of the best in all of Cincinnati.
Along with offering year-round beautiful scenery, Ault Park is also home to several events throughout the year like the Concours d’ Elegance Car Show, summer dances, and a 4th of July celebration. In addition, the park’s pavilion is a popular place to host weddings and other private events.
No matter how you slice it, Ault Park is a must-visit spot in Hyde Park.
Website: Ault Park
Location: 3600 Observatory Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45208
