Despite some very public racial tensions a few years back, Cincinnati is generally considered a safe city for visitors. You're likely to see locals as well as hotel guests strolling the streets downtown or enjoying Fountain Square at all hours. However, take the same commonsense precautions you would when visiting any large city, particularly when venturing into inner-city neighborhoods such as Over-the-Rhine. Ask the staff at your hotel about the attraction or the neighborhood you plan to visit and the safest way to get there. Don't park in unlit alleys, don't walk alone at night and don't leave valuables visible in your unattended car. One area of particular concern surrounds Music Hall. Park only in attended lots or well-lit areas.
Dos & Don'ts
Don't cross the street in downtown Cincinnati unless the cross signal indicates "walk." The police will issue a jaywalking ticket.
Don't try to flag a Cincinnati cab in northern Kentucky or vice-versa. Squabbles between the two states keep drivers licensed in one state from picking up in the other. Some cabbies will ignore the rule, but most will not risk it. The customers lose, but the states come out ahead as many cab owners get licensed in both states simply to avoid the hassle.
Don't order chili in Cincinnati and expect to get a typical Texas-style bowl. Cincinnati Chili has Greek origins, is served on a plate, and features a pile of spaghetti, sauce flavored with cinnamon and chocolate, and a giant hand full of shredded cheddar cheese. To order like the locals, ask for a three way (spaghetti, meat sauce and cheese), a four way (add onion or beans) or five way (with onions and beans). Oh, and the coneys are only four inches long but come loaded with sauce and heaped with cheese.
Do keep in mind that if you ask a Cincinnatian a question and they respond with "please," they're just asking you to repeat yourself.
