There’s another reason to put the Cincy Region on your travel list. Midwest Living has named Cincinnati one of the Best Cities in the Midwest in its 2026 “Best of the Midwest Awards”, recognizing standout destinations that offer memorable experiences for visitors.
Each year, editors at Midwest Living hand-select nearly 150 winners across 16 categories, honoring exceptional cities, hotels, restaurants, and travel experiences across the region. Cincinnati’s selection highlights the city’s growing reputation as a vibrant destination known for its creativity, culture, and welcoming spirit.
“Cincinnati still surprises visitors who think they’ve got it pegged,” reads the write-up, highlighting our iconic events, attractions, festivals and more, including Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, Over-the-Rhine, Findlay Market, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Cincinnati Reds, Roebling Suspension Bridge, Kentucky bourbon, and BLINK.
“It’s simply a city with a lot of cool stuff to discover—and that keeps us coming back,” it reads.
Cincinnati also received additional accolades in the “Best New Hotels” and “Best Pizza Restaurants” categories, with Hotel Celare and A Tavola taking honors, respectively.
Midwest Living praises Hotel Celare’s colorful mural by Miss Birdy, as well as the house Iris Café and The Vick rooftop bar, and calls out A Tavola’s “piping-hot” Neapolitan-style pizza and topping combos like the Fig and Prosciutto pie.
The full list of winners appears in Midwest Living’s Spring 2026 issue and online, celebrating destinations that embody the creativity, hospitality and distinctive character of the American Midwest.
Read the full write-up at midwestliving.com.
