Cincinnati: Streetcar Food Tour & Findlay Market Bites

Summary

Taste Cincinnati’s layers of history on the streetcar with bites from Findlay Market

You’ll taste Cincinnati’s story as you ride the streetcar through Over-the-Rhine—sampling bangers and mash in a Scottish pub, tacos bursting with flavor, sharp cheeses at Findlay Market, and sweet fudge. With a local guide sharing quirky city tales along the way, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve actually met the city—not just passed through.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what a city tastes like? I didn’t really think about it until we hopped on the Cincinnati Streetcar for this food tour—right away, you could feel the city moving around you. Our guide (her name was Jen—she grew up here) started us off near Fountain Square. The Tyler Davidson Fountain was bigger than I expected, water splashing loud enough to drown out my first attempt at a “hello” to the group. Jen showed us this little trick with the fountain that locals know—felt like being let in on a secret handshake.

We zigzagged through downtown, past Carew Tower (which is apparently turning into fancy apartments soon), then onto the streetcar itself. There’s something oddly soothing about the hum of it under your feet. I caught these quick flashes of murals outside—one had a giant face staring right back at us—and Jen kept tossing out stories about German immigrants and half-finished subway tunnels under Central Parkway. The walking part wasn’t much (maybe half a mile?), but every few blocks there was another bite: Scottish bangers and mash at this pub where the bartender winked at me when I tried to pronounce “bangers” with an accent (nailed it? absolutely not), then tacos with smoky salsa that lingered longer than I thought it would.

Findlay Market was packed, smells bouncing between fresh bread and chocolate fudge. We stopped for cheese samples—sharp enough to make me wince a bit—and then some kind of local dessert I still can’t pronounce. There were people everywhere: kids chasing pigeons, vendors calling out deals, music floating from somewhere near Washington Park. It felt like everyone knew each other except us—but nobody made us feel like outsiders either. That’s maybe what surprised me most.

I left full (maybe too full?) and with this weird sense of having actually met Cincinnati—not just seen it. Still thinking about that mural with the blue eyes and how Jen laughed when someone asked if she ever gets tired of cheese (she doesn’t). So yeah, if you want to eat your way through history—with a few laughs and some odd facts thrown in—the Cincinnati streetcar food tour is probably your best bet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cincinnati streetcar and market tour

• Visit Fountain Square and Tyler Davidson Fountain
• Pass by Carew Tower
• Hear story of Contemporary Art Center architect
• See Aronoff Center performing arts venue
• Pass along Central Parkway
• Pass through Over-the-Rhine historic neighborhood
• View Cincinnati murals with guide
• Pass by Washington Park
• Pass by Cincinnati Music Hall
• Explore Findlay Market and vendors

Top questions

How much walking is involved in the Cincinnati streetcar food tour?

The tour covers about 0.5 miles of walking over 3 hours, plus streetcar rides between stops.

Are vegetarian options available on this Cincinnati food tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if you request them in advance when booking.

What foods are included on the Cincinnati streetcar food tour?

The tour includes Scottish bangers and mash, tacos, burgers, fudge, cheese samples, chocolates, and local desserts.

Is Findlay Market included in this food tour?

Yes, Findlay Market is one of the main stops with tastings from several vendors inside.

Is this Cincinnati food tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible; an aid or family member may be needed for distance between stops.

Does this food tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for weather conditions.

How long does the Cincinnati streetcar food tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Are drinks included on the Cincinnati streetcar food tour?

No drinks are included; bring your own water bottle for hydration during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all six food stops—from Scottish pub classics to Mexican tacos and sweet fudge—plus tastings at Findlay Market. You’ll have a friendly certified guide leading you through downtown by foot and streetcar (with map provided), making sure you don’t miss any flavors or stories along the way before heading back full and happy.