Cincinnati: Underground Walking Tour & Brewery Tunnels

Summary

Walk Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine then descend to brewery tunnels

You’ll wander through Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine with a local guide, pass historic saloons and beer gardens, then head underground into secret brewery tunnels beneath Kauffman Brewery. Expect stories you won’t find on plaques and sensory moments — from city noise above to sudden calm below — all on foot, rain or shine.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down Vine Street when our guide, Marcus, waved us over to a brick building I’d never noticed before. He had this way of talking about Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine that made you see the city in layers — not just the painted facades or the clatter from Washington Park, but everything underneath. I could still smell last night’s rain on the sidewalks, mixed with something yeasty from a bakery nearby. It was louder than I expected — kids playing in the park, buses sighing at red lights, someone humming behind us. I liked that nobody seemed to care we were a group of strangers poking around their neighborhood.

Marcus pointed out old saloon doors and faded signs above what used to be theaters — said there were once more than 130 bars and beer gardens packed into these blocks. That number stuck with me. He told us stories about German immigrants and prohibition raids, and at one point he tried to teach us how to pronounce Kauffman Brewery properly (Li laughed when I tried to say it in German — probably butchered it). Then we ducked through an unmarked door and started down these narrow steps. The air changed right away — colder, almost metallic, with that damp stone smell you only get underground. My shoes slipped a bit on the stairs; someone behind me muttered “careful,” which felt oddly comforting.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get in those tunnels. Marcus flicked his flashlight along the old brick arches and you could see where barrels used to rest. He talked about how all this was vital to Cincinnati’s brewery heritage — honestly, I’d never thought much about what was below city streets before. We stood there for a while just listening to water drip somewhere in the dark. Maybe it sounds weird, but I still think about that silence sometimes when things get too noisy up top.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cincinnati's historic underground

• Walk through Washington Park
• Explore Over-the-Rhine neighborhood
• Visit Gateway District saloons and theaters
• Descend to Kauffman Brewery tunnels

Top questions

How long is the Cincinnati underground walking tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but tours cover Over-the-Rhine by foot and include time underground at Kauffman Brewery.

Does the tour include access to real brewery tunnels?

Yes, you’ll have exclusive access to hidden tunnels beneath Kauffman Brewery as part of the experience.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?

No, it isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to stairs and uneven ground.

What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour goes on rain or shine; bring appropriate clothing for walking outdoors in any weather.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options nearby for easy access before or after your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour through Over-the-Rhine led by an experienced local guide, with exclusive entry into historic brewery tunnels beneath Kauffman Brewery—no matter the weather.