Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links for discovercars.com and Viator, meaning we may get a commission if you click on our links, at no additional cost to you.
Cincinnati’s Findlay Market (also called The Market Cincinnati), the states’ longest continually operated public market, is one of the most exciting places to visit in the entire city. This market, located on the north end of the district of Over-the-Rhine in downtown Cincinnati, is home to hundreds of different merchants who offer everything from meat and seafood, veggies, ice cream, coffee, plants, candles, and everything in between.

It is not only a terrific spot to go shopping, but it is also a great area to hang out. Because it is so engaging all around, it is a fantastic place to spend time with friends and family. Within walking distance of the market are various tiny stores and boutiques that are worth investigating and taking a look around.

Additionally, during the warmer months, there are frequently live street performers and bands outside of the market, which adds to the festive ambiance of the market.

 

Throughout this page, we will provide a brief history of Findlay Market, a description of the market, including information on the types of vendors and products you can expect to find there, as well as information on when the market is open and where you can park near the market.

 

A Brief Overview of the History of Findlay Market

Found in 1852 on land granted by the estate of General James Findlay and his wife Jane Irwin Findlay, both early Cincinnati pioneers, Findlay Market is the oldest continuously operating market in the United States.

As for the market itself, it was one of the first in the United States to use iron frame construction technology, and it is one of the very few in the country to have survived for as long as it has.

See also  The Best Live Music Worth Visiting Places in Cincinnati!

The market, which was initially intended to be an open-sided pavilion, was constructed in 1852 but did not officially open until 1855 due to disagreements and conflicts with the contractors who carried out the construction.

In the following decades, public health concerns about the market exposure to urban pollution and the elements. The market was eventually enclosed.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Lynn Bissell (@lynnrbissell)

Plumbing and refrigeration were quickly introduced to the market as well, allowing for even more significant sanitation improvement.

Merchants previously relied on excellent storage in underground cellars underneath adjacent breweries to keep their goods cool until these were implemented.

When the Pearl Street Market in Cincinnati was demolished in 1934, the bell that rang to signal the beginning of each market day was transported to the market house tower and installed there.

Years later, in 1972, Findlay Market was inducted onto the National Register of Historic Places, and in 2019, the magazine Newsweek ranked it one of the world’s top 10 public markets.

In today’s world, it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire city of Cincinnati, and it serves as a symbol of Queen City’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

 

An overview of Findlay Market’s operations

Today Among the sellers who operate in Findlay Market are those who fall into the following categories:

  • Artisan Gifts
  • Baked Goods
  • Beer & Wine
  • Cheese & Dairy
  • Desserts
  • Flowers
  • Fresh seafood
  • Meat & Poultry
  • Produce
  • Specialty Groceries
See also  Cincinnati's Ault Park – Everything You Need to Know About It!

 

Check out a detailed list of individual retailers here.

As you go through the market, you’ll note the great array of odors and smells that come from the various merchants who make up this unique combination.

During the warmer months, Findlay Market allows outside vendors to set up shop and sell goods, crafts, and meals made or sourced locally.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Travel Book by EEE / 2019~ (@t.b.by.eee.19)

Every month from April to October, the market also opens its Biergarten on the esplanade along Elm Street, where sellers sell a wide selection of locally brewed craft brews that can be savored in the fresh air.

Also, in the vicinity of Findlay Market, there are numerous exciting stores, restaurants, and boutiques to peruse for your shopping pleasure. Among our personal favorites are the following:

  • Deeper Roots Coffee
  • Goose & Elder Restaurant
  • French Crust Cafe & Bistro

In addition, Rhinegeist, one of the city’s most popular breweries, is located just three blocks north of Findlay Market on Elm Street, just three blocks north of the market.

A day at the market can quickly turn into several hours spent exploring the various vendors, eating at one of the outdoor seating areas; you can spend your time taking in live music performances, visiting the many stores, and going up the street to Rhinegeist Brewery, where you can sip a local craft beer either indoors or on their vast rooftop patio.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Uma ❤️Long Live The King ❤️ (@uma_spencer)

 

See also  Disc Golf Courses in Cincinnati – A Complete & Comprehensive Guide!

Immerse Yourself in Findlay Market: “Cincinnati’s Original Findlay Market Tour With Tastings”

While wandering through the bustling Findlay Market is a joy in itself, to truly experience the market’s rich flavors and heritage, consider taking “Cincinnati’s Original Findlay Market Tour With Tastings”. This guided tour, available for booking at Viator, gives you the chance to meet several market vendors, learn about the market’s history, and most importantly, sample a variety of delicious foods from specialty shops and food stalls.

The tour isn’t just about tasting; it’s a sensory journey that weaves the tales of Findlay Market’s legacy with the tastes of artisan breads, specialty cheeses, unique spices, and more. From the savory to the sweet, each tasting will leave you with a better appreciation for why Cincinnati locals love their historic market. Be prepared to leave with a full belly and a deeper understanding of Cincinnati’s culinary scene.

 

Pay a visit to Findlay Market

Some general information that you should be aware of before visiting Findlay Market is as follows:

Findlay Market Hours

Monday is a day off.

Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Thursday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

Findlay Market Parking

Findlay Market’s parking page has all of the necessary information, including parking locations and pricing.

 

Events and activities are scheduled around the clock

Details about upcoming special events and activities at Findlay Market may be found on the market’s official website, which can be viewed by clicking here.