Looking for something fun to do in Newport, KY? You’re in luck! This vibrant city has plenty of attractions and activities to keep you entertained.
From parks and museums to restaurants and bars, Newport has something for everyone.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best things to do in this charming city.
So pack your bags and get ready for a fun-filled adventure in Newport!
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Where exactly is Newport, KY?
Newport, KY is located in Northern Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati.
This city is known for its vibrant nightlife, scenic views, and friendly locals.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a longer vacation, Newport is the perfect place to relax and have some fun!
Is Newport, KY Safe?
Newport is a safe city to visit. However, as with any city, you should take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
The crime rate in Newport is relatively low, but it’s always best to exercise caution when traveling to any new place.
What are the Best Things to Do in Newport, KY?
Now that we’ve answered some of the most common questions about Newport, let’s get to the good stuff!
Here are 7+ of the best things to do in this wonderful city:
Newport Aquarium
The Newport Aquarium is one of the top things to do in Newport, Kentucky.
The state-of-the-art facility is home to an array of aquatic sealife, including penguins, jellyfish, alligators and sharks.
What makes the aquarium a Newport, KY must-see attraction, however, are the world-class displays, unique exhibits, and fascinating information.
Visitors can walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, pet a swimming stingray and meet a penguin face-to-face.
Although it is rated as one of the best things to do in Newport, Kentucky for families, fun at the aquarium isn’t just for kids!
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or an educational experience, the Newport Aquarium is sure to please.
Newport Racing and Gaming
Things to do in Newport, KY can vary greatly from person to person, but one popular destination is Newport Racing and Gaming.
The gaming and entertainment venue offers visitors the opportunity to play all sorts of casino games, including slots, poker, and blackjack.
There is also a live horse racing area where you can bet on races happening all over the country.
If you need a break from all the gambling, you can head over to Smiley’s Bar and Grill for some food and drinks.
And at the end of the night, you can enjoy some live music entertainment.
Whether you’re looking for excitement or relaxation, Newport Racing and Gaming has something for everyone.
New Riff Distillery
If you’re looking for things to do in Newport KY, the New Riff Distillery is a great option.
The distillery offers a wide range of whiskeys, including Malted Rye, Rye, and Bourbon, as well as an array of specialty recipes and Kentucky Wild Gin.
Visitors can also take tours of the distillery to learn more about the process of making whiskey.
The distillery was founded by Ken Lewis in 2014, and has since become a renowned destination for whiskey lovers from all over the world.
So if you’re looking for things to do in Newport KY, be sure to check out the New Riff Distillery.
Newport Southbank Bridge
Things to do in Newport KY The Newport Southbank Bridge, or more well known perhaps in Newport as the Purple People Bridge, stretches approximately 2,670 feet across the Ohio River.
This pedestrian-only bridge connects downtown Cincinnati, Ohio to the city of Newport, Kentucky, as well as to trails in both states along the river.
The bridge provides convenient access to both the downtown area of Cincinnati and the Newport on the Levee area of Newport.
In 2006, changes were made to make it possible for people to cross the Newport Southbank Bridge along its superstructure with the use of appropriate safety gear.
The bridge is open daily from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m., and there is no charge to walk or bike across it.
Dogs are also welcome on the bridge, as long as they are leashed.
For those looking for things to do in Newport, Kentucky, the Newport Southbank Bridge is a great option.
Explore the Newport on the Levee
If you’re looking for things to do in Newport, Kentucky, you’ll definitely want to check out the Newport on the Levee.
The Levee is a man-made earthen wall that was built to protect the city from flooding.
It’s now home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The Levee is also a great place to take a walk or ride your bike, and you can even go fishing off of the pier.
So whether you’re looking to explore Newport’s history or just get some fresh air, the Newport on the Levee is definitely worth a visit.
The Footlighters Inc
Nestled in the historic river town of Newport, Kentucky, The Footlighters Inc. offers residents and visitors alike a chance to enjoy live theatre performances inside of the beautifully-restored Stained Glass Theatre.
Originally founded in 1963 by a group of passionate community theatre volunteers, The Footlighters Inc. has been providing the Cincinnati area with high-quality live theatre for over 50 years.
Each season, the theatre company puts on six main stage productions ranging from comedies and dramas to musicals and more.
Whether you’re looking for a night out with friends or a fun family activity, attending a performance at The Footlighters Inc. is sure to be an enjoyable experience.
Glier’s Goettafest, Newport, Kentucky
The Glier’s Goettafest in Newport, Kentucky is a “celebration of all things Goetta.”
Goetta is a German dish typically compared to scrapple of breakfast sausage, a mix of seasonings, steel-cut oats, beef, and pork.
The festival is two weekends full of extremely inventive food, family-oriented goetta games, and live entertainment.
Glier’s Goettafest features vendors offering more than 40 unique Goetta items, the Goetta Saloon, Glier’s Goetta History Booth, a massive air-conditioned tent for dining on a variety of dishes, two stages hosting continuous live music varying from country to rock to pop, and an array of family-focused attractions, inflatables, and games.
Newport is known for many things – its fabulous location on the Ohio River with great views of Cincinnati skyline, its quaint riverfront neighborhoods brimming with history and character, its diverse selection of shops and restaurants – but the Glier’s Goettafest is definitely one of the things that makes Newport special.
Hofbrauhaus Newport
The Hofbrauhaus Newport is both an attraction and a restaurant in the popular area of Newport on the Levee.
Things to do in Newport KY From the tasty American and German food to the great beer to the traditionally decorated rooms, this unique Newport restaurant provides a memorable dining experience for all guests.
The Hofbrauhaus Newport is designed after Munich’s original Hofbräuhaus, which is more than four hundred years old, and is the first Hofbrauhaus to be licensed by the state-owned brewery as a franchisee.
The menu includes both American fare and traditional German dishes, accompanied by seasonal and specialty beers brewed on-site following German beer purity law.
Consequently, whether diners are looking for a delicious meal or an authentic German experience, the Hofbrauhaus Newport is sure to please.
York Street Cafe
Things to do in newport KY, The York Street Cafe is a great place to go.
They have amazing food there and the cafe is also a great place to buy art.
There is also a lounge area where you can buy drinks and sit down with your friends and family.
The menu has a wide variety of options and all of them are made with fresh and high quality ingredients.
Appetizers include options like smoked salmon and hummus, while entrees include dishes such as Amish chicken, cheesy jalapeno grits with shrimp or salmon, burgers, and filet mignon.
The York Street Cafe is also locally known for its desserts. All in all, it’s a great place to visit when you’re looking for things to do in newport KY.
Check out the World Peace Bell
The Newport, Kentucky, World Peace Bell is one of more than twenty Peace Bells around the world.
Located in Newport on the banks of the Ohio River, the bell was dedicated on December 31, 1999 and commemorates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Weighing 30,000 kg (66,000 lb) and measuring 3.7 m (12 feet) wide, the bell is one of the largest swinging bells in the world.
The bell is inscribed with important events from the past 1,000 years and features engravings commemorating the Declaration of Human Rights.
For visitors to Newport, the World Peace Bell is a must-see attraction.
The bell is located in a park on the riverfront and is open to the public year-round.
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Take a stroll through Devou Park
Devou Park is a 772-acre park located in Covington, Kentucky. The park offers a variety of things to do for all ages, including hiking, biking, fishing, and picnicking.
The park also features a playground, a basketball court, and a disc golf course.
In addition, Devou Park is home to the Drees Pavilion, which hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking for things to do on your own or things to do with the family, Devou Park is sure to have something for you.
Visit the Behringer Crawford Museum
The Behringer Crawford Museum is one of the most popular things to do in KY.
The museum is located in Devou Park and overlooks the Ohio River. The museum features many exhibits on local history, art, and culture.
Visitors can also see a variety of historical artifacts, including a replica of the first Kentucky Cabin.
The Behringer Crawford Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Newport and the surrounding area.
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Explore the Newport History Museum
The Newport History Museum is one of the many things to do in Newport, KY.
The museum has a vast collection of artifacts that tell the stories of the city’s past.
Visitors can see how the city has changed over time, and learn about the people who created its history.
The museum is also home to a research library, which contains a wealth of information about the city’s past.
In addition to its collections, the Newport History Museum also hosts a variety of events and programs throughout the year.
These events provide a great opportunity to learn more about the city’s history and meet other history buffs.
Whether you’re a resident of Newport or just visiting, the Newport History Museum is definitely worth a visit.
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Grab a bite to eat at one of Newport’s many delicious restaurants
Newport, KY is a beautiful historic town located on the banks of the Ohio River.
The town is home to many delicious restaurants, making it the perfect place to grab a bite to eat.
There are a variety of things to do in Newport, KY, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, you’ll find the perfect spot in Newport.
So come on down and grab a bite at one of Newport’s many delicious restaurants. You won’t be disappointed!
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USS Nightmare
Lovers of the mysterious and the macabre can step on board the USS Nightmare for a haunted tour like no other you will ever experience.
It is quite possible that you will not be able to make it to the end of the tour – many past visitors have jumped ship in sheer horror at what lies before them.
The USS Nightmare tells the story of the legendary Mitchell Massacre which took place on board the William S. Mitchell, a historic river dredger.
You can expect to encounter claustrophobic dimly-lighted halls, excellent props, and many costumed actors who do their best to scare you to death.
Pompilio’s
If you’re looking for a great place to eat in Newport, KY, then you need to check out Pompilio’s.
The local eatery has been serving up delicious Italian fare for more than 80 years, and they’re only getting better with age.
Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional dish like lasagna or ravioli, or you want something a little more Americanized, Pompilio’s has got you covered.
And if you’ve got kids with you, no worries! They’ve got a special menu just for them.
So what are you waiting for? Head on over to Pompilio’s and enjoy a meal that you won’t soon forget!
Wooden Cask Brewing Company
If you’re looking for things to do in Newport KY, be sure to check out the Wooden Cask Brewing Company.
This popular craft brewery has been acclaimed by Newport craft beer enthusiasts since opening in 2015, and offers a great selection of excellent craft beers as well as wines and a range of genuine Kentucky Bourbons.
The brewery has two locations – you can visit the York Street Tap Room or stop by the Wooden Cask at Newport on the Levee – both of which offer a great selection of things to do.
At the York Street location there is a large outdoor patio and a brilliant BBQ restaurant called Beards and Bellies, which serves up appetizers, soups, salads and the best BBQ meats in the area.
So whether you’re looking for things to do in Newport KY or just looking for a great place to get a drink, be sure to check out the Wooden Cask Brewing Company.
The Falcon Theatre
The Falcon Theatre is the only “true storefront theatre” in the greater Cincinnati area and is situated in the historic district of Newport.
It was founded by Ted Weil and Dave Radtke in 1989 as a desire to expand the Greater Cincinnati area’s theatrical opportunities, built on a foundation of providing diverse and eclectic theatre experiences.
The theatre company aims for everyone to feel like they are welcome when walking through the Falcon Theatre’s doors.
It provides an intimate setting where guests can enjoy live entertainment up close and personal.
The theatre offers a variety of shows throughout the year, making it a great option for date night or a night out with friends.
Whether you’re looking for a comedy, drama, or musical, the Falcon Theatre is sure to have a show that will entertain you.
Chart House
The Chart House is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for things to do in Newport KY.
Situated on the banks of the Ohio River, the restaurant provides stunning views of Cincinnati’s skyline and the river itself.
The Chart House has been a favorite among locals and visitors alike for over fifty years, thanks to its delicious menu and incredible setting.
Whether you’re looking for a juicy steak or a fresh seafood dish, the Chart House has something for everyone.
And with locations across the country, you’re sure to find a Chart House near you.
Rotolo
If you’re looking for things to do in Newport, KY, Rotolo is a great option.
The modern Italian-themed bowling alley offers 16 lanes of bowling, Bocce ball, billiards, and foosball.
The private party rooms are perfect for special occasions, and the 68-seat restaurant offers delicious flatbreads and other Italian fare.
The atmosphere is casual and fun, making Rotolo the perfect place to relax and have a good time.
FAQ About Things to Do in Newport, KY
Below are some frequently asked questions about things to do in Newport, KY:
Q: What are some of the best things to do in Newport, KY?
A: There are a variety of things to do in Newport, KY, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner for two or a fun night out with friends, you’ll find the perfect spot in Newport.
Q: What is there to do in Newport, KY for families?
A: There are plenty of things to do in Newport, KY for families.
From visiting the World Peace Bell to exploring the Behringer Crawford Museum, there are many things that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Q: How do I get around Newport, KY?
A: You can easily get around Newport, KY on foot or by bike.
There are also a variety of public transportation options available, including the bus and trolley.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Newport, KY?
A: The best time of year to visit Newport, KY is in the spring or summer.
However, there are a variety of events and activities that take place throughout the year, so there is never a bad time to visit.
Q: What should I pack for a trip to Newport, KY?
A: When packing for a trip to Newport, KY, be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.
You’ll also want to pack a light jacket or sweater, as the weather can be cool in the evening.
Q: What is the currency in Newport, KY?
A: The currency in Newport, KY is the US Dollar.
However, many places accept credit cards, so you may not need to worry about exchanging currency.
Q: What is the weather like in Newport, KY?
A: The weather in Newport, KY is relatively mild throughout the year.
However, it can get hot in the summer and cold in the winter, so be sure to pack accordingly.
Q: Are there any dangerous animals in Newport, KY?
A: There are no dangerous animals in Newport, KY.
However, as with any place, you should always be cautious of your surroundings and take precautions when necessary.