Carew Tower Observation Deck

Great views of everything but Reds field. Walk in take the elevators behind the receptionist go up to 45^th walk around the corner to another elevator take up 3 more levels and then walk up a level of steps to a room that has an old lady watching tv taking your money. ($ 4 for adults $ 2 for kids 5 and under free CASH ONLY) The spy glasses are a quarter apiece and the lady can give you change if needed. This is not handicap accessible.

As a tourist in Cincinnati, Carew Tower is one of the few «Must Dos» while in town. It’s quite hard to find but the easiest way I can explain is it’s right across from Fountain Square diagonally. Look for the Fifth Third on Vine Street and you should find the entrance for the tower.
Going to the top of the tower is a little confusing and a bit scary. No one is guiding you (a la the Sears Tower in my hometown) so you just need to use your noggin and follow the signs up. You take a shaky elevator up most of the way and then a terrifying elevator the rest of the way. The terrifying elevator only holds 4 people at the absolute max! It’s very small and a bit claustrophobic but it gets the job done. Finally you wind up a flight of stairs to get to the observation deck.
Bring Ca$h! It’s just $ 4 to get onto the deck but you do need cash and no bills bigger than a ten! Be prepared. They do have some cheap souvenirs you can purchase here, too.
Once on the deck, it really is quite a beautiful view! Built in 1930, the second tallest building in Cincinnati, you can see quite far and it’s well worth that measly four buck admission price. They have binoculars for even closer viewing — Be sure to bring quarters to use these!
We went on a calm & clear Saturday afternoon and there were only a handful of people on the deck with us. I was able to get a bunch of wonderful photos and really take in all of Cincinnati. We had fun pointing out places we had been the day before.
This is a must do for tourists — fun & cheap activity that will only take about half an hour of your time. Across the street is Fountain Square and a delicious Graeter’s ice cream so you can get a bunch of out of towner stuff done in one swift blow!

Great view of the city, and price of admission was reasonable, but the last elevator up was a little scary (old and small).

This is a great option to see the impressive Cincinnati skyline. It costs about $ 4 and requires an elevator trip up to the top plus a few flights of stairs, but once you’re up there yo can see everything really well and it’s pretty interesting.

Carew Tower is a perfect way to see Cincinnati from high above. In every place I visit, I always look for some sort of skyscraper that would provide beautiful views of a city’s skyline. This place was it in Cincinnati. And… it barely cost anything to go to the top, $ 4!
The observation deck is an open aired (not fenced in at all) square where you can freely walk around and see all of Cincinnati and beyond in every direction. It’s 49 stories tall. You take an elevator to the 45^th floor and from there you can either walk to the top… or take a second elevator the rest of the way.
I went on a beautiful and clear spring day. Not a cloud in the sky! I wouldn’t have thought Cincinnati would have such an impressive skyline, but it did. It was very peaceful up at the top. One of my photos I took got all of Paul Brown stadium (home of the Cincinnati Bengals), the Ohio River, a couple of bridges, the suburbs of Ohio and beyond.
Carew Tower is a wonderful way of experiencing Cincinnati. All you need is one hour out of your day to see the sights. I went during the week and had the rooftop all to myself! I definitely recommend doing this.

I can’t believe I claim to be a native and lover of Cincinnati and I’d not been to the Carew observation deck before a few weeks ago. I came on a Saturday morning and just followed the signs in the building up to the observation deck. The second elevator was broken at the time of my visit, but we didn’t mind! Climbing the last few flights of stairs added to the sense of adventure.
It’s neat that the observation deck is open and not confined inside glass walls. The entire time we were up there we only encountered a few other people. I highly recommend it for honestly everyone! Being in the middle of downtown, the view is unparalleled. There’s no feeling quite like looking around the city from above, and feeling proud of where I’m from. I’m going to bring all my out of town friends here in the future.
Bring cash to pay admission for the observation deck!
Apparently there’s a stair climb/​race for the American Lung Association here for 45 flights of stairs! Check out the Fight for Air Climb.

So I am from the City of Broad Shoulders, which has a pretty well known tall building or two. So I know my views and tall buildings. Regardless, this observation deck is pretty cool, and more importantly, not congested at all. This building is 49-​stories tall and sits in a nice section of Downtown Cincinnati showcasing beautiful views of the Ohio River and the neighboring sporting stadiums.
The building is somewhat hard to find, in the sense that it somewhat blends in with the neighboring buildings. Sure, it’s tallest building in downtown, but coming from say, the Sears (Willis, whatever it’s called) Tower, it doesn’t stick out, architecturally. Thank goodness for my fellow Unilocalers with their tips on finding it. Parking was also somewhat hard to find; there were street signs teasing us about «$ 1 Parking» but we never quite found it. No worries, there’s $ 6 parking not too far away, which again, coming from Chicago, $ 6 is not bad at all.
Inside, all you have to do is take the elevator up to the 48^th floor. A separate coffin-​like elevator (capacity of 4 people) takes you to the rest of your ascending journey. Once you get there, there’s a small little room with a cashier who will take care of your admission needs. The observation deck itself is outdoors and the view is pretty cool, and they have several 25-​cent fed binoculars for you to take up-​close views of the city.
Overall, a must-​do if you’re in Cincinnati. Take in the sun and enjoy the view… it’s marvelous.

The Carew Tower gives you a view of Cincinnati like you have never seen!
I definitely suggest this experience for any Cincinnatian. The views let you see how far Vine Street winds through the city and the highways that «divide» Cincinnati into the East and West sides — too cool! But even if you’re just visiting, this is a great way to see the city in general.
This is perfect activity for a family or young couple. The admission is very reasonable: $ 2 ages 6 – 11, $ 4 ages 12+ and Free for kids under 5. Plus, if you take the stairs, it can be your exercise for the day!
Be sure to go on the sunny day. There isn’t any shelter on top of the observation deck and you want to make sure your admission is worth it!

Easy access with elevators the whole way up (though you have to switch elevators somewhere near the top).
$ 4 per adult to get to a beautiful observation deck where you get a 360 view of Cincinnati. There are a few telescopes that you can pay for, but I think the view is beautiful without using those.
Go on a clear day before lunch! It’s pretty quick and not that crowded (I don’t think it’s a well known spot)
Great place to take a date! :)

The Carew Tower is the second tallest building in Cincinnati. Completed in 1930, Carew Tower stands 49 stories tall in the heart of downtown Cincinnati. Visitors can take the elevator to the 45^th floor and then take the stairs or the scary coffin-​like elevator from the 40’s the rest of the way up to the 49^th floor Observation Deck.
Hours:
Observation deck and gift shop are open Monday-​Thursday, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 — 7:00 PM.
Rates:
$ 4 ages 12 and up
$ 2 ages 6 – 11
Free for ages 5 and under
I have to say, this was my first time up and when I posted that I checked in here, I was shocked at the number of people who told me they have never been up here either. Take a minute on your lunch break or bring the kids down after a day at the market and show them what their city is all about. A breathtaking view you will never forget!

I’ve lived in Cincinnati for almost five years now, and I have no idea how I had never heard of the Carew Tower Observation Deck before this past summer. My boyfriend, best friend and I decided to go check it out this month before checking out and exhibit around the corner at the Contemporary Arts Center.
When we walked in we were greeted by a really nice man sitting at the entrance desk. He told us the price and then informed us how to get up the observation deck. Which isn’t as simple as just getting in a elevator and going straight up. You get in the main elevators, then you go up to a specific floor, in which you have to get on a different elevator and take that one to the top. Now, the second elevator, you can get on it if you want. We looked at it and how small and old it was and took the steps up four flights instead. Hahaha. When you reach the top you are in a small gift shop, and you walk through that to go out on the deck.
I’m already head over heels for this city, and already in awe of it’s beauty but dang, when I walked out on this deck my breath was taken away. It was a whole new level of being in awe. Looking at the city from every angle from the walk around observation deck was amazing.
Since it’s fall/​winter we went an hour before close and watched the sun go down. It just added to how perfect it was. I would suggest going at this time so you get to see it in the sun, sunset, and at night.
I think you have to go up here atleast once. I also think this is an awesome place to take your family or people visiting you.
The prices are $ 4 (Ages 12+) $ 2 (Ages 6 – 11) and Free for anyone ages 5 and under.
Photographers, you can take your tripod up to the observation deck.
It’s cash only, so make sure you stop and get some cash before heading down here. They do have a ATM by the elevators, but to avoid service fees just be prepared.

Why 5 stars? Because I sure do love a good tall, lookout point.
— — —
Aside from markets and baseball stadiums, something else I love to do when visiting a city is head up to a lookout point. It gives you a unique look at the city, and allows you to see all or most of the landmarks in one shot:
Paul Brown Stadium, Great American Ballpark, The Great American building with it’s sweet ballpark-​matching design, the Ohio River, the great state of Kentucky, Fountain Square, and I’m sure many other things that are famous that I don’t know about.
If you’re visiting Cincinnati, this is totally worth an hour or so of your time, especially when the weather is nice!

It’s a pretty nice place for Cincinnati city overview. At the top of the skyscraper, the observation deck provides nice unobstructed 360 degree view of the city. Perfect location for the tourist’s sightseeing pictures.
And the price is pretty good, too. $ 4 per person. However, they only accept $ 1, $ 5, $ 10 bills and the sign is at floor 48 ticket booth, where you cannot find any changing machine. I would suggest to put the sign at lobby, before people steps into the elevator. So the visitors can get the right change more conveniently and save all the trouble.
Another complain is, why the elevator switch at floor 42? Quite inconvenient, and the last elevator is quite tiny.

I think this is an awesome find in Cincy! I’ve lived here my entire life and have never been so this was a real touristy treat for me. Basically you take the elevators up to the very top (45^th floor I think) and then you get on this really tiny elevator to go the rest of the way up. Now when I say tiny I do mean tiny! The woman sitting at the «gift shop» takes your money (be sure to have singles or small bills as she wont have change). I didnt really appreciate paying $ 4 when i thought it was only $ 2 but ahhh well.
Everyone talks about how mean the lady is or disinterested — but how can you blame her? She has to sit in a tiny room all day with nothing and nobody to look at if they aren’t busy. So be nice and give her a smile!
When you get outside be ready to take in the best view of Cincy you’ve ever seen! Be sure to take your time and really look for buildings and get a feel for how beautiful our city really is.

I was psyched that my aunt remembered that we could go to the top of the Carew Tower on our last visit to Cincinnati. We were walking around downtown and suddenly we’re gazing at the city from above… amazing! It only costs 2 freaking dollars to go up there and you get a killer view from all sides. We went on a SUPER hot day so we were some of the very few people braving the blazing sun. It was incredible — just don’t expect much from the gift shop except some magnets and pencils (and a very bored cashier). ;)

A million dollar view that’ll only cost you 2 bucks!
In many other cities (especially the big cities) the cost for an observation deck is at least $ 10. For example, in downtown Chicago, you’ll definitely pay at least $ 15 to experience an observation deck. In Cincy, $ 2 will get you to the top of the Carew Tower where you can view the entire downtown and Riverfront area. Formerly the tallest building in Cincinnati, Carew has got a view that can’t be beat. Again it’ll only cost you $ 2! Check it out!

Simply put, there’s not a better view of the city anywhere else. The deck offers a 360 view of Downtown Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky and the areas surrounding it. It only costs $ 2 to access the deck, so if you’re in the area and have time to kill, do it.
Tips: pack light (backpacks aren’t allowed on the deck), bring cash (preferably two $ 1 bills) and also bring a few quarters to use the scopes.
Also, the Friday and Saturday hours extend to 9 PM, so there’s a small chance of catching a sunset during the lat summer months.

The barges filled with containers on the river look like bathtub toys from up here.
It’s a magnificent view and the two dollar fee is pittance.
A touristy must do whether you’re a local or a tourist.

The top of Carew Tower is one of my favorite places in all of Cincinnati!
Your journey starts as you leave the hustle and bustle of Fountain Square, then enter the Carew building lobby. You ascend up the old, slightly rickety elevator and make your way to the top. As soon as you walk on the observation deck, the hustle and bustle turns to peace and quiet, and a first-​class view of Cincinnati is all yours.
I love seeing both Interstates 71 and 75 stretch north into the suburbs. You can spot Union Terminal to the west and admire the railroad and manufacturing industry that shaped Cincinnati into what it has become today. The views of the river, Kentucky, and stadiums are also outstanding. If you go on a game day the tailgating crowd looks like small ants swarming, the stadium their big ant hill.
I’m always surprised at the number of native Cincinnatians that haven’t been here. Definitely don’t miss this!

The top of Carew Tower is a nice place to get high! 49 stories high that is! There’s an observation deck at the very top. It used to be the tallest building in Cincinnati until they built the Tiara Tower (Great American Tower).
I have been to the top several times throughout my life. I remember going up as a kid and loving the view and that hasn’t changed. Good place to get a 360° view of Cincinnati, the Ohio River, and Kentucky. It only costs $ 2 and if you want you can buy a tourist souvenir as well.
My favorite time to go is during a street event downtown like Taste of Cincinnati or Oktoberfest. Then you can look down at the streets full of people which is a pretty neat sight to see. It’s amazing how many people wear red in Cincinnati (maybe there was a ball game that day but it was still pretty amazing). But don’t be late because they close at 5:30 M-​Th, 6:00 on Friday, and 7:00 on Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately no night views.