Newport, KY

Travel Guide
Newport showing signage
Famous for its riverfront entertainment and infamous for its mobster history, this Northern Kentucky destination is the original Sin City.

Newport, Kentucky, is an exciting city set on the Ohio River. Explore its lively waterfront, find cultural centers inside historic landmarks and cross a state border via a footbridge. Established in 1795, Newport wasn’t always a tourist-friendly destination. Retrace the paths of notorious gangsters who roamed the streets in the 1920s and 1930s and gave rise to the town’s Sin City nickname.

On the riverfront, Newport on the Levee is a one-stop amusement, dining and shopping complex. It has art galleries and retail outlets, fast-food joints, upscale restaurants, a movie theater, train rides and video arcades. Experience the thrill of being surrounded by sharks at Newport Aquarium.

Stroll along scenic Riverboat Row and board the USS Nightmare haunted steamboat. The row hosts summer events including June’s Italianfest, August’s Great Inland Seafood Festival and September’s Newport Oktoberfest.

The revitalized downtown buildings once housed gangster-run casinos and speakeasy bars. Enthusiastic guides lead tours of the popular haunts of racketeers. One of these, Thompson House, is the former home of the Thompson submachine gun inventor John T. Thompson. Today, enjoy the art gallery and performing arts venue inside this 1820s mansion.

The Southgate House Revival is a 19th-century church converted into a concert hall. Admire stately Victorian-era mansions in the East Row Historic District. While walking the downtown streets, listen for the daily midday chime of the huge World Peace Bell.

Another fun activity is walking across the Purple People Bridge. It spans the Ohio River to Cincinnati and connects with the Ohio River Trail. Follow the trail to major Cincinnati attractions such as the Great American Ballpark and U.S. Bank Arena. Return via the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge to Newport’s neighboring city of Covington and spend a sunny afternoon in Devou Park.

Fly to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and catch a bus or rent a car from there. As it is just a 5-minute walk from downtown to the riverfront, Newport is a great city to explore on foot.

Where to stay in Newport

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East Row Historic District

The restaurants and live music are just a few features travelers like about East Row Historic District. If you want to do some sightseeing nearby, Newport Aquarium and Great American Ball Park are a few top places to visit.

East Row Historic District
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Woodlawn

While Woodlawn isn't home to many top sights, Newport Aquarium and Great American Ball Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Woodlawn
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Newport Cincinnati
Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Newport Cincinnati
2.5 out of 5
420 Riverboat Row, Newport, KY
The price is ¥19,473 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥19,473
per night
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (383 reviews)
"Wonderful view of the river and in a great location with plenty of eating options. They are all walkable & have a fabulous view of the river."

Reviewed on May 2, 2024

Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Newport Cincinnati
Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati
Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati
2.5 out of 5
275 Columbia Street, Newport, KY
The price is ¥21,054 per night from May 19 to May 20
¥21,054
per night
May 19 - May 20
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Newport. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,127 reviews)
"Walking distance to ball park and good food variety close by"

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati
Aloft Newport On The Levee
Aloft Newport On The Levee
3 out of 5
201 E 3rd St, Newport, KY
The price is ¥20,041 per night from May 12 to May 13
¥20,041
per night
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Amazing staff!!"

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2024

Aloft Newport On The Levee
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Monmouth Loft 4 | Walk to Shops
Monmouth Loft 4 | Walk to Shops
Newport
Stay at this condo in Newport. Enjoy a water park, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Newport Aquarium and Great American Ball ...
Monmouth Loft 4 | Walk to Shops
☆Riverview ☆Close to Downtown ☆Lrg Modern Home
☆Riverview ☆Close to Downtown ☆Lrg Modern Home
Cold Spring
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Newport Aquarium and Great ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (75 reviews)
Great for large family
"The house was great! Way bigger than expected. We had a group of 7 staying, including infants to teens and there was plenty of space and things to do. The view of the river from the dinning room is amazing!!!"

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2024

☆Riverview ☆Close to Downtown ☆Lrg Modern Home
The Southgate Trolley House
The Southgate Trolley House
Southgate
Stay at this vacation home in Newport. Enjoy a garden, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Newport Aquarium and Great American Ball Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
Family-Friendly Home in Perfect Location
"The chic three-story home was spacious and beautifully decorated. Our young ones enjoyed having the third level bedrooms and family room to themselves. There was plenty of room on the huge dining room table was puzzles and art projects. The kitchen satisfied our chef/nephew. Location is just minutes ..."

Reviewed on Jan 22, 2024

The Southgate Trolley House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Newport

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
140
" "5 - Excellent 48.275862068965516%
4 - Good
123
" "4 - Good 42.41379310344828%
3 - Okay
23
" "3 - Okay 7.931034482758621%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0344827586206897%
1 - Terrible
1
" "1 - Terrible 0.3448275862068966%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 27, 2020

We were only there one night so didn't have an opportunity to go anywhere, also we were on a motorcycle and it was raining so venturing out was not in the cards.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 17, 2020

A lot to do. Easy to get around

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2020

A little busier than Im use to. Traffic is a loy different

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 14, 2020

Our goal was to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary with dinner at nearby restaurant, with a view of the Ohio River and Southeastern Cincinnati. View from room facing river and Cincinnati quite lovely at night.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 21, 2020

The small portion we did visit was really cute, and the architecture and layout was great!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Feb 14, 2020

Fun, close to DT cinci, and less expensive room taxes!

Cities near Newport