17 Best Things To Do in Newport KY

17 Best Things To Do in Newport KY

1. Explore Newport on the Levee

If you’re looking for things to do in Newport KY, then Newport on the Levee should be the first thing on your list! Newport on the Levee is a multi-level indoor/outdoor collection of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. It’s one of the top things to do when visiting Newport and nearly 4.5 million people visit here each year!

Sitting right along the Ohio River, the Levee has an awesome view of the Cincinnati skyline. It’s home to the Newport Aquarium, a massive AMC Theater, GameWorks, a shipping container lounge area called Bridgeview Box Park, and tons of shops and amazing restaurants. And it’s continuing to grow — a LEGO Cafe is set to open in 2024!

Click here for a full directory of everything offered at Newport on the Levee. And if you plan on staying in Newport overnight, we highly recommend Aloft Newport on the Levee, which is just steps away from all the entertainment.

2. Hang With Penguins at the Newport Aquarium

The aquarium in Newport KY is pretty impressive! Admittedly, we went in with low expectations because we were in a smaller town, but we were quickly proven wrong. Visitors can pet stingrays, get up close and personal with penguins, walk through a tunnel of sharks, and even walk across a rope bridge that hangs just a few feet above the shark tank!

We upgrade our ticket to include the penguin encounter, and it was a highlight of our trip! The encounter allowed us to interact with a group of adorable penguins, and we even got to pet one! We learned their names and their habits and saw that each had its own funny little personality. It really gave us a new appreciation for penguins and the care that they need.

The aquarium is located right in Newport on the Levee. Since the aquarium opens earlier than most of the shops and restaurants nearby, we recommend starting your day at the aquarium and then spending the afternoon exploring the rest of the Levee.

3. Walk Across the Purple People Bridge

One of the fun things to do in Newport KY is to walk across the Purple People Bridge! The Purple People Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that spans 2,670 feet (1/2 mile) across the Ohio River, connecting Newport and Cincinnati. The bridge serves as a recreational trail, a historical landmark, and an iconic asset to the community. The Purple People Bridge can even be rented out as event space!

The bridge offers amazing views of the Ohio River and the skylines of Cincinnati and Newport, and it’s actually the longest connector of its kind in the U.S. that links two states. It takes about 20 minutes to walk the length of the bridge, and you’ll be heading towards a number of riverfront parks and nearby restaurants no matter which direction you’re walking.

4. Take a Tour of New Riff Distilling

New Riff Distilling is a premium whiskey distillery located right in the heart of Newport KY. If you’re a bourbon or whiskey lover, you won’t want to miss a tour of this distillery. The distillery tour will explain the differences between whiskey and bourbon while going over the fermentation, distillation, bottling, and barreling process. You’ll even get to sample several of their products after the tour, including New Riff Bourbon and Single Barrel. Tours are offered several times a day for $20 per person, every day except for Mondays.

If you want a more in-depth tour, they also offer a Barrel Proof Tasting and Pour tour twice a month. This tour will take you to their warehouse, where you’ll see over 40,000 barrels of whisky. You’ll even get a taste of the whiskey straight from a barrel! You’ll also get to explore their bottling hall before ending in the tasting room. Click Here for more information!

5. Grab a Beer at Hofbräuhaus Newport

For an authentic taste of Germany, stopping by Hofbräuhaus Newport is a must when visiting Newport KY! They have awesome German beers, authentic Bavarian food, and entertaining events. The restaurant is actually modeled after the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl — a famous beer hall in Germany that’s been around since the late 1500s.

The menu has both German and American food, serving traditional German plates to burgers and fried pickles. And their pretzels and beer cheese won’t disappoint! As for the beer, Hofbräuhaus makes everything on-site based on German beer purity laws, staying true to German brewing traditions.

6. Cruise the Ohio River on the BB Riverboat

Cruising the Ohio River on a vintage BB Riverboat is one of the top things to do in Newport KY! There’s no better way to see the Ohio River than aboard a BB Riverboat. It has a true vintage vibe and offers really unique shots of the Cincinnati skyline and the bridges spanning across the river.

There are several types of cruises to choose from, including lunch cruises, romantic dinner cruises, sightseeing cruises, and even specialty cruises like wine tastings and holiday-themed cruises. All cruises depart from the Newport Landing Doc (a 5-minute walk from Newport Aquarium), and tickets start at $25 per person. Click Here for more information!

7. See the World Peace Bell

The World Peace Bell in Newport was installed on December 31, 1999, and rang out for the first time when the clock struck midnight. The massive bell was installed to raise awareness of world peace, and it’s done just that. People come from all over to visit this bell — festivals, gatherings, and even vigils have occurred here.

At 66,000 pounds, it’s one of the world’s largest free-swinging bells. Newport’s World Peace Bell was made right in Cincinnati at the Verdin Bell Company, which is one of the largest bell-making companies in the world. The bell is located right across the street from Mad Mike’s, which is another popular spot in Newport.

UPDATE! The World Peace Bellis is closed as of May 2024 due to a significant redevelopment project at its site. Current plans call to relocate it to General James Taylor Park along the Ohio River, but it will first be moved to a temporary site.

8. Have a Burger at Mad Mike’s

You can’t go to Newport KY without stopping at Mad Mike’s for one of their mouth-watering burgers. Mad Mike’s Burgers has been voted one of the best burgers in Kentucky, known for their gourmet burgers at a budget price.

Each burger is made with a half pound of 100% Black Angus Beef, and their fries are hand-cut daily. Try one of the creative combinations, like the Rockefeller, the Goliath, or the American Outlaw, or create your own with your favorite toppings.

Mad Mike’s is a growing establishment and has a few locations to choose from, but the one in Newport KY is located on 4th Street, right around the corner from the World Peace Bell.

9. Sing Your Heart Out at Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar

Sometimes the things we have the least expectations for turn out to be the highlight of a trip, and that’s exactly what happened when we walked into the Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar in Newport KY. This dueling piano bar is just a short walk from Newport on the Levee and only steps away from the World Peace Bell. It’s open on Saturdays only, from 7:00 pm to 1:00 am.

Gangsters Dueling Piano Bar is known for Murder Mystery Dinners and Dueling Pianos. The Murder Mystery Dinners are by reservation only and often sell out. But every Saturday, at 7:00 pm, the bar opens its doors to anyone who wants to enjoy the Dueling Pianos, which begin at 8:30 pm. We arrived around 8:00 pm and were seated immediately.

We ordered some amazing appetizers and cocktails and waited for the show to start. The music began promptly at 8:30 pm, and as advertised, two pianists went head to head performing every classic song you can imagine. Once the crowd had settled in and had a few drinks, the entire bar became a live karaoke scene. The pianists began taking requests and playing together as everyone in the bar, ourselves included, shouted the words to each song at the top of our lungs. We left feeling elated and nostalgic, and we promised we’d come back to Newport soon, just to experience this bar again! Trust us, you’re in for a good time.

10. Join a Newport Gangster Tour

Newport KY has a surprising history of gangsters, gambling, murder, alcohol, and a lot of organized crime. One of the most popular things to do in Newport KY is the Newport Gangster Tour. This tour explores the streets that were once filled with mobs, gamblers, prostitution, and organized crime — and it’s all fascinating!

We had no idea that Newport KY was almost the Las Vegas that we know today and that this little town gave birth to the modern-day gambling industry. If you’re a history buff, this tour will amaze you. Tours are held each Saturday, beginning at 3:30 pm. All tours start at the Gangsters Dueling Piona Bar on 5th St. The tour is 90 minutes and you’ll walk about 3/4 of a mile in total.

11. Go On a Haunted Tour

Another tour put on by American Legacy Tours is the Newport is Haunted Tour. This tour explores the streets of Newport and the most haunted places in town. You’ll hear spooky tales of hauntings, murder, suicide, and decapitation. You’ll also learn all about Bobby Mackey and his horrific past.

We tend to think of places like Savannah, Georgia when it comes to haunted ghost tours, but Newport’s past may surprise you. This tour is more historical than spooky, but if you’re a history buff with a dark side, this tour is for you. All tours start at the Gangsters Dueling Piona Bar on 5th St. The tour is 90 minutes and you’ll walk about 3/4 of a mile in total.

If you’re looking for more of a scare, head across the bridge to Cincinnati and do the Nightmare on Elm Street Tour.

12. Chill at York Street Café

A meal at York Street Café is difficult to describe. The dimly lit dining area is lined with shelves full of old trinkets and antiques, and the ambiance is that of a romantic small-town meet-cute. The menu is outstanding and the endless 5-star reviews of this restaurant speak volumes.

The café takes up three floors with an art gallery and a bar above the main restaurant. If you’re not hungry enough for dinner, be sure to stop by for a drink at least. And maybe a homemade dessert!

13. Stop by Sweet Tooth Candies

Sweet Tooth Candies is an ice cream and candy shop that’s been present in Newport Kentucky since 1972. All the candy is handmade daily in small batches using premium and fresh ingredients. Walking into the shop feels like going back in time with its checkered floor and seafoam green walls.

Despite the amazing chocolates and ice cream for sale, their biggest seller is surprising — ice balls! An ice ball is basically crushed ice shaped into a ball with flavored syrups poured over it. And while crushed ice is a nostalgic treat for many of us, we’re not sure we understand choosing it over the selection of handmade chocolates, sundaes, malts, shakes, and cream sodas.

14. Take a Drive to Jungle Jim’s International Market

Jungle Jim’s International Market is like a theme park for food! This market is not in Newport KY, but it’s less than a 20-minute drive away, so it deserves a spot on this list. This store is an incredible place to shop, so you’ll want to plan at least a couple of hours here.

Jungle Jim’s has more departments than you can imagine, with international specialties, store tours, food samplings, and hands-on cooking classes. They even have their own podcast! They have two locations — the original store on the north side of Cincinnati, and a newer (better) store in Eastgate, which is just 20 minutes from downtown Newport.

15. Attend a Live Show

Another one of the cool things to do in Newport KY is to attend a live performance! Newport may be small, but it has a surprising number of venues to choose from.

If you’re looking for a bigger event, like a concert or a boxing match, check out Southgate House Revival or MegaCorp Pavilion. Southgate House Revival is an entertainment venue housed in an old brick church with live bands, open mic nights, and theatrical performances. MegaCorp Pavilion is an indoor/outdoor concert venue that holds concerts, fighting matches, and expos.

If you want something more intimate, like a play, check out Footlighters Inc or Falcon Theater. Footlighters Inc is a small community theater and non-profit venue that puts on six theater productions a season, ranging from musicals to blockbuster dramas. And lastly, Falcon Theater is an intimate theater for small theater productions (and they often hold open auditions for upcoming shows!).

16. Eat Authentic Italian at Pompilios

Pompilios has been dishing out authentic Italian food since 1933. Their Italian sauces are actually so good they started selling them in stores! You can find their sauces at Fresh Thyme, Jungle Jim’s International Market, Kroger, and Whole Foods!

Pompilios was even featured in the movie Rain Man in 1987, and again in the movie Airborn in 1993. The restaurant has been remodeled several times since then and even came under new ownership in 2011. But luckily, the original recipes were passed on to the new owners and are still served today. Be sure to make a reservation, especially on the weekends, because the tables here fill up quickly!

17. Velocity Bowling

Velocity Bowling is a boutique bowling alley located right in the heart of Newport on the Levee. The establishment has 16 bowling lanes, a Bocce Ball court, Billiards, Foosball, 2 full-service bars, a lounge area, and a restaurant. This place was formally Rotolo Bowling, Boccee, and Eatery. The new owners, which took over in 2023, have revamped the entire place and given it a new name.

Velocity has a relaxed atmosphere, so if you’re an avid bowler, just be sure to manage your expectations. People come here to socialize and play a variety of games. They also host private events, from corporate gatherings to birthday parties.

Is Newport KY worth visiting?

Yes, Newport Kentucky is absolutely worth visiting! Just ask the 4.5 million people that visit each year. There are plenty of things to do in Newport KY to fill a weekend, and most of the attractions are all within walking distance from each other. It’s a great place for families or couples, and it would also make a good overnight stop on any Midwest road trip.

The Newport Aquarium is reason enough to visit. It’s a top-rated aquarium and has several unique experiences, including a penguin encounter and a walk across a rope bridge that hangs just a few feet above a tank full of sharks. The location of the aquarium is also near perfect. It sits right in the middle of Newport on the Levee, which is an indoor/outdoor space that’s filled with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options.

Where to Stay in Newport KY

Newport Kentucky is small and walkable, so we recommend staying right in town. If you prefer to stay in Cincinnati or further away, you’ll find several paid parking lots in Downtown Newport, but if you’re staying downtown you can simply walk everywhere.

Believe it or not, there are only two hotels in downtown Newport! Aloft Newport on the Levee and Hampton Inn & Suites Newport/Cincinnati. Fortunately, they’re both great. We stayed at Aloft Newport on the Levee and had a really great experience. The hotel has an artsy but playful vibe with bright-colored paintings, a pool table in the lobby, a huge outdoor patio and firepit, and a stylish bar.

If you don’t mind a short walk, there’s also a Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites right along the Ohio River, by New Riff Distilling.

Best Time to Visit Newport KY

The best time to visit Newport Kentucky is from May to October. Winters in Kentucky can be harsh, so it’s best to avoid Newport from November to March when the weather is at its coldest. The month of April is a transitional month and often brings strong storms, and even the occasional tornado. Since Newport is such a walkable town, it’s best to wait until May to visit.

The weather begins to warm up with less chance of rain in May. The mildest months in Newport are May and September. The hottest months are July and August. If you prefer cooler weather, we recommend visiting in May, September, or early October. The month of October can be very unpredictable though — some years have been extremely cold and others have been very warm.

Final Thoughts: Newport KY

Newport is a great place to visit! It’s a really small town with a very big heart. There are tons of things to do in Newport KY and it’s perfect for families and couples to spend a long weekend. Its proximity to Cincinnati and location along the Ohio River adds even more opportunities for entertainment, restaurants, and nightlife.

There’s really something for everyone in this humble town. History buffs will love the historical walking tours, beer and bourbon lovers will love the distillery tours and craft breweries, and foodies will be delighted with the selection of notable restaurants. Kids will fall in love with the aquarium and find plenty of entertainment at GameWorks, the AMC Movie Theater, and Rotolo Bowling. And couples will find a surprising selection of romantic eateries and date night options.

No matter your style, we highly recommend spending a weekend in Newport Kentucky. Just don’t forget to stop by Jungle Jim’s International Market on your way home!

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