Covington, Kentucky Travel Guide

Discover Covington, Kentucky: A historic riverside city with stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scenes, scenic parks, and a diverse culinary landscape.

Nestled along the banks of the Ohio River, Covington, Kentucky, is a charming city that offers a rich blend of history, culture, and modern attractions. With its stunning views of the Cincinnati skyline, Covington provides a unique backdrop for a memorable visit. The city’s vibrant MainStrasse Village, a historic German neighborhood, is a must-see with its cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and delightful eateries. The village is also home to the iconic Goose Girl Fountain and the annual Maifest, celebrating the area's German heritage. Covington boasts an array of architectural marvels, including the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption, inspired by Notre Dame de Paris. This beautiful church features breathtaking stained glass windows and intricate designs that will leave you in awe. For art enthusiasts, the Carnegie Visual and Performing Arts Center offers a dynamic range of exhibits and performances in a historic venue. Outdoor lovers will find plenty to enjoy, from the scenic Devou Park, which offers panoramic views of the city and the river, to the Licking River Greenway, perfect for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. The Roebling Suspension Bridge, a precursor to the Brooklyn Bridge, connects Covington to Cincinnati, making it easy to explore both cities during your stay. Covington’s diverse culinary scene is another highlight, with everything from upscale dining to cozy cafes and craft breweries. Be sure to savor local favorites like goetta, a sausage and grain patty, and sample the region’s bourbon at one of the many nearby distilleries. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or simply soaking in the riverside ambiance, Covington offers a delightful escape with something for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Covington.

Visit MainStrasse Village for a taste of local culture and history.
Don't miss the panoramic views from Devou Park.
Explore the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption for its stunning architecture.
Walk or bike along the Licking River Greenway for a scenic experience.
Try local dishes like goetta and visit nearby bourbon distilleries.

Explore Covington: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Covington

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Newport Aquarium

Discover the wonders of marine life at Newport Aquarium, a fascinating tourist attraction in Kentucky, featuring interactive exhibits and captivating aquatic experiences.

4.5

Great American Ball Park

Explore Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati - home of the Reds, where excitement meets history in an iconic stadium experience.

4.7

Findlay Market

Discover the flavors and vibrant culture of Cincinnati at Findlay Market, Ohio's oldest public market, showcasing local produce and artisanal delights.

4.7

Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati

Discover the excitement of gaming and live entertainment at Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, where rock 'n' roll meets a vibrant nightlife experience.

3.9

Best landmarks in Covington

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Devou Park

Explore the breathtaking views, lush landscapes, and family-friendly activities at Devou Park, Covington's premier outdoor destination.

4.7

John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

Explore the iconic John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, a stunning architectural wonder connecting Covington and Cincinnati, with breathtaking views and rich history.

4.7

Wunderbar!

Experience the taste of Germany at Wunderbar! in Covington, offering traditional dishes, a vibrant atmosphere, and a wide selection of drinks.

4.6

George Rogers Clark Park

Discover tranquility and history at George Rogers Clark Park, a scenic retreat along the Ohio River in Covington, Kentucky, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families.

4.7

Best restaurants in Covington

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Agave & Rye Covington

Experience vibrant Mexican flavors at Agave & Rye in Covington – where gourmet tacos meet artisanal cocktails in a lively atmosphere.

4.5

Goodfellas Pizzeria - Mainstrasse Village

Experience the best pizza and cocktails in Covington at Goodfellas Pizzeria - where flavor meets fun in Mainstrasse Village.

4.5

Molly Malone's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Discover authentic Irish cuisine and vibrant nightlife at Molly Malone's Irish Pub & Restaurant in Covington - where every visit feels like home.

4.5

Bard's Burgers & Chili

Savor mouthwatering burgers and chili at Bard's Burgers & Chili in Covington – where flavor meets friendly service.

4.7

Best bars in Covington

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Molly Malone's Irish Pub & Restaurant

Discover authentic Irish cuisine and lively entertainment at Molly Malone's Irish Pub & Restaurant in Covington, KY.

4.5

Cock & Bull Public House Mainstrasse Village

Discover Cock & Bull Public House: a vibrant American restaurant in Covington, KY, offering unique dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.4

Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar

Discover the essence of Kentucky at Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar, where tradition meets taste in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

4.8

Zola Pub and Grill

Discover Zola Pub and Grill in Covington for an unforgettable blend of classic and innovative dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Covington

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Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar

Discover the rich bourbon heritage at Old Kentucky Bourbon Bar in Covington, where every sip tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship.

4.8

Gypsy's Mainstrasse

Discover the lively vibe and eclectic drink selection at Gypsy's Mainstrasse, a premier bar in Covington, Kentucky, perfect for a fun night out.

4.5

Rosie's Tavern

Discover the lively atmosphere and delicious pub fare at Rosie's Tavern, Covington's favorite spot for drinks and entertainment.

4.5

Wiseguy Lounge - Mainstrasse

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Covington at Wiseguy Lounge - a perfect blend of craft cocktails, gourmet pizzas, and live entertainment.

4.7

Best shops in Covington

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Newport on the Levee

Discover the ultimate shopping, dining, and entertainment experience at Newport on the Levee, your gateway to riverside adventure in Kentucky.

4.5

Cincinnati Premium Outlets

Experience shopping like never before at Cincinnati Premium Outlets, where top brands meet unbeatable savings in a beautiful outdoor setting.

4.4

Latonia Centre

Explore the Latonia Centre, Covington's premier shopping destination, offering diverse retail, dining, and entertainment experiences for every traveler.

4.0

Covington Tobacco And Liquor

Discover Covington Tobacco and Liquor - Your go-to destination for premium cigars and a wide selection of spirits in Covington, Kentucky.

4.5

Explore Covington on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Covington, mapped for you.

Covington Essentials

Covington, Kentucky, is conveniently located across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. The nearest major airport is Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), located about 15 minutes away by car. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service, or airport shuttle to Covington. If you're driving, Covington is easily accessible via Interstates 71, 75, and 275. Greyhound and Megabus also offer bus services to the nearby Cincinnati area.
Covington's compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, especially the MainStrasse Village and the riverfront area. For longer distances, the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK) operates bus routes that connect Covington with nearby cities, including Cincinnati. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. For a unique experience, consider renting a bike or electric scooter to navigate the city's bike lanes and riverfront trails.
The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including restaurants, shops, and hotels. ATMs are plentiful, especially in commercial areas. It's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or when visiting local markets and smaller businesses.
Covington is generally a safe destination, but like any urban area, it is wise to exercise caution. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, particularly in the Eastside and Austinburg neighborhoods, which have higher crime rates. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places and use well-lit, busy streets when navigating the city at night.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Covington has a well-equipped police force and medical facilities, including St. Elizabeth Healthcare for medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for over-the-counter medications and minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Smart casual is appropriate for dining out. Religion: Do respect religious sites and practices. Many churches are open to visitors; be respectful and quiet when inside. Public Transport: Do have exact change or a TANK bus pass when using public buses. Don’t be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' Handshakes are common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and craft beers. Covington has a burgeoning food scene. Don’t forget to tip your servers, typically 15-20%.
To experience Covington like a local, visit the MainStrasse Village, a historic area known for its German-inspired architecture, shops, and restaurants. Attend a local event, such as the Oktoberfest or the Farmers Market. Explore the Riverfront Commons, a scenic riverside trail perfect for walking, running, or biking. Don't miss the chance to try a Goetta, a local breakfast sausage, at a local diner.

When is the best time to visit Covington?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Covington

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Covington. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
- GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yuh]
- YesYep
  [yep]
- NoNah
  [nah]
- Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem
  [pleez/no prob-lem]
- Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
- Excuse me/SorryScuse me/Sorry
  [skews me/sor-ee]
- How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [how yawl doin']
- Fine. And you?Fine. An' you?
  [fine an' yuh?]
- Do you speak English?Y'all speak English?
  [yawl speak ing-glish?]
- I don't understandI don't git it
  [I don't git it]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu?
  [kan I see the men-yoo?]
- I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseCheck please
  [chek pleez]
- Help!Help!
  [help!]
- Go away!Get outta here!
  [get out-uh here!]
- Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops!]
- Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [get a doc!]
- I'm lostI'm lost
  [I'm lost]
- I'm illI'm sick
  [I'm sick]
- I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy...]
- I'm just lookingI'm just browsin'
  [I'm just brow-sin']
- How much is it?How much?
  [how much?]
- That's too expensiveThat's pricey
  [that's pry-see]
- Can you lower the price?Can ya lower it?
  [can yuh lower it?]
- What time is it?What time is it?
  [what time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's one
  [it's one]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [half past ten]
- MorningMornin'
  [mornin']
- AfternoonAfternoon
  [after-noon]
- EveningEvenin'
  [evenin']
- YesterdayYesterday
  [yester-day]
- TodayToday
  [to-day]
- TomorrowTomorrow
  [to-mor-row]
- 1One
  [wun]
- 2Two
  [too]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [where's the...?]
- What's the address?What's the address?
  [what's the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can ya show me (on the map)?
  [can yuh show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [when's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A tick-et (to ....)
  [a tick-et (to ....)]

History of Covington

Covington, Kentucky, was founded in 1815 by Thomas Carneal and John Gano. It was named after General Leonard Covington, who was a hero of the War of 1812. The city quickly grew due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Ohio and Licking Rivers, becoming an important trading and transportation hub.
Completed in 1867, the Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge (now known as the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge) was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time. Designed by John A. Roebling, who later designed the Brooklyn Bridge, it was an engineering marvel and significantly boosted commerce between Covington and Cincinnati.
During the 19th century, Covington experienced significant industrial growth, with numerous factories and manufacturing plants sprouting up in the area. Industries such as ironworks, distilleries, and tobacco processing thrived, attracting a diverse workforce and leading to rapid urban development.
During the Civil War, Covington played a critical role due to its location near the border between the Union and Confederate states. The city served as a supply depot and training ground for Union soldiers. Fort Mitchell, built to defend Covington and Cincinnati from Confederate attacks, still stands as a historical monument.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Covington saw an influx of immigrants, particularly from Germany, Ireland, and Italy. These communities significantly influenced the city's culture, cuisine, and architecture. The historic MainStrasse Village is a testament to this cultural diversity, featuring German-style buildings and annual festivals celebrating the city's heritage.
The Ohio River Flood of 1937 was one of the most devastating natural disasters in Covington's history. The floodwaters reached unprecedented levels, inundating homes and businesses. The event led to significant changes in flood control measures and the construction of protective infrastructure to prevent future disasters.
In the mid-20th century, Covington underwent a period of urban renewal aimed at rejuvenating the city's downtown area. Historic buildings were restored, new public spaces were created, and efforts were made to preserve the city's architectural heritage. Today, Covington is known for its vibrant arts scene, diverse dining options, and thriving community.