As the hardscape plaza in downtown Cincinnati, Fountain Square was built in the memory of Tyler Davidson whose bronze statue is located in the Square as a centerpiece. After its foundation in 1871, Fountain Square received two renovations separately in 1971 and 2005. Now Fountain Square is one of the most-visited attractions in Cincinnati, not only for Tyler Davidson Fountain, but also for numerous modern shops, hotels, offices and restaurants.
Besides the renovated Fountain, the highlights of Fountain Square include Four Senses Planter Boxes which allows the travelers to touch, smell, and listen to, free Wi-Fi, a seasonal ice skating rink, an interactive water wall and a high-resolution video board. Throughout its history, Fountain Square has hosted numerous entertainment and seasonal events, like concerts, speeches and Oktoberfest.
The location of Fountain Square is 520 Vine Street, downtown Cincinnati, about 0.3 miles from Carew Tower, and within 0.6 miles from Contemporary Arts Center. As situated in downtown, Fountain Square is very easy to access by public transportation:
Bus - As there is a transit mall for Cincinnati's bus system one block east, Fountain Square can be reached via various options of bus lines, including 1X, 2X, 11, 17X, 18X, and 19X, as well as 29X, 30X, and 32X.
Metro - Actually, Fountain Square itself is a basic transit hub for Cincinnati Metro System.
It stands between Vine Street and Walnut Street. Under the Fifth Street run the Red Line and Green Line, while Orange Line and Gold Line run under Vine Street. For more info, click:
Fountain Square Transit Center
http://metro-cincinnati.org/?page_id=738
As for parking problems, you don't have to worry about. There are about 34000 parking spaces in downtown Cincinnati, among which those close to Fountain Square are collected as follows:
Fountain Square Garage - It is built on 4 underground levels below the square, with 635 parking lots, lightening facility, good ventilation, and comfortable restrooms. The most notable feature of this parking garage is its 24-hour security personnel service, which guarantees the security of your vehicles. Besides, this garage is easy in and out, so you hardly have to wait to get your cars. Parking within 1 hour charges $1, $3 for 1 to 2 hours, and $5 for 2 to 3 hours. For more detailed information about parking fees, call at (513) 381-3410.
Maps and Directions for Fountain Square Garage
http://www.yelp.com/map/fountain-square-garage-cincinnati
Fifth and Race Lot - It is located at 501 Race Street, across the Fifth Street. There are nearly 2000 parking spaces and the parking fee is less than $6 for up to 3 hours and $16 for 24 hours. You can call at 513-200-7215 for specific information.
Tower Place Garage - It is situated at 30 E 4th Street, across the famous Carew Tower. Parking fee is $1 for every 20 minutes, $5 for up to 12hrs, and $15 for 12 hours to 24 hours. Call at (513) 621-8726.
Information about Tower Place Garage
http://www.lungusa.org/pledge-events/oh/cincinnati-climb/local/directions.html
Garfield Garage - Located at 13 West 9th Street, west of Vine Street. The parking fee depends on the length of your parking time, and with $6 you can park there for 5 hours and up. Check detailed information on:
Garfield Garage
http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/entsrv/pages/-4866-/
Federated Building and Garage - This garage is available on 7th Street or Vine Street, about one block east of the Fountain Square.
Convergys Building and Garage - You can find this garage between Fifth and Sixth streets, on north Vine Street. The parking fee is also for $6 or less for 3 hours.
Other parking options include:
Gramercy Garage: 710 Elm Street. (513) 651-0715.
6th and Elm Garage: 601 Elm Street.
Whex Garage: 212 West Fourth Street. (513) 357-4460.
URS Tower and Garage: 36 East Seventh Street. (513) 651-2777.
