Cleveland rocks, and we're not just talking about music. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is a perfect blend of sights, sounds, and activities that represent the best of Northeast Ohio.
Whether you're off on a romantic weekend, a family getaway, or an adventure with friends, put these amazing places in Cleveland on your must-see list.
11150 East Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44106
With more than 750,000 guests each year, the internationally renowned Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the most-visited art museums in the world. Founded in 1913 by a group of local industrialists, the museum holds a comprehensive collection of more than 61,000 works, highlighted by their well-regarded holdings of Egyptian and Asian art. Even the neoclassical building itself is a stunning work of art, while its setting of Wade Park is on the National Register of Historic Places. Museum hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday except Friday when hours are extended until 9 p.m. Admission is free for all visitors.
1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland, OH 44113
View this post on Instagram
Out of three vibrant public markets that served Cleveland's diverse and growing population in the early 20th century, only West Side Market remains. While local residents still flock to the market for shopping and dining, it's no longer a hidden gem. Tourists from across the country visit the market, drawn by glowing coverage from national sources such as Food Network and Travel Channel. The iconic tower with its Seth Thomas clock presides over more than 100 vendors selling top-quality meats and seafood, fruits and vegetables, baked goods, specialty items, and ready-to-eat foods. West Side Market is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
2000 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, OH 44115
The Kimpton Schofield Hotel is quirky and colorful yet classic and traditional, much like Cleveland itself. Housed in a landmark downtown building restored to its original facade, the charming boutique hotel features pet-friendly guest rooms with pillow-top beds, luxury linens and bath accessories, and Victorian-style artwork. Amenities range from a fully-equipped fitness center to complimentary Micro Kickboard scooters for kids to use. Visit the website for information about special offers and hospitality packages.
1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115
View this post on Instagram
Live theater offers a magical energy that's different from other forms of entertainment. Playhouse Square has the distinction of being the largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York City. As one of Broadway's touring partners, Playhouse stages first-class productions of Waitress, To Kill a Mockingbird, and other eagerly anticipated shows. Playhouse Square also serves as home to the Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland International Film Festival, DANCECleveland, and Tri-C Jazz Fest. Visit the website to view the full calendar of events and ticket information.
4101 Fulton Pkwy., Cleveland, OH 44144
Most urban parks are an oasis of greenery tucked away inside a city. Cleveland Metroparks is a dazzling network of 18 reservations that circle the city, earning it the nickname of the "Emerald Necklace." The system sprawls across more than 24,000 acres, including 300 miles of trails, eight golf courses, nature education centers, and countless fishing spots. In the midst of this exciting variety of activities is the glittering centerpiece of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Park grounds are open 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily. Zoo hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. seven days a week, extended to 5 p.m. from April through October. Tickets are $16.95 for adults and $12.95 for ages 2-11.
2043 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, OH 44115
View this post on Instagram
Butcher and the Brewer offers an inventive take on two staples of the Cleveland culinary scene: meat and beer. An in-house butcher and charcutier handle the former, while the latter is brewed on-site in the century-old, 13,000-square-foot building. Long tables and public house-style seating promote a convivial atmosphere, complemented by communal dining from the creative menu of small plates. Customer favorites include the crispy pork belly and kimchi, an Asian-flavored take on Italian arancini. Butcher and the Brewer is open 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 4 p.m. - midnight Friday and Saturday.
3806 Franklin Blvd., Cleveland, OH 44113
Are conventional hotels a little too cookie-cutter for your taste? Immerse yourself in the authentic Cleveland experience with a stay at Stone Gables Inn. This delightful boutique hotel is located in a picturesque historic mansion in trendy Ohio City, whose motto is "A Complete Cleveland Neighborhood." Owners Jeff and Connie bought the inn after spending many nights there themselves while renovating a nearby duplex. Each guest room has a private bathroom, and there is no front desk, which adds to the homey ambiance. Visit the website for rate information and reservations.
3159 W. 11th St., Cleveland, OH 44109
View this post on Instagram
A favorite holiday tradition comes to life at A Christmas Story House & Museum. The green-trimmed Victorian in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood has been restored to the same appearance it had as the Parker home in the classic holiday movie. Megafans can actually spend the night sleeping in Ralphie's and Randy's beds in the home's private third-floor loft. Across the street is the museum, which holds memorabilia such as props and costumes, and the gift shop, where you can purchase a leg lamp of your own. Hours are 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $15 for adults and $11 for ages 3-12.
Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N. Marginal Rd., Cleveland, OH 44114
Aviator Amelia Earhart and astronaut Sally Ride are just two of the pioneers whose accomplishments are honored at the International Women's Air & Space Museum. Exhibits such as "Women of NASA" and "Link GAT-1 Flight Simulator" are part of the museum's goal to showcase the history and culture of women in flight for current and future generations. Museum hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily, while the gift shop is open weekdays from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is free for all visitors.
In honor of Cleveland's status as the home of rock and roll, which musician or group would be #1 in your personal hall of fame?
Photo courtesy of Fire Truck Pizza Company
Housed in old fire trucks, Fire Truck Pizza Company is serving up some of the best pizza in Cleveland. Their refurbished trucks are equipped with a wood-burning oven, directly imported from Italy, that cook at temperatures over 800 degrees. Grab a piece of their signature pizza, the Bacon Honey, made with house-made garlic white sauce topped with bacon, mozzarella, and a blend of secret spices, drizzled with honey. Add a scoop of their homemade ice cream to your order and you'll have yourself a perfect summer afternoon!Photo courtesy of Proper Pig Smokehouse
Texas BBQ, home-smoked meats and bacon on a stick — need we say more? The Proper Pig Smokehouse started out with just two friends and a utility truck they purchased off of Craigslist. Today, it's one of the most popular food trucks in the area and an extremely successful restaurant in Lakewood. Don't miss their tantalizing selections like the Lake Erie Crusher, a hot sausage sandwich with slaw, or any of their juicy smoked meats that you can buy by the pound.Photo courtesy of Slyman's Tavern
If you've ever looked up the hashtag #CleFoodie on Instagram, then you've probably seen hundreds of drool-inducing photos of Slyman's famous corned beef sandwich. The hefty dish is several inches thick, layered with 12-14 ounces of corned beef. So clear your day and head to Slyman's food truck, which you can usually find tucked away in a Cleveland suburb or feeding crowds at a local festival, and indulge in the best sandwich you'll ever have — we promise.Photo courtesy of Matt West via DonutLab
Cleveland's first and only mobile mini donut kitchen, the DonutLab is a dessert food truck where you can get a bag of hot, fresh donuts or even a donut parfait. We recommend ordering a bag of their simple, yet amazing, powdered sugar mini donuts and a side of their raspberry sauce for dipping!Photo courtesy of the Cleveland Public Library
Thousands of visitors come to Cleveland each year, just to marvel at the exquisite buildings. In fact, our distinctive architecture was featured on Fodor's list of reasons to visit Cleveland, and for a good reason. Our city is full of history, gargoyles, Corinthian columns and, of course, beautiful homes. If you haven't yet, be sure to pay a visit to the Arcade, the Cleveland Trust rotunda and the Cleveland Public Library for a little taste of the stunning landmarks from around the area.Photo courtesy of Orville McEachron Photography via The Flats.
No matter who you ask in the area, they'll tell you that the Flats are back. Thanks to a multi-million dollar makeover to both its east and west banks, this waterfront neighborhood is thriving. Today, you'll find fantastic restaurants, bars, shops and a boardwalk with a complimentary green space in the area. Make sure to take one of the area's famous water taxis from one side to the other to get the true Flats experience! Neighborhood highlights: Greater Cleveland Aquarium, Jacobs Pavilion, Punch Bowl Social, Shooters on the Water and Lago.Photo courtesy of East 4th Street.
Pedestrian-friendly East 4th Street is the epitome of urban development. With strings of overhead light bulbs, an abundance of patio seating and ever-present street life, this up-and-coming downtown neighborhood is hard to ignore. This is all due to a tenacious developer, who was determined to put life into a block of vacant and struggling storefronts in the heart of our beloved city. If you're not ready to buy a home, check out their amazing apartments! Neighborhood highlights: The Corner Alley, CLE Clothing Company, Pickwick and Frolic, Zocalo Tequileria and Erie Island Coffee Company.Photo courtesy of Phoenix Coffee.
In the mid-19th century, the Warehouse District was home to warehouses for hardware, marine and garment businesses, as well as offices for the shipping industry. Today, the Victorian-era buildings are preserved on the outside but are now filled with fine dining eateries, wine bars, clubs and urban lofts. Neighborhood highlights: Dive Bar, Blue Pointe Grille, Barley House, the Nauti Mermaid and Johnny's Downtown.