Top Attractions in Cleveland

Cleveland has shed its old rust belt reputation and emerged as one of the most exciting and affordable cities in the Midwest. With a stunning lakefront, legendary museums, and neighborhoods full of character, the Forest City rewards curious visitors who look beyond the surface.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Designed by I.M. Pei and sitting dramatically on the shores of Lake Erie, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is Cleveland's crown jewel. The museum houses an incredible collection of artifacts including handwritten lyrics, iconic instruments, stage costumes, and interactive exhibits tracing the history of rock and roll from its roots in blues, gospel, and country. Rotating exhibits spotlight individual artists and movements, and the induction ceremony remains one of the most prestigious events in music.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Widely considered one of the finest art museums in the world, the Cleveland Museum of Art houses over 61,000 works spanning 6,000 years. The collection is particularly strong in Asian art, medieval European armor, and Impressionist paintings. The stunning atrium renovation and the interactive Gallery One make art accessible and engaging. Like many of Cleveland's cultural treasures, general admission is completely free.

West Side Market

Operating since 1912, the West Side Market in Ohio City is a Cleveland institution. The stunning yellow brick building with its 137-foot clock tower houses over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, ethnic foods, and specialty items. Grab pierogi from one of the Eastern European vendors, sample fresh falafel, pick up Hungarian sausage, and finish with a cannoli from Theresa's Bakery. The surrounding Ohio City neighborhood is packed with breweries and restaurants along West 25th Street.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Just 20 minutes from downtown, Cuyahoga Valley National Park protects 33,000 acres of forests, waterfalls, and the winding Cuyahoga River valley. Brandywine Falls, a 65-foot cascade, is the most popular stop, but the park has over 125 miles of hiking trails, the scenic Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, and the Towpath Trail following the historic Ohio and Erie Canal. It is a remarkable natural escape right on Cleveland's doorstep.

Food and Dining Scene

Cleveland's food scene reflects its diverse immigrant heritage and a new wave of creative chefs. The Tremont neighborhood has become the city's culinary hotspot, anchored by restaurants like Lolita, the Italian-inspired gem from local celebrity chef Michael Symon. Lucky's Cafe in Tremont serves one of the best brunches in the city with farm-to-table dishes in a cozy setting.

Ohio City, home to the West Side Market, is also a craft beer destination with Great Lakes Brewing Company, the city's pioneering brewery known for its Dortmunder Gold and Christmas Ale. For classic Cleveland eats, try the corned beef sandwich at Slyman's downtown, a towering creation that has been a local obsession for decades. The AsiaTown neighborhood along Payne Avenue offers excellent Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean restaurants, with Li Wah serving legendary dim sum. In the Slavic Village neighborhood, try the pierogi from Sokolowski's University Inn, a Polish cafeteria-style restaurant that has been family-owned since 1923.

Outdoor Activities

Cleveland's position on Lake Erie and proximity to the Cuyahoga Valley give it surprising outdoor credentials for a major city.

  • Lakefront Biking and Walking: The Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway stretches along the shore of Lake Erie, connecting Edgewater Park to Gordon Park. Edgewater Beach is a popular summer spot with a sandy beach, fishing pier, and stunning sunset views over the lake.
  • Kayaking the Cuyahoga River: Once so polluted it caught fire, the Cuyahoga River has been dramatically restored. Today you can kayak through the Flats district and under historic bridges with views of the city skyline. Several outfitters rent kayaks and paddleboards right on the river.
  • Hiking at North Chagrin Reservation: Part of the Cleveland Metroparks system known as the Emerald Necklace, North Chagrin offers trails through old-growth forests, past waterfalls, and to Squire's Castle, a picturesque stone ruin from the 1890s.
  • Catching a game at Progressive Field: Cleveland's ballpark is consistently rated one of the best in baseball, with great sightlines, affordable tickets, and a lively atmosphere in the Gateway District surrounded by restaurants and bars.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Cleveland's nightlife has come alive in recent years, especially in the revitalized Flats East Bank district along the Cuyahoga River. Restaurants, bars, and a concert venue line the waterfront with views of the lift bridges and city lights. The Flats is perfect for a bar crawl with spots like Punch Bowl Social and FWD Day and Nightclub.

For live music beyond the Rock Hall, the Beachland Ballroom in Collinwood is an intimate venue in a converted Croatian social hall that books excellent indie and roots acts. The House of Blues in the Flats hosts bigger touring acts. Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center in the country outside of New York, features five beautifully restored theaters hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy. The nearby East 4th Street entertainment district is a pedestrian-only strip packed with restaurants and bars, making it the perfect pre-show destination.

Hidden Gems

Lakeview Cemetery

Often called Cleveland's outdoor museum, Lakeview Cemetery is a stunning 285-acre landscape featuring the James A. Garfield Monument, a towering memorial to the assassinated president, and the Wade Memorial Chapel with a breathtaking Tiffany interior. The cemetery is the final resting place of John D. Rockefeller, Eliot Ness, and many other notable Clevelanders. The grounds are beautifully maintained and open for walking.

Hingetown

This small pocket within the Ohio City neighborhood has become a hub for independent galleries, coffee shops, and creative businesses. The Transformer Station, a contemporary art gallery housed in a former electrical substation, anchors the area. Rising Star Coffee and the Cleveland Flea market bring a creative energy that feels distinctly Cleveland.

Dittrick Medical History Center

Located on the Case Western Reserve University campus, this quirky museum houses a fascinating collection of medical instruments, anatomical models, and contraceptive devices spanning centuries. It is free to visit and offers a unique perspective on the history of medicine that few tourists ever discover.