Our Cleveland guide combines practical advice with INSIDER knowledge to help you plan the perfect Cleveland trip.
Planning a trip to a huge city like Cleveland can feel overwhelming, with so many options. Discover the tips and secrets that most travelers miss!
Would you like to have a teaser about the best things to do in Cleveland area? Check out the video below!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Highlights: The Cleveland city center is filled with activities, from the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to the historic West Side Market and the vibrant Playhouse Square.
- Nature: Cleveland offers natural escapes, with the Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park providing miles of trails and lush greenery.
- Cleveland’s craft breweries: Ohio City’s craft breweries include Great Lakes Brewing Co., Market Garden Brewery, and Saucy Brew Works, even if you are not a beer enthusiast.
Map of the best things to do in Cleveland Area
We created a dedicated map with activities for 2 days in Cleveland. Day one unfolds in the city center, everything is at walking distance!
For day 2, you’ll take the car to head to Cuyahoga Valley National Park for a hike. The Valley has some of the best hikes in Cleveland!
You can save our map and use it whenever you need it!
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Celebrate the Legends
Discover the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, one of the best things to do in Cleveland area.
This world-famous museum celebrates the history of rock and roll, with exhibits dedicated to legendary artists, musicians, and the evolution of music itself.
They show over 350 artists as of 2025, including bands, solo artists, and producers, including rock legends like The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and Michael Jackson.
FUN FACT: Cleveland spread the name ‘rock n roll’ nationwide when radio disc jockey Alan Freed coined the term on the radio while playing rock n roll music on air on WJW
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, the Hall of Fame features interactive displays, memorabilia, and immersive exhibits that transport visitors through decades of rock history.
DID YOU KNOW: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is one of the most famous activities in Cleveland, and it attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually?
Price: $35 (Adults), $25 (Youth 6-18), Free (Under 5)
Website: rockhall.com
West Side Market: A food lover’s paradise
Another one of the best things to do in Cleveland area is visit the West Side Market, Cleveland’s OLDEST PUBLIC MARKET.
This historic marketplace is a hub of local culture, featuring over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, and international delicacies.
We recommend walking the yellow brick markethouse (the most central, open marketplace) to take stock of all the vendors and what looks interesting to try.
Price: Free to enter
Website: westsidemarket.org
INSIDER TIP: Be sure to stop by Fazio’s Bakery for their famous cannoli. It an an original must-see Cleveland attraction!
Explore Ohio City’s Craft Breweries
If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cleveland area, a visit to Ohio City’s craft breweries should be at the top of your list.
Ohio City is home to some of the region’s MOST CELEBRATED MICROBREWERIES.
To make it even better, there are brewery tours in Cleveland!
Begin your brewery tour at Great Lakes Brewing Co., Cleveland’s original craft brewery, known for its Dortmunder Lager.
Just steps away, you’ll find the Market Garden Brewery, featuring a spacious, dog-friendly beer garden.
For a creative twist, head over to the bicycle-inspired Nano Brew. Take a relaxing break with the cozy, bookish charm of Bookhouse Brewing.
If you’re feeling hungry, Saucy Brew Works in Hingetown pairs its craft beers with pizzas.
Wrap up your journey with a taste of tradition at Hansa Brewery, featuring classic Eastern European-style brews.
Price: Tastings range from $5–$10
Website: Ohio City Craft Breweries
Take a look at our Google Maps below to discover the location fo the best Cleveland breweries!
DID YOU KNOW: There are epic photo spots in Cleveland? You can use the link to take a look!
Mitchell’s Ice Cream: A sweet indulgence
No trip to Cleveland would be complete without a stop at Mitchell’s Ice Cream, one of the best things to do in Cleveland area for those who love quality ice cream.
Known for its local ingredients and flavors, Mitchell’s has become the place to go in Cleveland for ice cream.
Price: $3–$7 per scoop (depending on size)
Website: mitchellsicecream.com
INSIDER TIP: Be sure to try the Ohio Maple Bourbon flavor.
Playhouse Square: Broadway shows
The Playhouse Square is also one of the best things to do in Cleveland area. This is the second-largest performing arts center in the United States.
With its architecture, including the iconic chandelier in the lobby, Playhouse Square hosts Broadway shows, musicals, concerts, and a range of other performances.
Price: Vary based on performance
Website: playhousesquare.org
Great Lakes Science Center: Nasa Visitor CENTER
If you’re seeking an educational experience, the Great Lakes Science Center is one of the best things to do in Cleveland area.
Located along the waterfront, it offers hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and fun activities for all ages, making it ideal for families.
Here are some of the exciting exhibits and features you can explore at the Great Lakes Science Center:
- NASA Glenn Visitor Center: Learn about space exploration and view real artifacts, like a moon rock and a space capsule.
- Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater: Watch IMAX films on a giant screen.
- Science Phenomena: Hands-on exhibits exploring physics, engineering, and the natural sciences, including interactive experiments.
- Biomedical Technology Gallery: Discover innovations in medical technology and their impact on health and wellness.
- Steamship William G. Mather: Tour this restored Great Lakes freighter to learn about maritime history.
Price: $20 for adults and $15 for youth (2-12)
Website: greatscience.com
Cleveland Metroparks: Nature at your doorstep
One of the other best things to do in Cleveland area is explore the Cleveland Metroparks, a network of natural spaces offering over 23,000 acres of green space.
With over 300 miles of trails, plus golf courses, fishing areas, and wildlife viewing spots, it’s a perfect way to experience nature without leaving the city.
Getting to the Cleveland Metroparks is easiest by car, and it takes around 15 minutes to drive.
These are the most famous trails:
Rocky River Reservation – Fort Hill Earthworks Trail
- Length: 3.3 miles
- Family-friendly: Yes
Euclid Creek Reservation – Euclid Creek Trail
- Length: 4.5 miles
- Family-friendly: Yes
Brecksville Reservation – Valley Parkway Trail
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Family-friendly: Yes
Mill Stream Run Reservation – Royalview Yellow Loop Trail
- Length: 2 miles
- Family-friendly: Yes
Price: Free for entry; some activities may require a fee (e.g., golf or boat rentals)
Website: Cleveland Metroparks
INSIDER TIP: The Cleveland Metroparks reservations connect to each other via a trail, the “Emerald Necklace,” encircling Cleveland. These trails stretch 70 miles through nearly 20,000 acres of parkland. The trail meanders alongside rivers and creeks.
Cleveland Museum of Art: A cultural treasure
The Cleveland Museum of Art is a must-see when exploring the best things to do in Cleveland area.
Known for its collection of over 61,000 works of art, this museum spans thousands of years of human history.
There are ancient Egyptian artifacts as well as modern and contemporary pieces.
DID YOU KNOW: The Cleveland Museum of Art is the fourth-wealthiest art museum in the United States, and with 970.000 visits each year, it is one of the most famous museums in the US.
Price: Free (General Admission)
Website: clevelandart.org
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the museum’s beautiful Sculpture Garden, which offers a peaceful space to relax and enjoy art in a natural setting.
Edgewater Park: Views and outdoor fun
If you’re looking for a mix of scenic views and outdoor activities, Edgewater Park is one of the best things to do in Cleveland area!
Set right on the shores of Lake Erie, the park combines hiking trails, picnic areas, and a relaxing beach atmosphere that feels like a quick escape from the city. Edgewater Park is one of Cleveland’s most popular green spaces, perfect for a walk, picnic, or a visit to one of the nearby beaches in Cleveland for a sunset view over Lake Erie.
We recommend this family-friendly 1.4-mile Edgewater Beach trail.
Price: Free
Website: clevelandmetroparks.com
INSIDER TIP: For the best views of downtown Cleveland, head to the EDGEWATER PIER at sunset- it’s the perfect spot for an Instagram-worthy photo.
Take a Day Trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Just a short drive from downtown Cleveland, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is an outdoor adventure waiting to be explored.
The park offers trails of all levels, so it’s perfect for everyone.
Price: Free entrance, but some activities like the Scenic Railroad require tickets
Website: nps.gov/cuva
INSIDER TIP: Don’t miss the Brandywine Falls – it’s a short walk from the parking lot and offers amazing views at the huge waterfall.
Cleveland Botanical Garden: A Floral Escape
For a retreat in the busy city of Cleveland, the Cleveland Botanical Garden is one of the best things to do in Cleveland area.
With beautifully designed gardens, including a tropical rainforest and a desert environment, it’s the perfect spot to rewind.
Price: $19 for adults ($13 for kids) for the Arboretum General Admission
Website: holdenfg.org
Chinatown: Culinary adventures await
For foodies and culture lovers, Chinatown is one of the best things to do in the Cleveland area.
Just east of downtown, this neighborhood offers a mix of authentic Asian cuisine, markets, and shops.
Price: Meals vary from $10–$30 per person
The Cleveland Orchestra: A musical experience
When you are searching for the best things to do in Cleveland area, experiencing the famous Cleveland Orchestra should be on your list.
Price: Tickets range from $25–$100+, depending on the performance
Website: The Cleveland Orchestra
A Tour of the Historic Warehouse District
If you’re exploring the best things to do in Cleveland area, a tour of the Historic Warehouse District is a must.
This neighborhood, once the industrial heart of Cleveland, has transformed into one of the city’s most vibrant areas, blending history with modern charm.
As you walk through the cobblestone streets, you’ll find beautifully restored buildings housing upscale restaurants, boutique shops, and art galleries, all set against the backdrop of historic architecture.
Price: Guided tours are $10–$25
Website: Historic Warehouse District
INSIDER TIP:There are many top accommodations in the Warehouse district such as furnished apartments Cleveland Ohio, which are perfect for longer stays as they bring home comforts and a great location. If you are looking for hotels in Cleveland or other major cities across the US, Hotels and Stays has many great options. Equally, if you prefer staying outside of the city, then we can recommend the Streetsboro RV Park just outside Cleveland.
Visit the Akron Zoo: Family-friendly fun
Located just a short drive from Cleveland, the Akron Zoo is one of the best things for families to do in the Cleveland area.
With over 700 animals from around the world, the zoo offers an up-close view of species in beautifully designed special exhibits.
Highlights include the Asian Lantern Festival, a vibrant display of lanterns, and the Tiger Valley exhibit, where you can watch these majestic creatures roam.
Price: $12 for adults, $10 for children; free for children under 2
Website: Akron Zoo
Attend a game: Experience Cleveland sports
Cleveland is a sports city, and attending a baseball game is one of the best things to do in Cleveland area, as it immerses you in the local culture.
Whether you’re cheering on the Cleveland Browns (NFL), the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), or the Cleveland Indians (MLB, now known as the Cleveland Guardians), the energy in the stadiums and arenas is unmatched.
Progressive Field, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, and FirstEnergy Stadium are all iconic venues that host baseball games throughout the year.
You can get a ticket for the Cleveland Cavaliers Basketball Game Ticket here!
Price: Ticket prices vary depending on the sport and baseball game; typically range from $10 to $100+
Website: Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians
Local art at Waterloo Arts District
The Waterloo Arts District is one of the best things to do in the Cleveland area for art lovers and those looking to experience Cleveland’s thriving creative scene.
Located in the city’s Collinwood neighborhood, this art area is home to galleries, studios, and unique art spaces.
The district showcases a mix of contemporary art, local crafts, and community-driven projects.
The area hosts various events throughout the year, including the popular Waterloo Arts Fest, where you can enjoy live music, art installations, and local food.
Price: Free to explore
Website: Waterloo Arts District
Take a drive along Lake Erie
One of the most relaxing and picturesque ways to experience the Cleveland area is by taking a scenic drive along the shores of Lake Erie.
The 293-mile Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail offers a stunning route where you can enjoy views of the sparkling lake, stop at lakeside towns like Geneva on the Lake, and explore natural beauty and wildlife at Geneva State Park.
As you drive through places like Rocky River Bay Village and further east toward Mentor, you’ll find plenty of spots to stop for a photo op or picnic.
This drive is truly one of the best things to do in Cleveland area if you’re looking to soak in the area’s coastal charm and unwind in nature.
Price: Free (except for any stops you make along the way)
Website: Lake Erie Coastal Ohio Trail
The Cleveland History Center: Explore local heritage
Step back in time at the Cleveland History Center, where you can explore the city’s past through special exhibits and hands-on experiences.
DID YOU KNOW: Cleveland was founded in 1796 by General Moses Cleaveland and began as a strategic settlement along the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie? Its location made it a hub for shipping and manufacturing, especially during the 19th century when the completion of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1832 connected the city to trade routes.
By the late 1800s, Cleveland flourished as an industrial powerhouse, attracting immigrants from Europe and beyond to work in its booming steel mills and factories. The city became known for innovation, including Charles Brush’s electric streetlights, making Cleveland one of the first cities in the world illuminated by electricity.
Despite economic challenges in the mid-20th century, Cleveland has experienced a cultural and economic revival and is now recognized for its arts, healthcare, and strong sports culture.
Located in the heart of University Circle, this museum offers a deep dive into Cleveland’s cultural, industrial, and social history.
Discover fascinating artifacts, vintage automobiles, and special exhibits that highlight everything from the city’s founding to its role in the industrial revolution.
As one of the best things to do in Cleveland area, the History Center is a must-visit for anyone curious about how Cleveland has evolved over the years.
Price: Adults $12, Seniors & Students $8, Free for Members
Website: Cleveland History Center
Enjoy Comedy Shows at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre
Head to Hilarities 4th Street Theatre, one of the best places to experience comedy in the Cleveland area.
This venue hosts an impressive lineup of both national and local comedians, offering a mix of stand-up, improv, and special performances in an intimate setting.
Located in downtown Cleveland, Hilarities is a staple for comedy lovers looking to enjoy top-notch performances while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
It’s a perfect choice for a fun night out with friends or a date.
Price: Around $20
Website: Hilarities 4th Street Theatre
Attend Festivals: Experience local culture
The Cleveland area is famous for its festivals, celebrating everything from food and music to art and diverse cultures.
Popular festivals include the Cleveland International Film Festival, the Cleveland Asian Festival, and the Feast of the Assumption.
Festivals are some of the best things to do in the Cleveland area, providing you with a rich, authentic experience of the city’s lively spirit.
Website: Cleveland Festivals
If you’re traveling through the state of Ohio chasing festivals, then this RV park might be a solution in the south.
Discover the West Side’s Historic Districts
Explore the best things to do in Cleveland area by wandering through the West Side’s historic districts.
These neighborhoods offer a glimpse into Cleveland’s history, with beautifully preserved buildings, unique architecture, and a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.
Start in Ohio City, home to the West Side Market and a lively blend of boutiques, bars, and eateries.
Then, head over to Tremont, known for its Victorian homes, art galleries, and trendy dining spots.
These areas also host local events, giving visitors a chance to experience the vibrant community spirit of Cleveland’s West Side.
Price: Free. There are guided heritage tours available.
