Sharing a weekend getaway guide to Cleveland's best cultural attractions, new and innovative restaurants, and chic boutiques - with a side of rock 'n' roll, of course.
I’m going to say a phrase that doesn’t get uttered often enough:
Cleveland is cool.
The city has a thriving food scene, world-class cultural attractions, vibrant neighborhoods, and a sports team that people clearly have feelings about.
But if you’re reading this, you might already know that. And if not? Well, you’re about to find out.
Portions of this itinerary were generously hosted by the team at Destination Cleveland, but as always, all opinions are my own
ABOUT CLEVELAND
Cleveland’s location on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River has played a major role in shaping its history. Founded in 1796 as “Cleaveland” (after General Moses Cleaveland), the name was shortened soon after and the city began to establish itself as a major hub for manufacturing.
Rapid growth fueled by access to the Great Lakes region and the Atlantic Ocean, as well as railway connectivity, led to immense industrial pollution. It took a century of the Cuyahoga River catching fire at near-regular intervals to spark change, but the city cleaned up its act, finally making the waterfront a place people want to be.
Today’s Cleveland embraces a spirit of renewal while honoring its past – an almost tangible feeling, even to the weekend visitor.
Five Fun Facts: Cleveland
- Cleveland has made it to the screens both large and small many, many times (and not just through shows like The Drew Carey Show and that one episode of 30 Rock!).
- The word Cuyahoga (both the name of the river and the county Cleveland is in) is an anglicized spelling of a Mohawk word meaning “crooked river.” Just take a look at the map!
- The Man of Steel was born in Cleveland – that’s right, Superman.
- Cleveland’s Playhouse Square is the second-largest theatre district in the nation (the first is Broadway, of course).
- The Arcade Cleveland (above) was the first indoor mall in the U.S. and is modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, Italy (as far as I know, there’s no bull to spin on though!).
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Curious to see if Cleveland does, indeed, rock?
(Spoiler alert: it does).
Go ahead and book the flight – I’ll show you around:
THINGS TO DO IN CLEVELAND
Nature, art, music, and more - there's a little bit of everything in Cleveland
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame | 1100 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame just might be Cleveland’s most well-known attraction. But did you know it has six floors of rock ‘n’ roll history and memorabilia within its glass pyramid?
You really could spend all day touring the Rock Hall and never feel bored; even the most time-crunched traveler should budget at least three hours to feel as though they got a good look at the place.
Purchase your ticket in advance to bypass the line, and start your visit on the bottom floor (Level 0). Here you’ll find the largest exhibit, transporting you back in time to listen to some of the quintessential musicians in the genres that influenced rock ‘n’ roll: gospel, blues, R&B, country, folk, and bluegrass. Following the twisting, turning hallways chock full of memorabilia, photographs, and interactive exhibits, you’ll continue traveling through the decades to the present.
On the upper levels, you’ll find curated collections and rotating exhibits, a short film, a place to practice your guitar skills, and possibly live music (if you’re lucky! We were not so lucky). Even if you think you’re not interested in rock ‘n’ roll, I’m certain this museum will prove you wrong.
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The Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art | 11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
The Cleveland Museum of Art is a treasure trove of human history and art. Founded in 1913, The Cleveland Museum of Art continues to embody its original mission: “for the benefit of all the people forever” by providing free admission. This commitment to access grants visitors the opportunity to a collection that contains over 45,000 works.
The sprawling campus makes for a wonderful morning or afternoon of marveling at the creativity of human expression, and there’s something for every kind of art enthusiast. I highly suggest scoping out the works you’d like to see most before you even enter the building (museum fatigue is real, after all).
Need a break during your visit? There’s a delightful cafe in the sun-filled Atrium (I confess to needing a mid-visit coffee!), and plenty of green space outside.
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Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland | 11400 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (or moCa for short) is unlike other contemporary art museums – or at least unlike any other contemporary art museum that I’ve personally visited.
Rather than housing an unchanging collection of modern art (some of which may have been created fifty years ago), moCa is a dynamic museum featuring ever-rotating exhibitions from present-day artists. Our visit landed us in front of works by Nina Chanel Abney, and a helpful docent walked us through the artist’s celebration of Black masculine women and those who resist gender norms.
In fact, each area of the museum had a docent within eyesight – not standing watchfully, ready to ask you to step away from the works, but ready to greet you and invite questions about the works on display. Enter the distinctive building and see what awaits you – and marvel once more at the access to art in Cleveland (moCa is free!).
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Cleveland Botanical Garden
Cleveland Botanical Garden | 11030 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Believe it or not, a visit to the Cleveland Botanical Garden would make a great activity for a rainy or snowy day. The Madagascar and Costa Rica Glasshouses are a wonder of flora and fauna and are completely enclosed. Each feels like entering an alternate world: one dry and arid with alien-like plants, and the other thick with humidity and bursting with verdant life (and like their respective countries, both are quite warm inside so dress accordingly).
But of course, the Cleveland Botanical Garden is best visited on a sunshiny spring day – when the grounds are lush and the flowers are blooming. A stroll through the Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, and Herb Garden (or any of the other numerous themed gardens) offers a welcome dose of nature that feels worlds away from the heart of the city yet is so close by. Be sure to check the website before you visit to see if there are any special activities during your Cleveland trip.
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West Side Market
West Side Market | 1979 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
Cleveland’s West Side Market has been filling local bellies with fresh produce and locally-prepared goods since 1912, and it’s such a treat to stroll the aisles, spotting both favorite and unfamiliar foods. Even if you’re not in the mood to eat, it’s well worth a stroll through the big, ornate building in Ohio City.
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Cleveland Script Signs
Cleveland Script Signs | Multiple Locations
Here’s a fun one for shutterbugs: the Cleveland Script Signs. These signs are placed all over the city in spots selected for their photogenic backdrops. I only had time to make it to two (see the shenanigans above), but you can make it your mission to take a photo at each one (or just locate the nearest one on the map!).
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Cleveland Shopping
City Goods | 1442 W 28th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 Rose Parlor | 4461 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 All Things For You | 3910 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 Océanne Studio and Boutique | 6519 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102 Cool World | 6511 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102
Cleveland has a number of cute shops and boutiques, particularly west of downtown.
By far one of the most unique shopping concepts I’ve seen is City Goods, in Ohio City. A series of buildings initially designed to serve as tiny homes have been converted into mini Creative Hangars, each housing several local makers or boutique curators.
Over on Lorain Avenue, All Things For You is a gold mine of antique and vintage housewares and clothing, and has a Mary Poppins effect of being larger on the inside than the outside (so many fun finds!). Rose Parlor is where I’d shop if my wardrobe suddenly evaporated (I mean, not that I want that to happen, but with so many gorgeous vintage finds and curated indie brands I wouldn’t be mad about it).
And Gordon Square Arts District pairs places like Océanne Studio and Boutique and Cool World together; shops with drastically different aesthetics, but that somehow magically have something for everyone.
CLEVELAND FOOD + DRINK
If you're not expecting much from Cleveland's dining scene, be prepared to have your mind blown
Cleveland Restaurants
Cent's Pizza + Goods | 5010 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102 Juneberry Table | 3900 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113 Cordelia | 2058 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115 Bright Side | 1948 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 Mabel's BBQ | 2050 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115 Wolf Pack Chorus | 2175 Cornell Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106 The Judith | 5222 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102 Green Goat Cafe Bar | 2125 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114
Hungry? Good. Cleveland’s food scene is flourishing with new takes on classic dishes, and new takes on, well, new dishes. I pinky promise that there’s something for every appetite; read my Eight Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Cleveland post to learn more.
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Cleveland Coffee + Treats
Blue Sky Brews | 2187 Murray Hill Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106 The Judith | 5222 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102 Green Goat Cafe Bar | 2125 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114 Leavened | 1633 Auburn Ave Suite 1, Cleveland, OH 44113 Corbo's Bakery | 12210 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106 Mason's Creamery | 4401 Bridge Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113
I am not timid about sharing my need for a great cup of coffee or my hearty appetite for sweets when I travel – and Cleveland knew just how to handle things.
In Little Italy, Blue Sky Brews offers a wonderful menu of coffee for a pick-me-up (or beer, if that’s your pick-me-up of choice), which just might be helpful if you wind up in a sweet, sleepy haze after a stop at Corbo’s Bakery. They are best known for their Cassata, which I eyed and sadly turned down as even a single slice was too large for me. But don’t fret – there are other fish in the sea (or rather, cookies in the case). It’s here that I finally managed to get my hands on a Buckeye.
Heading further afield… The Judith is an all-day cafe on Lorain Avenue – and the kind of place you really would want to hang out all day for their coffee and dessert. Leavened is an artisanal bakery in the Tremont neighborhood, and it feels like a neighborhood spot. However, they don’t specialize in either breads or pastries – they specialize in both! If you find yourself in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood, cool off with a scoop or three at Mason’s Creamery (the ube flavor is basically heaven). And I have Green Goat Cafe Bar to thank for waking me up every day of this trip – how else would I have made it to so many places?
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Cleveland Bars + Breweries
Bookhouse Brewing | 1526 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH 44113 Masthead Brewing Co. | 1261 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114 Society Lounge | 2063 E 4th St, Cleveland, OH 44115 Forest City Shuffleboard Arena and Bar | 4506 Lorain Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102
It’s no secret I love a good brewery, and there are two I visited during this trip that I highly recommend. Up first is a name you’ll see on tap lists all over town: Masthead Brewing Co. This place is huge (they have a 100-foot-long bar!), but they certainly have managed to keep the quality up with the quantity. Take the opportunity to try one of their eccentric beers on tap, like the Jalapeño IPA, the Hazelnut Tiramisu Underverse, or whatever else they’ve been cooking up. Oh, and they have a full kitchen, too!
Over in Ohio City, Bookhouse Brewing currently resides in the former Baehr Brewery Building, which dates back to 1866. The cozy space feels a bit like a public living room that just so happens to have a row of taps. It’s a delightful place to recharge after a long walk around the neighborhood.
For my bar-going friends, Forest City Shuffleboard Arena and Bar is a great spot to chill – when you’re not being ultra-competitive at shuffleboard. It was our first time playing, and the staff was very helpful in getting us started on one of the indoor courts (they also offer outdoor courts and tabletop shuffleboard). I won’t gloat, but let’s just say that in our family, the loser buys the next round and I didn’t spend a dime.
For something a little more upscale, head to Society Lounge. This subterranean bar on East 4th St. has a great cocktail program and is a great pre-dinner spot if you’re dining in downtown Cleveland. My only complaint is my usual one: the music is way too loud. Before you get all “Sure, Grandma, let’s get you to bed” on me, even our server complained about the volume (or at least, that’s what I think he said).
WHERE TO STAY IN CLEVELAND
I haven't stayed in all the places in Cleveland, but I can tell you all about one:
Airriva at Superior Living
Airriva at Superior Living | now closed
Large cities offer so many places to stay, it can make it tough for a visitor to know where to choose.
For my weekend in CLE, we landed at Airriva at Superior Living (now closed), an Ohio startup that offers the privacy of short-term rentals (à la Airbnb or VRBO) with the benefit of a single brand overseeing all of the properties (like a hotel). Check-in is completely contactless (so no host is showing you how to work the TV remote for twenty minutes – please tell me I’m not the only one this keeps happening to!), but the team is available by phone should you need anything during your stay. To learn more, head to my full review of Airriva at Superior Living.
TRAVEL TIPS: CLEVELAND, OHIO
All the usual city travel tips are applicable here, but there are a few Cleveland-specific things worth noting
Flying to Cleveland? Then you’ll be landing at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), about twelve miles from downtown. Rental cars are available at the airport, but visitors who are comfortable riding public transit can easily forego a vehicle. A train runs every fifteen minutes connecting the airport with the city center, and it’s a steal at $2.50 per trip or $5 for a day pass (note: be sure to check the RTA website for any interruptions in service).
To use any of Cleveland’s public transit options, download the Transit App, purchase a fare or pass, and activate it just before your first ride of the day. In addition to holding your pass for you, the app also helpfully recommends routes based on your destination plus it shows where each bus or train is currently located. Because the system is so well-connected, we only ended up using rideshare services twice during the weekend.
In addition to the regular city buses, Cleveland also offers a free trolley on weekdays. But as a weekend visitor, I missed the opportunity to use it and can’t personally speak to its service.
Unlike some other cities of its size, Cleveland’s neighborhoods don’t really bleed together – they are much more geographically separate. But even when walking through residential or industrial areas, I found wide sidewalks and flat terrain. To others, it may not feel walkable, but as someone who generally is willing to walk any distance for great food and coffee, I found it safe and comfortable to do so (I logged 11 miles of walking on this trip, for reference).
That being said – I was only able to spend so much outdoors because of the great weather. Our May visit was so pleasant, like a true Spring weekend. But winter in Cleveland is a different story. Because of its position on Lake Erie, it experiences harsher winter weather than other destinations in the region (the lake effect is even noticeable at different points of the city). Of course, we can’t always control when we visit a destination, so just be sure to pack accordingly.
One quirk about visiting Cleveland in May was the swarm of midges – annoying little insects that have a knack for flying right into your eyes or mouth (lest you think I’m being overdramatic – these little buggers showed up on the weather radar). Just wear sunglasses, breathe through your nose, and take comfort in the fact they grow smaller in number as you move away from the lake. Thankfully, there’s another animal in Cleveland that I was happy to see: chipmunks!
Is it rude to follow the topic of animals with people? Clevelanders are a generally friendly bunch, happy to strike up a conversation but not likely to stick around for a long chat. So just know that those crazy long lunches with strangers from four countries or a night of perhaps too much fun bar-hopping with locals until it’s nearly breakfast* are probably not going to happen in Cleveland.
One last Cleveland note: It’s not called soda. It’s pop.
*if these sound like specific examples, it's because they are
WITH MORE TIME IN CLEVELAND
This guide is jam-packed with a weekend's worth of activities, but there's still plenty to see and do in CLE
Cleveland offers many more things for travelers to see and do. Here are a few spots I have my eye on for a return visit (expect to see a second-timers guide sometime!):
More Cleveland Sights
Great Lakes Science Center | Exhibits in the STEM fields are on display at this local favorite
International Women’s Air & Space Museum | A museum dedicated to women in aviation
A Christmas Story House | The house from the holiday hit movie is open to the public for tours
Cleveland Museum of Natural History | Merging science and nature with programs for all ages
Self-guided Architecture Tour | Learn more about downtown Cleveland’s unique architecture
USS COD | A historic submarine docked downtown and available for tours
Places to Visit Nearby
Cuyahoga Valley National Park | Hiking, biking, and waterfalls just thirty minutes from downtown
Cedar Point | Record-breaking coasters and thrills only an hour away from Cleveland
FINAL THOUGHTS ON VISITING CLEVELAND
Sometimes I leave a destination feeling, well, not done with it, but pretty satisfied that I managed to capture everything I wanted the most.
I didn’t leave Cleveland feeling that way – I left Cleveland feeling hungry for more (and not just because our visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame lasted so long that we had to skip our final meal in the city). Great food and more to discover around every corner leaves me excited to return to Cleveland and to explore more of Ohio (I can’t believe I’ve reached the final sentence of this post without mentioning that this was my first time visiting The Buckeye State!).
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Thank you to the team at Destination Cleveland for your generous hospitality during our visit to The Land, and for all you do to support visitors and local businesses!
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Questions for you
When is the last time you visited a museum that was completely free of charge?
Who is your favorite inductee in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
Enjoyed this post? You may also like:
- Eight Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio
- Checking In: A Review of Airriva at Superior Living in Cleveland, Ohio
- Traveling Light: Packing List for Cleveland, Ohio
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- Three Great Spots for Detroit-Style Pizza (in Detroit!)
- Traveling Light: Packing List for Detroit, Michigan
- Weekend Travel Guide for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- The Best of Brew City: The Ultimate Weekend Travel Guide for Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- 36 Hours in NYC: Lower Manhattan
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- Checking In: Hotel Reviews
- Travel Guides by Destination
- 20 Questions You Should Ask a Potential Travel Partner Before You Leave Home
- All of My Packing Lists
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I never realized there was so much to do in Cleveland! I’ve only ever seen central Ohio when visiting my cousins and went to Toledo once for a gymnastics competition. Might be time to add Cleveland to the list!
Right? And I feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. It’s such a great weekend destination, especially since you can fly in and out without needing a car!
Fantastic job highlighting some wonderful Cleveland spots not necessarily on everyone’s radar. Its a marvelous city!
Thank you for the kind words – and for reading along! What else would you add to this list for future visitors to Cleveland?
This was fun to read. Cleveland is a fantastic city. You really did a lot of things during your visit.
Next time you go, I recommend hitting up Holden Arboretum, it’s a bit of a hike from downtown, but it has a gorgeous canopy walk through the trees with views of Lake Erie. A stay at the Franklin Castle is a REALLY special experience. For world-class culture, The Cleveland Orchestra can’t be beat. Just sitting in Severance Music Center is a treat as it’s such a gorgeous building, but the music is transformative. You should also go to Heck’s in Ohio City, they have the best burgers in Cleveland. The South Side in Tremont has excellent brunch.