Are you going to Cleveland and don’t know what to do? You’ve landed on the right page. You’re not going to believe how much fun you can have – let’s get to my list of top things to do in Cleveland.
I have both lived in Cleveland and more recently visited this City for a long weekend. Cleveland gets a bad reputation but it offers quite a bit when thinking about Art, Classical music, and Food. Cleveland in a major hub for healthcare. As you probably know the Cleveland Clinic, Case Western University and the University Hospitals are all excellent institutions. Many come to Cleveland for a weekend or a couple of days to check out schools, interview for work or residency. So, I hope this blog post is helpful to many of you.
This post is all about top things to do in Cleveland. Where to go? Where to eat? What to see?
WHERE TO STAY?
I would favor downtown Cleveland. But if you need to be close to University Hospital, the VA or Case Western Reserve University Campus, staying in University Circle or Little Italy is a great idea.
GOING AROUND TOWN
You can go to most of these places by walking, using the Healthline or Uber. The Healthline runs between University Circle (the area that houses the Case Western Reserve University Campus), the Cleveland Clinic, and Downtown Cleveland. The fair can be paid at each stop by using cash or your card. Uber is very cheap in Cleveland. So, you have a few options.
Alright, let’s get to our list of top things to do in Cleveland!
#1 CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART
The Cleveland Museum of Art carries over 63,000 artworks. It is located in the University circle. It honestly gives me such Met vibes. The building itself is gorgeous, from the inside it feels like Met meets Louvre. They have a great selection of Warhol, Monet, Cézanne, Picasso and a Caravaggio on display – let me add that this is the only piece in the US. There are so many events that take place at the museum year-round, and in the summer lots of free concerts that take place outside. You can spend a good 3-4 hours in there, and entrance in free!
Apologies for the gloomy weather.
#2 SEVERANCE HALL
The Severance Hall also known as Severance Music Center is also located at the University Circle. It is where the Cleveland Orchestra performs. If you don’t know, the Cleveland Orchestra has consistently ranked as one of the top 5 orchestras around the world. When they come to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City, it’s always a sold-out night. There are many free events; and I find the events with special appearances or guests to be charged at nearly half the price of Carnegie Hall. So, if you are in town, I highly recommend.
#3 MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CLEVELAND
moCa is a smaller museum dedicated to modern Art, also located in University Circle. It does not have a permanent collection, and all the exhibits change on a 6-month basis. Once you enter, go up to the 4th floor and make your way down. Entrance is free! I really love that you don’t need to spend money to see the Art in Cleveland.
#4 ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME
Also called Rock Hall. Home to Cleveland since 1995. Many rock bands and artists have been inducted to the Hall of Fame. If you’re a big fan, you know exactly when your favorite artist was inducted. The museum is divided into smaller exhibits where some corners are dedicated to music eras, or single artists and bands to cover the history of Rock Music. They showcase the guitars and clothes some of these artists wore during their performances. It’s a must-see if you are in town. As of November 2023, a 135 million USD renovation is underway. The Rock Hall might look very different on our next visit.
#5 CLEVELAND SCRIPT SIGN
There are 6 places where you can find the Cleveland Script Sign easily and take a memorable photo. My favorite is the one in downtown Cleveland in the North Shore by the Rock Hall, as it faces the city’s tall buildings and skyline. Plan to go and spend some time soaking the view of the lake. There are more signs you can find close by, near Edgwater park, the Foundry, Tremont, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Euclid Beach Park.
Cleveland script sign at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
#6 WESTSIDE MARKET
Get ready for some 100 vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, fresh seafood, and delicious food you can enjoy on the spot. It’s fun to see the popular food items in the Midwest, alongside good Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food options. The Westside Market is located further away from the downtown hotels and shore, in Ohio City – a great neighborhood and home to farm-to-table restaurants and bars.
#7 CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN
The Cleveland Botanical Garden is located 5 mins away from the Cleveland Museum of Art and 10 mins from the Museum of Contemporary Art by walking. It is open year-round, has a very nature like feel, with large trees, humid in certain areas giving you a tropical feel, you can hear the water fall and the birds chirping. They have a dedicated children’s section, which I’ve heard only great things from parents. They also have a garden, meant to be a restorative and relaxing experience with water fountains, and plenty of benches and seating. If you’re visiting during the warmer months, don’t skip it.
#8 CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO
Located further away from the University Circle area and downtown Cleveland, in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood of Cleveland. There are many attractions here, like getting close to a 17-foot giraffe and feeding it lettuce from your hand, a carousel, a train ride on the railroad, space for a picnic, and many more. The entrance is 19 USD for adults and kids under 12 can get in for 15 USD.
#9 OHIO CITY
As I mentioned before, Ohio City is home to the Westside Market and many farm-to-table restaurants in bars. Many of these restaurants offer locally brewed beer like the Market Garden Brewery. For another local special, try Mitchell’s Ice Cream, founded in 1999 in Cleveland by two brothers. Try The Plum, Porco Lounge & Tiki Room, or Boaz Fresh Lebanese for a quick take-out option.
As we talk about food, the restaurants in University Circle are mostly chains for quick take outs intended for college students, with the exception of L’Albatros Brasserie + Bar, a French restaurant or Etna Ristorante & Wine Bar, for some authentic Italian/ Sicilian style food for some delicious pasta and seafood.
#10 HEINEN’S GROCERY STORE
Heinen’s doesn’t look like any grocery store you’ve seen before. It is located in an old bank and many parts of it have been preserved. There is a great selection of prepared food, which makes it easy when you’re visiting. They have a wine bar, which you can book and experience different types of wine. They had everything I needed, I highly recommend just going to see this historic place turned into a grocery store or if you’re anything like me and love visiting grocery stores when traveling.
This is everything I wanted to share with you about The Top Things to Do in Cleveland. What was your favorite? Leave a comment below.
As always, thank you for stopping by and reading. Click here if you’d like to see & follow my Instagram page @girlontheues.
See you next week,
Girl on the Upper East Side
Xx
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