Panoramic view of the highway through Cleveland, Ohio

Things to do in  Cleveland

Hitting all the right notes

This midwestern town in Ohio might seem like an odd spot for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Cleveland does indeed strike a chord with its visitors. It combines the energy you'd expect from a big city while maintaining a small-town feel. With a wide range of things to do—from cultural touch points like the house from the cult classic, A Christmas Story, to outdoor activities and professional sports teams (and their passionate fans)—Cleveland epitomizes the heartland of America.

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Top 2 attractions in Cleveland

#1

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

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For those who like to rock, Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame salutes you. A pilgrimage destination for music fans of all ages, the museum recognizes artists and musicians who have shaped music history since Cleveland DJ Alan Freed first coined the term “rock ‘n’ roll” in the early 1950s.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

A Christmas Story House

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Although the classic 1983 holiday movie A Christmas Story takes place in Indiana, the interiors were mostly filmed in this house in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. An entrepreneur and fan of the film bought the 19th-century Victorian and restored it to more closely resemble the interior and exterior of the home in the film.More
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Explore Cleveland by interest

Top activities in Cleveland

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Admission in Cleveland
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Admission in Cleveland

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1069
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$35.90
Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland

Little Italy Neighborhood Food Tour of Cleveland

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$74.00
West Side Market Food Tour

West Side Market Food Tour

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$49.00
Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE)

Private Arrival Transfer from Cleveland Airprot (CLE)

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$64.00
per group
Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket

Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket

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$13.85
Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE)

Private Departure Transfer to Cleveland Airport (CLE)

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$64.00
per group
CLE Mini Bus Group Tour

CLE Mini Bus Group Tour

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$55.00
Hidden Sights and Stops of Cleveland

Hidden Sights and Stops of Cleveland

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$395.00
per group
Tremont Neighborhood Food Tour
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Tremont Neighborhood Food Tour

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21
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$75.00
Heritage Walk: Scenic Guided Tour of Cleveland

Heritage Walk: Scenic Guided Tour of Cleveland

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$240.23
Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer

Cleveland to Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) - Departure Private Transfer

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$89.54
Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer

Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Arrival Private Transfer

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$89.54
Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer

Cleveland Hopkins Airport (CLE) to Cleveland - Round-Trip Private Transfer

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$179.08
Sights & Bites of CLE

Sights & Bites of CLE

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$350.00
per group
Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples

Cleveland Romance: A Walking Tour for Couples

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$240.23
CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland

CLE Airport Transfer to Downtown Cleveland

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$135.00
per group
The Best of CLE

The Best of CLE

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$200.00
per group
Exploring Cleveland with the Family - Walking Tour

Exploring Cleveland with the Family - Walking Tour

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$240.23
Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle Sights & Stories

Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of University Circle Sights & Stories

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$27.50
per group
Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland Sights & Stories

Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland Sights & Stories

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$27.50
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All about Cleveland

When to visit

The spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) seasons are considered the best times to visit Cleveland. You’ll avoid the cold temps of winter and the humidity of summer. Because of its location along the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland can experience extreme cold that lasts into spring, along with lake-effect snow. As the weather warms, locals and visitors flock to the lakefront for outdoor activities and open-air concerts.

Getting around

The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides regular service between Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and downtown via the Tower City Station on the Red Line. The trip takes about 30 minutes, with trains departing the airport every 15 minutes. RTA also operates rail, bus, and trolley lines throughout the city. The rail and trolley lines are considered more straightforward for visitors to navigate than the bus. Most attractions in downtown Cleveland are within a 20-minute walk. Bike- and scooter-share services are also available, along with taxis and ride-share.

Traveler tips

Visit Cleveland’s West Side Market, the city’s oldest public market with plenty of vendors selling meats, seafood, fruits, veggies, baked goods, flowers, ready-to-eat foods, spices, and nuts. Since the space can be overwhelming, consider booking a guided tour to sample products—ranging from beef jerky to falafel to apple turnovers—as you learn about the market's history and architecture.

When visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, spend some time outside the museum to admire its architecture. The building features a double pyramid and tower designed by architect I.M. Pei. From above, the building is meant to look like a record player, with the plaza in front serving as the record.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
EDT (UTC -5)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
2
Tours
44
Reviews
1,668
EN
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People Also Ask

What is Cleveland known for?

Although it surprises some folks, Cleveland is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, partly because, in the 1950s, the term “rock and roll” was coined by a local disc jockey. It’s considered the city’s most popular attraction. Also, the interior shots of the classic holiday movie, A Christmas Story, were filmed in a house in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. The 19th-century Victorian has been restored and is open to visitors.

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Is Cleveland worth visiting?

Yes. Cleveland is a good stopping point during a cross-country trip or as a weekend getaway. It offers something for everyone, including an up-and-coming food scene, sporting events, hiking trails and outdoor activities, and museums like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland.

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How long does it take to tour the Cleveland Aquarium?

An average visit to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium typically lasts between 45 to 90 minutes. It’s open Monday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Visitors can see more than 2,700 animals representing 320 species, including aquatic life from the Great Lakes. There is also a roster of rotating activities and touch pool experiences throughout the day. It’s located in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse on the Flats West Bank, a short drive from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the West Side Market.

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How many days do you need in Cleveland?

To experience Cleveland’s top attractions and perhaps catch a game, travelers should plan to spend 2-3 days in Cleveland. This allows you time to explore the city’s museums, see the sights, and enjoy activities on the lakefront without feeling rushed. You can also visit nearby Cuyahoga Valley National Park, between Cleveland and Akron; it’s free to enter and boasts scenic hiking trails.

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What is Cleveland's most iconic food?

Thanks to the influence of generations of Eastern European immigrants, Cleveland’s food scene features hearty grub, including iconic dishes like a “Polish Boy” (kielbasa, cole slaw, french fries, and barbecue sauce), paczki (deep-fried, jam-filled, doughnut-like Polish pastries), pierogi (potato- and cheese-stuffed dumplings), and bratwurst. Head to the West Side Market to enjoy a taste of what the city has to offer.

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What sport is Cleveland known for?

Depending on the season, fans will be cheering for one of the city’s major league teams—the NFL's Cleveland Browns, the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, and the MLB’s Cleveland Guardians. In Ohio, football reigns supreme, making the Browns the talk of the town year-round, despite never having made it to the Super Bowl.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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