15 Best Things to Do in Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland might not be the first city that comes to mind when you’re planning a trip, but there’s plenty to do once you get there.
The city has professional sports, museums, good food, music history, and some interesting places to explore. You can also use Cleveland as a base for a couple of easy day trips.
Whether you’re spending a weekend in the city or staying a little longer, here are 15 of the best things to do in Cleveland, Ohio.
1. Visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
You can’t make a list of things to do in Cleveland without including the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The museum covers decades of music history through exhibits, memorabilia, instruments, costumes, and stories from some of the biggest artists ever. Prince, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., and countless other legends have been inducted.
Even if rock isn’t your favorite genre, there’s enough music history here to make the museum worth checking out.
2. Catch a Cleveland Sporting Event
Cleveland is a great city for sports fans.
Depending on when you visit, you could catch the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena, or the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field.
I’ve made sports a part of several of my trips over the years. Sometimes I’ll plan the trip around a game. Other times, I’ll check the schedule after I’ve already decided where I’m going.
If you like doing the same thing, check my guide to major sporting events happening throughout the year.
3. Explore West Side Market
If you like checking out local food spots when you travel, head to West Side Market.
The market opened in 1912 and is Cleveland’s oldest public market. Today, you’ll find dozens of businesses selling meats, seafood, baked goods, produce, prepared foods, and other items.
It’s located in the Ohio City neighborhood, just a few minutes from downtown. The market isn’t open every day, so check the schedule before you go.
4. Visit the Cleveland Museum of Art
Here’s one of the best deals in Cleveland: general admission to the Cleveland Museum of Art’s permanent collection is free.
The museum has more than 66,000 works spanning thousands of years, so you can easily spend a couple of hours here.
It’s located in University Circle, which also puts you close to several other Cleveland attractions.
5. Tour A Christmas Story House
If you’ve watched A Christmas Story every holiday season, you probably recognize this house immediately.
The Cleveland home used in the 1983 movie has been restored to look like the Parker family home from the film. You’ll see familiar locations from the movie and plenty of memorabilia.
There’s also a museum across the street featuring props, costumes, behind-the-scenes photos, and other items connected to the movie.
And yes, there’s a leg lamp.
6. Check Out the Great Lakes Science Center
The Great Lakes Science Center is another attraction worth checking out, especially if you’re visiting Cleveland with kids.
The museum focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive exhibits. One highlight is the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, where you can learn more about space exploration and NASA’s work in Ohio.
The science center is also near the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, making it easy to visit both while you’re in that part of the city.
7. Visit the Cleveland Botanical Garden
Need something a little more laid-back?
The Cleveland Botanical Garden is located in University Circle and features indoor and outdoor gardens, seasonal displays, and events throughout the year.
It’s a good option if you want a break from museums, stadiums, and the busier parts of downtown.
8. See a Show at Playhouse Square
Playhouse Square shows off a different side of Cleveland.
The performing arts district includes several historic theaters and hosts Broadway productions, concerts, comedy shows, and other performances.
If you’re staying downtown, check the calendar before your trip. You might find something worth adding to your itinerary.
9. Visit Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is another good option for families or anyone who enjoys wildlife.
The zoo has animals from around the world spread across several different habitats and exhibits. Because of its size, I’d give yourself a few hours instead of rushing through it.
If you’re visiting during warmer weather, this could easily take up half a day.
10. Explore the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is located inside the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse.
It features freshwater and saltwater species from Ohio and around the world. You’ll find everything from colorful tropical fish to sharks.
This is another solid indoor attraction, especially if the Cleveland weather isn’t cooperating.
11. Take a Day Trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park
You don’t have to stay in the city for your entire trip.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park gives you hiking trails, forests, waterfalls, and plenty of opportunities to spend some time outside.
One highlight is Brandywine Falls, a 60-foot waterfall with an accessible upper viewing area.
You can also explore the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. About 20 miles of the trail run through the national park, and you can walk, run, or bike sections of it.
Check current National Park Service conditions before going because sections of trails occasionally close for maintenance, weather, or other issues.
12. Take a Day Trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Football fans should consider driving down to Canton.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame isn’t actually in Cleveland, but Canton is close enough to make it an easy day trip.
You’ll find exhibits covering NFL history, legendary players, coaches, teams, Super Bowls, and some of the biggest moments in professional football.
If you’re a serious NFL fan, this could be one hell of a reason to add an extra day to your Cleveland trip.
13. Visit JACK Cleveland Casino
If gambling and nightlife are more your speed, JACK Cleveland Casino is located downtown near Public Square.
The casino offers table games, slots, and other gaming options. Its downtown location also means you don’t have to travel far from many of Cleveland’s hotels, restaurants, and other attractions.
I’d consider this more of an evening option than something you need to build an entire day around.
14. Take a Cleveland Brewery Tour
Cleveland has a strong craft beer scene, and a brewery tour is an easy way to experience several spots without figuring everything out yourself.
City Brew Tours runs Cleveland tours that visit multiple breweries and include transportation between stops.
You could also put together your own brewery crawl if you’d rather move at your own pace.
15. Explore Downtown Cleveland and Public Square
Don’t spend your entire trip jumping from one paid attraction to another.
Leave yourself some time to walk around downtown Cleveland.
Public Square sits in the heart of downtown and puts you near several landmarks, restaurants, and entertainment options. From there, you can explore more of downtown on foot and get a better feel for the city.
It’s also an easy thing to do when you have an hour or two to kill between other plans.
Free Things to Do in Cleveland
You don’t have to spend money every hour you’re in Cleveland.
The Cleveland Museum of Art is one of the best free attractions because general admission to its permanent collection is always free.
You can also explore Public Square, walk around downtown, check out the Lake Erie waterfront, or browse West Side Market without turning every stop into a major expense.
Saving money on a few activities gives you more room in the budget for games, food, or another attraction that you really want to experience.
How Many Days Do You Need in Cleveland?
I’d give Cleveland at least two or three days.
A weekend gives you enough time to see several of the main attractions, eat somewhere local, and possibly catch a game.
If you want to visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park or drive to Canton for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, adding another day will make the trip much less rushed.
Where to Stay in Cleveland
Downtown is probably the easiest area for a first-time visitor because you’ll be close to sporting events, restaurants, entertainment, and several major attractions.
University Circle is another option if museums and cultural attractions are higher on your list.
Compare Cleveland hotel prices and find a place that fits your budget.
Getting Around Cleveland
If most of your plans are downtown, you can combine walking with public transportation and rideshare services.
A rental car becomes more useful if you’re planning to explore outside the city.
That’s especially true if Cuyahoga Valley National Park or the Pro Football Hall of Fame is part of your itinerary.
Is Cleveland Worth Visiting?
I think Cleveland is one of those cities that’s easy to overlook.
There are enough things to do to fill a weekend without feeling like you have to rush from attraction to attraction. Sports fans have three major professional teams to choose from, music fans have the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and you’ve got museums, food, and nature mixed in.
You can also make the trip bigger by adding Canton or Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Pick the attractions that interest you, leave some room in the schedule to explore, and enjoy the city.
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Jason Butler is the founder of My Money Chronicles and an SEO consultant with over a decade of blogging experience. Since 2015, he has earned income through side hustles including blogging, eBay flipping, affiliate marketing, and freelance work while paying off over $64,000 in debt. His work has been featured in Forbes, Discover, Investopedia, and Yahoo Finance.
