A Monster Guide to Cleveland, Ohio, From a Big Fan!

We’ve been to Cleveland, Ohio, a few times now on trips from Chicago to the East Coast. It’s a good midway point for overnights, but it’s also become one of our favorite Midwestern cities.

Cleveland is one of those places that doesn’t quite make it on the must-see destinations in the United States. Honestly, it’s a shame for the folks here who take great pride in this delicious, scenic city.

There are so many fun things to do in Cleveland that Drew Carey never even gets into.

I also like how we’re able to visit again and again without having to deal with throngs of people at the city’s biggest attractions. Cleveland rocks! Let’s get into more about why.

Is Cleveland worth visiting?

Cleveland is worth visiting for its museum scene, cute neighborhoods, and Polish food options. Yes, access to Polish food is generally an acceptable way for me to rate my enjoyment of that city.

For fans of A Christmas Story, it’s worth visiting Cleveland to see the house where some of the movie was filmed.

What is Cleveland known for?

Cleveland is most known for its museum scene. It’s home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, or more simply, the Rock Hall, one of the top things to do in Cleveland.

It also has a fantastic (and free!) art museum and, again, the real-life house from A Christmas Story.

On the food side, Cleveland is most famous for its Polish food. That means you’ll find lots of pierogi, Polish sausage, and sweet treats like kołaczki cookies on Cleveland menus and at the city markets.

As a native Pole from Chicago, the largest hub for Polish Americans outside of the Motherland, this makes my heart sing. I have to try all of the Polish food no matter where I’m at, even in San Diego.

Things to Do in Cleveland

We’ve been to Cleveland three times now and each visit uncovers something new about the city. Everything you’ll read about below is an experience WE experienced while in Cleveland.

I’ll include some bonus ideas for those who don’t think this list is extensive enough. I’m not sure how that’d happen, but here we go!

Tick the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame off your bucket list.

You can’t visit Cleveland and skip out on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This is Cleveland’s claim to fame and a reason why millions of tourists visit the Ohio city in the first place. It’s likely already on your list of places to see in Cleveland.

Honestly, it wasn’t our top priority — you’ll read about our top priority real soon — but we knew it’d make the cut no matter how much time we had in Cleveland.

Buy tickets online ahead of time not because they sell out, but because it’ll just make your arrival that much simpler. Admire the pyramid-shaped building before you step inside because once you’re in, you’ll be there for a few hours. 

I loved our visit. Every genre is represented inside, but if all you want to see is Left Shark, that’s available to you, too. This place is also very interactive if you’re here to feel like you’re the rock star.

Pose at the Cleveland Script Sign at East 9th Street Pier.

This is a quick stop to test out your best Instagram poses and let all of your pals on social media know that you’re in Cleveland.

It’s also right next to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at North Coast Harbor, so you’ll be well-situated to make this happen when you’re done over there.

If you love the idea of this one, I’m about to blow your mind. There are five more signs for you to pose with if you’re feeling like that’s how you should spend your time.

Want to make it a collection of Insta poses? Here are the rest, complete with an address for each:

• Edgewater Park: Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
• Tremont: 1502 Abbey Avenue
• The Foundry: 1831 Columbus Road
• Euclid Beach: 16301 Lakeshore Boulevard
• Cleveland Hopkins International Airport: 5300 Riverside Drive

Note: That last one is literally in the airport. If you’re flying into the city, you’ll see it at the baggage claim area. If you’re road tripping as we’ve done, there are better ways to spend your time.

Eat at Lucky’s Cafe, a Guy Fieri favorite.

Lucky’s Cafe in Tremont is a local favorite for brunch, lunch, and whatever happens in between. It’s also Guy Fieri’s favorite place in Ohio after filming there for Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.

The Reuben sandwich was good enough that he was left speechless.

I haven’t seen the episode, but I’m not sure I believe it. The guy is very effusive with his praise.

We shared the Reuben and it was really good. I’m going to upset him for a second here.

I thought their curried chicken salad sandwich was even better. I know, right? It’s almost as if food is subjective.

See the real house from A Christmas Story.

This was first on my Cleveland to-do list, but I realize some of you didn’t grow up with A Christmas Story on TNT during their 24-hour marathons every Christmas Eve. If you did, I feel like we could be friends.

I have a complete review of our visit if you’re on the fence about visiting the real house where the movie was filmed.

Spoiler alert: I loved it. If you’re lucky, you can even put on the bunny suit!

Visit The Rowley Inn to talk about what just happened.

This place is 100 years old, a reason why it should make your list anyway if you’re dipping through town. It’s also right across the street from my favorite Cleveland attraction, the house from A Christmas Story. 

I think I may have mentioned that one to you already. I loved it, people.

In any case, The Rowley Inn is a neighborhood bar serving up comfort food the Cleveland way. Most importantly, they offer pierogi in a few different styles.

If you want to keep things on theme with A Christmas Story, you should order the meatloaf. 

Fun fact: The pub was also featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. If you wish to eat as he did, you’ll want to order the “Loco Moski,” a twist on Hawaiian loco moco that features pierogi. I told you Cleveland loves its Polish food.

You can also just drink here, too. All of that is allowed.

Explore Tremont, Cleveland’s best neighborhood.

We stayed in Tremont during our first trip to Cleveland, and in my opinion, this is the city’s best neighborhood. If you’ve already visited the two Cleveland attractions above, you’ve seen some of Tremont’s highlights.

Walk through the center of Historic Tremont and you’ll be treated to some of Cleveland’s best watering holes, art galleries, and churches.

You should see the St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Cathedral looking over your stroll no matter where you are in Tremont. 

Take a break in lovely Lincoln Park, a green space that our pup Kimmy Kibbler very much enjoyed in between all of the excitement.

If you’re thirsty, the Hotz Cafe is known for its connection to Babe Ruth. This was his bar of choice when he was in town playing. The bar’s history goes so far back that The Great Bambino was using checks to pay for his bar tabs.

Eat more pierogi, an essential Cleveland food.

Clevelanders love their pierogi, and for that I love them. When a city is all about pierogi, I’m all about that city, and Cleveland is basically the land of pierogi.

READ MORE: If you’ve never been to Poland, start with Kraków.

If you’ve already been to The Rowley Inn, you may have already had a platter, but is there really such a thing as too much pierogi?

The Prosperity Social Club in Tremont does it right when it comes to those pillows of deliciousness. 

The neighborhood pub also makes excellent potato pancakes, boasts a substantial Belgian beer list, and offers patio seating when it’s not wintertime.

Fun fact: It’s also been operating at this site since 1938. That’s almost as impressive as its potato pierogi.

Enjoy the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.

The Towpath Trail, more officially known as the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, is a multi-use trail that runs 90 miles across four different Ohio counties. There are plans to expand it to cover 101 miles in the future.

The Cleveland portion offers a picturesque journey through Scranton Flats with views of downtown Cleveland.

If we had bikes we could have used them here, but it’s certainly still enjoyable if you want a nice walk or jog while you’re in town.

See the masters at the Cleveland Museum of Art.

I’m often in awe of the things you’re able to see for free if you know where to look. Well, now you know where to look.

It’s the Cleveland Museum of Art, home to works by big names like Monet, Manet, Picasso, Rothko, Warhol, O’Keeffe, and so many more.

The museum boasts three floors of exhibits for you to wander through. I loved the “glass box” displays because of the views you get onto University Circle below. 

Note that special exhibits may require a separate ticket. There was a special exhibit featuring the Impressionists during our visit, but we stuck to the free section and still felt quite pleased with ourselves.

Do the loop around Wade Lagoon.

We didn’t make it to the Wade Lagoon until our winter visit, but it made it no less lovely.

Get views of the Epworth-Euclid United Methodist Church and the Cleveland Museum of Art from the other side of this University Circle water feature with the full loop. The whole thing is under half a mile, so it’s not aggressive by any means.

I highly recommend it, even if it’s a little brisk outside.

Linger in University Circle.

We spent nearly two hours at the art museum, but if you hit the highlights and bounce (I don’t judge), you can spend some time at some of the other offerings in University Circle. 

The drive down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to get yourself there is one of the most scenic drives in the city, by the way. Take it all in. 

Here are a few more stops to squeeze in while in University Circle if you’re feeling ambitious or if you have more time in Cleveland:

• Cleveland Museum of Natural History: This one is an excellent option for natural history fans. You can visit the Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium & Ralph Mueller Observatory on the same trip.
• Cleveland Botanical Garden: Have yourself an urban escape with 10 acres of outdoor gardens. I love a good Japanese garden, so recommend you start there, but go where the flora leads you.
• Cleveland History Center of the Western Reserve Historical Society: Learn all kinds of fun facts about Cleveland at this stop or come ride the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel as part of your admission.

Pay your respects at Lake View Cemetery.

I love a historical cemetery, and Lake View Cemetery packs a historical punch. If you’re here in the warmer months, start with the James A. Garfield Memorial. 

The space features a sculpture of the assassinated president, stained glass windows, and the bronze caskets of Garfield and his wife. It was closed during our last visit for the winter season, but the golden dome looks stunning from the inside in image searches.

You can visit the John D. Rockefeller grave site no matter the season. The obelisk is easily recognizable once you get close, but if you’re driving up, just note any “no parking” signs before you leave your wheels behind.

Don’t leave without seeing The Haserot Angel. The eerie monument stands guard over the graves of the Haserot family. The angel, officially named The Angel of Death Victorious, was commissioned by local businessman Francis Haserot after his wife died.

More importantly for the ghost hunters out there, she looks like she’s crying. As I don’t really believe in that sort of thing, it’s more likely due to the effects of time and weather on the bronze materials used in the sculpture. 

I don’t want to tempt any hauntings, though. Believe whatever you’d like.

READ MORE: Love a good historical cemetery? New Orleans is lousy with them!

See where Superman was born.

The creators of the original Superman comic, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, lived less than a mile from one another when they were teens. You can see both of their homes if you visit Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood.

Note that these homes aren’t in the best part of town. I never felt unsafe, but it was shocking to see the current state of what was once a middle-class neighborhood.

I won’t get into the reasons for a lack of investment here, but I urge you to read about the failed plans for Glenville.

If you’re traveling with a fan of all things DC and Marvel, you’ll want to start with the Home of Superman at 10622 Kimberly Avenue. You’ll know you’re there when you see a plaque announcing this is the spot, complete with a large “S.” 

This is a private home, so take your photos and go on your merry way. Reviews describe the owners as very friendly — they totally play into the whole Superman thing with their decor — so you may be in for a treat if you visit on a sunny day.

Joe Shuster’s house is next. You’ll see it labeled as such on your map apps. You’ll know you’re at this once when you see metal fencing decorated with pages from the original Superman story. 

A drunk driver damaged some of the panels a while ago, but the Glenville Development Corp. and the Siegel and Shuster Society came up with grant money to replace them.

Nerd out at the Great Lakes Science Center.

If you’ve already been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or it doesn’t sound like a good time, the Great Lakes Science Center is less than a five-minute walk away from the hall.

Start with the NASA Glenn Visitor Center for interactive exhibits on all things space-related, including the Apollo Command Module.

If you visit in the warmer months, you can tack on a visit to the Steamship William G. Mather Museum, a floating maritime museum.

It’s an additional ticket on top of your general admission ticket to the Great Lakes Science Center. Buy both ahead of time if you’re planning a trip.

Note: This is different from the USS Cod Submarine Memorial near Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport. Visit because you love a good submarine tour or because you want to see the only vessel in the United States named after a cod. 

See the world’s largest rubber stamp in Willard Park.

Put the descriptor “world’s largest” in front of basically anything and I’ll be sure to make it there at some point in my travels.

In Cleveland’s case, you get the chance to visit the world’s largest rubber stamp, and she’s a beauty.

Head to Willard Park to see “The Free Stamp,” a 35-ton ton sculpture that has a bit of a controversial history. The word “free” refers to its original placement.

Initial plans were for the stamp to sit in front of the Sohio (Standard Oil of Ohio) building, directly across the street from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument.

That monument, topped with a statue of the Goddess of Freedom, commemorates soldiers killed during the Civil War. The stamp sculpture was a nod to that monument and the emancipation of the slaves after the war.

None of that sounds like it should be controversial, right?

When Sohio was taken over by British Petroleum (BP), the CEO didn’t love that passersby might take the stamp as a political statement related to the takeover. As such, the stamp was hidden away.

It lived in Illinois for years until local efforts brought it back in all its glory to Willard Park, a few blocks away from where it was originally intended to sit.

If you want a short stroll after, visit the Jesse Owens statue in nearby Fort Huntington Park. Owens wasn’t from Cleveland, but he moved to the city from Alabama in 1922.

Talk to the hand at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland.

We spent our art time at the Cleveland Museum of Art, but even so, you shouldn’t miss a trip to at least the outside of the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa) Cleveland.

There’s a giant hand on the lawn outside that you’ll want to see.

Upon arrival, I assumed it was related to the success of Wednesday on Netflix, but alas, a quick internet search informed me that I am an idiot.

The hand is actually a cast of the hand of artist Tony Tasset’s wife Judy. Did you get all of that? 

If the hand intrigued you enough to go inside, the museum is free and full of exhibits dedicated to celebrating the voices of contemporary artists.

Sample the treats at West Side Market.

West Side Market is Cleveland’s oldest public market. The first iteration opened in 1840, but it wasn’t until 1912 that it resembled the warehouse-style market it looks like today.

There are over 100 vendors here selling their wares.

We were here specifically for sweet treats, so we made a beeline for Vera’s Bakery. The international shop had kołaczki, my favorite Polish cookies, on display. It was an easy choice for this Pole.

If you want to taste-test desserts, the macarons at Euro Sweets also looked delectable.

You don’t need to enter into a sugar coma if you don’t want to while you’re there. There are meat, dairy, and fish counters, veggie stands, and prepped meals for you to try, too.

Hit the beach at Edgewater Park.

We visited in the fall and then again in the winter, so it wasn’t exactly swimsuit season. If you love scenic views, Edgewater Park is always in season. Walk the picturesque Edgewater Pier for views of Lake Erie that go on for days.

Continue the loop to Edgewater Park Beach whether it’s summer or ice season. We visited on a 40-degree December day, and the ice and snow pushing up against the shoreline were pretty darn pretty. 

Whiskey Island is on the other side. Visit Whiskey Island — it’s actually a peninsula — for views of the Historic Cleveland Coast Guard Station and the Whiskey Island Connector Trail. Wendy Park is popular for sand volleyball in the summer months. 

Bop around downtown Cleveland.

You’ve already hung out in the city’s downtown if you’ve been to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the Great Lakes Science Center. There’s plenty more where that came from if you want to spend more time exploring things to do in Downtown Cleveland.

Our biggest miss was the Terminal Tower Observation Deck, a filming location for Spider–Man 3. Hours at this attraction are limited, but if you time things right, you’ll be treated to the best views in the city from the 42nd floor of the building.

Pre-book tickets online ahead of your visit if you’re in Cleveland on a weekend.

If you want to get some shopping in or love good architecture, visit The Arcade. The indoor shopping mall was once known as Cleveland’s “Crystal Palace” thanks to its ornate design, modeled after galleries in Milan, Italy.

It was also the first building in Cleveland to get on the National Register of Historic Places.

Nearby Playhouse Square is the largest performing arts center outside of New York City. It’s composed of 11 different performance spaces. That includes the original five constructed in less than two years in the 1920s.

Playhouse Square is also home to the GE Chandelier, the largest outdoor chandelier in North America. You already know I’m all about the biggest things. It’s one of the more unique things to do in Cleveland.

Taste-test more Cleveland favorites.

There’s more to Cleveland than Reubens and Polish dumplings. We loved our visit to Butcher and the Brewer on 4th Street. They serve up a variety of fun snacks to share like kimchini, their take on fried kimchi balls, and mini corn dogs.

Here are a few more delicious places to eat if you’re trying to hunt down some grub:

• Il Rione: This pizzeria in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood is an easy add-on if you’re already visiting Edgewater Park. Hot honey is on the menu with their white Speck Pie. Their Diavolo is popular with meat eaters.
• Mabel’s BBQ: Head to this popular barbecue shop in downtown Cleveland for smoked meats cooked low and slow. If you want to honor Cleveland’s Polish community, try their sinful and smoky kielbasa.
• Rood: This one is in nearby Lakewood, but as it’s just a 15-minute drive from downtown Cleveland, I’ll allow it. Share a variety of their yummy apps like oyster mushroom tarts and carrot terrines or go big with a seasonal entree.

Take a Cleveland food tour.

I love a good city food tour, too. If you think similarly, here are a few highly-rated options:

Snack on something sweet.

If your evening doesn’t feel complete without a little something sweet before hitting the sack, here are a few options to treat any sweet tooth:

• Brewnuts: I’m not talking about savory nuts here. This one is both a brewpub and a small-batch donut shop. The donuts are the highlight here, as they reflect what the shop has on tap upon arrival.
• Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes: Fancy cakes, unique cupcake flavors, and macarons await at these Instagrammable cake shops. The flagship store is about a half-hour west of downtown Cleveland, but their holiday treats are worth the trek.
• Mason’s Creamery: If you’re here for something sweet on a hot summer day, try their small-batch ice cream. If you’re visiting in the chilly months, they’ll have ramen on the menu. I call that a win/win.

Brewery hop at Cleveland’s best breweries.

Cleveland has an excellent craft beer scene. If you’re as obsessed as I am with Pumking — I tried it for the first time at the best Denver beer festival — start with Southern Tier Brewing Company.

If you’re not lucky enough to be there in the early fall for the best pumpkin beer on the planet, their Frosted Sugar Cookie Ale in the winter months is a winner, too.

It’s a great spot if you’re looking for adult things to do in Cleveland, as I’m sure most adults love cookie-flavored beer.

Interested in a brew crawl? Great Lakes Brewing Company is pretty iconic in these parts.

They have a full menu on top of their rotating beer specials. Yes, you can get pierogi here. Their version includes braised pulled pork and pineapple chutney.

Noble Beast Brewing Co. was another brewery on our list that we wouldn’t get to, but I have some FOMO over missing out on their food menu. They go beyond pub grub here with grain bowls, farm-raised chicken, and quite a few vegetarian options.

Try the cocktail scene, too.

If you’re not here for the beer, check out these Cleveland cocktail bars:

• Cloak & Dagger: This cocktail bar in Tremont is on the east side of Lincoln Park, one of our favorite green spaces in Cleveland. Their concoctions here are meant to resemble magical potions.
• Porco Lounge & Tiki Room: You know you love a good tiki room. This one is likely an upgrade on most of the places you’ve been to that involve grass skirts and the like. You’ll only get fresh fruit juices here.
• Velvet Tango Room: Once you’re done perusing the extensive menu at this lounge, prepare for some of the best service in Cleveland. If you’re traveling deep and want to impress your friends, make a reservation for their Back Room.

Eat dinner in Little Italy.

I just shared all kinds of tipple spots for your Cleveland trip, but if it’s carbs you love, I’ve got you there, too. Enjoy an indulgent and authentic Italian meal in Cleveland’s Little Italy. It’s a super scenic part of town, too, so feel free to linger.

Here are my top Italian restaurants in Cleveland:

• Etna Ristorante & Wine Bar: A warm setting makes this neighborhood gem a favorite among locals who want a spot that feels like their nonna’s house. If you’re craving seafood, their seafood risotto is a medley of yum.
• La Dolce Vita: Little has changed at this eatery over the last 30 years, and regulars like it that way. Start with a comforting bowl of Italian wedding soup at this one, as it’s very much a destination-worthy hug in a bowl.
• Mia Bella Restaurant: This one is a bit more upscale than some of the other old-school spots in Cleveland’s Little Italy, but if you love to house fancy pasta on special occasions, you won’t find a better place.

Visit Severance Music Center.

Also known as Severance Hall, this concert and events center is home to the Cleveland Orchestra. We were only able to see it from the outside, but I’d love to come back for a tour of what looks to be an impressive interior or a show.

Visit this one on the campus of Case Western Reserve University.

Have some fun at the Superelectric Pinball Parlor.

Feel like a kid again (or just treat your actual children to an evening of fun) at the Superelectric Pinball Parlor.

Admission isn’t much for all-you-can-play vintage and modern games, so you could easily spend quite a bit of time here.

You don’t need reservations to pop in, but capacity is capped to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable time.

Visit Ohio’s only national park.

The supremely underrated Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just under half an hour from Cleveland. That makes it a super easy day trip to beautiful hikes and outdoor experiences that you won’t get in the city.

If that sounds pretty perfect, check out my detailed guide to visiting Cuyahoga.

See Cleveland at night.

I’m usually in bed before much evening revelry, but I do like to take in city lights from time to time. Cleveland does it right.

The North Coast Harbor, views along the Cuyahoga River, and Edgewater Park are all great spots to check out the Cleveland skyline and city lights after dark. If you’re not into the nightlife, it’s one of the best things to do in Cleveland at night.

More Things to Do in Cleveland

Even with several trips to Cleveland, we still have so much left to see on our Cleveland sightseeing bucket list. Who’s coming with me?

Here are a few things still on our list for what to do in Cleveland:

• Stroll the Cleveland Cultural Garden, a collection of over 30 gardens in tribute to different ethnic groups that have made the city what it is.
• Take in the views of Lake Erie on the Solstice Steps in nearby Lakewood, especially at sunset.
• Make the trip to Sandusky for the Cedar Point amusement park.
• Meet the weedy sea dragons at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
• Head to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo for over 180 acres of exhibit spaces.
• If you’re on a quest to tick off stadiums for every Major League Baseball team, visit Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Guardians.
• Learn all about the game-changers in aviation and space exploration at the International Women’s Air & Space Museum.
• Visit 78th Street Studios if you’re here on the third Friday of the month for open houses in the artist spaces.
• Explore the North Chagrin Reservation, about half an hour outside of town, for marshes, trails, and historical sites like Squire’s Castle.
• If that just wasn’t enough floral escapism for you, The Holden Arboretum in nearby Kirtland is about half an hour away from downtown Cleveland.

When to Visit Cleveland

The best time to visit Cleveland is in the fall. September and October in the Midwest are usually nice and mild with fewer tourists.

That said, Cleveland is the perfect weekend destination no matter what time of year you target, as there’s so much to do indoors. Our second trip was a post-snowstorm visit at the end of December, and the wintry scenery was pretty lovely.

There are lots of things to do indoors if the weather gets sketchy, but you know all of that already.

Where to Stay in Cleveland

Tremont is my preferred neighborhood for Cleveland trips. This two-bedroom is by A Christmas Story House, which is as ideal as it sounds.

Want to shop around? Check out the map below for Cleveland accommodations in Tremont and beyond:

Cleveland is a great city to visit.

Cleveland is a great place to visit because it ticks off so many boxes for travelers. It’s already well-known among music lovers, but it’s also a great trip for the outdoorsy, anyone into a great craft beer scene, and the museum lover. 

If you overlap with any of those, as I do, you should tick it up a few notches on your destination to-do list. Cleveland vibes are also very Midwestern, which this Chicago girl certainly appreciates.