Things to do in Cleveland

Cleveland, Ohio, packs a lot into one city. You can spend a morning at the West Side Market, an afternoon at the Great Lakes Science Center, and an eve…

Cleveland, Ohio, packs a lot into one city. You can spend a morning at the West Side Market, an afternoon at the Great Lakes Science Center, and an evening catching a show at Playhouse Square. The lakefront has parks and piers, while historic landmarks and museums add depth. It's a city where food, culture, and outdoor space overlap easily.

Start at the West Side Market, a 1912 public market with vendors selling meat, produce, bread, and hot food. For families, the Great Lakes Science Center has interactive exhibits and a giant-screen theater, while the House from A Christmas Story is a quirky museum stop. Outdoors, Edgewater Park and Wendy Park provide beach access, fishing, and trails. Music fans have options like Jacobs Pavilion and the Beachland Ballroom. Nightlife ranges from cocktail lounges to clubs, and casual spots like Mabel's BBQ and Flannery's Pub cover the food spectrum.

Frequently asked questions about Cleveland

What are the best outdoor places to visit in Cleveland?

Edgewater Park and Wendy Park are the main lakefront options, with beaches, fishing piers, and picnic areas. Voinovich Bicentennial Park has Lake Erie views and a festival stage, while Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse includes gardens and a greenhouse. Wade Oval hosts summer concerts and a winter ice rink.

Where can families take kids in Cleveland?

The Great Lakes Science Center has hands-on exhibits and a giant-screen theater. The House from A Christmas Story is a fun museum for older kids. Superelectric Pinball Parlor and Adrenaline Monkey Adventure Park are also family-friendly. Progressive Field has a kids' club and youth workshops on game days.

What are the top live music venues in Cleveland?

Jacobs Pavilion is a seasonal waterfront venue with about 5,000 seats. The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern is an old-school spot for local and touring acts. House of Blues Cleveland mixes live music with Southern-inspired food. The Foundry Concert Club hosts intimate shows, and Music Box Supper Club combines dining with concerts.

Where can I get good food in Cleveland?

The West Side Market is a great place to sample local vendors. For barbecue, Mabel's BBQ has a long bar and communal tables. The Bourbon Street Barrel Room serves New Orleans-inspired dishes. Butcher and the Brewer is a brewpub with housemade beers, and Flannery's Pub offers Irish comfort food.

What historical sites should I see in Cleveland?

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument is a Civil War memorial with bronze statues. The James A. Garfield Monument is a 180-foot tomb with an outdoor balcony. The USS Cod Submarine Memorial offers tours from May to September. The Arcade, opened in 1890, is an ornate indoor mall worth a look.

Things to do in Cleveland

SupermarketPhoto of Dave's Market & Eatery Midtown — SupermarketOur original photo

Dave's Market & Eatery Midtown

Long-running local chain market with groceries, seafood, in-store butchers & delis.

Cleveland, OH|4
Comedy ClubPhoto of Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant — Comedy Clubvia Google Maps

Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant

Presenting local comics & bigger names on tour, with a basic dinner menu served pre-show.

Cleveland, OH|5
Barbecue RestaurantPhoto of Mabel's BBQ — Barbecue Restaurant

Mabel's BBQ

Cool, bi-level, industrial-chic BBQ spot with communal tables & a long bar with many bourbons.

Cleveland, OH|4
Soul Food RestaurantPhoto of Zanzibar Soul Fusion — Soul Food Restaurant

Zanzibar Soul Fusion

Elegant eatery with sophisticated ambiance showcasing reinvented soul-food classics & cocktails.

Cleveland, OH|4
DeliPhoto of Slyman's Restaurant and Deli — DeliOur original photo

Slyman's Restaurant and Deli

Retro breakfast & lunch mainstay featuring hefty corned-beef sandwiches & other deli classics.

Cleveland, OH|5
Grocery StorePhoto of Giant Eagle Supermarket — Grocery StoreOur original photo

Giant Eagle Supermarket

Cleveland, OH|4
Nature PreservePhoto of Euclid Creek Reservation — Nature Preserve

Euclid Creek Reservation

City-managed parks on & near Lake Erie, featuring a beach, fishing, trails & seasonal sports.

Cleveland, OH|5
Tour AgencyPhoto of GOODTIME III — Tour Agency

GOODTIME III

Cleveland, OH|5
Shopping MallPhoto of The Arcade — Shopping MallOur original photo

The Arcade

Soaring, ornate indoor mall, opened in 1890, today housing the Hyatt hotel, shops & restaurants.

Cleveland, OH|4
SupermarketPhoto of Dave's Market & eatery Ohio City — SupermarketOur original photo

Dave's Market & eatery Ohio City

Long-running local chain market with groceries, seafood, in-store butchers & delis.

Cleveland, OH|4
Tourist AttractionPhoto of Cleveland Script Sign - Edgewater Park — Tourist Attraction

Cleveland Script Sign - Edgewater Park

Cleveland, OH|5
PlazaPhoto of Cleveland Public Square — PlazaOur original photo

Cleveland Public Square

Large landscaped city plaza with a memorial, a splash pad, a seasonal skating rink & food trucks.

Cleveland, OH|5
BrewpubPhoto of Butcher and the Brewer — Brewpub

Butcher and the Brewer

Industrial-chic brewpub serving a menu of carefully sourced American fare & housemade beers.

Cleveland, OH|5
Shopping MallPhoto of Westown Square — Shopping MallOur original photo

Westown Square

Cleveland, OH|4
Performing Arts TheaterPhoto of Agora Theater & Ballroom — Performing Arts Theater

Agora Theater & Ballroom

A live-music fixture with a rock-centric calendar, a bar & basic eats. Most shows are all ages.

Cleveland, OH|5
Cajun RestaurantPhoto of The Bourbon Street Barrel Room — Cajun Restaurant

The Bourbon Street Barrel Room

Vibrant restaurant with New Orleans–inspired decor & cuisine, plus 2 bars & rotating craft brews.

Cleveland, OH|5
Shopping MallPhoto of Westgate Shopping Center — Shopping MallOur original photo

Westgate Shopping Center

Cleveland, OH|4
Tourist AttractionPhoto of Museum of Illusions — Tourist AttractionOur original photo

Museum of Illusions

Cleveland, OH|5
RestaurantPhoto of Southern Tier Brewery Cleveland — Restaurant

Southern Tier Brewery Cleveland

Cleveland, OH|5
RestaurantPhoto of Punch Bowl Social — Restaurant

Punch Bowl Social

Cleveland, OH|4