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

Shopping MallPhoto of Shaker Towne Centre — Shopping Mall

Shaker Towne Centre

Cleveland, OH|4
Performing Arts TheaterPhoto of KeyBank State Theatre — Performing Arts Theatervia Google Maps

KeyBank State Theatre

Stage for Broadway-style musicals, plays, dance performances & comedy acts in a historic space.

Cleveland, OH|5
Irish PubPhoto of The Harp — Irish Pubvia Google Maps

The Harp

Pub featuring a menu of traditional Irish & American fare plus live music & a patio with lake views.

Cleveland, OH|5
Asian Grocery StorePhoto of Park To Shop Supermarket — Asian Grocery Store

Park To Shop Supermarket

Cleveland, OH|4
RestaurantPhoto of Hecks Ohio City — Restaurantvia Google Maps

Hecks Ohio City

Gourmet American meals in a converted 18th-century townhouse with a charming vibe.

Cleveland, OH|5
Bar & GrillPhoto of Rowley Inn — Bar & Grill

Rowley Inn

Neighborhood watering hole since 1906 offering local beers & regional grub, plus arcade games & TVs.

Cleveland, OH|5
Comedy ClubPhoto of Hilarities 4th Street Theatre — Comedy Club

Hilarities 4th Street Theatre

Tiered 350-seat theater featuring local & national comedy acts plus cocktails & light eats.

Cleveland, OH|5
Shopping MallPhoto of Shops at Church Square — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Shops at Church Square

Cleveland, OH|4
RestaurantPhoto of Urban Kitchen & Deli — Restaurantvia Google Maps

Urban Kitchen & Deli

Easygoing, low-key outlet offering classic comfort food staples from pancakes to hummus to pasta.

Cleveland, OH|5
Performing Arts TheaterPhoto of Connor Palace — Performing Arts Theatervia Google Maps

Connor Palace

This ornate former vaudeville theater, built in 1922, presents live music, plays & comedy acts.

Cleveland, OH|5
Shopping MallPhoto of Asia Plaza — Shopping Mall

Asia Plaza

This straightforward complex features a grocery store & pharmacy, along with gift shops & eateries.

Cleveland, OH|4
Italian RestaurantPhoto of Mia Bella Restaurant — Italian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Mia Bella Restaurant

Italian fare & some Mediterranean dishes are presented in a quaint, muraled space with a full bar.

Cleveland, OH|5
Soul Food RestaurantPhoto of Angie's Soul Cafe — Soul Food Restaurant

Angie's Soul Cafe

No-frills fixture dishing up homestyle Southern favorites such as fried catfish & mac ’n’ cheese.

Cleveland, OH|4
Chinese RestaurantPhoto of Li Wah — Chinese Restaurant

Li Wah

Chinese fare, along with dim sum at lunch, served on white tablecloths in a traditional setting.

Cleveland, OH|4
French RestaurantPhoto of L'Albatros — French Restaurant

L'Albatros

Upscale, contemporary French destination with patio seating, cheese courses & wine.

Cleveland, OH|5
Soul Food RestaurantPhoto of Zanzibar Soul Fusion — Soul Food Restaurant

Zanzibar Soul Fusion

Cleveland, OH|4
BrewpubPhoto of Market Garden Brewpub & Pizza — Brewpubvia Google Maps

Market Garden Brewpub & Pizza

American gastropub with a patio, house beers, a distillery & a menu of creative sandwiches & tacos.

Cleveland, OH|5
Irish PubPhoto of Flannery's Pub — Irish Pub

Flannery's Pub

Irish-American watering hole with hearty comfort food, Imperial pints & live entertainment.

Cleveland, OH|4
Italian restaurantPhoto of Trattoria Roman Garden — Italian restaurantvia Google Maps

Trattoria Roman Garden

Casual restaurant & bar with a menu of Italian faves & jars of its signature sauce & salsa for sale.

Cleveland, OH|5
Department StorePhoto of Forman Mills — Department Storevia Google Maps

Forman Mills

Warehouse-style chain selling clothing & shoes for men, women & kids at discounted prices.

Cleveland, OH|4