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

American RestaurantPhoto of Barley House — American Restaurantvia Google Maps

Barley House

Lively spot for eclectic eats, beer & a post-10 PM bar scene with a dress code & bottle service.

Cleveland, OH|4
BarPhoto of Rocky River Brewing Co — BarOur original photo

Rocky River Brewing Co

Family-friendly gastropub with house beers & an updated menu of burgers, pizza, pasta & sandwiches.

Cleveland, OH|4
Bar & GrillPhoto of Muldoon's Saloon & Eatery — Bar & Grillvia Google Maps

Muldoon's Saloon & Eatery

Laid-back Irish bar with a large beer list, free popcorn & a varied menu including pizza & barbecue.

Cleveland, OH|4
Grocery StorePhoto of CleaveLand Grocers & Grill/Rumi's Market — Grocery Store

CleaveLand Grocers & Grill/Rumi's Market

Spacious market for produce, meats & imported pantry goods, plus sandwiches & Mediterranean mains.

Cleveland, OH|4
Fishing PierPhoto of Edgewater Pier — Fishing Pier

Edgewater Pier

Seasonal beach on Lake Erie with grills, picnic shelters, a playground, a snack bar & fishing pier.

Cleveland, OH|5
ParkPhoto of Wendy Park — Park

Wendy Park

Lakefront tree-lined park offering fishing & boating opportunities, plus volleyball courts.

Cleveland, OH|5
RestaurantPhoto of Fat Cats — Restaurant

Fat Cats

Funky hangout serving global small & large plates plus weekend brunch in a converted house.

Cleveland, OH|5
Irish RestaurantPhoto of Flat Iron Cafe — Irish Restaurantvia Google Maps

Flat Iron Cafe

Unpretentious brick-walled tavern offering burgers & other American fare, plus weekly live music.

Cleveland, OH|5
Italian RestaurantPhoto of Guarino's Restaurant | Italian — Italian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Guarino's Restaurant | Italian

Old-school Italian fare, like veal piccata & lasagna, in converted family home with Victorian decor.

Cleveland, OH|4
Asian RestaurantPhoto of Siam Cafe — Asian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Siam Cafe

Bright, casual standby for Asian fare, from Thai noodles to Chinese seafood, plus a full bar.

Cleveland, OH|4
DeliPhoto of Harvard Deli — Deli

Harvard Deli

Cleveland, OH|4
Shopping MallPhoto of 5th Street Arcades — Shopping Mall

5th Street Arcades

Cleveland, OH|4
Bar & GrillPhoto of The Clevelander Bar & Grill — Bar & Grillvia Google Maps

The Clevelander Bar & Grill

Upbeat option with sports on TV, plus pre-game & post-game specials when the Cleveland Indians play.

Cleveland, OH|4
MuseumPhoto of USS Cod Submarine Memorial — Museum

USS Cod Submarine Memorial

Open for tours from May 1 to September 30, this World War II-era sub honors fallen submariners.

Cleveland, OH|5
Lebanese RestaurantPhoto of Taza - a Lebanese Grill — Lebanese Restaurantvia Google Maps

Taza - a Lebanese Grill

Ritzy restaurant plating traditional Lebanese entrees, some made in a stone oven.

Cleveland, OH|4
Seafood RestaurantPhoto of Don's Lighthouse Grille — Seafood Restaurantvia Google Maps

Don's Lighthouse Grille

An American menu of steaks & seafood served in a historic, mahogany-&-copper-accented space.

Cleveland, OH|4
SupermarketPhoto of ALDI — Supermarketvia Google Maps

ALDI

Retail chain selling a range of grocery items, meat & dairy.

Cleveland, OH|4
RestaurantPhoto of The Lakehouse — Restaurant

The Lakehouse

Light & contemporary riverfront restaurant with a terrace & a modern menu including sharing plates.

Cleveland, OH|4
Amusement ParkPhoto of Memphis Kiddie Park — Amusement Park

Memphis Kiddie Park

Seasonal, child-centric amusement park with mini-golf & rides, including roller coasters & a train.

Cleveland, OH|5
Donut ShopPhoto of Brewnuts — Donut Shopvia Google Maps

Brewnuts

Sunlit shop offering local beer, coffee & beer-infused donuts in a lively, art-filled space.

Cleveland, OH|5