Why Cleveland?
From renowned cultural institutions to vibrant neighborhoods, inspired food and beverage offerings, action-packed sports and indie shops and art galleries, engaging experiences can be found around almost every corner in Cleveland.
Located on the southern shore of the shallowest and warmest of the Great Lakes, Cleveland’s residents are surrounded by nature – both in the city’s center and in its suburbs. With 55,000 acres of parkland between the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the region’s metro park system, affectionately known as the “Emerald Necklace,” opportunities abound for urban outdoor adventure or quieter communing with nature.
Culture
When you think of Cleveland, your mind might not automatically go to our performance arts and many museums. But while you’re in Cleveland, take a little time to soak in our artistic offerings.
University Circle
Right next to Cleveland Clinic's campus is University Circle, the center of Cleveland's cultural life. Encompassing 525 acres, the University Circle area contains the greatest concentration of museums, cultural activities and churches in the United States.
Cleveland Museum of Art
The Cleveland Museum of Art houses one of the most highly acclaimed art collections in the world and several other museums. Wander the halls and take in the beautiful collection.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Do you love rock and roll? Located downtown on the bank of Lake Erie, Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recognizes and archives the history of many of rock music's best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers and other notable figures.
Great Lakes Science Center
Featuring hundreds of hands-on exhibits, themed traveling exhibitions, daily demonstrations, the awe-inspiring OMNIMAX® Theater and the steamship William G. Mather, Great Lakes Science Center is one of the nation’s leading science and technology centers. It’s also home to Northeast Ohio’s NASA Glenn Visitor Center.
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in North America. The Museum features a planetarium, observatory, discovery center, live animal shows, as well as a wildlife center and woods garden highlighting native Ohio flora and fauna.
Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Founded in 1968, the Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is recognized nationally and internationally for its vital and creative exhibitions and public programs.
Cleveland Orchestra
The internationally renowned Cleveland Orchestra plays at Severance Hall during the fall, winter and spring and at Blossom Music Center — an outdoor amphitheater — during the summer.
Performing Arts
Visitors can follow the massive, outdoor chandelier to Playhouse Square — the city’s home base for performing arts. Illuminated marquees and opulent theaters, including five restored to their grand 1920s splendor, welcome guests to the largest performing arts center outside of New York City. The center is home to a number of performing companies including The Cleveland Playhouse and Great Lakes Theater Festival (where Tom Hanks got his start). Cleveland is also home to Karamu House, the nation’s oldest producing Black theatre.
The Outdoors
There’s nothing like exploring the great outdoors — and Cleveland has a lot to offer when you head outside.
Cleveland Metroparks & Cuyahoga Valley National Park
With Lake Erie in its front yard and a National Park in its backyard, residents and visitors to Cleveland can easily escape the hustle and bustle of city life. From watersports to hiking and biking, opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors can be found in the 33,000-acre Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the 23,000 acres of the Cleveland Metroparks and along the shore of the Lake Erie and the banks of the Cuyahoga River.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Explore a beautifully landscaped Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, just minutes from downtown Cleveland and the airport. The zoo is home to nearly 3,000 animals from around the world.
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Cleveland Botanical Garden is home to 10 acres of beautiful outdoor gardens and an 18,000-square-foot glasshouse featuring a Costa Rican rainforest full of lush plants, butterflies and birds, as well as to the spiny desert of Madagascar. You’ll see prickly plants, out-of-the-ordinary blooms and wonderfully weird plants and animals. If the weather is right, wander the outdoor gardens while you’re there.
Neighborhoods
From diverse eateries to indie art galleries, Cleveland’s diverse neighborhoods offer many ways for visitors to get the authentic Cleveland experience.
Downtown Cleveland
Downtown Cleveland's walkable streets, dynamic waterfronts and authentic culture complement the city’s well preserved architecture and modern buildings. All three of the city’s professional sports teams play their home games in stadiums downtown, and entertainment and nightlife options are many, including the JACK Cleveland Casino, the House of Blues and the Pickwick and Frolic Restaurant and Club.
Ohio City
One of Cleveland's oldest neighborhoods, Ohio City is a culturally rich community with an exciting nightlife and an eclectic offering of delicious restaurants. Make sure to check out the many interesting vendors at West Side Market.
Cedar-Fairmount
Cedar-Fairmount is the gateway to Cleveland Heights. Located only minutes from Cleveland Clinic, this lovely neighborhood with its beautiful architecture and stunning green space offers a variety of award-winning restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries and specialty foods.
The Flats
The Flats enjoys a rich history that began in the late 18th century and now attracts millions of visitors to the east and west banks of the Cuyahoga River. Two outdoor concert venues — the Warner Amphitheater and Nautica Pavilion — are just two of the fun entertainment options in this neighborhood.
Gateway District and East 4th Street
The historic Gateway District offers a variety of retail stores, major league sports venues, hotels, restaurants and entertainment options, including the JACK Cleveland Casino, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an improv comedy club and the House of Blues.
Little Italy
Little Italy is the center of Italian culture in Greater Cleveland. Its unique mix of galleries, restaurants, bakeries and private art galleries makes it one of Cleveland’s most popular locations. During the second weekend of August, the streets of Little Italy are packed with Italian food vendors, rides and a parade celebrating the Feast of the Assumption Festival.
Tremont
Tremont’s architectural gems demonstrate its rich cultural heritage. Located on the ridge directly above “The Flats,” Tremont offers fine dining, charming shops and an excellent view of downtown Cleveland and the Cuyahoga River. The area has become a favorite site for artists’ studios and galleries.
Warehouse District
Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1982, the Warehouse District is home to a unique mix of restaurants, galleries, shops, businesses and nightclubs. Many of the old warehouses have now been transformed into loft-style condos and apartments.
Resources
Discover much more of Cleveland and its suburbs using these resources:
