Top Things To Do In Cleveland

Cleveland is a hub of musical attractions and performance. It may be known as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Capital of the World, but it’s also home to one of the best classical orchestras in the country. Music fans can learn about the history of popular music at the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, a rock-themed museum with live performances and exhibits about rock legends, pop superstars, and one-hit-wonders. Keep reading to learn about some of the best things to do, places to be, and sights to see in Cleveland.

Heritage Walk: Scenic Guided Tour of Cleveland
Heritage Walk: Scenic Guided Tour of Cleveland
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3.0
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2 ratings
$239.51
Heritage Walk: Scenic Guided Tour of Cleveland
One GA Ticket to Fantasia & Joe at Jacobs Pavilion on 6/16/23 at 7 p.m.
Fantasia and Joe at Jacobs Pavilion
2014 Sycamore St, Cleveland
$124.50 $52.67
58% discount_off
Fantasia at Jacobs Pavilion on June 16, 2023
520+ bought
Two Rookie or Pro Kart Races for One, Two, or Four at Airport Go-Karts (Up to 44% Off)
Up to 44% Off Rookie or Pro Kart Races at Airport Go-Karts
16208 Brookpark Road, Cleveland8.2 mi
4.6
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427 ratings
$16 $13$10.66
 Sale Ends 6/10
Two Rookie Kart Races for One
Up to 59% Off on Glassblowing/Stained Glass Class at Ohio City Glass
Up to 59% Off on Glassblowing Class at Ohio City Glass
3700 Clark Avenue, Cleveland2.1 mi
4.4
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412 ratings
$150 $90$73.80
 Sale Ends 6/10
Introduction to Glassblowing for One
Two-Week Rock Climbing Trial Membership for One or Two at NOSOTROS Rock Climbing Gym (Up to 91% Off)
Up to 91% Off Climbing Trial at NOSOTROS Rock Climbing Gym
2020 Euclid Ave, Cleveland1.0 mi
4.8
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116 ratings
$190 $25$20.50
 Sale Ends 6/10
Two-Week Rock Climbing Trial Membership for One Person
Rebelution with Special Guests Iration and DJ Mackle on July 2, 2023 at 8 p.m.
Rebelution with Special Guests Iration and DJ Mackle
2014 Sycamore St, Cleveland
$43 $33.33
22% discount_off
Rebelution at Jacobs Pavilion on July 2, 2023
60+ bought
Online Booking - Round of Golf at 428 Athletics
Online Booking - Round of Golf at 428 Athletics
26361 Curtiss Wright Parkway, Cleveland11.6 mi
4.8
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6 ratings
$13
Tee Times
Parkway Drive: Monsters of Oz Tour W/ The Amity Affliction, Northlane, Make Them Suffer on September 22 at 7:00 pm
Parkway Drive
2014 Sycamore St, Cleveland
$46.24 $39.33
15% discount_off
Parkway Drive on September 22 at 7:00 pm
10+ bought
Cleveland Original Brew Tour for Two or Three from City Brew Tours (Up to 43% Off)
Up to 43% Off Original Brew Tour from City Brew Tours
1111 Lakeside Avenue East, Cleveland0.6 mi
4.6
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5 ratings
$218 $155$127.10
 Sale Ends 6/10
Cleveland Original Brew Tour for Two; Valid Wednesday or Thursday

In addition to live performances, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame is also home to a giant glass pyramid and the largest collection of music memorabilia in the world. For something a little mellower, take a peek at the 45,000 pieces of artwork housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art.

To experience more of the best things to do near Cleveland, consider:

  • Checking out Bono’s guitar in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame
  • Walking along the banks of the Cuyahoga River
  • Visiting the exhibits in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History
  • The Cleveland Orchestra, one of the original “big five” orchestras
  • Gazing at works by Andy Warhol and Jim Hodges in the Museum of Contemporary Art

Events in ClevelandView All

One GA Ticket to Fantasia & Joe at Jacobs Pavilion on 6/16/23 at 7 p.m.
Fantasia and Joe at Jacobs Pavilion
2014 Sycamore St, Cleveland
$124.50 $52.67
58% discount_off
Fantasia at Jacobs Pavilion on June 16, 2023
520+ bought
Rebelution with Special Guests Iration and DJ Mackle on July 2, 2023 at 8 p.m.
Rebelution with Special Guests Iration and DJ Mackle
2014 Sycamore St, Cleveland
$43 $33.33
22% discount_off
Rebelution at Jacobs Pavilion on July 2, 2023
60+ bought
Parkway Drive: Monsters of Oz Tour W/ The Amity Affliction, Northlane, Make Them Suffer on September 22 at 7:00 pm
Parkway Drive
2014 Sycamore St, Cleveland
$46.24 $39.33
15% discount_off
Parkway Drive on September 22 at 7:00 pm
10+ bought
Dreamsonic 2023 on July 8 at 7 p.m.
Dreamsonic 2023 - Up to 15% Off
2014 Sycamore St, Cleveland
$46.24 $39.33
15% discount_off
Dreamsonic 2023 Dream Theater Devin Townsend Animals As Leaders Jacobs Pavilion Cleveland 2023
9 bought
Hot Summer Nights with TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue and Sean Kingston on June 21 at 7 p.m.
TLC, Shaggy, En Vogue and Sean Kingston - Up to 43% Off
1145 West Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls
$35.30 $20
43% discount_off
Events at Blossom Music Center on June 21, 2023
1,000+ bought
Save Now. Single- or Two-Day Admission to Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay (Up to 27% Off)
Admission to Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay (Up to 27% Off)
937 Phillips Lane, Louisville
4.6
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568 ratings
$54.99 $39.99
27% discount_off
Single-Day Admission
Pentatonix – The World Tour with special guest Lauren Alaina on August 17 at 8 p.m.
Pentatonix – The World Tour with Lauren Alaina – Up to 39% Off
1145 West Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls
$41.30 $25
39% discount_off
Pentatonix - The World Tour with special guest Lauren Alaina on August 17 at 8 p.m.
920+ bought
SeaWorld Orlando Admission with Dining Option, or 2, 3 or Unlimited SeaWorld Park Visits (Up to 57% Off)
Up to 57% Off Admission to SeaWorld Orlando
7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando
4.7
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1,509 ratings
$134.99 $57.99
57% discount_off
*FLASH SALE* SeaWorld Orlando Single-Day Admission Ticket: Valid 365 Days from Purchase
Experience the World from a New Perspective at One World Observatory - Your Iconic Landmark Destination!
The City from Above: One World Observatory's Spectacular Skyline Views
285 Fulton Street, New York
4.7
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7,481 ratings
$48 $33
31% discount_off
Standard Admission Experience for One Adult (Ages 13–64)

Cleveland is a city of firsts. It was the first city to be lit by electricity, it’s home to the first traffic light, and it still houses the first indoor shopping center in the country.

Some other attractions near Cleveland include:

  • The house featured in the pop-culture classic, “A Christmas Story”
  • The westside market, Cleveland’s oldest open-air market
  • Michael Jackson’s Thriller Mask, located in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame
  • USS Cod Submarine, a retired Navy submarine that offers guided tours
  • Cedar Point, an amusement park with a rollercoaster that reaches speeds up to 120 miles per hour

Cleveland is home to its fair share of local traditions, but the Polish Boy is one of the most iconic traditions of all. This kielbasa sandwich typically includes French fries, coleslaw, and barbecue sauce.

Other exciting Cleveland staples include:

  • Visiting Little Italy for a taste of Italian culture
  • Sipping on a craft beer from Great Lakes Brewing Company
  • Listening to a live musical performance at the House of Blues
  • Cooling down with a signature sundae from East Coast Custard
  • Grabbing a bite to eat at Town Hall, a sustainable café with organic entrees, unique cocktails, and freshly ground coffee

As one of the largest cities in the state, Cleveland is no stranger to nightlife. For high culture, buy a ticket to an opera, ballet, or Broadway musicals in Playhouse Square. For something more low key, head downtown for clubs, pubs, and bars.

Nighttime activities near Cleveland include:

  • The Hard Rock Casino
  • The Cleveland Aquarium, which offers private sleepovers
  • The Horseshoe Casino, the first and most extravagant casino in Ohio
  • Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center outside New York City
  • The Velvet Tango Room, an upscale restaurant featuring live jazz performances

With multiple children’s museums and waterparks, Cleveland makes it easy to find activities for the whole family.

A few of the best family-friendly things include:

  • The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, a sprawling 183 acres of fun
  • The Memphis Kiddie Park, a small carnival with 11 kid-friendly rides
  • The Cleveland Children’s Museum, full of educational exhibits for kids of all ages
  • Melt Bar and Grilled, a grilled cheese-themed restaurant with multiple locations
  • Lake Metroparks Farmpark, a working farm with exhibits on milking, sheep-herding, and more

Built in 1890, the Arcade is one of the first indoor shopping centers in the U.S. This marvel of iron and glass houses several restaurants, retailers, and boutiques. The West Side Market is also a great place for shopping and dining.

Other indoor activities in Cleveland include:

  • The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, featuring classic cars and airplanes
  • The Cathedral of Saint John, a church with awe-inspiring architecture
  • The Great Lakes Science Center, a museum dedicated to the local flora and fauna
  • The International Women’s Air & Space Museum, an educational facility about the impact of women on aviation and space travel
  • The Western Reserve Historical Society, the oldest cultural institution in northeast Ohio

Cleveland is home to several metroparks and outdoor recreational centers. The 3,600 acre Holden Arboretum includes more than 20 miles of trails, while the Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers rock formations and waterfalls.

Some of the best outdoor activities in Cleveland include:

  • Hiking through Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a short drive from the city
  • Ogling at the biggest outdoor chandelier and rubber stamp in the world
  • Viewing the monumental tomb of President Garfield
  • Visiting all 18 Cleveland metroparks, known collectively as the “emerald ring”
  • Exploring the Holden Arboretum, one of the largest botanical gardens in the country

FAQs about things to do in Cleveland:

What are some popular tourist attractions in Cleveland, Ohio?

  • Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: This popular museum, located on the shores of Lake Erie, is a great place to learn about the history of rock and roll music. The museum has a variety of exhibits, including a collection of historic musical instruments and costumes.
  • Explore the Cleveland Museum of Art: This museum, located in the University Circle neighborhood, is home to a collection of over 60,000 works of art, ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary paintings. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
  • Take a stroll through the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: This popular zoo, which is located on the outskirts of the city, is home to a variety of animals, including gorillas, elephants, and polar bears. The zoo also has a number of special exhibits, including a rainforest and a desert.
  • Go for a hike at the Cleveland Metroparks: This park system, which encompasses over 21,000 acres of land, offers a variety of hiking trails, as well as picnicking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. The parks are a great place to enjoy the beauty of nature in Cleveland.
  • Visit the West Side Market: This popular market, which is held on Saturdays and Sundays, is a great place to find locally grown produce, baked goods, and other goods. The market is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, and is a great way to support local businesses.
  • Check out the Cleveland Orchestra: This professional orchestra, which is based in Cleveland, performs a variety of classical and popular music. Attending a concert is a great way to experience the city's thriving arts scene.

What are some fun things to do in Cleveland for families?
Some fun things to do in Cleveland for families include visiting the Great Lakes Science Center, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Families can also take a ride on the historic Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel or go for a ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Cleveland?
Some outdoor activities to do in Cleveland include hiking and biking in the Cleveland Metroparks, visiting the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, and taking a walk or jog along the Lakefront Nature Preserve or the Towpath Trail. Cleveland also has several golf courses and marinas where visitors can go fishing or boating.

Are there any popular sports teams in Cleveland?
Yes, Cleveland is home to several popular sports teams, including the Cleveland Browns (NFL), Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), and Cleveland Indians (MLB).

Are there any good places to eat in Cleveland?
Yes, Cleveland has a diverse food scene with many options for visitors to choose from. Some popular places to eat in Cleveland include the West Side Market, a historic public market with over 100 vendors selling a variety of food, the Great Lakes Brewing Company, a brewpub that serves beer and food made from local ingredients, and Lola, a popular American bistro.