Visiting Cleveland for the first time? Here’s a quick guide to “The Rock and Roll Capital of the World.”
Where to go
There’s something for everyone at Cleveland, from art lovers to sports enthusiasts. Don’t miss these attractions:
- Cleveland Museum of Art – The museum hosts rotating exhibits and special events throughout the year. Learn about German Expressionism and Cambodian sculpture. Attend a lecture or a film screening. Join Parade the Circle, the museum’s signature event that takes place each summer.
- Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum – Northeast Ohio was a major hub for the automobile industry, and the Crawford Auto-Aviation museum captures this chapter in the region’s history through wonderful exhibits. Here you’ll find over 140 antique cars on display, in addition to aircrafts, carriages, and sleighs.
- Cleveland Orchestra – Counted among the world’s finest orchestras, Cleveland’s ensemble of musicians performs at Severance Hall from September to May, and at the Blossom Music Center on summer weekends for the Blossom Music Festival.
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame – The hall of fame celebrates the contributions of musicians who have made an impact on the rock genre. View exhibits on the Beatles, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, and more.
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo – Meet the bears, tigers, snakes, and other animals who reside at the zoo. Other highlights include the Circle of Life Carousel and the Boomerang Line.
- Cleveland Botanical Garden – Explore the exquisite gardens that make up this popular outdoor attraction. Drop by the Japanese Garden and admire the blooms at the Mary Ann Sears Swetland Rose Garden. Don’t miss their annual Orchid Mania show, which runs from late January to early March this year.
- Progressive Field – Watch a baseball game at Progressive Field, home of the Cleveland Indians. This world-class sports facility also features a two-story bar called The Corner, which serves snacks and drinks.
- West Side Market – Cleveland’s oldest publicly owned market dates back to 1840 and is home to over 100 vendors selling meats, vegetables, dairy goods, flowers, and ready-to-eat food. Take a moment to admire the historic yellow brick market house and the 137-foot clock tower that used to serve as the city’s landmark.
Where to eat
East 4th Street in Downtown Cleveland is packed with world-class restaurants that serve Italian, New American, Vietnamese, and Mexican fare. Here are some of the city’s hottest dining spots:
- Ristorante Chinato – Helmed by acclaimed chef and restaurateur Zack Bruell, Chinato serves mouth-watering Italian dishes like risotto Milanese, red wine sausage, and more.
- Butcher & the Brewer – Known for serving memorable New American dishes and craft beers, this pub’s industrial chic décor makes it the perfect hangout spot on a Friday or Saturday night.
- Lola Bistro – The menu consists of grilled lamb sausage, baby scallops, and other fantastic New American offerings. The restaurant also boasts an impressive wine menu.
- Pickwick & Frolic – This Italian restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas and grilled meats. They also put on comedy shows and burlesque acts to keep diners entertained.
Check out the This is Cleveland website for more dining and entertainment options.