Why Go to Cleveland
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Cleveland has given the world far more than LeBron James and Halle Berry. This Lake Erie city was an industrial powerhouse whose steel helped build modern America, and it's still a center of manufacturing today. It may not be the first city that comes to mind for a vacation, but it deserves a spot on your list. It's a food lover's city, an outdoor playground and a place that has been transforming itself, with new hotels, great restaurants and revitalized parks and neighborhoods.
Cleveland has big-city energy with a small-town feel. More than 23,000 acres of parks and nature preserves offer easy escapes, and Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just a short drive away. Rock fans won't want to miss the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on the lakefront, and the Cleveland Museum of Art is world-class and free to visit. The walkable downtown is full of grand classical architecture, and sports fans can cheer on the Browns, Guardians and Cavaliers.
I'll plan a weekend that mixes music, art, food and the outdoors, with a hotel close to the action.
BEST FOR
Music fans, museum lovers, foodies and sports travelers
BEST MONTHS
May–October
EXPLORE
Downtown is home to major venues and the lakefront; Ohio City and Tremont have dining and historic streets; University Circle gathers leading museums.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Cleveland
North America › Midwest › USA › Ohio
Lake Erie culture, legendary music and lively neighborhoods
Lake & River
Rock & Roll
Museums
Sports
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Pair the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with lakefront time, then visit West Side Market when its vendors are operating; check individual market hours before you go.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Allow a few hours for the galleries; combine your visit with the nearby lakefront.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
On the Lake Erie shoreline, this museum celebrates performers, songs and artifacts that shaped generations of rock and popular music.
Visit the surrounding Wade Oval cultural district while you are in University Circle.
Cleveland Museum of Art
A major collection in University Circle spans centuries and continents, from classical works to contemporary art.
Go hungry and check market operating days before making the trip.
West Side Market
An atmospheric historic food market in Ohio City offers meat, produce, baked goods and specialty foods.
Wear walking shoes and allow a substantial portion of the day.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
A large zoo set among wooded grounds features animal habitats and family attractions.
Plan a separate outing; trail conditions vary with weather.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Wooded trails, waterfalls and historic scenery lie a short drive south of the city.
A historic hotel overlooking Public Square, convenient for transit, central restaurants and downtown sightseeing. Check current room choices and parking before booking.
Hotel Cleveland, Autograph Collection
Downtown / Public Square
City
A large downtown hotel adjoining the convention center and near the lakefront, useful for conferences, sports and museum trips. Check event-driven demand.
Hilton Cleveland Downtown
Downtown / Convention Center
City
A hotel within Cleveland’s landmark Arcade building, appealing to guests who enjoy historic architecture and easy pedestrian access to downtown venues.
Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade
Downtown / Historic Arcade
City
A contemporary hotel near downtown entertainment and sports venues, suited to visitors seeking an urban, design-forward base. Confirm parking and room selections.
Metropolitan at The 9
Downtown / East Ninth Street
Boutique · City
A boutique hotel in central Cleveland, convenient for theater, dining and sports outings. Confirm any applicable parking fees and event-related traffic.
Kimpton Schofield Hotel
Downtown / East Ninth and Euclid
Boutique · City
A French Gothic mansion inn near the art museum.
Glidden House
University Circle
Boutique
A central hotel with Lake Erie views.
The Westin Cleveland Downtown
Downtown
City
A good-value hotel with free breakfast and evening snacks.
Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown
Downtown
Value · Family
A modern, good-value hotel near the river.
Aloft Cleveland Downtown
Flats East Bank
Value · City
A central hotel connected to Key Tower.
Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Tower
Public Square
City · Family
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Cleveland
High 50°F · Low 36°F · Rain 3.6 in
Holiday lights begin around Public Square.
Late spring to early fall is comfortable for waterfront walks and neighborhood exploring. Winter brings snow and cold winds off Lake Erie, making museums especially appealing.
Best Times to Visit Cleveland
WHEN TO GO
06
Regional Rail and Day Trips
Amtrak serves Cleveland on selected routes, and the wider region is more easily explored by car. Verify train arrival times.
05
Waterfront and Downtown Walking
Downtown attractions are walkable in clusters, but the university museum district and other neighborhoods require a separate ride.
04
RTA Rail and Buses
Greater Cleveland RTA operates rail and bus routes. Check the airport rail link and service to museums or lakefront destinations.
03
Airport Transfer
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport has rail and road connections to downtown. Verify your terminal and service hours.
02
Sightseeing by neighborhood
Pair the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with lakefront time, then visit West Side Market when its vendors are operating; check individual market hours before you go.
01
Arriving & airport transfers
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport connects to downtown via the RTA Red Line. Downtown sights can be explored on foot, while rail, buses or rideshares help reach Ohio City and University Circle.
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport connects to downtown via the RTA Red Line. Downtown sights can be explored on foot, while rail, buses or rideshares help reach Ohio City and University Circle.
Getting Around Cleveland