Oh hi, Ohio! Your Cleveland Travel Guide
Looking for a fresh perspective on North America? Swap the well-trodden paths of tourist-magnet cities for Ohio’s hidden gem with our Cleveland travel guide
Savvy travellers looking for stunning architecture and culinary innovation are increasingly turning their gaze to the Midwest. On the eastern side of the region, Cleveland has quietly transformed itself from an industrial powerhouse to a vibrant cultural hub.
With world-class museums, a burgeoning Rust Belt chic aesthetic and a foodie scene that punches far above its weight, Cleveland is an excellent choice for someone looking for something totally different on their next transatlantic trip.
Image courtesy of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Get to know the Forest City
Sitting on the southern shore of Lake Erie, Cleveland is emerging from its industrial past to enjoy a modern revival. The city is a unique blend of Gilded Age grandeur and gritty, creative energy. And it’s one of the best hidden gem U.S. cities to visit right now.
Stately boulevards contrast with intimate leafy streets of historic neighbourhoods like Ohio City and Tremont. Speaking of leafy, the city’s nickname The Forest City is well-earned, with one of the most extensive networks of parks in the States.
If you’re a regular visitor to other major North American cities, you’ll love the lack of pretension in Cleveland – it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The pace is also refreshing, markedly less frenetic than coastal metropolises, letting you make a deeper connection with local culture.
Whether you explore the towering skyscrapers of Downtown Cleveland or the vibrant arts scene of the Gordon Square Arts District, you’ll find a city that’s historic yet forward-looking. And this Cleveland travel guide will help you make the most of your trip.
What you need to see
Whether you’re spending a few weeks in Ohio or are heading for a quick Cleveland weekend trip, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is always worth a visit. Undoubtedly one of Ohio’s biggest attractions, it’s a must for music fans. And as exhibits are constantly refreshed, it gives you an excuse to go back for more on your next getaway!
The Cleveland Museum of Art is another gem to visit. It’s free to enter and will mesmerise with a collection spanning 6,000 years of human history. The place itself is a work of art, boasting a contemporary glass-enclosed atrium on a Georgian marble Beaux Arts building.
Another stunning structure well worth seeing is The Arcade, one of America’s first indoor shopping malls. This five-story glass-topped structure dating from 1890 is adorned with ornate ironwork and is still in use today, housing boutiques, restaurants and even a luxury hotel.
If you want to veer a little off the beaten track, Cleveland certainly has a quirky side too… Hop on your broomsticks for a visit to the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft to explore the link between folklore and the occult. Or spend an afternoon in the 78th Street Studios, a self-proclaimed “eclectic arts maze” for a flavour of what the state’s artists are creating right now.
On the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland is picturesque, unassuming and a whole lot of fun
Image courtesy of the Cleveland Museum of Art
Feeling hungry?
If you’re anything like us, food is a highlight of any trip. Cleveland’s food scene more than delivers on that front, with a focus on locally produced fare.
Every Cleveland travel guide has to include the century-old West Side Market. It’s the city’s culinary heart with vendors selling everything from artisanal cheese to Ohio maple syrup. And if you’re feeling a little homesick, treat yourself to a taste of Éire at Reilly’s Irish Bakery!
When you need to take the weight off, you’ll want to sniff out the best restaurants in Cleveland. Is there anything better than an all day brunch spot? We don’t think so. Lucky’s Cafe is going to answer your prayers with delights from gingerbread waffles to its signature Reuben.
Head over to Astoria for anything from a few nibbles to a full meal. If you’re looking for a bargain, don’t miss their happy hour for the perfect late lunch or early dinner.
Comfort food is the name of the game in Butcher and the Brewer, where you can enjoy house-brewed beer, pork belly bites, warm pretzels and a laidback atmosphere. Or indulge in Cleveland-style barbecue over at Mabel’s BBQ, with cuts cooked over local fruitwood and finished with a signature mustard sauce.
And if you want a real treat, look no further than Cordelia’s famous Bellie Up Tasting Menu.
Enjoy 40 winks here…
One thing we love about this city is the number of boutique hotels in beautiful historic buildings. It’s hard to pick just one for our Cleveland travel guide, so here are three standouts.
Only open since 2025, Fidelity Hotel has already earned a coveted Michelin Key for its blend of historic charm and modern luxury. The Schofield is another favourite, where you can stay in a beautifully restored 1902 building with plenty of playful touches.
If you’re looking for a more contemporary vibe, the Metropolitan at the 9 is the place to be. Have a nightcap at the rooftop bar or enjoy a drink in the Vault – a sophisticated cocktail lounge in the building’s original bank vaults!
Cleveland travel guide to getting around
Navigating Cleveland is surprisingly easy. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is connected to downtown via the RTA Red Line. Hop on a train and you should be in the heart of the city in about 25 minutes.
This compact size of the city means a lot of attractions are within easy walking distance, with some neighbours a short bus or train ride away. Before you land, download the Transit App and make planning public transport in Cleveland a cinch.
Although if you’re thinking about a daytrip to explore the wider region, renting a car makes sense. And believe us, there’s a lot to explore outside the city limits…
Beyond the city
Cleveland is a city that will certainly keep you busy, but you’ll see a completely different side to Ohio when you venture out on a daytrip or two.
Just 30 minutes south of the city, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is Ohio’s only national park. Head here for a bit of peace with miles of hiking trails and the breathtaking Brandywine Falls. At certain times of the year, you can also take a step back in time with a steam train ride!
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens makes another wonderful daytrip from Cleveland. In nearby Akron, this historic estate was the home of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling. Wander through the sprawling 65-room Tudor Revival manor and its lush gardens.
