What to Do in Cleveland: 9 Fun Things

You’ll find Cleveland packed with affordable adventures, from exploring the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 55,000 square feet of music history to browsing free world-class art at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Shop the historic West Side Market, hike the scenic Emerald Necklace trail system, catch a Guardians game at Progressive Field, or experience Broadway shows at Playhouse Square. Don’t miss the trendy Tremont and Ohio City neighborhoods for craft breweries and chef-driven dining that’ll maximize your travel budget.

Explore the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 55,000 Square Feet of Music History

When you step into Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, you’ll encounter 55,000 square feet of music history spread across seven floors of exhibits, films, and interactive displays. You’ll find yourself in a massive museum complex that’s largely underground, creating perfect conditions for preserving iconic artifacts and multimedia experiences.

Don’t miss the long-running Elvis Presley exhibit that’s anchored the museum since 1998, or the three-floor Legends of Rock display featuring stage outfits, instruments, and handwritten song drafts.

You can explore at your own pace with self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

The museum includes free special exhibits like “Cities and Sounds,” plus immersive films showcasing over 30 years of induction ceremonies. The upcoming 50,000 sq ft expansion will enhance performance, education, and exhibition space with a new multi-purpose hall and student center.

Discover World-Class Art at the Cleveland Museum of Art and University Circle

You’ll discover one of America’s most impressive art collections at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where 63,000 artworks spanning 6,000 years await you—completely free of charge. The museum’s stunning 592,000-square-foot facility houses world-renowned Asian and Egyptian collections, plus exceptional European, American, and African art across sixteen specialized departments.

Don’t miss the dramatic 34,000-square-foot glass atrium—one of Ohio’s largest indoor civic spaces. The museum’s strategic University Circle location puts you within walking distance of the Cleveland Orchestra and other cultural attractions, making it easy to explore multiple destinations in one trip. Explore the outdoor Wade Park Art Garden, featuring sculptures including Auguste Rodin’s The Thinker and bronze monuments spread throughout this unique outdoor gallery space.

With nearly 20,000 prints and internationally recognized photography holdings, you’ll experience museum-quality art without spending a dime on admission.

Shop and Eat Your Way Through the Historic West Side Market

Since 1840, Cleveland’s West Side Market has served as the city’s culinary heartbeat, where over 100 vendors fill a stunning yellow-brick Market Hall topped by a 137-foot clock tower.

You’ll discover family-owned stalls that’ve operated for generations, selling everything from European sausages and pierogi to fresh Ohio produce and artisan breads. The vendor mix reflects Cleveland’s immigrant heritage—Irish, German, Italian, Polish, Middle Eastern, and more—creating incredible product diversity at budget-friendly prices.

Whether you’re shopping for weekly groceries or hunting gourmet specialties, this National Register landmark delivers both. The heated arcade keeps you comfortable year-round, while the soaring tile interior makes grocery shopping feel special. Designed by W. Dominick Benes and Benjamin Hubbell, the market’s grand architectural scale has made it an iconic civic building since its 1912 opening.

Located in Ohio City, you can easily combine market visits with exploring nearby breweries and restaurants.

Hike the “Emerald Necklace” of Cleveland Metroparks

Over 18,000 acres of protected parkland form Cleveland’s famous “Emerald Necklace”—an interconnected system of metroparks that circles Greater Cleveland with hundreds of miles of hiking trails. You’ll find everything from river gorges and shale cliffs to waterfalls and Lake Erie shoreline views, all completely free to explore.

Rocky River Reservation offers 13.9 miles of paved trails alongside dramatic cliffs and wildlife spotting opportunities. For waterfall hikes, head to North Chagrin’s Buttermilk Falls or explore the mature forests of A.B. Williams Memorial Woods. Don’t miss the mysterious ruins of Squires Castle in North Chagrin Reservation, a fascinating historical landmark nestled within the scenic trails.

The system’s 70-mile all-purpose trail connects most reservations, and you can even link up to the 1,444-mile Buckeye Trail for longer adventures. Pack water and snacks—you’ll want to spend the whole day exploring these natural gems.

Take a Day Trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park

While Cleveland’s Emerald Necklace offers fantastic urban hiking, Cuyahoga Valley National Park delivers a completely different outdoor experience just 30 minutes south.

This 33,000-acre park between Cleveland and Akron features 140 miles of trails, from easy canal towpath walks to rugged ravine hikes. You’ll discover waterfalls, sandstone ledges, and scenic farmland without paying entrance fees.

The Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail provides flat, accessible biking and walking routes perfect for day trips.

For something unique, try the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s “bike-and-ride” programs—bike one direction, then catch the train back.

Visit during spring or fall for lighter crowds and comfortable temperatures, avoiding the peak summer months when 300,000-400,000 monthly visitors pack popular areas. The park welcomed over 2.8 million visitors in 2024, making it one of Ohio’s most popular outdoor destinations.

Catch a Game at Progressive Field or Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Cleveland’s sports scene centers around two world-class venues that sit side by side in the Gateway District, creating one of the country’s best downtown sports experiences. You can catch the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field, ranked MLB’s best ballpark by Sports Illustrated, or watch the Cavaliers and Monsters play at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Both venues share convenient parking and public transit access, making game day hassle-free.

The surrounding Gateway District offers plenty of affordable pre- and post-game dining options, so you can make a full evening of it without breaking the bank. The arena also hosts concerts and entertainment events year-round. The FieldHouse underwent major renovations before the 2019-2020 season, adding modern amenities like luxury suites, multimedia walls, and an expanded glass atrium.

Together, these venues create a walkable sports hub that’s revitalized downtown Cleveland and offers authentic fan experiences.

Experience Live Theater at Playhouse Square

Just a few blocks from the sports venues, you’ll discover America’s largest performing arts center outside New York City at Playhouse Square. This historic theater district spans 12 performance spaces with over 10,000 seats, hosting 1,000+ shows annually.

You’ll catch Broadway tours, concerts, and comedy shows in beautifully restored 1920s theaters featuring Italianate architecture, marble lobbies, and gilded details.

The KeyBank Broadway Series boasts the country’s largest subscription base with 45,000+ season ticket holders. Cleveland’s one of fewer than 10 U.S. markets supporting three-week Broadway engagements, so you’ll often see extended runs of hits like Hamilton and The Lion King.

Take advantage of public exhibits and self-guided walks to learn about the district’s fascinating rescue story while exploring connected venues. The district is home to resident companies including Cleveland Play House and Cleveland State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

Visit the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Renowned RainForest

Where can you experience a steamy tropical rainforest without leaving Ohio? The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s RainForest delivers an authentic tropical adventure inside a massive two-acre, glass-enclosed habitat. You’ll encounter over 600 animals from four continents, including Bornean orangutans, two-toed sloths, and clouded leopards amid 10,000 lush tropical plants.

Start at the dramatic 25-foot waterfall entrance, then explore both lower and upper forest levels connected by pathways around a central kapok tree. Don’t miss the simulated thunderstorms with real lightning and rainfall – you’ll actually feel the spray. The lower level’s Medicine Trail offers the densest concentration of tropical vegetation in the exhibit.

Kids love the discovery stations with magnifying glasses for observing ant tunnels up close. The year-round 80°F climate makes this perfect for cold Cleveland days when you’re craving warmth and adventure.

Explore Trendy Tremont and Ohio City Neighborhoods

Though only minutes from downtown Cleveland, Tremont and Ohio City feel like discovering two distinct villages packed with character. You’ll walk tree-lined streets showcasing colorful Victorian homes and historic brick buildings that now house chef-driven restaurants, craft breweries, and boutique shops.

Start your exploration at Roasted coffee shop in Tremont, then wander past over twenty historic churches, including the stunning St. Theodosius Orthodox Cathedral. Browse the Ukrainian Museum-Archives or snap photos of vibrant street murals decorating building walls throughout both neighborhoods.

When hunger strikes, you’ll find award-winning dining options like La Bodega and Treehouse, plus unique bar concepts like HI and DRY’s bowling-and-drinks combo. The walkable streetscapes make neighborhood-hopping between Tremont and Ohio City an easy evening adventure.

Don’t miss the outdoor recreation opportunities along the scenic Towpath Trail that connects key attractions throughout the area.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Cleveland offers incredible value for your entertainment dollar. Many attractions like the art museum are free, while others like the zoo and Rock Hall offer reasonable admission prices. You can easily spend days exploring without breaking the bank—pack snacks for the metroparks, hit happy hours in Tremont, and catch affordable Indians games. Cleveland’s compact size means you won’t waste money on expensive transportation between attractions either.