Greater Cleveland Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Greater Cleveland with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, best things to do, local food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


A Comprehensive Guide to Greater Cleveland

Located in Northeast Ohio, in the Midwest region of the United States, Greater Cleveland is a vibrant and diverse destination that offers something for everyone. From cultural attractions to natural wonders, outdoor adventures to urban experiences, this city has it all. Here is your ultimate guide to planning an unforgettable trip to Greater Cleveland.

List of Places to Visit in Greater Cleveland

Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or nature enthusiast, Greater Cleveland has something to offer. Here are some of the top attractions worth exploring:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Cleveland Museum of Art
  • Western Reserve Historical Society
  • International Women’s Air and Space Museum
  • USS Cod Submarine Memorial

Natural Attractions of Greater Cleveland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Cleveland Metroparks
  • Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Edgewater Park
  • Lake Erie Bluffs
  • Tinker’s Creek State Nature Preserve

Hiking/Biking Routes of Greater Cleveland

If you’re looking to explore the great outdoors, Greater Cleveland has a variety of hiking and biking trails to suit all skill levels. Here are some of the top routes:

  • Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway
  • Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
  • Ohio and Erie Canalway Towpath Trail
  • North Chagrin Reservation Loop Trail
  • Bedford Reservation All Purpose Trail

Best Things to Do in Greater Cleveland: Activities and Tours

From city tours to theme parks, there’s no shortage of activities in Greater Cleveland. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Cedar Point Amusement Park
  • Cleveland Segway Tours
  • Lolly the Trolley City Tours
  • Great Lakes Science Center
  • Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Week-Long Itinerary for Greater Cleveland

For those planning a longer stay, here’s a week-long itinerary to make the most of your time in Greater Cleveland:

[table] | Day | Activity | |—————|—————————————————————| | Day 1 | Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art | | Day 2 | Explore the natural wonders of Cuyahoga Valley National Park | | Day 3 | Take a city tour of Greater Cleveland and visit the USS Cod Submarine Memorial | | Day 4 | Spend a day at Cedar Point Amusement Park | | Day 5 | Go hiking or biking in Cleveland Metroparks | | Day 6 | Visit the Great Lakes Science Center and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium | | Day 7 | Explore the local food and drink scene in Cleveland’s neighborhoods | [/table]

Food and Drink Scene of Greater Cleveland

No trip to Cleveland is complete without sampling the local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Polish Boy Sandwich
  • Pierogies
  • City BBQ
  • Cleveland Clam Chowder
  • Corned Beef Reuben

Local Beverages

  • Great Lakes Brewing Company Beer
  • Platform Beer Co. Beer
  • Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream
  • Slyman’s Restaurant Irish Coffee
  • Porco Lounge and Tiki Room Cocktails

Where to Stay in Greater Cleveland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Greater Cleveland has a variety of accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Here are some of the top places to stay:

  • The Westin Cleveland Downtown
  • Kimpton Schofield Hotel
  • Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade
  • Cleveland Hostel
  • J. Palen House Bed and Breakfast

What to Buy in Greater Cleveland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs and gifts, Greater Cleveland has plenty to offer. Here are some things to look out for:

  • Cleveland T-shirts and sweatshirts
  • Local craft beer and wine
  • Polish pottery and other ethnic crafts
  • PIER W Restaurant cookbook
  • Malley’s Chocolates

Local Culture and Customs of Greater Cleveland

Greater Cleveland is a diverse and welcoming community with a wide range of cultures and traditions. Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • It’s customary to tip 15-20% in restaurants and bars
  • Clevelanders are passionate about their sports teams, especially the Browns, Cavaliers, and Indians
  • The city has a rich history of music, from rock and roll to jazz and blues
  • Ethnic neighborhoods like Little Italy, Tremont, and Ohio City offer a unique glimpse into the city’s heritage

Best Time to Visit Greater Cleveland

The best time to visit Greater Cleveland is during the summer months, from June to September, when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor festivals and events. The fall months are also a great time to visit, with the changing leaves offering scenic views of the parks and countryside.

Do’s and Don’ts of Greater Cleveland

Here are some things to keep in mind during your visit to Greater Cleveland:

Do:

  • Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
  • Try the city’s signature dishes and locally brewed beer
  • Explore the natural wonders of Cuyahoga Valley National Park
  • Go shopping at the West Side Market
  • Attend a Cleveland sports game

Don’t:

  • Underestimate the traffic on game days
  • Forget to dress in layers, as temperatures can vary throughout the day
  • Disrespect the local culture or traditions
  • Leave without trying a Polish Boy sandwich

Safety and Health

Safety in Greater Cleveland

Like any major city, Greater Cleveland has its share of crime and safety concerns. However, the city is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular tourist areas like downtown and the suburbs. As with any destination, it’s important to exercise caution and common sense when exploring the city.

Health in Greater Cleveland

Greater Cleveland has a variety of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers. It’s important to have travel insurance and to be prepared for any medical emergencies that may arise during your stay.

Getting to Greater Cleveland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Greater Cleveland is easily accessible by plane, train, bus, and car. Here are some of the top transportation options:

Airports Near Greater Cleveland

  • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport
  • Akron-Canton Regional Airport

Bus Stations Near Greater Cleveland

  • Greyhound Bus Lines
  • Megabus

Other Options

  • Amtrak train service
  • Car rental services

How to Get Around in Greater Cleveland

Greater Cleveland has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and trolleys. The Rapid Transit system is the city’s primary mode of public transit, and is a convenient and affordable way to get around. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available.

Where to Go Next from Greater Cleveland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time to explore the surrounding areas, there are several nearby destinations worth visiting. Here are some of the top excursions:

  • Lake Erie Islands
  • Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
  • Akron, Ohio
  • Canton, Ohio
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Conclusion

Greater Cleveland is a destination that truly offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor adventurer, or foodie, this city has it all. Use this guide to plan your perfect trip to Greater Cleveland and explore all that this vibrant Ohio city has to offer.



    Ashtabula County
    Cuyahoga County
    Geauga County
    Lake County
    Lorain County
    Medina County