Cleveland, Ohio, might surprise you with its vibrant culture, rich history, and beautiful waterfront views.
Whether you’re a foodie, an art lover, or someone who enjoys outdoor adventures, Cleveland has something for everyone.
2 Days in Cleveland Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Downtown and the Cultural Hub
Morning: Start with a Stroll by the Lake
Begin your Cleveland adventure at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, an iconic spot on the banks of Lake Erie.
With exhibits dedicated to the greatest musicians of all time, this museum is a must-see for music lovers. Spend a few hours exploring rock history before stepping outside to take in the gorgeous lake views.
TRAVEL TIP: Be sure to take a photo with the Cleveland Script Sign which overs a great backdrop of the city!
Lunch: Head to the West Side Market
For lunch, head to the West Side Market in the Ohio City neighborhood. This historic public market offers a variety of delicious local foods—from fresh produce to ethnic dishes.
Grab a gourmet sandwich, dessert or some authentic pierogies to fuel up for the day ahead.
Fun Fact: This is the largest and oldest continuously operating public market that serves up fresh produce, meats, bakery items, prepared foods and more.
Afternoon: Relive the Magic at A Christmas Story House
No trip to Cleveland is complete without a visit to House from A Christmas Story in the Tremont neighborhood.
Fans of the classic holiday movie “A Christmas Story” will love seeing the house where Ralphie lived, complete with props, memorabilia, and behind-the-scenes stories from the film.
After the tour, stop by the gift shop which is located across the street. It has fun gift items and other cars from the movie.
Evening: Enjoy a Cleveland Guardians Baseball Game
Sports fans need to catch a game at Progressive Field and cheer on the Cleveland Guardians. This downtown stadium offers great views of the city skyline and an electric atmosphere for baseball fans. Grab some ballpark food and root for the home team!
Pro tip: Don’t miss out on Cleveland’s famous stadium mustard!
Day 2: Parks, Playhouses, and Shopping
Morning: Hike Through the Cleveland Metroparks
Cleveland has an extensive park system, known as the Cleveland Metroparks. Start your day with a morning hike in the Rocky River Reservation, which offers scenic trails, wildlife spotting, and beautiful views of the river.
The Emerald Necklace trail system wraps around the city, giving you plenty of green space to explore.
Lunch: Get a Taste of Little Italy
After your morning outdoors, head to Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood for lunch. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at a local gem like Mama Santa’s or La Dolce Vita.
Afterward, grab a cannoli from Presti’s Bakery for dessert and take a leisurely walk around this charming neighborhood.
Afternoon: Explore Downtown
Need to walk off your lunch? I suggest walking around downtown and enjoying the city. Be sure to stop by the Cleveland Arcade.
Opened in 1890, this was America’s first indoor shopping center. Today, there isn’t many shops open in the building. However, it’s absolutely gorgeous and worth visiting and taking a few photos.
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Evening: Wrap Up with Shopping and Craft Beers
End your Cleveland adventure in the Tremont or Ohio City neighborhoods. In Tremont, browse local shops and galleries, and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir.
If you’re a craft beer fan, Ohio City is home to Great Lakes Brewing Company, where you can enjoy locally brewed beers and a great pub menu.
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