Cleveland holidays
Long considered an industrial wasteland, Ohio’s second-biggest city is transforming into the Midwest’s next cultural hotspot. Located on the southern banks of Lake Erie, this Rust Belt town boasts buzz-worthy museums, historic markets and an electric street food scene. And with Cuyahoga Valley National Park and several sandy beaches on its doorstep, there’s never been a better time for a holiday in Cleveland.
Cleveland holiday highlights
Erik Drost
Rock and roll icons
Housed in a glass pyramid, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a must-visit on holidays to Cleveland. It takes you on a fascinating journey through rock and roll history, from its roots in blues and hillbilly to today. Highlights include handwritten lyrics by John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix, studio recordings of U2 and the Beatles and Iggy Pop’s skimpy stage costumes.
Outdoor adventures
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just a 30-minute drive from downtown but feels a million miles away. Hike or bike beneath towering oak and hickory trees on the Towpath Trail, which takes you through the heart of the park. You’ll find dozens of waterfalls, but Brandywine Falls — reached via a short boardwalk — is perhaps the most impressive. Arrive early in the morning or late afternoon to beat the crowds.
Where to stay
Downtown is the best place to stay and play in Cleveland. Choose between chic boutiques in Art Deco buildings, budget-friendly chains and swanky waterfront hotels. There’s even a hotel in The Arcade Cleveland, an ornate Victorian shopping arcade dating to 1890. Head to nearby neighbourhoods like Playhouse Square and the Gateway District for after-dark entertainment.
Cleveland: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
June – July
Low season
January – February
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Caption
Photographer name
Things to do in Cleveland
Nathan Migal
Take in the culture
It’s worth travelling a few kilometres from downtown to University Circle, the city’s cultural hub. Start at the fantastic (and free) Cleveland Museum of Art, whose collection includes works by Picasso, Van Gogh and Monet. Then go back in time at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. In addition to T-Rex fossils, you can see prehistoric human skeletons and learn about indigenous plants and wildlife.
Beaches
Cleveland may be a long way from the ocean, but there are great beaches on the shores of Lake Erie. Take a 20-minute drive to Huntington Beach, a scenic stretch of sand surrounded by forests and nature trails. Edgewater Beach is near downtown and offers lifeguard-patrolled waters and city views. Don’t forget to snap a photo with the Cleveland sign in Edgewater Park.
Places to eat
Street food is king in Cleveland. And the West Side Market is its culinary palace. Inside a century-old market hall, hawkers sell everything from Polish pierogi to Hungarian pastries, Parisian crepes and German bratwurst. With the city’s large Eastern European community, Cleveland’s food scene has a decidedly Slavic flavour. Look out for ‘Polish Boys’ — hot dog buns filled with ‘kielbasa’ (Polish smoked sausage), barbecue sauce and coleslaw.
FAQs about Cleveland holidays
While on your city break in Cleveland, you'll hear the locals speaking mostly in English.
You'll be using the United States dollar (USD) for payments during your trip to Cleveland. Pay with your card when it's convenient, but keep a small amount of cash on you for places that don't take cards.
July is the warmest month in Cleveland, with temperatures peaking at 28ºC (82ºF).
Plan your Cleveland holiday for January and you'll be there when the weather is at its coolest. -10ºC (14ºF) is as cold as it gets.
If you’re planning to hit the beach or simply prefer warm weather, plan your holiday to Cleveland for the summer. To see the city light up with golden-brown foliage, visit in autumn. And if you don’t mind wrapping up with layers, winter visits reward you with gorgeous, snowy landscapes.
A three-day holiday in Cleveland should give you enough time to explore the main attractions, visit different neighbourhoods and sample the best restaurants. If you’re pushed for time, it’s possible to tick off the highlights in two days, though you’ll want to plan to make the most of your trip.
Cleveland is generally considered safe, but it's always a good idea to take some commonsense precautions wherever your travels take you. Stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded places, and make sure your valuables are secure. Also stick to official transport services whenever possible during your holiday to Cleveland.
Whether you're a discover-it-all traveller or a laid-back wanderer, the cost of your city break in Cleveland will be influenced by your plans. You'll want to factor in everything from entry fees to meals, as well as your Cleveland flights and hotels.
The rainiest month is June, which gets an average rainfall of 13 cm. But don't let the weather take the shine off your Cleveland trip — there's still plenty to do indoors like hitting the shops, visiting galleries, or relaxing in cosy cafes.
With no shortage of things to do in Cleveland, this lively city knows how to show you a great time. Kick off your sightseeing at top attractions like Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum and Cleveland Museum of Art.
Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, foodie or a bit of all three, Cleveland makes a great city break destination. Plan your holiday in Cleveland carefully, making time for its numerous museums, food and drink hotspots and outdoor adventures beyond the city.
More holiday inspiration
How to get cheap last-minute flights
How to get a flight upgrade
How to search for multi-city flights on Skyscanner
Plan your holiday to Cleveland
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