Cleveland is packed with bars, restaurants, parks and gardens, and has a thriving arts culture. Sport is a major Cleveland attraction, although the poor track record of its teams has earned it the title of “most tortured sports city.”
Cleveland’s hot, humid summers are best spent in the shady parks and gardens, while the cold, snowy winters lend themselves to long days in the museums and galleries.
Start out in the museums of the University Circle and use its free bus to get around. Study paintings by Monet, Degas and others in the Cleveland Art Gallery. See the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance House or stroll around the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Don’t miss the Cleveland Natural History Museum, which displays one of the oldest human skeletons ever found. Known as Lucy, this Australopithecus afarensis female lived over 3.2 million years ago.
Out of town on the shore of Lake Erie you’ll find the ever-popular Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Here you can see legendary rock and roll artifacts such as Joey Ramone’s leather jacket and Johnny Cash’s guitar. Next door, in the Great Lakes Science Center, learn about the relationship between science, technology and the environment.
Ascend to the observation deck of Terminal Tower for the best views of the city and shop in the adjoining Tower City Mall in Public Square. Here you’ll also find the Old Stone Church, the oldest building in the city center.
If you are a sports fan, cheer on the Cleveland Browns football team, the Cleveland Indians baseball players, or the Cleveland Cavaliers basketball team at their home stadiums.
For outdoor fun, visit the city’s park network, better known as the “Emerald Necklace.” Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is situated here, and has one of the biggest collections of primates in North America.
Cleveland’s extensive bus and rail system makes it easy to get around. With an all-day pass you can explore many of Cleveland’s major attractions in just one day.
