Are you thinking about visiting Cleveland, Ohio? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Cleveland worth visiting?
This city is a good place to visit for one to three days. Although most travelers don't think of Cleveland as a major tourist destination, those who visit will be surprised by its many museums and local culinary traditions. It sits on the edge of Lake Erie and it is a friendly and welcoming place to visit.
Cleveland, OH
Reasons to Visit Cleveland
Museums
There are diverse museums around town such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa), and the Great Lakes Science Center. Music lovers will appreciate a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Music
Home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it has long been a destination for music enthusiasts. There are many independent music venues and it's the perfect place to catch a show.
Nightlife
Breweries have become a popular nighttime activity. There are also comedy clubs, music venues, and several theaters.
Shopping
Large shopping malls offer plenty of selection. There's also West Side Market, which is the oldest public market in the city. Other interesting shopping areas include Little Italy and the Cleveland Flea.
Authenticity
Cleveland has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Cleveland worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Cleveland is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
The weather in Cleveland is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 24°C (75°F). But it can get as warm as 29°C (85°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Cleveland
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 24°C (75°F) | 101 mm (4 in) |
| August | 23°C (73°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| September | 19°C (67°F) | 75 mm (3 in) |
Is Cleveland worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 13°C (56°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Cleveland, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums and listen to some live music.
Autumn Weather in Cleveland
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 13°C (56°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| November | 7°C (45°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) |
| December | 1°C (34°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Is Cleveland worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Cleveland. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Cleveland can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -2°C (28°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums, take advantage of the local nightlife, and enjoy the live music scene.
Winter Weather in Cleveland
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -2°C (28°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| February | -1°C (30°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| March | 5°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Is Cleveland worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Cleveland. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 10°C (51°F).
During this season it's fun to experience the quaint shops, the famous sights and museums, and plenty of live music. Also, you can enjoy an evening out.
Spring Weather in Cleveland
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 10°C (51°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| June | 21°C (71°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Cleveland
Food: Cleveland doesn't top the list for most foodies. Casual dining with comfort food is the way most residents prefer to eat. There are local foods that have made a name for themselves such as gourmet hot dogs and deli sandwiches. The food is also influenced by the city's German, Irish, Polish, and Italian roots. Pierogis, bratwurst, and chicken paprikash are all common.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Cleveland might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Cleveland here or see if Cleveland is expensive here.
Related
What is Cleveland most famous for?
Cleveland is most famous for being the home to "rock 'n roll" as well as its friendly and hard working people. People visit this impressive city for its great museums and music. It is also known for its great nightlife and shopping. It is often described as under-rated, diverse, and authentic.
What is the most famous sight in Cleveland?
The most popular sight in Cleveland is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Cleveland on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and other attractions here.
How touristy is Cleveland? Is it a popular city to visit?
Cleveland is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour: $24
- Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour: $24
- Guided Walking Tour: Downtown Highlights: $24
- Cleveland Ghosts Tour: $32
- Smartphone-Guided Walking Tour of Downtown Cleveland Sights & Stories: $28
- Skip the Line: Cleveland History Center Admission Ticket: $14
- Heritage Walk: Scenic Guided Tour of Cleveland: $239
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Cleveland by Wacky Walks: $10
How long should I spend in Cleveland?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Cleveland is one to three days. Since Cleveland has activities such as museums and music, many visit for up to three days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Cleveland? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Cleveland?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.