Located on the banks of the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie, Cleveland may be best known for its gritty industrial history, but the last few decades have been a time of renewal and revitalization. As it establishes a reputation for a burgeoning food scene, world-class museums, sports, and more, now is a great time to travel to Cleveland, Ohio. Before booking a trip, check out these tips and “must-knows” about the best things to see and do, the benefits of hiring a car service from Cleveland, Ohio airport, and a few don’ts to guarantee an amazing visit.
A Quick Guide to Visiting Cleveland, Ohio
Whether your trip to northern Ohio is for business or pleasure, there’s more to do here than you might expect. There’s a reason locals love the expression “Cleveland Rocks,” and it’s not just because the city is home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
As you plan a trip, here are some things to know before traveling to Cleveland.
The City Is Large
Many people travel to Cleveland, Ohio, expecting a small, sleepy town, only to find that it’s a large, bustling city with many distinct neighborhoods. The city’s theater district, Playhouse Square, is the second largest in the country after New York’s Broadway, which gives a sense of the city’s size. Whether you visit the East Side, West Side, or Downtown, you’ll find a large and complex network of streets and neighborhoods.
Like any other city, The Forest City experiences its fair share of traffic snarls, especially on Game Days when the Browns, Guardians, or Cavaliers are playing. Parking can also be challenging and pricey, so arranging a car service for a ride from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and to chauffeur you around can make your visit less stressful.
You Can Visit a Wide Variety of Museums
Pick up any Cleveland travel guide, and you’ll quickly see there are plenty of museums and cultural attractions to explore. Although many people travel to Cleveland, Ohio, to visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the city is home to a wide variety of other cultural attractions, including The Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, the Great Lakes Science Center, and more. Although not technically a museum, fans of the holiday classic “A Christmas Story” can visit the actual home from the film and even stay overnight.
Experience Local Cuisine
Topping the list of most Cleveland, Ohio, travel tips is a recommendation to try the wide variety of cuisine throughout the city. This is one of the best places in the country to find Eastern European food, so if you’re a fan of pierogies and kielbasa, you can’t go wrong. One favorite destination for locals and visitors alike is the West Side Market, the city’s oldest public market with more than 100 vendors — the perfect place to grab a bite to eat while you explore.
Plan for Unpredictable Weather
As a northern city on a lake, the weather in The Rock and Roll Capital of the World can be unpredictable. Summers are usually warm and pleasant, but prepare to bundle up if you visit in the winter. It can get quite cold and windy, making it uncomfortable to walk around, so consider arranging for a car service to stay warm and dry.
What Not to Do
There are a few things you shouldn’t do during your visit.
- Don’t expect to see everything. Many people traveling to Cleveland, Ohio, plan ambitious itineraries, but with so much to do here, you won’t get to everything. Choose a few “must-sees” and plan on coming back.
- Never call it “The Mistake on the Lake.” The term referred to a particular stadium construction project, and residents find the phrase offensive.
- Don’t be shy. Locals tend to be very friendly and welcoming to visitors and are happy to share recommendations for visitors. Don’t hesitate to strike up conversations or ask for directions!
- Don’t call your drink soda. In this town, people call carbonated beverages “pop.”
Let Cleveland Elite Transportation Help You Explore the City
Whatever the reason for your travel to Cleveland, Ohio, the professional drivers of Cleveland Elite Transportation can make your visit more pleasant and memorable. Whether you’re looking for the best airport transport service or want to attend a sporting event without parking hassles, we have the perfect vehicle for your group. Call (216) 333-2833 to learn more and request a quote.
