Cleveland, OH
Cleveland, OH
Plan Your Trip
There are more things to do in Cleveland Ohio than a quick visit can really cover, but the downtown core packs in an impressive amount within an easy walk.
None of the main stops require advance tickets, though the Terminal Tower Observation Deck sells timed entry in advance, especially useful on weekends. Downtown Cleveland is easy to park in, with several garages and lots near Public Square and along Euclid Avenue.
Bring comfortable shoes, since the route covers a good stretch of sidewalk, and a little cash or a card for admission at a few stops along the way.
Here's a pro tip: the Cleveland Visitors Center inside the historic Arcade building hands out free maps and local recommendations, so it's worth a quick stop even if you already have a plan for the day.
Top Things to Do
1. Abraham Lincoln Monument—a tribute to Lincoln's 1861 visit to Cleveland on his way to Washington, D.C., set at Memorial Plaza's Fountain of Eternal Life.
2. Old Stone Church—Cleveland's oldest standing building, with roots going back to 1820 and a Romanesque Revival sanctuary from 1855.
3. Terminal Tower Observation Deck—a 42nd-floor view stretching across downtown, Lake Erie, and on clear days, all the way to Canada.
4. Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument—a Civil War memorial with a free public Memorial Room open year-round.
5. Museum of Illusions—Cleveland—a hands-on museum of optical illusions inside the historic May Company building.
6. The Arcade—completed in 1890 and often called "Cleveland's Crystal Palace," one of the earliest indoor shopping arcades in the country.
7. 5th Street Arcades—a pair of historic shopping passages, the Colonial Arcade and Euclid Arcade, connected under skylit ceilings.
8. GE Chandelier and Playhouse Square—a 4,200-crystal outdoor chandelier marking the entrance to the largest performing arts center in the U.S. outside New York City.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Want these stories playing automatically as you walk?
Take our Cleveland Downtown Self-Guided Walking Tour. It's a self-guided, location-aware audio tour that starts at the Abraham Lincoln Monument and ends at Playhouse Square, weaving Civil War history, Gilded Age fortunes, and Cleveland's ongoing comeback story into one downtown walk.
Free Things to Do
1. Abraham Lincoln Monument and Fountain of Eternal Life—free to visit any time at Memorial Plaza.
2. Old Stone Church—free to step inside and see its stained-glass windows.
3. Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument—free entry to the Memorial Room, open year-round.
4. Public Square—free to explore, with food trucks, concerts, and events throughout the year.
5. Cleveland Visitors Center—free maps, brochures, and local recommendations inside The Arcade.
6. GE Chandelier—free to view any time, lit up nightly above Euclid Avenue.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES
1. Terminal Tower Observation Deck—about six dollars for adults, tickets sold in advance for timed entry.
2. Museum of Illusions—Cleveland—about twenty-four dollars and up for adults.
Food!
Blue Point Grille
An elegant seafood restaurant in the Historic Warehouse District, known for oysters flown in daily from both coasts and skyline views from its dining room.
District
A contemporary American restaurant in Playhouse Square with a Mediterranean-influenced menu, popular before or after a show.
Cordelia
A Midwest-inspired restaurant near Public Square, built around locally sourced ingredients and a warm, hometown feel.
Where to Stay
Budget
Hampton Inn Cleveland-Downtown and Aloft Cleveland Downtown both offer comfortable, modern rooms within walking distance of Public Square, generally $120 to $200 a night.
Moderate
Drury Plaza Hotel Cleveland Downtown and Hyatt Regency Cleveland at The Arcade combine central locations with updated rooms, generally $180 to $260 a night, with the Drury sitting right behind the Abraham Lincoln Monument where the tour begins.
Luxury
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland and The Westin Cleveland Downtown offer five-star service and prime downtown locations, generally $350 a night and up.
1 Day Itinerary
1-Day Itinerary
Morning: Start at the Abraham Lincoln Monument, then walk through Key Center to the Old Stone Church and Tom L. Johnson Statue.
Afternoon: Visit the Terminal Tower Observation Deck, explore Museum of Illusions—Cleveland, and browse The Arcade and 5th Street Arcades.
Evening: End the day at the GE Chandelier and Playhouse Square, with dinner nearby before catching a show.
2-Day Itinerary
Day 2: Explore the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, walk the lakefront near Lake Erie, or visit the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Extra Time: Browse the West Side Market, tour University Circle's museums, or catch a game at Progressive Field if the season lines up.
FAQ's
1. How long does the Cleveland downtown walking tour take?
Most visitors complete the full route in about one and a half to two hours, longer if you stop inside the Terminal Tower Observation Deck or Museum of Illusions.
2. Is downtown Cleveland walkable?
Yes. Downtown Cleveland is compact and pedestrian-friendly, with most major attractions within an easy walk of Public Square.
3. Do I need a car in downtown Cleveland?
Not for the downtown core. Park once in a garage or lot near Public Square and everything on this tour is reachable on foot.
4. Is Cleveland good for kids?
Yes. The Museum of Illusions, Terminal Tower Observation Deck, and GE Chandelier are all popular with families.
5. What is Cleveland best known for?
Cleveland is known for its industrial and immigrant history, its role in the Civil War era, and landmarks like Playhouse Square, the second-largest performing arts center in the country.
6. Where does the self-guided walking tour start and end?
It starts at the Abraham Lincoln Monument in Memorial Plaza and ends at Playhouse Square.
7. Are there free things to do in downtown Cleveland?
Yes. The Abraham Lincoln Monument, Old Stone Church, Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, and Public Square are all free to visit.
8. What's the best time of year to visit Cleveland?
Spring through fall brings the most comfortable weather for walking downtown, though Playhouse Square and its theaters run shows year-round.
9. Is Cleveland a good day trip or does it need a full weekend?
A single day covers the downtown highlights, but a weekend lets you add the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the lakefront, and University Circle at a slower pace.
10. What is Playhouse Square?
It's Cleveland's historic theater district and the second-largest performing arts center in the United States, home to five grand theaters restored after facing demolition in the 1970s.
Recommended Tours
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