Was your last cruise to the Caribbean or to Cleveland, Ohio? If you weren't a guest on board Viking's Octantis ship and still need to experience Cleveland, don't delay. This budget-friendly Rust Belt city has something for travelers of all ages, making it an excellent option for a long weekend summer vacation.
Starting from Friday evening and ending on Monday morning, this itinerary is perfect for anyone planning a weekend getaway.
FRIDAY
With non-stop flights from 48 cities, many serviced by low-cost Frontier airline, getting to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is easy. Getting downtown from CLE is also simple, thanks to direct train service for just $2.50.
Once downtown, take an Uber or walk 0.3 miles to either the Marriott Downtown at Key Tower or the Kimpton Schofield Hotel.
After settling in, head to the place many outsiders know Cleveland for—the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Inside, learn about the origins of rock and inductees, old and new.
Through June, the museum closes at 5pm, but that's perfect because patios fill up fast on summer Friday nights, so you'll want to make an early start for drinks and dinner. Stay close to your hotel for night one and eat on East Fourth Street. This pedestrian-only zone offers something for everyone.
If you've got kids, head to the Corner Alley. This sports bar is always open to all ages and features a bowling alley and other games. It's a fun place for the family with, like most restaurants on this street, patio seating right on East Fourth.
If it's an adults-only night, head for more sophisticated food at Cordelia, "named Cleveland Magazine's 2023 Best New Restaurant." After dinner, cross East Fourth to Butcher and the Brewer and sample the Albino White Stout. It's good enough to win over even non-stout fans.
If you don't have concert tickets to the House of Blues or a comedy act at Hilarities, head to one more bar—Society Lounge. This basement speakeasy offers delicious cocktails from a bygone era. Grab a bar seat to watch the bartenders work as you sample some of their handcrafted recipes.
SATURDAY
Rent a scooter or bike and head west into the Ohio City neighborhood. Start in the heart of this neighborhood and get coffee at Rising Star. Walk to the West Side Market, which offers grocery and ready-to-eat foods in an iconic building.
Take in the atmosphere and grab a crepe as an appetizer, but save room for brunch. A few doors down from the market is Soho Chicken + Whiskey, a cozy restaurant offering a Southern menu.
If you have kids, cross the street to Pins Mechanical Co. There's a different kind of bowling here, duck pin bowling, plus arcade games. It's a great family-friendly or rainy-day spot, like Tabletop, the board game cafe down the block.
By now, the retailers on West 25th Street or at the corner of West 28th and Church should be open, so pick up some souvenirs. As you bike back downtown, detour along the lakefront bike paths, even out to Edgewater Beach.
Every trip needs one fancy dinner, and it is even better if there's a view. Cross both off your list with dinner at either Luca West for Italian or Pier W for seafood.
SUNDAY
Sunday is a great day for culture. Head east to find Little Italy and the renowned and free Cleveland Museum of Art.
Take the Healthline bus or the Red Line train; both are a straight route from downtown without connections, so you can't get lost. Little Italy has many lunch options, but save room for Presti's Bakery, which has been around since 1903.
If you have extra time, the area around the art museum is also home to the Museum of Natural History and the Western Reserve Historical Society.
You can only leave Cleveland after seeing the waterfront. Do this while having dinner in the Flats East Bank. For the best food and patio in this area, visit Collision Bend Brewing Company. For a fun end to your trip, head to
MONDAY
Before heading home, stop off at Rebol in Public Square for one final breakfast. It's an excellent pre-travel meal; the service is fast and the food is healthy.
Then, say goodbye to the great city of Cleveland knowing that you’ve experienced a nice sampling of its highlights.
