Your Ultimate Guide to Culture, Museums, Parks, and More
Welcome to my first east side neighborhood guide featuring University Circle, a vibrant hub of culture, art, education, and medicine. You’ll find so much packed in this small Cleveland neighborhood from world-class institutions like The Cleveland Museum of Art, to educational standouts like Case Western Reserve University, to world-renowned medical facilities like The Cleveland Clinic and the home of one of the top orchestras in the world, Severance Music Center. You’ll find museums, art, unique outdoor space nearby, hidden gems, and tasty food. My University Circle guide will get you started on planning an epic visit to this unique and fun Cleveland neighborhood.
Where is University Circle?
Located slightly South East of Downtown, Cleveland and consists of three smaller areas. University Circle, Uptown, and Little Italy.
University Circle
Situated on the city’s east side, University Circle encompasses approximately one square mile and is bordered by the neighborhoods of Little Italy, Cleveland Heights, and East Cleveland. With its central location, easy accessibility, and wealth of attractions, this is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Cleveland.
Uptown
This small, sub-neighborhood within University Circle may lack character with its boxy, repetitive buildings, but it makes up for it with restaurants and treats shops galore, perfect for a neighborhood full of world-class museums, universities, and some of the top medical facilities in the world.
This block also includes MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art), Cleveland Institute of Art, and an endless row of fast-casual restaurants catering to the university crowd and those in need of a quick bite.
Little Italy
Cleveland’s Little Italy is a charming and vibrant neighborhood located on the city’s east side, just minutes from University Circle. With its narrow streets, historic architecture, and bustling sidewalks, Little Italy is a cultural hub that celebrates Cleveland’s Italian heritage through art, music, and of course, food. Visitors can sample delicious Italian cuisine, browse unique shops and galleries, and enjoy a variety of events and festivals throughout the year.
Parks and Outdoor Spaces in and Near Cleveland’s University Circle
You’ll find a lot of green space throughout University Circle.
The Cleveland Cultural Gardens
Visit | 1201 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive Cleveland, OH 44108
As you drive down Martin Luther King Boulevard and East Boulevard through Rockefeller Park, you’ll see 33 unique gardens created and tended to by different cultural or nationality groups. This drive connects University Circle to Lake Erie and is a beautiful way to experience the park. Along the way, you can enjoy the park’s many features, including stunning gardens, sculptures, and quotes from poets, peacemakers, philosophers, and other notable figures who have contributed to world culture.
The park is divided into two levels, with East Boulevard at the top and Martin Luther King Boulevard at the bottom. If you’re looking for parking, you’ll find plenty on the west side of MLK and on the east side of East Boulevard and its side streets.
*Technically this is outside of Cleveland’s University Circle borders, but it’s included on their official website so I’m including it here.
Hidden Gem: Rockefeller Park Greenhouse
Visit | 750 E 88th St, Cleveland, OH 44108
Rockefeller Park, named after Standard Oil founder John D. Rockefeller, is situated on either side of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and encompasses the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. The most popular section of the park stretches roughly 2 miles between Gordon and Wade Parks.
One highlight of the park is The Greenhouse, which boasts lovely gardens and tranquil green spaces filled with exotic trees, plants, and stunning flowers. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of this attraction year-round, with seasonal displays periodically featured.
*Technically this is outside of Cleveland’s University Circle borders, but it’s included on their official website so I’m including it here.
Toby’s Plaza
Visit | 11440 Uptown Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
This architecturally designed plaza boasts green space, ample seating, and plenty of room for community events. Visitors can’t miss the breathtaking views, which include the mirrored exterior of MOCA Cleveland and the eye-catching giant silver hand sculpture known as Judy’s Hand.
Community Space: Wade Oval
Visit | 10820 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Wade Oval Park serves as a connector between several museums and a community green space that frequently hosts events, such as Wade Oval Wednesdays, Parade The Circle, and others.
Don’t Miss This: Lakeview Cemetery
Visit | 12316 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, 44106
When you think of famous cemeteries in travel destinations, this would be one of Cleveland’s. Filled with notable locals and famous statues and tomb markers, this hilly park is a stunning and peaceful resting place. Points of interest you’ll want to see: Former president James A. Garfield’s Memorial, Harvey Pekar’s tombstone (in the photo above) Eliot Ness’s Memorial, Haserot Angel (in the photo above), Alan Freed’s tombstone (resembles a jukebox).
Bonus: Lakeview Cemeteries Daffodil Hill (seasonal)
Visit | 12316 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
Another point of interest that deserves its own call-out is Daffodil Hill within Lakeview Cemetery. For a brief time during the spring, you can find a burst of beautiful daffodils covering the hills of a section of the cemetery. It’s a popular time to come get photos and a little taste of spring to push away the winter blues.
Must-See Museums & Gardens in University Circle
Cleveland’s University Circle is home to an impressive concentration of museums that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, or science lover, you’ll find a museum that’s perfect for you. In this section, we’ll highlight some of the top museums in University Circle that you won’t want to miss.
Cleveland Museum of Art
Visit | 11150 East Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44106
As a traveler and lover of the arts, I make an effort to visit the art museums housed in the cities we travel to. Having visited museums like The Met in NYC, Art Institute Chicago, National Gallery of Art in DC, and Denver Art Museum, I can say Cleveland has one of the best art museums in the country… plus, it’s FREE.
My personal favorite exhibits are the mesmerizing Egyptian Art, thought-provoking Contemporary Art, and captivating Photography collection. Additionally, the museum’s phenomenal atrium and interactive ArtLens Wall, Studio, and Exhibition add to the overall experience, making it a must-visit for any art enthusiast.
Cleveland Botanical Garden
Visit | 11030 East Boulevard Cleveland, OH 44106
As a nature lover, I always enjoy visiting the Cleveland Botanical Garden. The Madagascar and Costa Rican Glasshouses are among my favorite exhibits, with their stunning displays of tropical flora and fauna. Additionally, the outdoor gardens are a delight to explore, offering a peaceful and picturesque oasis in the heart of the city.
MOCA Cleveland
Visit | 11400 Euclid Ave Cleveland, OH 44106
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Cleveland is a must-see for any art lover. The mirrored facade of the museum is just an introduction to the unique and thought-provoking art you’ll find inside.
Museum of Natural History
Visit | 1 Wade Oval Dr. Cleveland, OH 44106
The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, with its iconic Stegosaurus sculpture “Steggie”, has been a beloved destination for Clevelanders since childhood. The museum’s mineralogy and archaeology departments offer fascinating insights into the natural world and our planet’s history. With the museum currently under renovation, I am excited to see the updates and improvements that will enhance this Cleveland institution for generations to come.
Severance Music Center (formerly Severance Hall)
Visit | 11001 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106
This beautiful music hall is home to one of the top 10 orchestras in the world, the Cleveland Orchestra. I have yet to visit but it’s definitely on my to-do list!
Where to Eat in University Circle
Guarino’s Restaurant
Visit | 12309 Mayfield Rd. Cleveland, OH 44106
As one of Cleveland’s oldest restaurants, Guarino’s has been serving authentic Italian fare since 1918. Featuring a charming outdoor patio and cozy indoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to visit year-round, especially during the summer when you can savor a meal in the picturesque outdoor space.
Mia Bella Restaurant
Visit | 12200 Mayfield Rd Cleveland, Ohio 44106
This family-owned restaurant serves up contemporary Italian dishes with a Mediterranean twist. They also have a nice bread service with freshly baked bread to dip in tasty European seasoned butter and olive oil and a great Caesar Salad.
Check Out These Other Great Spots
Mamma Santa’s, Provenance Restaurant, Trattoria on the Hill, Presti’s Bakery, Mitchell’s Ice Cream, and my to-visit list L’albatros Brasserie + Bar
Mount Granita Italian Ice
Visit | 2024 Murray Hill Road Cleveland, Ohio 44106
This delicious Italian Ice shop just opened its first brick & mortar spot in the building that was behind where they had a cute little stand set up. Spacious and charming complete with a window open in front to pick up an order while strolling the neighborhood, this is sure to be a favorite spot, especially in the summer.
Reel content was hosted by Mount Grantia, all opinions are my own, it’s delicious!
The Sweet Spot
Visit | 11440 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio, 44106
This unassuming shop in Uptown may look a little boring on the outside, but inside is bright, full of pretty floral, and delicious treats. Definitely a hidden gem and worth a visit.
Campus Pollyeyes
Visit | 12308 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Opened in 2023, this Bowling Green University student favorite opened a location in the heart of Little Italy. They are famous for their stuffed breadsticks which were pretty tasty!
Rosso Gelato
Visit | 12407 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Located on the main strip that goes through Little Italy, this tasty gelato shop has a huge assortment of flavors and major Italian vibes inside.
Wolf Pack Chorus
Visit | 12308 Mayfield Rd, Cleveland, OH 44106
This recently opened spot has a flair for cheeky design and elevated dishes. Find tasty food, live entertainment, a cute patio, and more.
Find more restaurants in University Circle here
What University Circle spot are you excited to try out?
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