Downtown Cleveland City Guide
My Downtown Cleveland City Guide is a curated collection of the best things to do while downtown. From photo-ops, amazing restaurants, and must-see destinations, this guide will take you there. While this is not an extensive list, it will get you started on your exploration and make sure you don’t miss anything.
North Coast Harbor
The North Coast Harbor should be on everyone’s to-do list when visiting Downtown, Cleveland. It’s a small strip of the Lake Erie coast, but you will find a lot to do.
- Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to take a stroll through music history in one of the coolest buildings.
- Get hands-on fun at the Great Lakes Science Center exploring science phenomena, NASA, Body World, and other exhibits great for all ages.
- Take in incredible views of Lake Erie and Downtown Cleveland from Voinovich Bicentennial Park. Spanning the lakefront of the pier and includes a huge, grassy area perfect for picnics and relaxation.
- Enjoy a game of volleyball on the public sand volleyball courts or bocce ball in one of the two courts open to the public. In warmer months, you can do yoga at North Coast Namasté at the Rock Hall.
North Coast Harbor Photo Ops
Script Sign
Obligatory Cleveland
There are several Cleveland Script signs around town, however, this one has always been one of my favorites. You get a great view of the downtown skyline.
Rock Hall
FOR THE Music Enthusiast
An amazing building filled with even more amazing historic music memorabilia. The glass windows and unique building shape make for great photos.
Voinovich Park
Amazing LAke + City Views
Enjoy dining and entertainment along the crooked Cuyahoga River in The Flats. Whether it’s the west or east bank, you’re bound to have a good time.
Where to eat
There aren’t many restaurants in this general area, but you are close to many of them in other areas of Downtown. There’s a Mexican restaurant called Neuvo Modern Mexican & Tequilla Bar on the pier.
The Flats
East Bank or West Bank, you’re in for a fun time along the crooked Cuyahoga River. My Downtown Cleveland City Guide wouldn’t be complete without The Flats.
Back in the day, The Flats were the epitome of fun in Downtown Cleveland. Old River Road would be lined with cars and revelers ready to party the night away at one of the many bars and concert clubs. Since then, The Flats experienced a decline and a revitalization making it once again a top destination for entertainment downtown.
The Flats consist of an East Bank and a West Bank separated by the crooked Cuyahoga River where it connects to Lake Erie. The East Bank has new construction on its north end with apartments, a hotel, new restaurants and bars, and a new river walkway. The West Bank is home to concert venues, an aquarium, apartment buildings, and businesses. There’s lots of history here and it’s exciting to see it come back to life.
East Bank Flats
After years of laying dormant after being one of the top party spots in town, the East Bank Flats have made a comeback. With all the new construction building hotels, restaurants, apartments, businesses, and a new walkway along the river, the spirit of the Flats has returned.
- Play the night away at Punch Bowl Social with their 27,000-square-foot building-o-fun. Games from bowling and darts to billiards and foosball. Karaoke, eats, and a killer rooftop deck.
- Catch a concert at The Odeon Concert Club
- Take a stroll along the Cuyahoga with the new(ish) walkway along the river’s edge.
- Take a dip, or dance the night away at FWD Day & Nightclub along the river’s edge, complete with a pool for the ultimate summer party.
East Bank Photo Ops
Bridges
Unique + Historic
Developed in ways they can lift for boats traveling down the river, the bridges along the Cuyahoga River make for amazing photos, especially against a beautiful and dramatic sunset.
The Flats Sign
Vintage coOL
Sitting on top of the East Bank apartments in the Flats East Bank sign. This vintage-styled sign makes for a great photo op.
River Walkway
tWINKLING river Views
When the East Bank was renovated, a beautiful new river path was added to allow visitors to walk along the river and dock their boats. Allows great views of the river.
East Bank Eats
Punchbowl Social
Every kind of bar entertainment you can think of from bowling, darts, vintage arcade games, and food.
Collision Bend Brewing Co.
A brewery right along the river with amazing views, beers, and great eats.
Lindy’s Lake House
Coastal eats in a casual breezy decorated spot right along the river.
27 cLUB cOFFEE
Popular coffee shop by local musician Machine Gun Kelly. Full of pink decor, drinks, and eats, perfect for Insta.
Also check out: Lago East Bank, Inferno Flats, Beerhead Bar & Eatery, Sora, Good Night John Boy, Trumans 216
West Bank Flats
The West Bank of the Flats has yet to be renovated but doesn’t lack charm. Music venue, killer views, an aquarium, and more.
- Have dinner and a show at Music Box Supper Club, a unique concept along the West Bank.
- Rock out to your favorite band playing with the river as a backdrop at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica (or as we locals just call it “Nautica”)
- Explore under the sea at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium nestled inside a cool, industrial-like building.
- Take a dinner cruise on Lake Erie on the Nautica Queen.
West Bank Photo Ops
There are so many picturesque scenes along with the West Bank of the Flats that it’s hard to choose just one. From vintage bridges, old buildings, and unique little surprises it’s a great place to explore.
Mini-Guardian
Unofficial CLE mascot
The Guardian of Traffic that stands post on one of Cleveland’s bridges has become the unofficial mascot of Cleveland. I found these amazing miniature versions along with a building on the East Bank. So fun!
Bascule Bridge
vine-covered cool
Next to Shooter’s is a vintage jackknife-style bridge covered in vines that all Cleveland photographers know. Makes for a great photo backdrop.
Night Lights
River Reflections
The vivid blue Shoreway Bridge and night lights of Downtown Cleveland make for a great photo op as the lights twinkle in the river.
The Superior Viaduct
One of my goals with my Downtown Cleveland City Guide is to help you find the best photo ops. This is a unique spot that’s hard to say where it exactly lays, but since it goes over the West Bank of the Flats it gets a special call-out. This is one of the best photo ops in town but it’s not the easiest to access. You enter Superior Viaduct from W. 25th Street in Ohio City. As you drive down you’ll see it becomes parking only for the apartments and restaurants that line the street.
This is where it gets tricky as you can’t park there. Once you find parking somewhere, walk down the Viaduct and prepare for amazing almost 360-degree views of Cleveland, The Flats, Cuyahoga River, and a peek of Lake Erie. You can enjoy dinner at Luca Italian Cuisine, it’s the best spot for fireworks on The 4th, and you might find some locals sneaking a listen to the shows going on below at Jacob’s Pavilion at Nautica.
West Bank Eats
Music Box Supper Club
A unique venue along the river’s edge where you can get dinner while watching live music.
Brewdog Outpost Cle
New brewery on the outskirts of the West Bank of the flats. Patio, huge industrial interior, food, and of course beer. Can’t wait to check it out.
Sainato’s at Rivergate
This has been our go-to takeout spot for Italian food for a while now. Pizza and pasta, yum.
Also check out: Harbor Inn, Flat Iron Cafe, Merwin’s Wharf, McCarthey’s, Shooter’s Waterfront Cafe
East 4th Street
One of the first areas to really revive and innovate itself is E4th Street, a must-see spot on my Downtown Cleveland City Guide. Once a street of run-down shops and businesses, it became one of the hottest spots to go for food and entertainment in Cleveland. Full of some of the best restaurants and entertainment, it’s the perfect street for a date night or fun night out with friends.
- Have fun bowling while you eat and sip on cocktails at The Corner Alley.
- Enjoy a comedy show at Hilarities when you crave a good laugh.
- Catch a show at The House of Blues for an evening of music and fun.
- Eat at one of the many patios along the street.
East 4th Street Photo Ops
East 4th Street has become one of the best spots for photo ops in town. The zig-zag of lights and signage makes for great photographs and on any given weekend you’ll find a wedding party posing for the shot.
The Street
Bright City Lights
It’s not the most popular street in Cleveland for no reason. The bright lights zig-zagging across the street welcome you in and make for some great photos.
Yummy Food
insta-worthy
E4th Street is known for its food scene, you can get just about everything from Cajun to Asian and everything in between. The food is fit for photography.
Unique Buildings
full of history
This street has a collection of some very unique buildings. One that intrigues me most is currently occupied by Mabel’s BBQ, why are there no windows? So curious.
East 4th Street Eats
Don’t miss out on these other great spots in the area:
Butcher and the Brewer, Mabel’s BBQ, The Corner Alley, Society Lounge, Flannery’s Pub, Wonder Bar, Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar, Chocolate Bar, Taco Bell Cantina, Shake Shack, recently opened House of Creole and Blue Agave (coming soon)
Playhouse Square
You probably didn’t know that Cleveland, Ohio has the second-largest theater district in the country. (or that we have the largest outdoor chandelier in the US)
Known to be the largest theater district outside of NYC is our Playhouse Square. Home to ten theaters, many restaurants, and new living spaces, Playhouse Square is a fun place to visit for dinner and a show, or just to gawk at the largest outdoor chandelier in the United States. Visit the official Playhouse Square site for more info here. This is definitely a spot on my Downtown Cleveland City Guide you’ll want to visit.
Playhouse Square Photo Ops
The outdoor views aren’t too bad, but the interior hides some incredibly beautiful interiors.
Street Scenes
Brite City Lights
The views are best at night when all the lights are on. From vintage signage, entryways, and visual playbill announcements.
Gorgeous Interiors
jaw-dropping
The exterior doesn’t give away much of how beautiful the interiors of the theaters that line Playhouse Square the details are stunning.
The Chandelier
Largest in the USA
For a while, it was the largest outdoor chandelier in the world, but now it’s just the largest in the US. Random and photo-worthy.
Gateway District
The historic Gateway District greets you when visiting Downtown Cleveland, Ohio, and is where you’ll find the baseball and basketball arenas as well as a castle and old cemetery. The restaurants are more geared to sports fan gatherings than fancy date nights or casual eats. Technically, E4th Street is in the Gateway, but it deserved its own call-out.
- Stroll through Erie Street Cemetery and get lost in history
- Catch a Guardian’s baseball game at Progressive Field (or, as the locals will forever call it, Jacob’s Field)
- Watch the Cavs play a game or catch a show at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse (or as the locals still call it “The Q”)
- Check out the historic Grays Armory, a castle-like armory in downtown Cleveland
Gateway Eats
Barrio
A unique venue along the river’s edge where you can get dinner while watching live music.
Red, the Steakhouse
New brewery on the outskirts of the West Bank of the flats. Patio, huge industrial interior, eat and of course beer. Can’t wait to check it out.
Southern Tier
Enjoy brunch, lunch, and dinner along the Cuyahoga and Lake Erie on Cleveland’s dinner cruise.
Chocolate bAR
This has been our go-to takeout spot for Italian food for a while now. Pizza and pasta, yum.
Also check out: Harbor Inn, Flat Iron Cafe, Merwin’s Wharf, McCarthey’s, Shooter’s Waterfront Cafe
Nine Twelve District
A unique addition to my Downtown Cleveland City Guide is the Nine Twelve District. Once known as the Financial District, this part of Downtown now mixes cool, new residential and hotels, trendy restaurants, and the coolest grocery store in town.
- Visit the Heinens on Euclid & 9th – a local grocery chain built in the old Cleveland Trust building with an incredibly beautiful glass-enclosed rotunda. The most beautiful grocery store out there.
- Have a staycation at the new, stylish hotels The 9 or The Schofield Watch the Cavs play a game, or catch a show at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse (or as the locals still call it “The Q”)
- Within short walking distance from Playhouse Square, E4th Street, North Coast Harbor
Need a staycation or a great place to stay while in town? Check out my post on our NYE Staycation at The Schofield Hotel
Nine Twelve Photo Ops
In the heart of the city lies some beautiful images waiting to happen.
Glass Ceiling
Stained Glass Grocer
Visit the downtown Heinen’s rotunda for an unforgettable grocery store experience (look up!)
Hotel Eats
Beautiful brunch
Photograph your brunch as you eat it in a cute little tent at Bett’s, whose interior looks just as good as the food.
Built to Last
Oh, the details
Marvel at the variety of architecture from NeoClassical, to Modernist, to Brutalist-style, and take photos
Nine Twelve Eats
Betts
Beautifully designed interiors and delicious food. This is so much more than just a hotel restaurant.
aZURE
part of The 9 hotel, Azure boasts amazing rooftop views for cocktails and light eats.
aDEGA
Another modern and cool hotel restaurant.
mASTHEAD bREWING CO.
A spacious brewery just on the outskirts of the Ninetwelve district
Public Square
When visiting downtown Cleveland, Ohio you’ll want to make sure to stop by Public Square. This is the heart of the city and connects you to so many of the areas on my list. Newly renovated, Public Square is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the city.
- Head up to the Terminal Tower Observation Deck for incredible views that span all of Cleveland
- Visit the Soldiers & Sailors monument
- Chance your luck at Jack Casino built within a historic downtown building you might recognize from A Christmas Story
- Hang out in Public Square during the summer you can get some fun in the splash pool, or ice skate during winter when it’s transformed into a lighted wonderland.
Public Square Photo Ops
Make A Splash
Reflective splash pad
The green space in the heart of the public square was recently revisioned which includes a giant splash pad that makes excellent reflective views of the Square.
Birds Eye View
eye in the sky
On the 42nd floor of the Terminal Tower is an observation deck that most locals don’t even know is there. Get amazing aerial views spanning all of downtown here.
A Bit Of History
so monumental
A monument to commemorate the American Civil War. A tribute to the veterans of Cuyahoga County from the Navy, Artillery, Infantry, and Cavalry. Great details to photography.
Warehouse District
Cleveland’s first neighborhood and also a National Historic Landmark is the Warehouse District. Originally a residential area Cleveland’s first neighborhood and also a National Historic Landmark is the Warehouse District. Originally a residential area then became more commercial after the Civil War, the Warehouse District spans 43 acres with over 70 buildings with some of the best Victorian-era architecture in the US. These days the Warehouse District has found a balance between residential, business, and entertainment. Check out the district’s official website here for even more info.
- Get coffee and pink-themed eats at Machine Gun Kelly’s coffee shop 27 Club Coffee
- Party at one of the several nightclubs that line West 6th Street
- Chance your luck at Jack Casino built within a historic downtown building you might recognize from A Christmas Story
Warehouse District Eats
Mallorca
Spanish & Portuguese cuisine
Camino Taco & Tequilla
A variety of Mexican food and themed tacos.
Cleveland Chop
More than a steakhouse, according to their slogan
TOMO
Sushi and eccentric hibachi
I hope you’ve enjoyed my Downtown Cleveland City Guide! Are you a business in the neighborhood and want to collaborate, or did you have an update on something I shared here? Contact me. Be sure to check out my other Cleveland Ohio Neighborhood Guides below!
