48 hours in Cleveland
So you only have 48 hours in Cleveland? Challenge Accepted! Although, we have to give a disclaimer - you cannot possibly see everything we think you should see in Cleveland in 48 hours - so know that we have plenty of other suggestions.
Feel free to reach out if you’re planning a trip and don’t know where to begin!
First off, you’re going to need a place to stay. We recommend:
The Metropolitan at the 9 - right in the heart of downtown
Kimpton Schofield - also right in the heart of downtown
Aloft - you’ll be right in the Flats
Westin - you’ll be close to Voinovich Bicentennial Park.
Glidden House Hotel, so you can see all of the leaves changing colors as you walk through University Circle.
If you’re looking to save money on your lodging try The Cleveland Hostel.
You’ll certainly be able to get around Cleveland via walking, biking, and rideshare (especially in the summer) but if you’d like to rent a car, it’ll help!
Arrive in Cleveland Friday:
Head to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the Cleveland Museum of Art or perhaps check out one of our must-see spots in Cleveland.
What are you feeling for dinner?
Mexican: Avo or Nuevo Modern Mexican
Italian: Luca, Bruno's Ristorante, or Il Venetian
Seafood: Blue Point Grille, Mallorca, Marble Room, or Alley Cat Oyster Bar, Goma
American: Noble Beast, Masthead, Mabel’s BBQ, Gabriels Southern Table
Enjoy an after-dinner drink in the Flats (we recommend Collision Bend or Lindey’s Lake House)
Saturday:
Wake up and grab a donut at Brewnuts
Take a walk around Edgewater Park and take a picture with the Cleveland Script Sign
Have brunch at Betts, Lucky’s Cafe, or Le Petit Triangle Café
Enjoy drinks at a Brewery (Terrestrial, Market Garden, or Saucy Brew Works)
Stop into the West Side Market and take a self-guided tour
Have a scoop of ice cream from Mitchell’s on W 25th (or Mason’s - make sure to check ice cream is in season at Mason’s)
Visit The Arcade, The Free Stamp, or the Cleveland Script Sign at North Coast Harbor
Your afternoon:
In the summer:
Take a kayak out on the Lake (In the Flats, or in the Rocky River)
Walk or bike the Metroparks (UH Bike Share Locations, bike rentals at Ohio City Cycles or Century Cycles)
Enjoy dinner outside at Nano Brew, Collision Bend, Georgetown, Pier W, Sarita, or Luca.
See the sunset at the Lakewood Solstice Steps, Whiskey Island, or East 9th Street Pier
Follow up with a drink in Lakewood at Humble Wine Bar, Forage, or Western Reserve Distillers
In the Winter:
Head to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Botanical Garden, or the Cleveland Museum of Art
If you go to the Rock Hall - dinner at Noble Beast, Great Lakes Brewing Company, Market Garden, or Barrio
Follow up with Forest City Shuffleboard or Duckpin Bowling at Hi & Dry
If you go to a museum - dinner at L’Albatros, Mia Bella, or Mama Santa’s - dessert at Presti’s Bakery & Cafe, ice skating at Wade Oval
If you’re going to a Cavs or Guardians game:
Dinner at Mabel’s BBQ on East 4th
Head to your choice of Cleveland sporting event
Follow up with drinks in the Vault at the 9 (summer = rooftop), or at Lindey’s Lake House in the Flats
Sunday:
Wake up and enjoy breakfast at Cleveland Bagel Co.
Head back to the airport and rave on social media about your visit. We’d love if you’d tag us in your photos!
