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:

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 The Lakehouse)


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!

Haley G.

Haley has always loved reviewing locations and being in the know about the best neighborhoods, restaurants, and events in Cleveland. This passion fuels each guide and article she creates for The Cleveland Bucket List. She hopes you enjoy her stories and guides and get inspired to create an adventure of your own!

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