This midwestern town in Ohio might seem like an odd spot for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but Cleveland does indeed strike a chord with its visitors. It combines the energy you'd expect from a big city while maintaining a small-town feel. With a wide range of things to do—from cultural touch points like the house from the cult classic, A Christmas Story, to outdoor activities and professional sports teams (and their passionate fans)—Cleveland epitomizes the heartland of America.
The spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) seasons are considered the best times to visit Cleveland. You’ll avoid the cold temps of winter and the humidity of summer. Because of its location along the southern shore of Lake Erie, the city can experience extreme cold that lasts into spring, along with lake-effect snow. As the weather warms, locals and visitors flock to the lakefront for outdoor activities and open-air concerts.
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides regular service between Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) and downtown via the Tower City Station on the Red Line. The trip takes about 30 minutes, with trains departing the airport every 15 minutes. RTA also operates rail, bus, and trolley lines throughout the city. The rail and trolley lines are considered more straightforward for visitors to navigate than the bus. Most downtown attractions are within a 20-minute walk. Bike- and scooter-share services are also available, along with taxis and ride-share.
Visit the West Side Market, the city’s oldest public market with plenty of vendors selling meats, seafood, fruits, veggies, baked goods, flowers, ready-to-eat foods, spices, and nuts. Since the space can be overwhelming, consider booking a guided tour to sample products—ranging from beef jerky to falafel to apple turnovers—as you learn about the market's history and architecture.
When visiting the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, spend some time outside the museum to admire its architecture. The building features a double pyramid and tower designed by architect I.M. Pei. From above, the building is meant to look like a record player, with the plaza in front serving as the record.
