Top Attractions for First-Timers

Cleveland has no shortage of attractions to fill your itinerary, but if it’s your first time in the city, you’ll want to make sure you hit all the highlights. Here are some of the top attractions and activities you won’t want to miss on your inaugural trip to Cleveland.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

You can’t visit Cleveland without stopping into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. This one-of-a-kind museum documents the history of rock music and honors its most influential artists and contributors. Permanent exhibits showcase iconic memorabilia from music legends like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, and more. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits on specific artists, genres, or eras in music. An interactive section even lets you try your hand at playing instruments and singing karaoke.

Cleveland Museum of Art

Art lovers will be blown away by the expansive collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The museum houses over 45,000 pieces spanning 6,000 years of creativity. You’ll find an impressive array of art from ancient civilizations, European masterworks, modern and contemporary pieces, and more. Don’t miss seeing the museum’s famed armor collection. The CMA also surrounds visitors with beauty through its gorgeous building and tranquil gardens.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Get up close with dinosaurs, mummies, gemstones, wildlife dioramas, and more at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. This museum has fascinating permanent exhibits like the dinosaur hall and a planetarium. Special exhibits also focus on topics like the science of Pixar films or the link between brewing and science. The museum offers fun hands-on activities for kids like digging for fossils or exploring the wildlife gardens outside.

Great Lakes Science Center

At the Great Lakes Science Center, kids and adults alike will love discovering STEM concepts through interactive exhibits. Highlights include exploring space in the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, walking through a giant human heart, and experiencing hurricane-force winds. The Science Center also includes an OMNIMAX theater for immersive science films. Don’t miss riding the Wind Turbine boat for a cruise on Lake Erie.

West Side Market

Foodies will not want to miss Cleveland’s beloved West Side Market. This indoor/outdoor market first opened in 1912 and today houses over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, baked goods, dairy, spices, and more. Marvel at the market’s stunning architecture as you sample ethnic foods, browse stalls, and shop for ingredients to take home. The West Side Market is a fun place to grab breakfast, lunch, or pick up artisan groceries.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo makes for a fun outdoor activity during your Cleveland trip. Home to over 3,000 animals, this zoo has exhibits showcasing wildlife from across the globe. Don’t miss the African Savanna, Primate, Cat & Aquatics, and Australian Adventure sections. The zoo has lots of interactive elements like feeding giraffes or riding a camel. Special events like summer concerts and holiday light displays also take place annually.

How to Get Around Cleveland

Cleveland offers several transportation options for getting around the city efficiently. Here’s a breakdown of your choices for navigating Cleveland during your trip:

Light Rail

The RTA light rail system, also called The Rapid, operates on two lines through Cleveland. The Red Line runs from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport through downtown to the west side. The Blue and Green lines offer east-west transit through the city. Light rail can be handy for getting to major attractions like Progressive Field, the Rock Hall, and Cleveland State University. Fares start at $2.50.

Taxis and Rideshares

Cleveland has an ample supply of taxi services like Yellow Cab and Ace Taxi. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft also operate throughout the city. These on-demand rides offer convenience but can add up cost-wise during a long trip. Taxis also only fit about four passengers at once, so large groups will need to split up.

Charter Buses

For ultimate convenience and group unity, consider a Cleveland charter bus rental for your trip. Charter buses allow even large groups of up to 56 passengers to stay together. You can customize pick-up/drop-off locations and routes. Amenities like WiFi, TVs, and plush seats keep everyone comfortable en route. Charter buses take the stress out of navigating a new city. And in a mid-sized metro like Cleveland, buses can maneuver easier than in larger cities.

Ready to Get Started?

We hope this first timer’s guide gets you excited to start planning your Cleveland getaway. With world-class museums, unique attractions, a buzzing food scene, and Lake Erie adventures, Cleveland offers diverse entertainment options for all interests. Renting a charter bus for group transportation makes exploring the city even more fun and convenient. At Charter Buses Cleveland, our charter bus rentals provide the easiest way for groups to get around the city and visit top attractions. We offer a range of bus sizes from minibuses to 56-passenger coaches to accommodate any group’s needs. All our rental buses include amenities like WiFi, TVs, power outlets, and plush reclining seats for comfort. Our drivers are experienced professionals who know Cleveland’s roads and sites. For your next Cleveland trip, let Charter Buses Cleveland handle the transportation logistics so you can focus on fun. Call us at 216-249-7981 for a free quote on Cleveland charter bus rentals tailored to your group’s size and trip plans. We look forward to helping you experience everything this great city has to offer!