The 5 Top Walkable, Instagrammable Spots in Downtown Cleveland
There’s certainly no shortage of instagrammable spots in Cleveland - but what if you don’t have a full weekend to map them all out? Get sidetracked easily (raises hand…) or even worse - looking for (and paying for parking!) several times while hunting everything down? Maybe you’re on a long layover and want to check out the max in the minimal amount of time? I’m here to help :)
Before making the move to NYC 10 years ago, Cleveland was my home. It only took me two years to write about The Land on Julie Off Duty (oops). I don’t always have a ton of time in a city (and I am all about the long layover) so I wanted to write this post for you to be able to see #thisisCLE as I would.
Let’s face it - traveling is way better when you don’t have to park and drive. Luckily, the best attractions in downtown Cleveland are accessible on foot. Here’s my Top 5 quick-hit list, with a bonus spot at the end:
#1 The Cleveland Arcade
401 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
theclevelandarcade.com #clevelandarcade
No IG Shot list list is complete without the Arcade, and for good reason. It’s like being in the atrium of a grand, vintage cruise ship. But here’s a secret… its normally empty! Yep. No one in your pics make it an uber-fast and easy shot. (Want proof? I didn’t have to edit a singe person out of these pics or wait for more than 10 seconds for a shot). Its worth a visit at night (above) and in the daytime (below) if you can for variance in light.
This ornate building first opened in 1890 as Cleveland’s first indoor shopping center. Back then, it was known as “Cleveland’s Crystal Palace”. Today, the Cleveland Arcade is home to a few storefronts that range from retail, spas, tea houses and restaurants. It’s a great place to visit whether or not you’re looking to do some shopping, or simply to enjoy a little downtime at one of the cute cafe tables on the second level. The Arcade is open daily from 7 am - 7 pm, however, individual restaurants and shops operate on their own schedule so be sure to check out their store hours prior to your visit.
#2 Cleveland Script Sign (North Coast Harbor)
1001 E. Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114
#clevelandscriptsign
There are several Cleveland Script signs in CLE (six at the moment!), but this one to me, with the iconic Rock Hall in the background, is the most recognizable. Its also super sturdy - so if you’re feeling brave and want to climb up on it, you can (just be super careful, please!!!). Find the others in Tremont, Euclid Beach Park, at the CLE airport, Edgewater Park, the West Bank of the Flats.
#3 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
1100 Rock and Roll Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio 44114
www.rockhall.com #longliverock #RockHall2020
I have a confession. I’m embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know that the same (MEGA-respected) architect, I.M. Pei that designed the glass pyramid at the Louvre also designed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! No trip to Cleveland is complete without a visit here. If you’ve never heard of the Rock Hall (as us locals call it), this museum houses priceless musical instruments, documents, albums, and so much more that once belonged to rock gods and legends. It features artifacts from bands like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, the Who, Blondie and so many more groundbreaking artists. Want to see a guitar that Prince once owned and performed on? See it at the Rock Hall. How about the keyboard that Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” was written on? It’s at the Rock Hall too.
The Rock Hall features rotating exhibits so there’s always something new to see. The current exhibition, co-organized by The Met, features instruments from 1939 to the present day. If you’d like to see what’s coming to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, be sure to check out their website prior to your visit! It’s $26/adult to enter, but pics outside of the iconic lakeside building are free.
#4 Free Stamp
Willard Park, 601 Lakeside Avenue East, Cleveland, Ohio 44114
Wikipedia #freestamp
Celebrating a recent breakup? The Free Stamp (also World’s Largest Rubber Stamp) is a more unusual monument, and something Cleveland didn’t even want in the first place, but in Cleveland but it is still super recognizable. It has a nod to the Civil War, but you know me for not knowing a lick about history. If you want to snap a pic here to solidify your newfound singledom, the Free Stamp is your spot. I snapped this pic around 12:30pm in the winter when the sun was direct, and not another soul was around. For “free” ;)
#5 Heinen’s
900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio, 44115
www.heinens.com - #HeinensCLE
Look up Heinen’s and you’ll find… it’s a NE Ohio supermarket chain? But hear me out: the downtown location is BREATHTAKING, to say the least. It’s housed in the former Cleveland Trust Rotunda Building, built in 1908. Basically, beautifully arranged food and an entire level of wine (complete with special wine tastings!) beneath a three-story domed ceiling complete with hand-painted murals. Come for the photo ops, stay for the fresh salad, sushi, soup and bakery.
Bonus: A Christmas Story House
3159 W. 11th Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44109
www.achristmasstoryhouse.com @achristmasstoryhouse #achristmasstoryhouse
Growing up in Cleveland, its completely expected for us to watch this iconic movie, filmed in and around downtown Cleveland. Only one exit away from downtown is the A Christmas Story House. Although it isn’t within walking distance from everything else, it is still closeby and definitely worth paying a visit to the Christmas Story House! The house operates as a museum featuring memorabilia, props, and costumes (like the infamous leg lamp) from the movie. It also features several behind-the-scenes photos from the filming.
The Christmas Story House is open year-round, with extended hours during the holiday season. Want to take your experience to the next level? You can even book a stay in the house itself from $395/nt!
It’s in the neighborhood of Tremont, vibrant urban village with dozens of indie restaurants, boutiques, and galleries. It does have pockets of blocks that I recommend not visiting at night - and always keep your possessions out of view in your car (or uber for $8 from downtown) as petty crimes like break-in’s have been known to happen.
And there you have it! Downtown Cleveland is a wonderful place to explore year-round. With so much history, it really makes for a great destination to add on your bucket list. Bonus points if you can make it there for the holidays! Christmas in Cleveland is always a great idea, if you ask me!