How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Cleveland, United States
1. West Side Market
Authentic Cleveland food market with a variety of vendors. Avoid touristy overpriced food stands; seek out local favorites.
- Local Favorites: Ask locals for their favorite stalls to get the best, authentic food
- Price Comparison: Compare prices at different stands before purchasing
- Visiting Time: Go during off-peak hours to avoid tourist crowds
2. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Iconic music museum with interactive exhibits. Buy tickets online in advance to skip lines.
- Online Tickets: Buy tickets on the museum's official website or through third-party sites for convenience
- Visiting Time: Plan your visit for a less busy day or time to avoid crowds
- Guided Tours: Consider guided tours to get the most out of your visit and skip lines
3. Cleveland Museum of Art
World-class art museum with free admission. Avoid overpriced restaurants nearby; pack a lunch.
- Free Admission: Admission is free, so plan accordingly and bring cash for snacks or souvenirs
- Pack a Lunch: Pack your own lunch to save money and enjoy a quiet meal in the museum's picnic area
- Exhibit Research: Research exhibits before visiting to plan your route and make the most of your visit
4. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Spacious zoo with a variety of animals. Buy tickets online or consider membership for discounts.
- Online Tickets: Buy tickets on the zoo's official website or through third-party sites to save time
- Membership: Consider a membership for discounted admission and other perks
- Animal Encounter Time: Check the zoo's schedule for animal feedings or encounters to plan your day
5. Great Lakes Science Center
Interactive science center with exhibits and a cruise ship. Buy tickets online for discounts.
- Online Tickets: Buy tickets on the center's official website or through third-party sites to save money
- Exhibit Research: Research exhibits before visiting to plan your route and make the most of your visit
- Cruise Schedule: Check the cruise ship's schedule for departures and plan accordingly
6. Cleveland Botanical Garden
Beautiful garden with seasonal exhibits. Buy tickets online or consider membership for discounts.
- Online Tickets: Buy tickets on the garden's official website or through third-party sites to save time
- Membership: Consider a membership for discounted admission and other perks
- Exhibit Research: Research exhibits before visiting to plan your route and make the most of your visit
7. Playhouse Square
Historic theater district with shows and restaurants. Research shows for authentic experiences; avoid overpriced eateries.
- Show Research: Research shows to ensure you're seeing an authentic, local production
- Online Tickets: Buy tickets on the theater's official website or through third-party sites for convenience
- Restaurant Research: Research local restaurants for authentic, affordable dining options
8. Cleveland Indians Game
Baseball game at Progressive Field. Buy tickets online in advance to get the best deals.
- Online Tickets: Buy tickets on the team's official website or through third-party sites for convenience
- Seat Research: Research seat locations to find the best value for your money
- Game Schedule: Check the team's schedule for non-peak games to avoid crowds
9. Cleveland Cavaliers Game
Basketball game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Buy tickets online in advance to get the best deals.
- Online Tickets: Buy tickets on the team's official website or through third-party sites for convenience
- Seat Research: Research seat locations to find the best value for your money
- Game Schedule: Check the team's schedule for non-peak games to avoid crowds
10. Lakeview Cemetery
Historic cemetery with notable burials. Avoid touristy gift shops; bring a picnic lunch.
- Picnic Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the scenic cemetery
- Cemetery Map: Use a map or app to guide your tour and find notable graves
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds
11. Cleveland Flea Market
Weekend market with a variety of vendors. Avoid overpriced items; negotiate prices.
- Price Negotiation: Negotiate prices to get the best deals
- Cash Payment: Bring cash for easier, faster transactions
- Early Arrival: Arrive early for the best selection and to avoid crowds
12. Flat Iron Cafe
Popular brunch spot with long waits. Make reservations or visit off-peak hours.
- Reservations: Make a reservation in advance to secure a table
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days to avoid long waits
- Takeout Option: Consider takeout for a quicker, more convenient meal
13. Melt Bar and Grilled
Famous grilled cheese restaurant with long lines. Visit off-peak hours or consider takeout.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days to avoid lines
- Takeout Option: Consider takeout for a quicker, more convenient meal
- Menu Research: Research the menu in advance to decide what you'd like to order
14. Hofbrauhaus Cleveland
German beer hall with live music and food. Visit off-peak hours or consider takeout.
- Off-Peak Visits: Visit during off-peak hours or days to avoid crowds
- Takeout Option: Consider takeout for a quicker, more convenient meal
- Live Music Schedule: Check the schedule for live music to plan your visit accordingly
15. Cuyahoga River Kayaking
River kayaking tour with beautiful sights. Book in advance for discounts.
- Online Booking: Book your tour online to secure a spot and save money
- Equipment Provided: Tour companies provide equipment, so you don't need to worry about bringing gear
- Expert Guides: Expert guides will lead you on a safe, enjoyable tour of the river