It is no secret that Cleveland is teeming with an incredible array of attractions, be it in arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and of course, sports. But when it comes to attractions that truly represent the best of what Cleveland has to offer to the world stage, I can think of five.
Cleveland is said to be the birthplace of rock and roll, and nowhere else is this celebrated than in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame museum in Downtown Cleveland, right along the Lake Erie shoreline. There is no mistaking this distinctive Cleveland landmark with its striking Modern architecture designed by I.M. Pei.
Opened in 1995, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame features permanent and seasonal exhibits, as well as a cafe and museum store. The museum also hosts live music events both in person and virtually.
Rock and roll may be deeply embedded in Cleveland’s blood, but the city has a taste and talent for classical music, too. This is best symbolized by the award-winning Cleveland Orchestra, considered as one of the Big Five symphony orchestras in the country. But the orchestra is not only making waves in the United States— it is also widely regarded as among the best in the world.
Currently directed by Franz Welser-Möst, the Cleveland Orchestra makes its home at Severance Hall, located within the grounds of Case Western Reserve University. Welser-Möst has been directing the orchestra since 2002. You can check out their upcoming concerts and special events here.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
2000 Sycamore Street, Cleveland, OH
There are quite a few things that make Greater Cleveland Aquarium special and truly representative of Cleveland. First, it’s housed in the FirstEnergy Powerhouse historic building in the city. Second, the aquarium plays an important role in several marine conservation efforts.
But the thing that makes Greater Cleveland Aquarium so beloved is the hospitality guests can enjoy inside. Whether you are an avid lover of marine creatures or new to this underwater world, you will always find informed and passionate staff members who can share a thing or two about the exhibit you’re viewing.
West Side Market
1979 W 25th Street, Cleveland, OH
First impressions usually fade away in most instances, but not in the case of West Side Market. At first glance, it seems like a trendy public market where food aficionados are likely to go to source their favorite local produce, among other things. That is entirely correct. In fact, it has been that way for nearly 190 years.
West Side Market first opened in 1840 in the Ohio City neighborhood. Today, it houses over 100 local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to specialty food products like artisanal bread and prime meat cuts.
West Side Market is also a great place to start if you are looking to sample Cleveland’s dynamic dining scene— some of the cuisines you can try here include German, Middle Eastern, Hungarian, and Greek.
Tour Cleveland’s defining attractions and neighborhoods with me, Michelle McQuade, one of the best Realtors in the city. We can explore homes for sale along the way. Contact me today at 440.823.2448 or michellemcquade(at)howardhanna(dotted)com to set up a consultation.