Visitors to Cleveland will find themselves surrounded by culture and activity. The city has changed a lot since the 1980s, so if it's been a while since you've been in the second-largest city in Ohio, you owe it to yourself to do some exploring.
Get Down to Business
From Cleveland Airport, you're about a 30-minute drive from downtown, which is also home to the Cleveland Convention Center. Business travelers have their choice of upscale hotels from all the major chains. Parking can be pricey, but the free E-Line Trolley makes it easy to explore downtown without looking for — or paying for — a place to park.
The area around the convention center gets a bit sleepy at night, so head to East 4th or the Warehouse District for restaurants and nightlife. It's worth the drive to the Ohio City area to check out Great Lakes Brewing Company, where you can taste an ever-changing selection of locally made beers.
Lots to Do Near the Lake
If you have some time for fun, don't miss the lakefront area. One of Cleveland's most famous landmarks is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Built in 1983 by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the building is an attraction in itself, and the treasures inside will captivate even casual music fans.
While you're at the lakefront, check out the Great Lakes Science Center. In addition to the interactive exhibits, visitors can see a movie in the six-story OMNIMAX theatre or explore the William G. Mather, a restored, historic 1925 steamship (open spring through fall). And if ocean vessels are your thing, don't miss the USS COD Submarine Memorial, also on the lakefront. The sub was active in World War II and is a National Historic Landmark.
You'll also find plenty to do further inland. Catch a show at PlayhouseSquare. Take your pick of excellent museums, such as the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Contemporary Art, or Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Round out your visit with a stroll through the Cleveland Botanical Garden or join locals for some shopping at the West Side Market, housed in a beautifully renovated 1912 building.