Experience Cleveland
Local Attractions
&
Things to Do
The event experience at CSU is certainly not limited only to the event itself. It includes everything Cleveland has to offer as a destination city with a robust history, nationally-recognized attractions, and a vibrant city culture.
Experience Cleveland
A City of Culture, Innovation and Entertainment
When your event at CSU ends, the adventure is just beginning! Located in the heart of one of the Midwest’s most dynamic cities, CSU provides the perfect gateway to Cleveland’s top attractions, iconic landmarks, and unique experiences.
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, sports fan, or art enthusiast, Cleveland offers something for everyone. Extend your visit and discover why our city is a hidden gem with world-class entertainment, stunning waterfront views, and a rich cultural scene.
Iconic Landmarks
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Explore the history and impact of rock music through interactive exhibits and memorabilia at this world-renowned museum. - Script Cleveland Signs
A nationally-recognized series of 6 “Cleveland” signs written in script installed in iconic locations with beautiful and scenic backdrops. - Terminal Tower
An iconic and historic skyscraper offering panoramic views of Cleveland from its observation deck. - USS Cod Submarine Memorial
A World War II-era submarine now serving as a museum, offering tours to visitors. - A Christmas Story House
Fans of the classic holiday film can visit the actual house used in “A Christmas Story,” now restored and operating as a museum dedicated to the movie. - More iconic landmarks things to see: the Free Stamp, Cleveland Walls mural collection, Fountain of Eternal Life, Great Lakes Science Center
Arts & Entertainment
- Playhouse Square
The largest performing arts center in the U.S. outside of New York, hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts. - Cleveland Museum of Art
Renowned for its diverse art collection spanning 6,000 years, with free admission to the public and a calendar of temporary special exhibits. - Severance Hall & The Cleveland Orchestra
Home to the Cleveland Orchestra, celebrated for its exceptional acoustics and grand architecture. - Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Cleveland
Showcases innovative contemporary art exhibitions in a striking modern building. - Cleveland Botanical Garden
Features themed gardens and a glasshouse with exotic plants and butterflies. - Punch Bowl Social A gastro diner and mixology bar with an old-school throwback entertainment vibe, it marries a scratch kitchen and craft beverage program with old-school gaming—including an 80’s arcade, bowling, ping pong, shuffleboard, billiards, darts, skee-ball, and karaoke.
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo A sprawling, 183-acre indoor/outdoor facility that’s home to more than 3,000 animals representing 600+ different species. The zoo features seven main exhibits, including a five-acre elephant crossing, an eight-acre Australian habitat and an African savannah. Plus, perennial seasonal events like Twilight at the Zoo, the Asian Lantern Festival, and Wild Winter Lights.
- JACK Cleveland Casino Located inside the historic Higbee Building, the JACK features more than 1,100 slot machines, 100+ table games, and a 30-table poker room. It’s also home to multiple bars and lounges, a seven-station buffet, and three fast-casual dining outlets.
Sports & Parks
- Cleveland Metroparks
Known as the “Emerald Necklace,” this extensive park system offers hiking, biking, and nature exploration opportunities. - Edgewater Park & Beach
A lakeside park with beaches, picnic areas, and stunning views of Lake Erie. This park is also home to Edgewater Live and the Cleveland Metroparks Concert Series during the summer. - Progressive Field: Home of the Cleveland Guardians
Home to the Cleveland Guardians, offering an exciting baseball experience in the heart of downtown. - Huntington Bank Field: Home of the Cleveland Browns
Hosts Cleveland Browns football games and various other events throughout the year. - Rocket Arena: Home of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Monsters
A multi-purpose arena hosting Cleveland Cavaliers basketball and Cleveland Monsters hockey games, as well as concerts, and other major events.
Shopping & Spirits
- Tower City Center Downtown Cleveland’s destination for shopping, dining and events with more than 75 retail stores, six restaurants, and a 10-screen theater located on Public Square.
- West Side Market
Cleveland’s oldest public market, featuring over 100 vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and artisanal goods located in vibrant Ohio City. - The Arcade Cleveland
America’s inaugural indoor shopping center opened in 1890. With stunning Victorian-era architecture, the Arcade features shopping, restaurants, cafes, and events. - Great Lakes Brewing Company
Cleveland’s first craft brewery, known for its award-winning beers and brewpub in iconic Ohio City. - Bin 216 Located in the heart of Playhouse Square, this wine shop serves wine and signature cocktails along with whimsical small plates and desserts.
- Flight Cleveland A trendy wine bar and shop in Gordon Square, Flight Cleveland features specially-curated wine flights, in addition to 20+ red, white and rosé wines on tap, local draft beers and a 400-bottle shop for vino-on-the-go.
- Hofbräuhaus Cleveland Oktoberfest never ends at this German microbrewery and restaurant with live music, onsite brewed bier, German delicacies, and a huge outdoor Biergarten.
Cultural & Social Districts
- The Flats East Bank
Cleveland’s premier entertainment district! A revitalized area along the Cuyahoga River, offering tons of unique nightlife, entertainment, and dining options, including Alley Cat Oyster Bar, Anejo Tequila Joint, FWD Day+Night Club, Glamper, Lago, Lindey’s Lake House, Margaritaville, Punch Bowl Social, and lots more. - The Flats West Bank
One half of the revitalized area along the Cuyahoga River, featuring the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, riverboat rides, kayaking, legendary bars and restaurants, and the iconic Jacobs Pavilion and Cleveland Improv to catch nationally-touring acts. - Ohio City
One of Cleveland’s most historic and vibrant neighborhoods with world-class dining, unique shopping, a thriving arts scene, and an exciting nightlife and bar scene. - Edgewater
This lakefront neighborhood offers an idyllic slice of life where visitors can enjoy the picturesque city streets, with plenty of places to eat, shop and explore. While Edgewater Park and Perkins Beach draw outdoor enthusiasts for boating, sailing and paddle sports, there’s plenty to discover beyond the water, too. - Little Italy
In this colorful, historic neighborhood, you’ll feel like you’re walking around a charming Italian town with its narrow streets, majestic churches and cozy eateries, like Cleveland’s oldest restaurant, Guarino’s. Spend an afternoon perusing art galleries and indulging in fresh, homemade bakery from Presti’s or Corbo’s - East 4th Street
East 4th offers world-class dining and entertainment in the heart of Downtown Cleveland. Indulge in world-class dining; taste some of the best craft brews and drinks Cleveland has to offer; catch a show at House of Blues or Hilarities; or get your game on with bowling and arcade games—day or night! - Check out a full list of cultural and social districts, including Asiatown, Detroit Shoreway, Old Booklyn, Tremont, and University Circle.
Plan your adventure and make the most of your time in Cleveland! Looking for things to do? Try visiting Destination Cleveland at for more exciting activity ideas and things to see!
More Info for
A Hassle-Free Visit
When you book your event at CSU, you get more than just a venue—you gain access to a full suite of professional services designed to elevate your event. Our experienced team works with you to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience for you and your guests.