9 Unique Experiences That Should Be On Everyone’s Cleveland Bucket List
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Nikki Rhoades
Author
Think you know Cleveland? Think again. I’m a lifelong Clevelander that’s been writing about the city since 2017, and I learn something new about this incredible place every single day. This charming corner of the U.S. has many secrets, from a history of innovation to hidden art that’s poised to dazzle. When we live in a certain city for so long, we often grow blind to its most incredible features… they become mundane and familiar rather than awe-inspiring. However, now’s a great time to rediscover all that the city has to offer! Viator, a TripAdvisor company, offers many unique Cleveland tours and experiences that will transform your relationship with the city. These tours of Cleveland are a great way to reconnect with your roots and learn about the area’s unique history, and they just might expose you to your new favorite features and landmarks.
1. Embrace a more romantic side of the city.
We may not be the City of Love, but Cleveland is easy to fall in love with. This is an incredible place to embark on a date, as there's no shortage of fun to be had. However, planning dates in Cleveland can be daunting... given that I write about the city, my partner always looks to me to plan local experience. Sometimes, you just want to mix it up, you know? The romance walking tour from Viator is the perfect solution. This experience will pair you and your boo with a professional tour guide as you explore the dreamiest places in Cleveland. Of course, every tour concludes with a romantic sunset walk on Lake Erie's shore. There's nothing quite like watching the sun sink into the horizon at Lake Erie's edge!
2. Explore the best sights and bites in Cleveland.
I've always said the fastest way to a girl's heart is with lots and lots of cheese. However, cheese is just one of many incredible food features in Cleveland, and there's no better way to experience our foodie scene than with a private foodie tour. The Sights & Bites of CLE tour will take you to specialty food stores, markets, and restaurants that locals love. From Old World bakeries to cultural enclaves in familiar neighborhoods, you'll love this unique excursion in Cleveland.
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3. Dive into the local art scene.
In the past few decades, artists have totally transformed Cleveland's reputation. Nowadays, entire neighborhoods are considered artistic hubs of expression, but there's always been a huge emphasis on art here. Previously, however, our artistic embellishments were more subtle, and some historic public art exhibits are hidden where you might not expect. The best way to see past and present art in Cleveland is with the Downtown Cleveland Public Art Walking Tour. This unique Cleveland tour will take you to some of the finest pieces of public art in the city, and it'll also expose you to history and stories that just might change your perspective. From the Free Stamp to Commodore Perry's monument, you'll love exploring the artsy side of The Land.
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4. Hunt for hidden features in Cleveland.
I always say that there's a surprise waiting around every corner in Cleveland, and the Crazy Cleveland Scavenger Hunt from Viator is perhaps the best way to hunt down the city's finest offerings. This immersive experience will pair you with a live host through your phone, and you and your team will put on your detective hats to follow the clues they offer you. Prepare to step off the beaten path as you hunt down oddities, cultural landmarks, and more. If you're inspired by competition, you'll love the chance to race other teams in your code-cracking. You simply never know what you'll discover in Cleveland!
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5. Munch your way through Little Italy.
Like many U.S. cities, Cleveland has entire neighborhoods dedicated to one cultural or another. In a melting pot like The Land, these neighborhoods formed as immigrants settled near like-minded neighbors, and they've resulted in a culinary tradition that spans generations. The Little Italy Food Tour is an excellent way to sample all that the neighborhood has to offer! Here, history and flavor meet in an immersive experience. You'll love learning about the Clevelanders that made this neighborhood special (like Dean Martin, whose song That's Amore very well could be describing this very neighborhood) as well as the history of long-standing local landmarks.
6. Get to know Downtown Cleveland like never before.
There's so much to explore in Downtown Cleveland that many long-timers still don't know what's lurking in their own backyard. A guided walking tour of the area offers an excellent way to get to know all that the city has to offer in a reasonable amount of time. Your tour guide will introduce you to some of the city's historical sites while you hear tales about famous Clevelanders past and present. This is an excellent way to introduce out-of-towners to the city, but it's also a fun option for locals who want to get to know their neck of the woods a little bit better.
7. Dip your toes in Cleveland's haunted history.
I remember my first experience with the haunted history of Cleveland. I was in the Robert Russell Rhodes Mansion when it housed the Cleveland Archives, searching for records of a family business that once operated in the city. I couldn't find the book I was looking for, so I was mumbling to myself as I searched for that specific year. Sure enough, I found the book... but only because it moved by itself right in front of me. That's just one experience in a city that's massively haunted, and there are even more stories to share. The Cleveland Ghosts Tour is an excellent way to learn about all things creepy in Cleveland. Tours start at Public Square and conclude at Southern Tier Brewery, so you'll traverse many points of interest along this spine-chilling tour.
8. Immerse yourself in unique architecture.
If there's one thing I love about old cities like Cleveland, it's the abundance of stunning historic architecture. I could spend hours driving around admiring elegant facades, but truly, the magic happens inside many of our most notable buildings. The Cleveland From the Inside Walking Tour will place you in the midst of pure architectural splendor as you explore the interiors of some of the finest landmarks downtown. From the Society for Savings Building to the Old Stone Church (pictured), you'll love taking in the glitz and glam of the city's most beautiful buildings.
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9. See the hidden sights of Cleveland like never before.
Our incredible city has so much to offer, but some of the most amazing views and features are off the beaten path. The Hidden Sights and Stops of Cleveland excursion from Viator allows you to gather a group and explore the city like never before. This combination driving and walking tour will take you across Forest City as you check out some of its coolest landmarks. From the A Christmas Story House to the iconic bridges in The Flats, this tour allows you to dive head-first into hidden history. This private, one-of-a-kind tour is a great way to explore all that the city has to offer, whether you're a long-time resident or first-time visitor.
These unique Cleveland tours are a great way to explore The Land and all it has to offer. From romance to legends and everything in between, these local travel experts will help you dive into everything that makes Cleveland special.
Looking for even more to do in the area? Check out some stunning historic landmarks to embark on another Cleveland adventure.
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