Heading to Buckeye State on your Midwest vacation? Make your way to Ohio City, one of Cleveland’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Set on the shores of Lake Erie, this lively enclave is bursting with charm, character, and a warm and welcoming vibe.
Ohio City’s vibrant streets pulse with life. Independent boutiques, quirky shops, and cozy cafés beckon you to explore their treasures. The legendary West Side Market is a food lover’s paradise, offering a delectable feast for the senses, and the world-famous Great Lakes Brewing Company boasts award-winning creations.
The Transformer Station is a must-see for art enthusiasts, while Wendy Park is the perfect place to escape the city and relax with a picnic. Whether exploring historic landmarks, strolling along the streets, or enjoying a gastronomic gorge, Ohio City promises a unique experience.
Ready to start planning your trip to CLE? Check out this comprehensive guide for what to see & do, where to eat & drink, and where to stay in Ohio City, Cleveland.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our Ohio Travel Guide for more tips & recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do on your vacation!
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What to see & do in Cleveland’s Ohio City
West Side Market
Make your first stop at the vibrant West Side Market. Head to the corner of West 25th Street and Lorain Avenue, where you’ll find this historic market buzzing with energy.
Founded in 1840, West Side Market is the oldest public market in the city and still going strong. Home to over 100 producers, artisans, and vendors, the market is packed with fresh fruits and vegetables, aromatic spices, succulent cuts of meat, creamy cheeses, and heavenly baked goods.
Meander around the colorful stalls and marvel at the incredible variety of goodies on display. Grab a piping hot corned beef sandwich to keep hunger at bay while you explore or relax over a coffee at one of the cafés and watch the world go by.
Take a moment to admire the beautiful Neoclassical design of the market, with its grand exterior and impressive clock tower. It’s definitely worth a few envy-inducing Instagram photos.
West 25th Street
Take a stroll down West 25th Street, the beating heart of Ohio City. Winding through the middle of the district, this lively street boasts an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and bars that spill out onto the sidewalks.
If you’re in the mood for some retail therapy, you’ll find hip boutiques and trendy shops offering everything from stylish clothing to one-of-a-kind treasures. When you need a refuel, West 25th Street has everything from cozy café to ethnic eateries and locally owned breweries.
West 25th Street comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene when the sun goes down. Catch live music over drinks at a neighborhood bar or dance the night away at a buzzing club.
Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Immerse yourself in the wonders of the underwater world at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Located in the historic FirstEnergy Powerhouse building along the Cuyahoga River, the aquarium showcases a spectacular variety of marine species from around the globe.
Each exhibit at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium is carefully designed to mimic the natural habitats of these aquatic creatures, providing an immersive and enriching experience. Stroll through the walkthrough tunnel surrounded by fascinating marine life. Watch as sharks glide overhead, rays gracefully swim by, and schools of colorful fish dart around you.
Interactive touch pools offer a hands-on experience where you can look closely at some of the aquarium’s inhabitants. Feel the velvety texture of a sea star, observe the delicate movements of a sea anemone, or even touch a gentle stingray as it gracefully glides through the water.
You can also enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, and themed exhibits at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
Wendy Park
Escape the city for a while and head into the green oasis of Wendy Park. Located at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River on the banks of Lake Erie, this beautiful park offers a perfect blend of relaxation, outdoor activities, and spectacular views.
Wendy Park boasts a beautiful sandy shoreline along Lake Erie, making it the ideal spot to kick back, catch some rays, and take a refreshing dip in the water. Take a leisurely stroll along the park’s scenic trails and enjoy the breathtaking views of the lake and Downtown Cleveland skyline.
The 22-acre park is also one of Ohio’s top birding sites and is home to over 260 species of birds! Rent a kayak or paddleboard and glide along the shoreline looking for nesting birds.
If you prefer land-based activities, bring your bicycles or rollerblades and cruise along the park’s bike paths or enjoy a game of volleyball against spectacular city views.
Carnegie West Library
If you love the tranquility of a library and being surrounded by hundreds of books, the Carnegie West Library is one of Cleveland’s must-visit attractions. This charming library is an architectural gem and a cozy spot to get lost in the world of literature.
Marvel at the library’s elegant design and beautiful details, from the grand staircase to the intricate woodwork. Once you’ve taken in the beauty of the building, explore the wealth of resources the library has to offer. From an extensive collection of books spanning various genres and topics to magazines, newspapers, and multimedia materials, there’s something for every curious mind.
Don’t miss the library’s special collections and local history resources. Dig into the archives and uncover fascinating stories about the neighborhood, learn about the history of Cleveland, or trace your family roots.
Find a comfortable chair or grab a table near a window and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. It’s the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and lose yourself in a good book.
Great Lakes Brewing Company
Dive into the world of craft beer and raise your glass to the day at the Great Lakes Brewing Company. You’ll feel right at home as soon as you enter the rustic and welcoming interior.
Great Lakes Brewing Company is known for its exceptional craft brews. Whether you’re a fan of hoppy IPAs, smooth stouts, refreshing lagers, or unique seasonal creations, there’s a beer here for you! Book a behind-the-scenes brewery tour to learn more about the history of the brewery, the brewing process, and the art of crafting their delicious beers.
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Feeling hungry? Indulge in hearty pub fare paired perfectly with their craft beers. Watch for special events like live music performances, trivia nights, and beer release parties. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy great entertainment while sipping your favorite brew.
Where to eat & drink
When it comes to culinary delights, Ohio City has a vibrant and diverse food scene that will satisfy every palate.
When you need a caffeine fix, Rising Star Coffee Roasters is your go-to. This cozy coffee spot is all about brewing top-notch specialty coffees. From expertly crafted espressos to smooth pour-overs, their skilled baristas will whip up your perfect cup of joe. Sip your coffee while soaking in the relaxed and artsy atmosphere—perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a mid-day coffee break.
When it comes to comfort food with a twist, Hecks Ohio City hits the spot. This neighborhood gem offers a menu packed with mouthwatering dishes focusing on burgers. Tuck into the classic cheese and mushroom burger, or go for the creative Hipster Burger with its veggie and edamame patty, cucumber-scallion aioli, and arugula. It’s also an excellent spot for a Sunday brunch of eggs Benedict and stuffed French toast.
When you’re in the mood for traditional Mexican cuisine and frozen margaritas, there’s no better place in Ohio City than Momocho. Boasting wrestler décor, patio seating, and dim lighting, this trendy spot combines traditional Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist. Think chile poblano relleno with smoked gouda fundido, tamale frito with garlic spinach, or blue corn enchiladas with tomatillo-cilantro mole verde. And keep those margaritas coming!
For a laid-back and unpretentious bar experience, head over to ABC The Tavern. Located in the heart of Ohio City, this neighborhood haunt offers a cozy and friendly atmosphere. Pull up a stool at the bar, sip local brews, and dine on tasty pub fare. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite and unwind with friends.
Another welcoming neighborhood spot with a warm and welcoming ambiance is the Old Angle Tavern on W 25th Street. Cozy up in one of their booths, dig into heaving plates of hearty pub grub, and enjoy a wide range of beers on tap and in bottles.
For a touch of sophistication and old-world charm, Velvet Tango Room won’t disappoint! Step into the elegant space of this speakeasy-style cocktail lounge and be transported back in time. The bartenders are true craftsmen, creating exquisite cocktails using top-notch spirits and fresh ingredients. From classic martinis to classic Old Fashioneds, each drink is a work of art.
Where to stay
Thanks to its unique dining and nightlife scene, Ohio City is one of the coolest neighborhoods to stay in Cleveland. The accommodation selection here is limited, however, consisting mostly of vacation rentals rather than traditional hotels.
If you run out of lodgings options here, expand your accommodations search to Downtown Cleveland, including areas like the Warehouse District and Playhouse Square.
Stone Gables Inn
Overlooking Fairview Park, Stone Gables Inn is an elegant, Old-World B&B with charming individually decorated rooms. You’ll find romantic canopied beds with luxury linens, spacious sitting areas with sofabeds, and en-suite bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. Relax in the antiques-filled lounge next to the fireplace with a book from the library.
Uber Close to Ohio City
Comfortable and convenient, this newly renovated one-bedroom apartment has a fully equipped kitchenette with all the amenities needed for a hassle-free stay. Enjoy air-conditioning, clean towels and linens, and free Wi-Fi. Top attractions like the Cleveland Browns Stadium and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame are a few miles away.
Super Close to Hot Spots in Ohio City
This air-conditioned, one-bedroom apartment is ideal for a lock-up-and-go vacay, located within walking distance of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Quicken Loans Arena. Boasting a private entrance, the apartment has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a comfortable living room with a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi.
