Cleveland Travel Essentials

• Cleveland's climate is a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.
• The most rainfall can be seen in May through August, with between 3.7 and 3.9 inches in these months on average.
• The warmest months of the year are June through August with average highs around 80 degrees.
• The best times to visit are between April and May or September and October. Temperatures are moderate during these times and precipitation is lower.

• Plug type: The plug type is the same standard 2- or 3-prong plug you'd find anywhere in the United States.
• Electricity: Electricity is the standard 120-volt outlet, the same as anywhere else in the U.S.
• Currency: The currency is the U.S. dollar.
• International dialing code: The international dialing code is +1, and the Cleveland area code is 216.
• Emergency telephone number: For emergencies, call 911.

Getting to your hotel in Cleveland can be accomplished in many different ways, depending on how you get to town. You can get here by plane, by train, or in some cases by boat over the Great Lakes.

Airports: Cleveland's major airport is Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. It's less than 20 minutes by car to downtown, and you can rent a car, take a shuttle, catch a bus, or hail a rideshare, depending on where your hotel is.

Major train stations: Cleveland has a major Amtrak station right in the heart of downtown. From here it should be very easy to access just about any hotel in the area.

Ports: Cleveland sits on the shores of Lake Erie and is one of the largest port cities on the Great Lakes. From here you can catch cruises onto the lakes or travel to other Great Lakes cities.

Travel tips

One of the best ways to save money in Cleveland is to purchase a Cleveland Pass, a card that lets you pay by the day to get unlimited rides on local public transport. It can be used on bus, rail, trolley, and BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) transportation options. Cleveland is renowned for its public transportation options, and public transport is without a doubt the best way to travel around the city.

Subway system

The subway system, including trolley and rail cars, can get you just about anywhere in the city via one of five lines: the NineTwelve and the E, B, C, and L lines. It's efficient and runs on a regular basis, so it's easy just to pop in, swipe your card, and go.

Taxi and rideshare apps

Taxi and rideshare apps are available including Uber and Lyft. Taxis can be very efficient, but you cannot hail cabs from the street in Cleveland. You'll need to book them in advance, and they can be more expensive than public transit. Still, if you're going outside the city proper, these are a good way to go.

Bus network

Cleveland has an extensive bus network that complements its rail system. It can, however, be a bit tricky for visitors to navigate with hundreds of stops in and around town. It's mainly used by locals and commuters. The BRT runs in conjunction with the rail line and is easier to navigate.

Car rentals

If you prefer to drive yourself, every major rental car company is represented in Cleveland. You can find offices throughout the city and around the suburbs as well as at airport and Amtrak kiosks. Your hotel may also be able to help you rent a car.

Bicycle rentals

Cleveland offers a range of bicycle rental opportunities, from those restricted to public parks and the trails therein to public rentals you can use to get around the city. The city also offers SoBi bicycle stations at over 30 spots throughout the city for public rentals on a 2-hour basis.

Brite Winter

• When: Brite Winter is held every February for one day.
• What: Brite Winter is a festival that celebrates late winter with games, live music, food trucks, dancing, and tons of vendor tents with arts, crafts, and goods both new and secondhand.
• Where: Brite Winter is held at The Apartments at Nautica downtown.

Cleveland International Film Festival

• When: The Cleveland International Film Festival is held from March to April over 18 days every year.
• What: This festival celebrates national and international films in every genre from art films and documentaries to dramas, horror, comedy, science fiction, fantasy, adventure, and others. Since 1977 it's been among the largest film festivals in the region and offers multiple prestigious awards, speakers, and workshops.
• Where: The Cleveland International Film Festival is hosted at Playhouse Square in the downtown Theater District.

Cleveland National Air Show

• When: The Cleveland National Air Show is held every September over Labor Day weekend.
• What: The air show features a wide range of attractions from shows by the Thunderbirds and Blue Angels to flights of historic aircraft and the chance to get up close to real aircraft and go aboard. You can attend demonstrations, play games, and learn all about aeronautics. Performances, performers, and displays change every year.
• Where: The festival is held at Burke Lakefront Airport, a small regional airport 7 minutes northeast of downtown.

West Side Market

The West Side Market is the oldest public open-air market in the city, and since 1912 it has offered over 100 vendors selling food, arts, crafts, clothes, and many other goods to locals and tourists alike. It's housed in a historic yellow brick building beneath a landmark 137-foot clock tower.

A Christmas Story House

The iconic house from "A Christmas Story" is located just outside of downtown Cleveland and stands as a museum honoring the iconic film and the book upon which it's based. You'll see rooms outfitted like those in the movie, plus artifacts and stories from the film, including the iconic leg lamp.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is among the most iconic spots in Cleveland, attracting millions of visitors. You'll see the personal possessions of such artists as Metallica, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and many others. If you enjoy music on any level, this iconic museum is highly recommended.

Cleveland Public Square

Cleveland Public Square is downtown's central plaza, utilizing an 18th-century New England design, and is one of the oldest spots in town. It was part of the original town plan from 1796 and is part of the city's cultural heart and soul. It's also on the National Register of Historic Places.