Cleveland City Guide

Food reflects Cleveland’s mix with local Polish Boy sandwiches and pierogi, plus diverse international choices. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Late-night spots exist mainly in entertainment areas.

Nightlife centers around East 4th Street, Ohio City, and Tremont with bars, breweries, and live music.

Strong coffee scene with third-wave shops and local roasters growing in number and quality.

Tipping is expected for services, generally around 15-20%. This applies to restaurants, rideshares, and other service providers.

SIM cards are easy to buy at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint stores. Prepaid plans are available without strict ID requirements. eSIMs are common among major carriers.

Downtown and tourist areas are kept clean. Overall city cleanliness is decent with regular waste services.

Some late-night pharmacies and convenience stores are open. Emergency rooms operate 24/7. After-hours food is available mostly in entertainment areas.

Supermarkets and fresh markets offer local and international products. Giant Eagle, Heinen's, and Dave's Markets are popular. Stores usually open 7 AM to 10 PM, including Sundays.

Most places accept cards. You rarely need cash for daily buys.

ATMs are common at banks, grocery stores, and convenience shops. Watch for out-of-network fees and surcharges.

Local public schools include Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights districts. International School of Ohio caters to global students. English is the main teaching language.

A growing remote work community with meetups and co-working spaces, but not yet a major hub.

Metroparks system offers large green spaces for recreation, walking, and running with lots of shade.

Good running routes in Metroparks and along the lakefront. Running groups are active and routes are safe during the day.

Gyms are common with options for all fitness levels.

Plenty of public and private tennis courts with good coaching. Equipment rental is limited.

Padel courts are not commonly found in Cleveland.

Many yoga studios offer various styles and drop-in classes with English-speaking instructors.

Martial arts options include BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, karate, and taekwondo with local gyms offering classes.

Small ski resorts are within 1-2 hours, mostly for beginners to intermediate, with artificial snow.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are popular on Lake Erie and Cuyahoga River. Rentals and tours are available in warmer months.

Lake Erie can produce waves for surfing in fall and spring but conditions are inconsistent and cold.

Lake Erie diving is limited to shipwrecks requiring experience; water can be cold with low visibility.

Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals provide top healthcare with English-speaking staff. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are widespread and often open late.

Tap water meets all federal and state safety standards and is safe to drink.

Parks and family attractions like Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Great Lakes Science Center are available. Kid-friendly spots and baby supplies stores are common.

LGBTQ+ is generally welcomed with community events and safe spaces mainly in arts districts. Legal protections exist.

Pet services including vets and parks are available. Many pet-friendly places make it convenient for owners.