University Circle Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Severance Hall showing heritage architecture and an administrative building
Cleveland Museum of Art showing art and interior views
Severance Hall featuring heritage architecture and an administrative building
Cleveland Botanical Garden showing a garden and autumn colours
Cleveland Museum of Art which includes a pond, heritage architecture and autumn leaves
The main cultural hub of Cleveland is an historical area packed with museums, restaurants, concert halls, and more not to mention a splendid botanical garden.

Cleveland’s University Circle is the cultural heart of the city, an atmospheric area filled with beautiful buildings that have fascinating histories. Pay a visit to the fine Glidden House or to Severance Hall, home of the Cleveland Orchestra, then spend some time with the masterworks of European painters at the Cleveland Art Gallery. Go for a calming stroll through the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, or take the kids to see the well-resourced Children’s Museum.

Almost all of Cleveland’s major museums, medical institutions, and university buildings are located within the 222 hectares (550 acres) of the University Circle. The area gained its name in the 1880s, when the Western Reserve University relocated there. A number of other grand institutions were added in the early 20th century, and the Circle quickly became the cultural centre of Cleveland.

Learn about the history of the region at the Western Reserve Historical Society, which is housed in 20th century mansions. Take a journey yet further back in time at the Cleveland Natural History Museum, a wide-ranging institution dedicated to the flora, fauna, and geological history of the region. Make sure you see the dinosaur skeletons and the human skeleton named Lucy, one of the oldest ever discovered.

Music fans will enjoy a visit to the Cleveland Institute of Music, where more than 500 concerts are held each year. Nearby Severance Hall, meanwhile, is home to the Cleveland Orchestra and is also a fine building to take a tour around. Visual art takes pride of place at the Cleveland Museum of Art, whose top-rate collections of European Impressionist and Asian art deserve a lengthy exploration.

Head to the Botanical Garden to see a stunning diversity of flora, including a rainforest landscape populated by butterflies. In the centre of the Circle you will find Wade Oval, home to many of the city’s favourite festivals as well as free Wednesday concerts from June through to August. Recharge from a busy day’s sightseeing with a drink or a meal at one of the various cafés, bars, and restaurants that line the University Circle.

Situated to the east of the Cleveland town centre, University Circle is easily accessible via the city’s regular bus or light rail service. A free bus travels around the circle, allowing you to shuttle between the various attractions without paying a cent. Metered parking is available at numerous garages.


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best University Circle Hotel Deals

The Tudor Arms Hotel Cleveland - a DoubleTree by Hilton
The Tudor Arms Hotel Cleveland - a DoubleTree by Hilton
4 out of 5
10660 Carnegie Ave, Cleveland, OH
The price is AU$235 per night from 20 Apr to 21 Apr
AU$235
includes taxes & fees
20 Apr - 21 Apr
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Cleveland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"I’ve stayed at this property multiple times because of doctors appointments at Cleveland Clinic. I appreciate their larger rooms that are more affordable than other local offerings. The suites are especially nice when needing extra space for equipment and/or small children. Staff has always been ..."

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 2025

The Tudor Arms Hotel Cleveland - a DoubleTree by Hilton
The Glidden House
The Glidden House
3.5 out of 5
1901 Ford Dr, Cleveland, OH
The price is AU$316 per night from 16 Apr to 17 Apr
AU$316
includes taxes & fees
16 Apr - 17 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star historic hotel in Cleveland. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,007 reviews)
Glidden Stay March 28, 2025
"Our stay was great! Round the clock coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Breakfast buffet offered a variety of food. The only thing my family did not like is that there were ants everywhere on the heater and the chairs next to them. We had them crawling on us if we sat there."

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 2025

The Glidden House
Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle
Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle
3 out of 5
2021 Cornell Rd, Cleveland, OH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$320 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
AU$320
includes taxes & fees
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Cleveland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (871 reviews)
"Room was clean"

Reviewed on 6 Apr. 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Cleveland University Circle
Barsala At The Monroe Apartments
Barsala At The Monroe Apartments
4 out of 5
1862 East 123rd St, Cleveland, OH
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Cleveland. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room washers/dryers, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Progressive Field and Rock ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (24 reviews)
"Nice space."

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2025

Barsala At The Monroe Apartments
The Westin Cleveland Downtown
The Westin Cleveland Downtown
4 out of 5
777 Saint Clair Ave Ne, Cleveland, OH
The price is AU$215 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
AU$215
includes taxes & fees
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Cleveland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,225 reviews)
"Very friendly staff - especially enjoyed Cam's smiling face and upbeat conversation in the lobby!!!"

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 2025

The Westin Cleveland Downtown
Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown by IHG
Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown by IHG
3.5 out of 5
651 Huron Rd E, Cleveland, OH
The price is AU$204 per night from 13 Apr to 14 Apr
AU$204
includes taxes & fees
13 Apr - 14 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Cleveland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,119 reviews)
"Easy, clean, good value"

Reviewed on 7 Apr. 2025

Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around University Circle

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Little Italy

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Little Italy and surrounding area, you can visit Severance Hall and Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Little Italy
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Fairfax

While you're in Fairfax, take in top sights like Karamu House and jump on the metro at East 105th-Quincy Station to see more of the city.

Fairfax
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Hough

While visiting Hough, you might make a stop by sights like Hough Obelisk and Eliza Bryant Center.

Hough
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Central

If you're spending some time in Central, Agora Theater & Ballroom and Phyllis Wheatley Association & Jane Hunter Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Central
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Goodrich-Kirtland Park

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Goodrich-Kirtland Park and surrounding area, you can visit Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Progressive Field.

Goodrich-Kirtland Park
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Playhouse Square

Playhouse Square is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cleveland Play House and Allen Theatre.

Playhouse Square

University Circle Travel Guide

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