I love exploring all that Northeast Ohio has to offer, but I definitely have my preferences and opinions when it comes to the best spots to visit. Fortunately, you guys help keep me grounded! Over on the Only in Cleveland Facebook page, we frequently ask questions about the best attractions in Cleveland, and you never fail to weigh in. In this article, we'll highlight some of the best tourist attractions in The Land, as specified by locals just like you. Whether you're looking for a way to break up an at-home staycation or just building up a local bucket list for your next day off, these must-see attractions in Cleveland belong on your radar.

1. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

To many locals, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is polarizing. After all, we literally had to fight to bring it here to the birthplace of rock and roll, and its founders and staff are, for the most part, not musicians. Nevertheless, there's a great deal of music history housed here, and it's a fascinating place to visit. From stage-worn costumes to coveted instruments, this iconic museum (which, by the way, was designed by architect I. M. Pei and mimics another of his famous designs: the Louvre Pyramid) has a great deal of music history immortalized in its collections.

2. The Cleveland Orchestra

As a violinist and passionate proponent of the arts, I wholeheartedly agree with this local travel suggestion. Whether you visit them at Severance Hall or Blossom Music Center in the summer, seeing this group is a treat like no other. (Obligatory callout — I saw them play the score to "The Empire Strikes Back" a few years ago, and holy cow. Such a cool experience.) In its last century of existence, seven music directors have conducted this talented, Grammy-winning group. This should come as no surprise, but our orchestra is world-class, often referred to as one of the Big Five of standout American orchestras.

3. The Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art is totally free to visit, and it's one of my favorite places in the entire city. It has a rich history, and its collections encompass a history that's even further reaching. In fact, Howard Carter, the archaeologist who found King Tut's tomb, was a part-time agent for the museum. In addition to housing fantastic collections inside, art is also spread throughout the surrounding Wade Park space in the Fine Arts Garden.

4. Lake View Cemetery

With 285 acres of beauty and 100,000+ permanent residents, Lake View Cemetery in Cleveland is absolutely a local landmark. However, this spot isn't like most cemeteries you might visit. As a Victorian garden-style cemetery, it's a bit like a park, and it's always packed with Sunday strollers, sightseers, and lovers of architecture. There are many incredible landmarks in the cemetery, from the Haserot angel to the Wade Memorial Chapel. It's easy to see why some Clevelanders have chosen to make this pretty place their eternal resting ground!

5. The West Side Market

Growing up, I have many memories of shopping at the West Side Market. It's a staple for many Clevelanders, and it has been since 1840. The building that houses the market is a stunning Neo-Classical and Byzantine-inspired structure dating back to 1912, and it's filled to the brim with vendors. From bakery to fresh veggies to pierogies and cheese, there's no shortage of delicious treats awaiting you at this iconic Ohio City market.

6. Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Okay, so Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) isn't in Cleveland, but it is in the Metropolitan area, and it's a landmark every Clevelander and tourist alike should visit. As the only national park in Ohio, CVNP has big shoes to fill. Fortunately, its 32,572 acres of natural landscape encompass waterfalls, stunning gorges, sandstone ledges, and so much more. Plus, many of its parks are open 24/7, making them the perfect place to catch a meteor shower or a rare showing of the aurora borealis.

7. The Cleveland Arcade

Lauded as one of the first modern shopping malls in the U.S., the Cleveland Arcade is a stunning structure built in 1890 at a cost of $1 million. (That's close to $34.5 million in today's currency, and boy, is it evident in the absolute grandeur of this space.) The building was modeled after the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan, and it was funded by some of the biggest names in Cleveland at the time... including the likes of John D. Rockefeller. To this day, visiting this structure takes me back to my first time seeing it, at least that I remember. My Papa and sister were at an Indians game, but my Grandma and I decided to shop around the city. Walking into this structure as a very small child, it felt huge. As an adult, it still leaves me speechless.

8. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

While I think the entirety of the Cleveland Metroparks is worthy of exploration, no visit to The Land is complete without saying "hi" to our fluffiest, scaliest, and biggest residents at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. With 183 acres to explore, this massive campus has much to offer, including one of the largest collections of primates in North America. Since 1882, this zoo has only grown and expanded. Interestingly, it also served as a retirement home for Balto and his sled crew.

Each of these eight unique tourist attractions in Cleveland are intertwined with the city's story and personality in some way. Are there any other local landmarks you'd recommend? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Looking for more fun in Cleveland? Check out our list of 27 top-rated attraction in Northeast Ohio.