☰West Side Market

The West Side Market is the most essential stop in Cleveland. This grand Beaux-Arts building from 1912 — clock tower and all — is the last municipally-owned market in the country. Vendors whose families have worked here for generations sell meats, cheeses, produce, pasta, and fresh bread. It's as much people-watching as shopping: all types, all languages, all converging on Market Square. Free parking behind the market off Lorain, or take the Rapid to Ohio City Station and walk across the street. Check the hours — it's not open every day.