The Cleveland Comedy City Tour turns the standard bus sightseeing loop into a stand-up set on wheels. Local comedians ride the bus with you, pointing out the highlights of Cleveland and the surrounding area and filling the gaps between them with jokes, so what you learn about the city comes wrapped in a laugh. The operator's published information describes a 90-minute trip with a 15-minute restroom break in the middle, and says guests aged 21 and over may bring their own beer and wine. The tour operates from April through to just before Christmas, and the operator has run seasonal versions, including Halloween-themed tours in October and Christmas lights tours from Thanksgiving to the end of the season. It is built for groups of friends, couples on a night out and anyone who finds a conventional narrated tour dull, and it makes a lively first-evening introduction to the city.
What the tour is and is not: this is entertainment first and a history lesson second. Expect a loose route, a lot of banter and a comedian's idea of local landmarks, rather than a detailed account of dates and architects. If you want a serious overview of the sights, the bus and trolley city tour, which stops at places such as the Old Arcade, the Cleveland Public Library and the West Side Market, is the better choice.
The comedy tour is for people who would rather laugh their way around town, and who are comfortable with adult humor from comedians who are performing live.
Practicalities
Tickets are sold for fixed departures and the operator notes that tours often sell out, so book ahead rather than turning up. The operator's season runs from April 1 to December 23 in its published information, and private tours are available on any day, which makes the bus a candidate for a birthday or office outing. The bus has a break in the middle, which is the moment to use the restrooms, and anyone aged 21 or over can bring their own drinks, so plan how you are getting back to your hotel afterwards.
Check the booking page for the meeting point and the departure times on your date, because the operator's pickup details are published there rather than in its general information.
Who it suits
Friends, couples and mixed-age groups of adults will get the most out of the tour, and it makes a good icebreaker if you have arrived in Cleveland on your own. It is not designed for small children, who will not follow the jokes. Combine it with an early dinner in Ohio City or Tremont, then use the bus as your evening activity, and keep the next morning for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or the Cleveland Museum of Art.
In the festive weeks the lights version is a good alternative to a standard sightseeing tour. If you are unsure whether the humor will suit your group, remember that the comedians are performing live and the material is aimed at adults, so choose a different tour if you are traveling with grandparents or younger teenagers who might not enjoy it.
What to expect
The experience
A guided bus tour of Cleveland highlights hosted by local comedians, with a break in the middle.
Best time
A weekend evening between spring and December, or October and the holiday weeks for the themed versions.
How long
About 90 minutes, including a 15-minute break.
Tips
Book ahead because tours often sell out, check the meeting point on your booking, and arrange your ride home if you plan to bring a drink.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adult groups and couples who want to laugh their way around the city.
- Families
- Not aimed at young children, who will miss the humor.
- Couples
- A fun first-evening introduction with drinks of your own, if you are over 21.
- Pair with
- An early dinner in Ohio City or Tremont, or the ghost tour on a different night.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half plus getting to the meeting point.
Good questions
How long is the Cleveland Comedy City Tour?+
It lasts about 90 minutes, including a 15-minute restroom break in the middle.
When does the comedy bus run?+
The operator's published season runs from April 1 to December 23, with Halloween versions in October and Christmas lights tours from Thanksgiving. Check the booking page for dates.
Can I bring my own drinks?+
Guests aged 21 and over may bring their own beer and wine, according to the operator's information. Plan your trip home accordingly.
Is it suitable for children?+
It is designed as an adult comedy outing and is best for groups aged 21 and over. Families should look at the trolley city tour or the zoo instead.
Do tours sell out?+
Yes, the operator says they often do, so buy tickets in advance for weekends and holiday dates.
