Abundant shopping and dining opportunities in the Public Square/Civic Center District have made the area of particular interest to Cleveland visitors.

Like many major metropolitan areas, Cleveland has a central downtown business district surrounded by a patchwork of residential and commercial neighborhoods. In Cleveland, however, the differences between neighborhoods are unusually pronounced, due in part to the roller-coaster of prosperity, decline and revitalization the city has undergone over the past 100 years.

While the city continues to rank high in overall poverty among American cities, many formerly downtrodden districts have been reborn as charming, prosperous examples of effective urban renewal. When planning your trip, consider the unique characteristics and attractions of the various neighborhoods and you'll make a more informed choice about where to stay and play in Cleveland.

Areas of particular interest for visitors include:

— Public Square/Civic Center District: The high-rise heart of downtown Cleveland, with several major hotels, the Cleveland Convention Center and abundant shopping and dining opportunities, including Tower City Center (www.towercitycenter.com)

— Gateway District: Just south of Public Square, this is where you'll find Gund Arena (home of the Cleveland Cavaliers) and Jacob's Field (home of the Cleveland Indians), as well as a range of restaurants and bars. The Playhouse Square theater district is just east of Gateway.

— North Coast District: A recently redeveloped area on the shores of Lake Erie, home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center and the Cleveland Browns Stadium

— The Flats: A former industrial zone once known for its seedy sailor bars, this area flanking the Cuyahoga River at the western edge of downtown has been transformed into a lively collection of restaurants, night clubs and other entertainment venues.

— Historic Warehouse District: Another converted industrial zone, this mixed residential and commercial zone northwest of Public Square is now home to trendy coffee shops, restaurants, music clubs and galleries.

— University Circle/Little Italy: Several miles east of downtown Cleveland, University Circle is home to most of the city's major arts organizations, including the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Cleveland Orchestra's Severance Hall. Little Italy, just east of University Circle, is a great place to go for a romantic Italian meal.

— Shaker Square/Larchmere: The pleasant commercial district of Shaker Square on the eastern border of Cleveland was developed in the 1920s as one of America's first planned suburban shopping centers. Stroll over to nearby Larchmere Boulevard and you'll find a good assortment of antique shops, art galleries, specialty boutiques and restaurants.