Columbus Ohio 2 Day Itinerary

Columbus, Ohio 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Morning:

  • Start the day with breakfast at: Northstar Cafe (4241 N High St), a local favorite serving up delicious omelets and coffee.
  • Visit the: Columbus Museum of Art (480 E Broad St), featuring an impressive collection of American and European art.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (1777 E Broad St), boasting over 400 acres of gardens, greenhouses, and art installations.
  • Head to: The Short North (area bounded by High St, Goodale Blvd, and Neil Ave), a vibrant neighborhood filled with boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Evening:

  • Dine at: The Boathouse at Confluence Park (679 W Spring St), offering stunning views of the Scioto River while enjoying seafood and American classics.
  • Catch a show or concert at: Express Live! (405 Neil Ave), an outdoor music venue hosting various acts throughout the year.

Day 2:

Morning:

  • Begin with brunch at: The Pearl Kitchen & Bar (641 N High St), serving creative dishes in a chic setting.
  • Visit the: Ohio Statehouse (1 Capitol Square), the capital building of Ohio, offering guided tours.

Afternoon:

  • Spend time at: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium (4850 W Powell Rd), home to polar bears, penguins, and sharks, as well as conservation efforts.
  • Explore the: German Village (area bounded by Mound St, Livingston Ave, and High St), a charming neighborhood with historic architecture and trendy spots.

Evening:

  • Enjoy dinner at: Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Deli (240 E Kossuth St), a Columbus institution serving traditional German cuisine.
  • End the night with: Live music or trivia at The Ram Restaurant & Brewery (463 N High St), a local brewery offering tasty pub fare.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel LeVeque (50 W Broad St): Luxurious accommodations in the heart of downtown Columbus.
  • The Graduate Columbus (900 N High St): A stylish hotel with nods to Ohio State University’s history and culture.

Transportation:

  • Columbus Metro: An affordable public transportation system, including buses and C-Pass options.
  • Ride-hailing services: Uber and Lyft operate in Columbus.
  • Walking and biking: Columbus has a growing network of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Things to Know:

  • Weather: Be prepared for Midwestern weather, with potential temperature fluctuations and precipitation.
  • Tipping culture: Aim to tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars.
  • Local pride: Columbus takes pride in its sports teams (OSU Buckeyes, Blue Jackets, and Crew SC), so be prepared for enthusiastic discussions!

Tips:

  • Plan ahead: Book reservations and tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
  • Explore neighborhoods on foot: Discover hidden gems and local flavor by strolling through Columbus’ unique neighborhoods.
  • Ask locals for recommendations: Columbus residents are eager to share their favorite spots and insider knowledge.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Columbus Clippers Baseball (Huntington Park, 330 Huntington Park Ln): Catch a minor league baseball game during the warmer months.
  • Scioto Audubon Metropark (5950 S High St): A scenic park with hiking trails, bird-watching, and stunning views of the Scioto River.

Enjoy your trip to Columbus, Ohio!