Columbus, Ohio-4-day-itinerary
Columbus, Ohio 4-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Downtown Columbus
- Morning: Start at the Scioto Mile, a 175-acre park in the heart of downtown Columbus. Take a stroll along the Scioto River and enjoy the public art installations.
- Lunch: Head to The North Market, a historic public market featuring local food vendors, including The Butcher & The Brewer for delicious sandwiches and craft beer.
- Afternoon: Visit the Columbus Museum of Art, which features a collection of American and European art, as well as rotating exhibitions.
- Evening: Check-in at the Hotel LeVeque, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of downtown. Then, head to The Short North, a vibrant neighborhood filled with bars, restaurants, and shops.
Day 2: Outdoor Adventures
- Morning: Drive to Highbanks Metro Park, which features over 1,200 acres of forest, prairies, and wetlands. Hike one of the many trails, including the popular Dripping Rock Trail.
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at The Boat House at Confluence Park, which offers waterfront dining with stunning views of the Scioto River.
- Afternoon: Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, home to polar bears, penguins, and sharks. Be sure to check out the Manatee Coast exhibit.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Pearl Kitchen & Bar, which serves up creative American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
Day 3: Local Flavors
- Morning: Visit the Columbus Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday from April to November. Sample local produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.
- Lunch: Head to Katalina’s Cafe Corner, a colorful cafe serving up delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups.
- Afternoon: Take a tour of the Wolf’s Ridge Brewing Company, one of Columbus’ premier craft breweries. Sample some of their signature beers, like the Dire Wolf Imperial Stout.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at Skillet Rustic Urban Food, which offers farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Day 4: German Village
- Morning: Explore the charming neighborhood of German Village, known for its historic architecture, boutique shops, and vibrant atmosphere.
- Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Deli, a Columbus institution serving up traditional German cuisine like sausages and schnitzel.
- Afternoon: Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which features over 400 acres of gardens, greenhouses, and art installations.
- Evening: Return to downtown Columbus and enjoy a farewell dinner at The Guild House, a contemporary American bistro with a focus on seasonal small plates.
Transportation
- The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) offers an extensive network of buses, including the C-Pass, which provides unlimited rides for $2.75.
- Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are also widely available in Columbus.
- If you plan to explore the surrounding neighborhoods, consider renting a car for the day.
Tips and Other Things to Know
- Be sure to check out the Columbus Visitor’s Guide for insider tips and discounts on attractions and experiences.
- Columbus is known for its vibrant arts scene, so be sure to catch a performance at the Columbus Symphony Orchestra or the BalletMet.
- If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the Columbus Festival of the Arts, which features live music, food vendors, and interactive art installations.
Where to Stay
- Hotel LeVeque: A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Columbus.
- The Joseph Hotel: A modern hotel with a rooftop bar offering stunning views of the city.
- Airbnb Options: Consider staying in a charming neighborhood like German Village or the Short North, where you can find cozy apartments and houses for rent.