Columbus Ohio 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary: Exploring the Best of Columbus

This itinerary focuses on showcasing Columbus’s diverse attractions and vibrant culture.

Day 1: Downtown Delights

  • Morning: Start your day with a stroll through the Scioto Mile, a beautiful park along the Scioto River, enjoying the fountains, sculptures, and scenic views.
    • Things to do: Visit the Columbus Museum of Art, explore the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, or take a walk through history at the Ohio History Connection.
  • Afternoon: Indulge in a delicious lunch at The Thurman Cafe (famous for their monstrous burgers) and then delve into the world of science and technology at COSI (Center of Science and Industry). Explore interactive exhibits, watch an immersive show in the planetarium, or catch a glimpse of the city’s history in the Ohio Statehouse Museum.
  • Evening: Enjoy a fine dining experience at Lindey’s Restaurant known for its classic American cuisine and elegant ambiance. Afterwards, grab a drink at the Short North Tavern, a popular local bar with a great selection of craft beers and cocktails.

Day 2: A Taste of History and Nature

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the historic German Village. This charming neighborhood is filled with brick-lined streets, 19th-century architecture, and unique shops.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic Ohio Theatre, a beautifully restored vaudeville house with stunning performances. Enjoy lunch at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in German Village for a taste of authentic German food.
  • Evening: Experience the vibrant nightlife of The Short North Arts District with dinner at Barcelona Restaurant & Bar, offering delicious tapas and a lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Parks, Science, and Science Fiction

  • Morning: Take a break from the city bustle and enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for an afternoon with animals from around the world.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the German Village neighborhood, offering diverse cuisines like the classic The Sycamore for fine dining or Katzinger’s Delicatessen for a more casual experience.

Day 4: Food, Fun, and Farewell

  • Morning: Explore the Scioto Mile, enjoy the art and history of the Columbus Arts Festival

  • Afternoon: Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory & Gardens and explore its diverse plant collections and themed gardens.

  • Evening: Enjoy a final night out in Columbus with a meal at The Guild House, known for its locally-sourced ingredients and creative dishes.

Things to know:

  • Transportation:

    • Columbus has a reliable bus system (COTA) that can take you to most major attractions. Consider purchasing a COTA day pass for convenient and cost-effective transportation.
    • The Short North neighborhood is easily walkable and offers a variety of restaurants and bars.

  • Downtown:

The Scioto Mile is a popular destination for tourists, with parks, fountains, and public art along the riverfront.

  • Things to do:

    • Visit the COSI (Center of Science and Industry): Explore interactive science exhibits, the planetarium, and the giant screen cinema.
    • Explore the vibrant Scioto Mile: Enjoy the park’s beautiful gardens, fountains, and views.
    • Relax at the Topiary Park: This unique park features topiary sculptures of the “garden” that appears in Georges Seurat’s famous painting.

  • Things to Consider:

    • Weather: Check the weather forecast before you go! Columbus has four distinct seasons, so be prepared for anything from sunshine to snowstorms.
    • Budget: Columbus offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets.
    • Accommodation:

  • Hotel Options: For a luxurious stay, consider The Guild House, Hotel LeVeque, or the Renaissance Columbus Downtown.

  • Scioto Mile: Enjoy a variety of restaurants and cafes in the Short North Arts District.

Things to Consider (cont.):

  • Safety: Columbus is generally a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft, especially in tourist areas.
  • Accessibility: Most attractions along the Scioto Mile are wheelchair accessible.

Other things to consider:

  • Transportation: The city has a robust public transportation system (COTA) that can get you around efficiently. A day pass for the bus is highly recommended.

  • Accommodation:

  • Consider a hotel in the Short North Arts District for easy access to restaurants, bars, and galleries.**

Other things to consider:

  • Downtown Columbus offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly motels to upscale hotels.

  • Many historic neighborhoods, like German Village, have plenty of lodging choices for those wanting a unique stay.

  • Accommodation:

For a more affordable option, try the many charming bed and breakfasts in the Short North neighborhood.

  • Budgeting: Set a budget for accommodation, food, and transportation before you go.

  • Things to know about accommodation:

    • Hotels: Consider staying at:

      • The Levee House (a vibrant boutique hotel)

  • Booking a room in advance is highly recommended, especially if traveling during peak season or holidays.

  • Planning:

  • Consider visiting the Short North Arts District for a more artistic and cultural experience.

    • You’ll find a range of accommodation options to suit any budget, including hostels, hotels, and apartments.

  • Accommodation: The vibrant arts and culture scene of Columbus is concentrated in the German Village neighborhood.

Things to Consider (cont.)

  • Consider your travel style when choosing accommodation. Do you want to be close to the action, or in a quieter part of town?

  • Budget: Think about what kind of amenities are important to you. A budget-friendly option like a hostel might be perfect if you’re on a tight budget.

  • Other things to consider:

    • Consider checking out local websites and blogs for hotel recommendations and deals.

Things to Consider (cont.)**

  • Book early: For popular events, hotels are often booked up months in advance.

  • Consider your needs: Do you need a place that’s pet-friendly? Family-friendly?

  • Explore the Short North Arts District: Enjoy a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.

  • Look for unique experiences: Consider checking out a concert at the Columbus Symphony Orchestra or a play at the Shadowbox Live theatre.