Columbus, Ohio-7-day-itinerary

Columbus Adventure: A 7-Day Itinerary

Welcome to Columbus! This vibrant city boasts a rich history, thriving arts scene, delicious food options, and plenty of green spaces. This itinerary will help you experience the best of Columbus in 7 days.

Accommodation: Consider staying downtown for easy access to attractions.

  • Luxury: The Joseph Hotel
  • Boutique: Hotel LeVeque
  • Budget-Friendly: Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus Downtown

Transportation:

  • COTA bus system is affordable and efficient. Download the Transit app for routes and schedules.
  • Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available.
  • Columbus has bike trails throughout the city, making it a great option for exploring.

Things to Know:

  • Ohio weather can be unpredictable, pack layers!
  • Tipping is customary in restaurants (around 15-20%).

Day 1: Downtown Discovery

  • Morning: Explore the Columbus Museum of Art, featuring renowned American and European art.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Northstar Cafe (vegetarian options!), known for its fresh, local ingredients.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the vibrant Short North Arts District, browsing galleries and unique shops.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Guild House, savoring modern American cuisine in a chic setting.

Day 2: History & Heritage

  • Morning: Step back in time at the Ohio Statehouse, marveling at its impressive architecture. Take a guided tour to learn about Ohio’s political history.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a classic Reuben sandwich at Katzinger’s Delicatessen, a local favorite.
  • Afternoon: Visit the German Village, a charming historic district with cobblestone streets and quaint shops. Explore the Schiller Park area for its picturesque gardens and fountains.
  • Evening: Catch a performance at the Palace Theatre, a beautifully restored vaudeville palace showcasing Broadway shows, concerts, and more.

Day 3: Nature & Recreation

  • Morning: Hike or bike through the scenic trails of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, exploring diverse plant life in stunning greenhouses.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the tranquility of the conservatory gardens.
  • Afternoon: Kayak or paddleboard on the Scioto River, taking in views of the city skyline. Rent equipment from a local outfitter like Adventures on the Scioto.
  • Evening: Indulge in craft beer and pub fare at Seventh Son Brewing, known for its creative brews and lively atmosphere.

Day 4: Arts & Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Wexner Center for the Arts, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, and performance art.
  • Lunch: Grab a quick bite at the cafe inside the Wexner Center.
  • Afternoon: Explore the vibrant street art scene in the Franklinton neighborhood. Check out the murals along the “Franklinton Art Walk.”
  • Evening: Attend a Columbus Symphony Orchestra concert at the Ohio Theatre, experiencing classical music in a grand setting.

Day 5: Family Fun

  • Morning: Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, home to a diverse array of animals from around the world. Don’t miss the interactive exhibits and animal encounters.
  • Lunch: Enjoy lunch at one of the zoo’s many dining options, offering everything from pizza to burgers.
  • Afternoon: Head to COSI (Center of Science and Industry), where you can explore interactive exhibits covering science, technology, engineering, and math.

Day 6: Shopping & Dining

  • Morning: Explore Easton Town Center, a vibrant outdoor shopping mall with a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

  • Lunch: Savor delicious sushi at The Cheesecake Factory in Easton.

  • Afternoon: Discover unique boutiques and vintage shops in the Clintonville neighborhood.

  • Evening: Enjoy a fine-dining experience at Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar, known for its classic American cuisine and elegant atmosphere.

Day 7: Farewell Brunch

  • Morning: Indulge in a leisurely brunch at Katalina’s Pancake House, famous for its creative pancake flavors and breakfast classics.
  • Afternoon: Reflect on your Columbus adventure before departing.

Bonus Tips:

  • Check local event calendars for festivals, concerts, and sporting events during your visit.

  • For beer lovers: Explore the city’s thriving craft brewery scene with stops at breweries like Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and Land-Grant Brewing Company.

  • Enjoy a game day atmosphere: Cheer for the Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL) or the Columbus Crew SC (MLS).

Have an amazing time exploring Columbus!