Columbus, Ohio-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Friday

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start your day with breakfast at The North Market, a historic public market featuring local food vendors. Try the famous Schmidt’s German Sausage or some fresh pastries from Handel’s.
    • Address: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm
  • Visit: The Ohio Statehouse (State Capitol) - Take a free guided tour to learn about the history and architecture of the building.
    • Address: 1 Capital Square, Columbus, OH 43215

Afternoon

  • Visit: The Columbus Museum of Art - Explore the museum’s collection of American and European art, including works by famous artists like Picasso and Warhol.
    • Address: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
    • Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, Mon closed
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at The Eagle Food & Beer Hall - Try one of their signature burgers or sandwiches while enjoying a craft beer.
    • Address: 4577 N High St, Columbus, OH 43214

Evening

  • Dinner: Head to Katalina’s Cafe and Wine Bar for dinner - Enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an intimate setting.
    • Address: 2693 N High St, Columbus, OH 43202
    • Hours: Tues-Sun 5pm-10pm, Mon closed
  • Nightlife: Check out the Short North neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and boutique shopping. Visit bars like The Pearl or Brothers Drake Meadery.

Where to Stay

  • Consider staying at the Residence Inn Columbus Downtown - Conveniently located near the Ohio Statehouse.
    • Address: 36 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215
    • Rates: Around $150-200 per night

Day 2: Saturday

Morning

  • Breakfast: Visit The Crest Coffee House & Cafe for breakfast - Enjoy a cup of coffee and some delicious pastries or sandwiches.
    • Address: 1174 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
    • Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm

Afternoon

  • Visit: The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) - Explore exhibits on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.
    • Address: 333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
    • Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, Mon closed
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at The Pickwick Place - Try one of their signature sandwiches or salads while enjoying the atmosphere of this historic train station.
    • Address: 26 E Gay St, Columbus, OH 43215

Evening

  • Dinner: Head to The Keep for dinner - Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine in an upscale setting.
    • Address: 532 W Town St, Columbus, OH 43215
    • Hours: Tues-Sun 5pm-10pm, Mon closed
  • Nightlife: Check out the Arena District, home to several bars and clubs. Visit spots like The Blind Horse or Brothers Drake Meadery.

Transportation

  • Use public transportation, including buses and a free downtown circulator bus.
  • Consider renting a bike to explore the city.
  • Drive and park in one of the many parking garages or lots around town.

Day 3: Sunday

Morning

  • Breakfast: Visit The Donut Haus for breakfast - Try one of their famous donuts or a pastry while enjoying a cup of coffee.
    • Address: 1441 N High St, Columbus, OH 43201
    • Hours: Tues-Sun 8am-5pm, Mon closed

Afternoon

  • Visit: The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens - Explore the gardens and greenhouse.
    • Address: 1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43203
    • Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, Mon closed
  • Lunch: Grab a bite to eat at The North Market’s food vendors or try some street food in the Arena District.
  • Visit: The Wexner Center for the Arts - Explore the contemporary art museum.
    • Address: 115 W State St, Columbus, OH 43201
    • Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, Mon closed

Evening

  • Dinner: Head to The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro for dinner - Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine in an upscale setting.
    • Address: 1128 W Third St, Columbus, OH 43212
    • Hours: Tues-Sun 5pm-10pm, Mon closed

Things to Know

  • Columbus has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Be prepared for temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
  • The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, including numerous museums, galleries, and performance venues.
  • Columbus has a growing food scene, with many options for dining out or trying local cuisine.

Tips

  • Try to avoid downtown traffic by using public transportation or parking in one of the many garages or lots around town.
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions during peak season (June-August).
  • Don’t forget to try some of the city’s famous German food, such as sausages or schnitzel.

Other Things of Interest

  • The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is a world-famous zoo located just outside the city.
  • The Ohio Theatre is a historic theater that hosts various performances throughout the year.
  • The Scioto Mile is a scenic park along the Scioto River that offers walking paths, gardens, and public art installations.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Columbus!