Columbus Ohio 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Monday

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at North Market, a historic public market featuring local food vendors. Try the famous Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for a sweet treat.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Columbus Museum of Art, showcasing American art from the 19th century to present.
  • 1:00 PM: Grab lunch at The Pearl Kitchen & Bar in the Short North neighborhood, offering upscale comfort food and craft cocktails.
  • 2:30 PM: Take a stroll through the vibrant Short North neighborhood, known for its eclectic shops, galleries, and street art.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Boat House at Confluence Park, serving American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 2: Tuesday

  • Morning: Visit the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), an interactive science museum featuring exhibits on space exploration, human biology, and more.
  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Lucky’s Cafe, a casual eatery serving sandwiches, salads, and burgers.
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a stunning greenhouse with over 400 acres of gardens and exhibits.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Wexner Center for the Arts on the Ohio State University campus, featuring contemporary art exhibitions and performances.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Katalina’s Cafe Corner, offering international cuisine with a focus on Latin American flavors.

Day 3: Wednesday

  • Morning: Visit the Ohio History Center, showcasing the state’s history from prehistoric times to present day.
  • 10:30 AM: Take a tour of the Ohio Statehouse, featuring stunning architecture and historic significance.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Thurman Cafe, a local institution serving classic American comfort food.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, home to polar bears, penguins, and other animals from around the world.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Rigsby’s Cuisine of Ohio, offering farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 4: Thursday

  • Morning: Visit the Columbus Commons, an urban park featuring public art installations and community events.
  • 10:30 AM: Explore the German Village neighborhood, known for its charming shops, galleries, and historic homes.
  • 12:00 PM: Have lunch at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus und Restaurant, serving traditional German cuisine.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD), featuring contemporary art exhibitions and performances.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Guild House, offering upscale American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 5: Friday

  • Morning: Visit the Kelton House Museum & Garden, showcasing historic homes and gardens from the 19th century.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Nationwide Children’s Hospital campus, featuring interactive exhibits and public art installations.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Forno Kitchen and Bar, serving wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Columbus Metropolitan Library - Main Branch, featuring a stunning atrium and community events.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at The Refectory Restaurant & Barchael, offering upscale American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 6: Saturday

  • Morning: Visit the North Market’s Outdoor Flea Market, featuring local vendors selling handmade goods and crafts.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Haymaking Farm, showcasing sustainable agriculture practices and community events.
  • 12:30 PM: Have lunch at The North Star Cafe, serving farm-to-table cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Ohio State Fairgrounds, featuring public art installations, community events, and historic significance.

Day 7: Sunday

  • Morning: Visit the Columbus Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden, showcasing modern and contemporary sculpture.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the Polaris Shopping Center, featuring upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
  • 12:30 PM: Grab lunch at The Cheesecake Factory, serving a wide variety of cuisine with a focus on cheesecakes.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s Manatee Coast, featuring interactive exhibits and animal encounters.

Accommodations:

  • The Lofts Hotel: Upscale boutique hotel in the Short North neighborhood, offering modern amenities and historic charm.
  • Hotel LeVeque: Luxury hotel on the Ohio State University campus, featuring stunning architecture and upscale amenities.
  • Columbus Marriott Downtown: Convenient downtown hotel, offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop bar.

Transportation:

  • The C Bus: A convenient public transportation option connecting many of Columbus’ neighborhoods and attractions.
  • Uber and Lyft: Ride-sharing services available throughout the city.
  • Parking garages and lots: Abundant parking options available in various downtown locations.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Weather: Be prepared for Ohio’s unpredictable weather, with layers and sunscreen on hand.
  • Food: Take advantage of Columbus’ diverse culinary scene by trying local restaurants and food trucks.
  • Community events: Check the city’s calendar for community events and festivals happening during your visit.

Other attractions:

  • The Jack Nicklaus Museum: A tribute to the golf legend, featuring exhibits on his life and career.
  • The Ohio Theatre: A historic performing arts venue, hosting concerts, theater productions, and more.
  • The Wexner Center for the Arts’ outdoor amphitheater: A unique space for live performances and events.