Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Columbus, Ohio's capital and largest city, combines a creative arts district, a charming 19th-century German neighborhood, a world-famous zoo and a lively food scene.
This guide covers the best things to do in Columbus, 3, 5 and 7-day itineraries with Hocking Hills and Amish Country, plus food, nightlife and where to stay.
Top things to see in Columbus, Ohio
Short North Arts District
Galleries, murals and lighted arches.
German Village
Brick streets and The Book Loft.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
One of the top zoos in the US.
COSI
Hands-on science center.
Scioto Mile
Riverfront parks and fountains.
North Market
Historic food hall.
Franklin Park Conservatory
Glasshouses and Chihuly art.
Ohio State University
Campus and Ohio Stadium.
Columbus, Ohio in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Downtown
Start with breakfast at North Market, then walk the Scioto Mile and see the Ohio Statehouse. Lunch downtown. In the afternoon, visit COSI or the National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Spend the evening in the Short North.
2Day 2 · German Village
Explore German Village, its brick streets and the maze-like Book Loft bookstore. Lunch at Schmidt's Sausage Haus with a cream puff. In the afternoon, walk Schiller Park. Dinner in the Brewery District.
3Day 3 · Zoo
Spend the day at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, once led by Jack Hanna. Lunch at the zoo. In the afternoon, visit the adjacent Zoombezi Bay in summer. Dinner in Dublin.
Columbus, Ohio in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Arts
Visit the Columbus Museum of Art and the Franklin Park Conservatory. Lunch near the conservatory. In the afternoon, tour Ohio State campus and Ohio Stadium. Evening at a craft brewery.
5Day 5 · Hocking Hills
Day trip to Hocking Hills State Park for Old Man's Cave, Ash Cave and Cedar Falls. Picnic lunch. In the afternoon, Rock House. Return in the evening.
Columbus, Ohio in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Amish Country
Drive to Holmes County's Amish Country, with farms and bakeries. Lunch at a family-style restaurant. In the afternoon, shop for cheese and crafts. Return to Columbus.
7Day 7 · Last day
Brunch in the Short North, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams and last-minute shopping. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is 15 minutes from downtown.
What to do in Columbus, Ohio on a weekend
For a weekend in Columbus, combine the Short North, German Village and the zoo.
Gallery Hop happens the first Saturday of each month.
What to do in Columbus, Ohio in the evening
Evenings mean the Short North's bars and restaurants, and the Arena District's concerts and hockey.
Brewery District is lively too.
Columbus, Ohio for couples
Couples can stroll German Village, dine in the Short North and see a show at the Ohio Theatre.
Columbus, Ohio with kids
With kids, the zoo, COSI, the Conservatory and Zoombezi Bay are favorites.
What to eat in Columbus, Ohio
Jeni's ice cream
Columbus original.
Schmidt's cream puffs
German Village classic.
Buckeyes
Peanut butter and chocolate.
Columbus-style pizza
Thin crust cut in squares.
Craft beer
A thriving brewery scene.
Where to stay in Columbus, Ohio: best areas
Downtown
Central for sights.
Short North
Trendy and walkable.
German Village
Historic charm.
Arena District
Near events.
What to do in Columbus, Ohio when it rains
On rainy days, visit COSI, the Columbus Museum of Art, the Conservatory and North Market.
How much does a trip to Columbus, Ohio cost?
Expect $130 to $220 per night, $15 to $30 for a meal and about $40 for zoo admission.
Practical tips for Columbus, Ohio
Best time to visit
May to October.
Getting around
CBus free downtown circulator, buses, rideshares; car for day trips.
Our practical tips
- Check the Ohio State football schedule.
- Ride the CBus.
- Go to Gallery Hop.
- Reserve Hocking Hills lodging.
- Try Jeni's.
- Book zoo tickets online.
Mistakes to avoid
- Visiting on game day without a plan.
- Skipping German Village.
- Missing Hocking Hills.
- Underestimating traffic.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Columbus?
The Short North, German Village, the zoo and COSI.
How many days do you need?
Two or three, more with Hocking Hills.
Is Columbus family-friendly?
Yes, very.
How far is Hocking Hills?
About an hour.