Columbus Ohio 5 Day Itinerary

Columbus, Ohio 5-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Downtown Columbus

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Northstar Cafe, a local favorite for farm-to-table dishes.
  • Visit the Ohio Statehouse, the seat of Ohio government, and take a free tour.
  • Explore the Scioto Mile, an urban park along the Scioto River, featuring restaurants, gardens, and fountains. Don’t miss the Bicentennial Park with its stunning views of the city.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Columbus Museum of Art to admire a diverse collection spanning 6,000 years.
  • Evening: Dine at Lincoln Social & Restaurant, offering American cuisine in an upscale setting.
  • Overnight stay at The Joseph, Autograph Collection by Marriott, located in the heart of downtown Columbus.

Day 2: Discover the Short North Arts District

  • Morning: Grab breakfast at Pistacia Vera, a French pastry shop with an extensive dessert menu.
  • Spend your day exploring the vibrant Short North Arts District, filled with unique shops, galleries, and street art.
  • Visit the Columbus Museum of Art’s Riffe Gallery, located in the district, for additional exhibits.
  • Lunch: Try the delicious bowls at Taïm Mobile, a food truck offering modern Israeli cuisine.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Topiary Park, featuring a life-size topiary sculpture of Georges Seurat’s painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.”
  • Evening: Dine at Marcella’s, an Italian restaurant known for its pasta dishes and extensive wine list.

Day 3: Experience the German Village

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at German Village Coffee House.
  • Spend your morning wandering the picturesque streets of the German Village, taking in the historic homes and charming shops.
  • Visit the Schumacher Place Historic District to see more well-preserved Victorian homes.
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional German food at Schoepf’s Restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the Columbus Historical Society’s Museum in the German Village.
  • Evening: Dine at Harvest Pizza, offering wood-fired pizzas and other creative dishes.

Day 4: Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at The Fox in the Snow Cafe.
  • Spend your morning exploring the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, featuring indoor tropical and desert gardens, a palm house, and seasonal outdoor displays.
  • Lunch: Grab lunch at Pistacia Vera’s sister restaurant, Gallery Cafe, located within the conservatory.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Wexner Center for the Arts to see contemporary art exhibitions, performances, and films.
  • Evening: Dine at Kihachi, an upscale Japanese restaurant offering sushi, teppanyaki, and hibachi dishes.

Day 5: Explore the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

  • Morning: Start your day with breakfast at Katalina’s.
  • Spend your morning exploring the world-renowned Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, home to over 10,000 animals from around the globe.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a meal at one of the zoo’s restaurants or pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), an interactive science museum offering exhibits on various topics, including space, health, and technology.
  • Evening: Dine at Milestone 229, located in Easton Town Center, featuring a modern American menu with global influences.
  • Overnight stay at The Blackwell Hotel or other nearby accommodations.