Ohio’s capital city of Columbus has been growing bigger and bigger throughout the last decade and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the whole nation. The city has an arty and sporty vibe, while still keeping its original country charm. Columbus is a city worth the visit, and this guide will show you exactly how to spend one weekend in Columbus, Ohio.
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Table of Contents
How do I get to Columbus?
To get to the city of Columbus, visitors have a few options; by car, plane, or bus. If arriving by plane there are 2 different airports to choose from, John Glenn International Airport and Rickenbacker.
John Glenn International Airport (CLM) is usually the best option. The airport is located within the city, about a 15-minute drive from downtown.
Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) tends to have cheaper flights but is a smaller airport located outside of the city limits, about a 30-minute drive from downtown.
Visitors can drive themselves if they are within distance, Columbus has a lot of public parking areas located in the city, or opt for the Greyhound bus. Columbus has a Greyhound Bus station located in the downtown area, so depending on your original destination, there may be a route available.
Tip! If renting a car, be sure to check out the Discover Cars Search Engine for the best deals in Columbus!
What is the best time to visit Columbus?
The best time to visit Columbus is between the months of April and October. Columbus is known for its abundance of sports teams, especially The Ohio State University Buckeyes. During this time there are a number of sporting events going on, as well as other various events, festivals, concerts, and celebrations.
Due to its Midwestern location in the United States, Columbus has all four seasons and tends to have pretty stable weather throughout the year. Especially during fall, temperatures and weather conditions are almost perfect for outdoor activities.
Where should I stay in Columbus?
Booking.comColumbus is filled with a lot of exciting and unique different neighborhoods. Due to The Ohio State University being located within Columbus, the city itself has a high number of different cultural and ethnic groups all over the city.
During your Columbus weekend trip, the most recommended areas to stay in are The Short North and The Italian Village. Both are located within the downtown region. If traveling on a budget, go a little further north to the University District, which has more budget-friendly options due to the high number of young and broke college students.
The Short North, Italian Village, and University District are all within walking distance of various restaurants, bars, shops, activities, arenas, and stadiums. There is plenty of parking available so if you do opt to stay in a different neighborhood, this is a great starting point for a day of sightseeing downtown.
Columbus Hotel Recommendations:
- Budget-friendly $: Days Inn Columbus/Worthington
- Mid-range $$: Drury Plaza Hotel Columbus Downtown
- Luxurious $$$: Hotel LeVeque
- Dog-friendly: La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Columbus West
Sample 3-Day Columbus Weekend Itinerary
I’m so excited to share how to spend one weekend in Columbus, Ohio. It’s such a cool Midwestern gem!
Day 1 in Columbus:
Morning:
To begin your visit, a great place to start is the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Filled with artwork and hundreds of species of plants and flowers, the Franklin Valley Conservatory is a very popular place. It is designed to bring life and fun throughout the entire year and caters to all seasons. This is also a great place to relax and spend a peaceful and serene morning.
Afternoon:
Head to The German Village next for an afternoon of history and sightseeing. There is a large number of German Heritage in Columbus, still to this day. Be sure to stop at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus for lunch, and don’t forget dessert! Schmidt’s has the biggest and best cream puffs you will ever see.
Evening:
Since Columbus is such an artsy city, The Ohio Theater shouldn’t be missed. Spend your evening in the heart of downtown enjoying live entertainment with a beautiful view. The theater has been hosting events here for over 100 years including broadway shows, ballets, theater productions, and classic films. Even the Beach Boys have performed at the Ohio Theater.
Day 2 in Columbus:
Morning:
If visiting Columbus in June-October, be sure to stop at The North Market. Going back over 140 years, The North Market will be one of the biggest and most pristine farmers’ markets you’ve ever seen. It is very high quality, with an array of fresh and unique foods and treats.
Afternoon:
After the hustle and bustle of the morning market, spend your afternoon at the Scioto Mile. It is one of the best outdoor areas in the city, hosting various events, concerts, and festivals, and has amazing views of the city. If you are visiting during the summer, there will be events happening here on a weekly basis.
Even if there are no events occurring, you can still explore the miles of trails along the river, rent a bike from the CoGo Bike Share, or go on a guided kayak or canoe trip.
Evening:
Ohio residents are very proud of their sports teams, especially in Columbus. Try to spend an evening at some kind of sporting event. Even if you aren’t into sports, the atmosphere alone makes for a night of pure fun.
Depending on when you visit, spectators can watch hockey at Nationwide Arena, football at the OSU Shoe, or soccer at Crew Stadium.
Day 3 in Columbus:
Morning:
On the final day of your visit to Columbus, spend your morning at the Easton Town Center. This is also a great place to pick up any last-minute souvenirs or trinkets to take home. Easton is an outdoor shopping center designed like an old town, filled with shops restaurants, attractions, and even an iMax movie theater.
Afternoon:
A visit to Columbus can’t be complete without visiting at least one museum. Depending on your interests, there is a lot to choose from. The Columbus Museum of Art is the most popular, and perfect for history or art lovers.
Another new popular museum is The Otherworld. Not only a museum but an interactive art installation filled with colors and surprises in every room. It’s open Wednesdays-Mondays and you will need a reservation before visiting!
Evening:
To complete your trip, spend a night on the town exploring the Short North and Arena District. By far the most attractive and entertaining areas of the city, this downtown region is packed with galleries, shops, bars, and restaurants.
It is the biggest draw to the whole city and is the perfect way to complete your trip. Head to the Lincoln Social Rooftop for one last dinner and epic views of the Columbus skyline.
Other things to do in Columbus:
- Center of Science & Industry (COSI): COSI is a must-see attraction if traveling with children, but adults can also have a blast. This interactive museum and experience has a way of making learning fun and entertaining. COSI is perfect for anyone interested in science and it includes a Big Science Park, Dinosaur Gallery, Planetarium, and other interactive sights.
- Columbus Self-Guided Bar Crawl: Check out some of Columbus’ best nightlife and compete for the Bar Crawl Champion title.
- Escape Room: Choose from 6 different fun and challenging escape rooms!
- Ohio Statehouse: It is important to know how the government works, and touring a statehouse is a great way to do that. The Ohio Statehouse is one of the visited buildings in the midwest, allowing visitors to see lawmakers in action and enrich their education on politics.
- Ghost Tour: Check out the haunted and spooky side of this historical city with a self-guided and affordable ghost tour!
- Park of Roses: Another great place for plant and outdoor lovers is the Park of Roses. It is part of Whetstone park and has thousands of different roses arranged in various ways throughout it. It is also a great place to relax and unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
More Restaurant Recommendations in Columbus, OH
- The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro (French fare): An upscale dining experience in a converted church, offering classic French cuisine with a modern twist.
- Northstar Café (Modern and Organic): With a focus on healthy, organic, and locally sourced ingredients, Northstar Café is perfect for those looking for a nutritious yet delicious dining option. They even have live (and free) jazz music each night.
- Marcella’s (Italian): A lively Italian eatery offering a wide range of pizzas, pasta, and wines. The warm atmosphere and friendly service complement the delicious, authentically prepared Italian dishes.
- Los Guachos Taqueria (Mexican): Widely regarded as serving some of the best tacos in Columbus, Los Guachos is celebrated for its authentic Mexican street food, particularly the al pastor tacos.
Other Tips to Know Before Visiting Columbus:
Columbus traffic gets very congested during rush hour. If traveling by car, try to avoid the morning hours of 7-9 am and the afternoon hours from 5-7 pm. Additionally, be sure to give yourself extra time when traveling to and from the airport in case of a high volume of traffic during your travel time.
3-day Columbus Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: Franklin Valley Conservatory, The German Village, The Ohio Theatre
- Day 2: The North Market, Scioto Mile, Sports Game
- Day 3: Easton Town Center, Museum of your choice, Short North
Keep Reading::: Check out more Midwest Weekend Getaways to add to your list!
One Weekend In Columbus Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Columbus that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Columbus itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Columbus.
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Columbus, Ohio” Itinerary?
Tip! Make sure to follow me on Instagram for more USA weekend getaways and dog-friendly adventures!
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