H​ow to Spend 3 Days in Columbus, Ohio

A weekend guide to spending 3 fun-filled days in Columbus.

Columbus is a thriving metropolitan city and is quickly growing more with each passing year. Named after the well-known explorer, Christopher Columbus, Ohio’s capital city is a great destination for nature lovers, sports fans, and history buffs. It’s full of diversity and culture has a young vibe and appealing atmosphere, and a booming arts and tech scene.

Whether you are looking for entertainment and excitement from sporting events and festivals, rejuvenation and relaxation from green spaces and nature, education from museums and cultural neighborhoods, or to escape from responsibilities and experience the nightlife scene, Columbus is an all-around great city for all visitors.

Columbus is an average-sized city, so it’s nearly impossible to experience everything the city has to offer in such a short amount of time. However, 3 days allow visitors to get a great overview of the city and experience some of the best attractions and neighborhoods.

For an ideal introduction to the hip city of Columbus, keep scrolling and read this guide on how to spend 3 days in Columbus, Ohio!

Columbus is a superb city to visit any time of year as there is always something going on and more things and attractions pop up around the city each year. If you have never been to Columbus before, doing some research ahead of time can eliminate stress and frustration before it even arrives. To make the most out of your trip to Columbus and know what to expect before and upon arrival of your trip, keep the following tips in mind.

When to visit: September and October are the best times of year to visit Columbus. Not only are temperatures comfortable and cooled down from the summer, but there are a number of this to do this time of year, such as sporting events (especially OSU football) and festivals. April is also a great time of year to visit, with blooming flowers around the city and lower crowds and rates.

How to get around: Columbus is a car city, and the best way to get around is by car, taxi, or Uber. If you don’t have a car or are on a tighter budget, there is a public bus transit around the city using COTA, and a wide variety of bike rentals as well.

Where to stay: Columbus has a lot of diverse neighborhoods. The best places to stay when visiting Columbus for a 3-day trip are the Italian Village or Short North neighborhoods, the University District, Clintonville, and Downtown.

How to stay safe: Columbus is an overall safe city for visitors. You shouldn’t have any major issues as long as you pay attention to your surroundings, lock your car and belongings, avoid dangerous neighborhoods, and don't walk around alone at night.

Whether you are looking to spend your 3-days in Columbus exploring, relaxing, learning, or taste-testing cuisine and local brews, Columbus is a place that truly has something for everyone to enjoy, no matter your age or interests. While there is much more to see in the city than what's on this list, this 3-day itinerary is an excellent overview of the city for first-timers or those only staying for just a few days. It showcases some of the best parts of the city, plus a few extras.

Morning: On your first morning in Columbus, wake up early to catch the sunrise over the Scioto Mile. The Scioto Mile sits on more than 175 acres and is one of the best outdoor attractions in the city. Besides miles of walking and biking paths along the Scioto River, the area hosts numerous events, festivals, and celebrations during the summertime, in addition to the famous fountain, climbing walls, and incredible city views.

Afternoon: A visit to Columbus is never complete without an afternoon of exploring in the German Village. Start at Schmits Sausage Haus, a delicious and widely popular German restaurant, and then venture around and learn about the German history of Columbus. The German population increased in the 19th century and is still home to many today and remains one of the most thriving and interesting neighborhoods in the city.

Evening: Columbus is home to a wide range of breweries and distilleries with an array of delicious craft beers. Head to the Beir Garden in the Brewery District for a quick dinner, and a first pint then set off brewery hopping around some of the city's finest establishments. Some of the most popular breweries and distilleries in Columbus include Land grant Brewing Company, Saucy Brew Works, Seventh Son Brewing Co, and Combustion Brewery.

Morning: On your second morning in Columbus, grab a coffee and head straight to the North Market. The North Market is a huge farmers market downtown, possibly the biggest you've ever seen, with the freshest products possible. The market is more than 140 years and has been more than just a market for residents, but is a place to meet with friends and family, shop for local crafts and handmade trinkets, and taste the huge mixture of cultures throughout different cuisine and spices.

Afternoon: You can easily grab lunch while at the market, or choose from the multiple restaurants and cafes in the area as well. After a bite to eat, head to one of the newest museums in the city, the Otherworld. Not just a museum, but a huge interactive art installation consisting of magical designs, colors and blacklights, surreal landscapes, and multi-sensory entertainment. Explore freely and interact with more than 40 scenes in this exciting mixed-reality playground.

Evening: Make reservations at the Guild House for dinner, then spend the evening immersing into the exciting nightlife of the Short North Arts District in downtown Columbus. Not only are there various bars and gastronomical establishments lined down the streets, but also local boutiques, art galleries, and live music happening somewhere almost every weekend. For those looking to party the night away, venture down a few blocks to the Arena District for even more bars, pubs, and clubs to hop in and out of.

Morning: After a long night out on the town, start your fie morning n Columbus by wandering around the Franklin Valley Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1895, it's one of the city's biggest attractions and is altered each and every season for new experiences each year. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by relaxing in a calm environment, surrounded by immersive artwork, and loads of wildlife and flora, and fauna. Be sure to check out the butterfly garden as well, known as the Blooms & Butterflies exhibit. It's the best way to finish an exciting weekend in Columbus and is an attraction that mustn't be skipped over.

Afternoon: After a relaxing morning head east of downtown to the Easton Town Center. Not only is Easton one of the coolest shopping centers in the Midwest, but it’s also designed like an old-fashioned city, allowing visitors to step back in time with all the modernity of today. There are hundreds of restaurants and shops to explore and indulge in, as well as attractions such as ice skating, an iMax theater, and live performances in the evenings.

Evening: On the last in the thrilling capital city, plan ahead and reserve tickets to a ballgame. While football is definitely the most attractive, as Columbus is home to the Buckeyes at The Ohio State University, there is a wide range of options for all spots fans any time of the year. Consider heading to Crew Stadium for soccer fans, or head to the Arena District and catch an NHL Bluejackets hockey game. Ohio has some of the best sports teams in the Midwest and there is bound to be a night of celebrations happening after a big win.

If you followed along with our three-day itinerary, then you've probably had a fantastic introduction to the city so far. However, there is so much more. If you choose to extend your stay in Columbus for longer than a 3-day period or are already planning to return to this incredible city, here are more things to see and do.

See a show at the Ohio Theatre: The Ohio Theatre has been up and running for more than 100 years and is a great place to spend an evening in the city. The outstanding architectural structure only intensifies live entertainment, such as ballet performances, phones, and some of the most beloved touring Broadway series, such as the infamous Nutcracker, Wicked, or the Lion King.

Kingmakers Board Game Parlor: On rainy days in the city or when you are just looking to relax and unwind, head over to the Kingmakers Board game Parlor. Here, visitors can chill and catch up with friends, while playing the most cherished and beloved board games of old times. It’s one of the most unique places in the city allowing all guests to feel just like a child. Plus, there's beer and wine.

Tour the Ohio Statehouse: The Statehouse is one of the most important landmarks in the city. To learn more about politics, the general assembly, or to just marvel at the greek architectural design of the building, touring the Ohio Statehouse is a great activity to learn and be educated about the state of Ohio. Tours are available in the mornings and afternoons every week, Monday-Friday.

Center of Science & Industry (COSI): If you are traveling to Columbus with kids, consider spending an afternoon at COSI. The Center for Science & Industry takes learning to the next level, with fun and interactive attractions throughout the establishment. Kids who have an interest in science will enjoy exhibits such as the dinosaur gallery, big science park, and fascinating planetariums. While it is aimed more toward younger children, adults who are young at heart will have just as much fun!

Columbus Architectural Salvage: Something very interesting and unique to the city of Columbus is the Columbus Architectural Salvage. Browse around all the things available, while many objects may come from landfills, as the saying goes, one man's trash is in another man's treasure. It's a great window into the past as it features old household appliances, outdated vintage jewelry and trinkets, and a reminder of how some things, only get better with age.

Columbus Museum of Art: The Columbus Museum of Art showcases the huge blend of cultures that are in Columbus and all of the Midwest. Not only does the museum showcase artists from the city, but pieces from artists all around the globe as well. It’s definitely a must-see for all art lovers or those looking for the more sophisticated side of the city.

With so much to see and do paired with an exciting and vibrant atmosphere, It’s easy to see why Columbus is rising in popularity and growing into a thriving metropolitan American hub. We hope you have enjoyed this guide on how to spend 3 days in Columbus and that you take a chance on exploring this exciting city; we promise you won't regret it!