Columbus is more than just the home of THE Ohio State University (emphasis necessary). It’s more than the capital of the state and the largest city in the state. The city is also home to an art school and colorful murals. To a performing arts scene and to locally-owned shops and makers. To award-winning restaurants and cocktail bars. Most of all, it’s a modern midwestern city that showcases the best of what the region has to offer.
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What to See and Do in Columbus
Columbus has a number of attractions like museums and landmarks, but I’ll admit that I didn’t visit many during this particular trip. But I have a few that I’d like to see next time! There are also some incredible murals.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens– These stunning botanical gardens center around a glass conservatory that looks straight out of Victorian England. They host holiday lights and events for all ages but also have a permanent collection of Chihuly pieces.
Columbus Museum of Art– The Columbus art museum has a diverse collection spanning every style and period of art, including American and European works, photography, folk art, and the largest collection of works by local artists Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson, Elijah Pierce, and George Bellows.
University museums- There are also museums on the college campuses including the Columbus College of Art and Design Beeler Gallery and the Hale Black Cultural Center, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, and the Museum of Classical Archaeology, which are at Ohio State University.
Performing arts- Columbus also has an incredible scene for the performing arts, including the ballet, orchestra, and plays. Shadowbox Live is a beloved local theater putting on comedy shows.
Where to Eat in Columbus
Columbus has an incredibly diverse restaurant scene with influences from around the world. It also has served as an incubator for eateries that would become well-known national brands like Jeni’s Ice Cream.
North Market– Don’t miss a visit to this food hall and market dating back to 1876 that is where Jeni’s got their start. There are prepared foods at Vietnamese, Polish, and Somali stalls as well as ingredients like pasta, meat, and chocolates.
The Guild House– Located in the Short North district, this restaurant emphasizes local ingredients from nearby farms and producers. The menu includes craft cocktails, breakfast dishes, and the delicious sea bass in lobster broth.
Katalina’s– The fun cafe has two locations serving hearty items like mole soup, pancake balls, and heaping sandwiches. They have their own brand of Thunderkiss coffee.
Jiu Thai– Don’t let the name fool you as this strip mall eatery serves some of the area’s best Chinese fare. Chow down on hand-pulled noodles and homemade dumplings.
Service Bar– Located inside a distillery, this small restaurant is one of the city’s most sought out reservations. Creative dishes include a reimagining of a Taco Bell favorite, french fries that take three days to prepare, and lamb dumplings.
Fox in the Snow– A couple who had been living in New York opened their first cafe in Columbus to great success for its top-notch coffee program and incredible pastries. They also have an egg sandwich that tops the rest.
Ambrose and Eve– Inspired by family-style meals, this restaurant has clever cocktails and is open for dinner and brunch. The fried chicken for two and egg hash with gravy are crowd-pleasers.
G. Michael’s– Located in the German Village, this restaurant is where celebrities dine when they’re in Columbus. Heaping portions of pasta is just one draw.
Pistacia Vera– Known for its pastries, this eatery has two locations around town including an outpost at the North Market. Stop by for a quiche, croissant, or macaron with a cup of coffee.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus– Open in the German Village since 1886, the family-run eatery is known for, of course, its sausage and German fare, as well as the massive cream puffs.
Brassica– For a light and delicious sandwich, head to this restaurant that offers homemade pitas, bowls, and greens filled with falafels, roasted chicken, or vegetables.
Brekkie Shack– The laid back Australian-style cafe has delicious eats like avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and rice bowls along with coffee and their Buckeye Latte.
Where to Drink in Columbus
Columbus is rich in brewing traditions, dating back to the German immigrants that arrived in the 1800s. In fact, there’s a Brewery District in town where these warehouses were originally located. There are also incredible cocktail bars.
Wolf’s Ridge Brewing– The gorgeous dining room and taproom serves a diverse lineup of beers including American style IPAs, breakfast stouts, and German-style schwarzbiers.
Land Grant Brewing– Across the river is another craft brewery that focuses on different styles of IPAs. They also have a rotating group of food trucks and food providers throughout the week. Tours of the facility are also offered.
Watershed Distillery– Operating as both a restaurant and distillery, Watershed crafts award-winning gin including bourbon barrel-aged and chamomile infused varieties. They also offer tours of the distillery.
Service Bar 
Fireproof
Fireproof– Named for the fireproof building that was a document warehouse in the early days of Columbus, it’s now a trendy restaurant and bar. The Sapphire Saturn, pictured, is one of their delicious cocktails.
Lincoln Social– The stylish rooftop bar would fit right in in larger cities like Chicago. They have shared plates, shareable cocktails, an extensive wine list, and bottle service.
Citizen Trust– The trendy cocktail bar has multiple seating areas in a former bank building. They also host pop up bars like the Miracle holiday bar.
Law Bird– Enjoy cocktails using Watershed products like the “mini martini” or one of the many bottles of wine. They also have snacks like hummus, burrata, and a ham plate.
Columbus Coffee Experience– The city has plentiful coffee shops and roasters of the highest quality. Visitors can get a free t-shirt for going to more than five. In addition to Fox in the Snow, favorites include One Line, Mission, and Brioso. Two Dollar Radio also has coffee and cocktails.
Where to Shop in Columbus
Columbus has incredible shopping, including big-name brands at places like Easton Town Center. But what’s so unique is how local shops are thriving in an increasingly online-dependent society. Old Worthington, in particular, has great shops.
Branch Line Leather– Tucked inside High Line Coffee, this small leather goods store handmakes everything from bags to wallets to journals. You can also custom order, choosing your desired color and hardware.
The Candle Lab– Browse for one of this candle shop’s creations or make your own inside their “lab.” They develop their own scents and sell them nationwide.
Igloo Letterpress– The folks at this letterpress shop still do things the old fashioned way with moveable type for custom stationery and bookbinding. There are also gifts and jewelry.
Two Dollar Radio– This shop is a little bit of everything, including cool cafe and coffee shop, book and gift store, and independent publisher. You can choose from one of the store’s authors or their recommended titles.
Where to Stay in Columbus
You’ll certainly find the big-name hotel brands in Columbus, but there are also some funky boutique hotels in the city’s best neighborhoods.
Hotel LeVeque– Located inside a 1927 skyscraper, the boutique hotel is a part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection and has details inspired by the night sky. They have an in-house bar and restaurant, a fitness center, and comfortable rooms.
Graduate Columbus– The college town hotel brand has an outpost in the Short North with a design inspired by Ohio State. They have an in-house coffee shop and a Shake Shack location.
The DogHouse Hotel– The team at Brewdog opened the first craft beer hotel in a suburb of Columbus with mural-covered spaces, a production facility, and a beer museum.
Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph– The luxury hotel in the Short North is home to the Guild House restaurant, along with spa suites and an incredible art collection.
Airbnb– Enjoy staying in a local home in one of the Columbus neighborhoods like the Short North, German Village, and the University district.
Wow, it looks like you had a great time in Columbus! Ill have to save this for next time I visit.
Awesome post, definitely a great way to enjoy Columbus! Thank you for sharing.
I never heard of branch line leather before. My wife loves shopping for bags and we will be sure to check it out! Thanks!