Columbus is one of those cities that sneaks up on you — a little artsy, a little sporty, a lot of good food, and plenty to keep you busy. If you’ve only got one day to explore, you can still hit the highlights and leave feeling like you got a real taste of the city. Here’s how I’d spend 24 hours in Columbus.

Morning: Breakfast + Short North

Start your day at The Woodbury, where the menu is just as creative as the space. The candied bacon crepes are a must — three crepes filled with sweet-and-salty candied bacon, fresh fruit, vanilla buttercream, and a drizzle of jelly sauce. If you want something a little bolder, order the Chicken Hotcakes Tacos: house pancakes with crispy fried chicken, chili aioli, strawberry salsa, and Milligan’s maple syrup.

If you want something faster, grab breakfast at The Lox instead. The bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel is my go-to, but if you like salmon, the lox bagel is fully loaded with salmon, capers, and cream cheese.

After breakfast, head to the Short North Arts District. This neighborhood is full of colorful murals, galleries, and boutiques — perfect for a morning stroll. Take time to pop into a few shops, snap some mural photos, and just enjoy the creative energy of the area.

Afternoon: Wario’s + North Market + Arena District

When you’re ready for lunch, make your way to Wario’s Beef & Pork. The sandwiches here are massive — big enough to share — so order a Caesar salad, one sandwich (try the steak sandwich or the cheesy Warrior’s Way), and a side of potatoes if you’re hungry.

Park behind Wario’s if you can (last time it was $1.35 for an hour), then take a walk through the Arena District — it’s a fun, lively area with shops and public art. From there, you can walk to North Market, Columbus’s famous indoor food hall.

At North Market, grab a scoop of Jeni’s Ice Cream — Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, and Wildberry Lavender are just a few of the inventive flavors. Get it in a butterscotch waffle cone if you really want to do it right.

If you’re still hungry, head to Mo Mo Ghar, where Chef Phinsto Lama serves up Tibetan and Nepalese favorites. This spot was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and for good reason. Try the Johl Mo Mo (steamed chicken dumplings in a spicy fenugreek tomato sauce) or the Choila Set (a spiced chicken salad with rice, potatoes, and black-eyed peas) — Guy Fieri called it one of the most unique dishes he’s ever had.

Evening: German Village + Dinner

Spend your evening in German Village, where the brick-lined streets and historic homes make you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere completely different. Stop into the boutiques, walk the cobblestone streets, and make time for The Book Loft, a bookstore with 32 rooms of books — it’s easy to get lost in the best possible way.

For dinner, book a table at Lindey’s, a Columbus classic. Their menu changes seasonally, but everything I’ve had has been 10/10. Make reservations two to three weeks in advance if you can — by 5:30 or 6 pm, walk-ins are nearly impossible to snag. If you don’t have a reservation, try for open seating at the bar or outside on the patio. Don’t skip the bread and butter — it’s baked fresh in Grandview and the butter is perfectly salty.

After dinner, take one last stroll through German Village. Between the gas lanterns, the historic architecture, and the cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to end your 24 hours in Columbus.

Final Thoughts

Columbus packs a lot into one day if you plan it right. Start with a creative breakfast, eat your way through Wario’s and North Market, wander the Short North, and finish with German Village and dinner at Lindey’s. It’s a day full of flavor, art, and just enough walking to make you feel like you earned that extra scoop of ice cream.