Columbus is one of those cities that reveals more the longer you stay. A weekend gives you a taste — but a week lets you explore every neighborhood, eat at all the best restaurants, discover hidden shops, and even sneak in a few day trips to some of Ohio’s most charming small towns and parks. Here’s the ultimate 7-day itinerary for experiencing Columbus like a local.

Day 1: Arrive + German Village Charm

Morning/Afternoon:
Start your Columbus trip in German Village, one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods. The brick-lined streets and preserved 19th-century homes make it feel like stepping back in time. Spend the afternoon exploring boutiques and strolling through this picturesque district.

Don’t Miss:

• The Book Loft – 32 rooms of books connected by twisting hallways and courtyards. You can easily spend an hour here getting lost (in the best way).

• St. Mary’s School & Convent Mansion – Located at 673 Mohawk Street, this former school is now a stunning mansion and a great photo stop.

Dinner:
Kick off your first night with dinner at Lindey’s, a Columbus icon. Make reservations two to three weeks in advance if possible, as walk-ins can be hard to snag after 5:30. Their bread and salted butter (baked fresh in Grandview) are a must, and their menu is always spot-on.

Day 2: Short North + Arena District

Breakfast:
Start at The Woodbury, where candied bacon crepes and chicken hotcake tacos are the move.

Morning:
Explore the Short North Arts District. Browse boutiques, snap photos of the murals, and stop for coffee at one of the local cafés.

Lunch:
Head to Wario’s Beef & Pork, where the sandwiches are legendary. My go-tos:

• Steak Sandwich – Classic and loaded with flavor.

• Warrior’s Way – If you’re a cheese lover, this is the one.
  Split a Caesar salad and maybe get a side of potatoes if you’re hungry — one sandwich per person is overkill unless you’re really hungry.

Park behind Wario’s (around $1.35/hour last time I was there), then take a short stroll through the Arena District to walk it off.

Afternoon:
Make your way to North Market. Grab dessert at Jeni’s Ice Cream (try the Brown Butter Almond Brittle or Wildberry Lavender in a butterscotch waffle cone). If you still have room, hit Mo Mo Ghar, the Tibetan/Nepalese stall featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and order the Johl Mo Mo dumplings or Choila Set.

Evening:
Casual dinner at Barrel & Boar inside North Market or small plates in Short North.

Day 3: Parks + Watershed Dinner

Morning:
Get outside and enjoy one of Columbus’s parks:

• Scioto Grove Metro Park – Climb the fire tower for views.

• Highbanks Metro Park – Best for hiking with scenic overlooks.

• Griggs Reservoir or Antrim Park – Perfect for a quiet lakeside walk.

Lunch:
Pack a picnic or grab something light near the park.

Afternoon:
Walk along the Scioto Mile riverfront path and enjoy the skyline views.

Dinner:
Make a reservation at Watershed Kitchen & Bar, a moody, romantic restaurant attached to a working distillery. Book a distillery tour before dinner for the full experience.

What to Order (My Ratings):

• Crispy potatoes – 8/10

• Caesar salad – 8.5/10

• Mushroom pasta (add short rib!) – 9/10

• Pork chops – 8/10

• Chocolate cream – 5/10

• Peach cobbler – 5/10 (a little too savory for me)

Day 4: Hocking Hills Day Trip

Morning:
Drive about an hour southeast to Hocking Hills State Park, one of Ohio’s natural gems.

Must-Do Trails:

• Old Man’s Cave – Iconic rock formations and bridges.

• Ash Cave – A massive cave with a waterfall — perfect for photos.

• Cedar Falls – Peaceful and scenic.

Lunch:
Pack a picnic or stop in Logan for a casual meal.

Evening:
Return to Columbus and grab a casual dinner or order takeout for a low-key night in.

Day 5: Shopping, Museums, and Italian Dinner

Breakfast:Start at Fox in the Snow Café, known for its rustic pastries (the cinnamon roll and hand pie are fan favorites) and excellent coffee.

Morning:
Spend the late morning boutique hopping in Short North or exploring the charming strip between Woodland and E. High St.

Optional Museum Stop:

• Columbus Museum of Art – A mix of classic and contemporary art.

• COSI – Hands-on science museum fun for adults too.

Lunch:
Grab something fresh and light at Northstar Café — their Buddha Bowl and veggie burgers are standouts.

Afternoon:
Visit Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for a mix of indoor and outdoor gardens, butterflies, and art installations — perfect for a slower-paced afternoon.

Dinner:
Cap the day with dinner at Speck Italian Eatery. Start with focaccia and burrata, add the heritage tomato salad if it’s in season, and finish with one of their house-made pasta dishes.

Day 6: Sugarcreek + Kidron Day Trip

Morning:
Drive 90 minutes northeast to Sugarcreek, the “Little Switzerland of Ohio.”

• See the world’s largest cuckoo clock.

• Browse downtown shops for jams, baked goods, and hand-crafted souvenirs.

• Have brunch at Rebecca’s Bistro — Creamed Eggs on sourdough or Stuffed French Toast are must-tries.

Lunch:
Grab lunch at Park Street Pizza, known for its thick, chewy crust, crispy pepperonis, and gooey cheese bread. Don’t skip the fresh berry salad.

Afternoon:
Head to Kidron to browse Lehman’s Hardware Store and finish the day with a stop at Heini’s Cheese Chalet to sample every cheese they have (it’s practically a sport).

Evening:
Return to Columbus and relax with a casual dinner or drinks.

Day 7: Cleveland Day Trip or Bonus Columbus Day

Option 1: Cleveland Day Trip
Drive about two hours north for a day in Cleveland:

• Morning: Start at West Side Market, grab a coffee, and wander the stalls.

• Lunch: Eat nearby at Great Lakes Brewing Co. or sample pierogi at the market.

• Afternoon: Visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or explore Ohio City’s breweries and shops.

• Evening: Drive back to Columbus and have a farewell burger at The Thurman Café, home of the massive Thurmanator burger.

Option 2: Bonus Columbus Day
Stay in town and make it a laid-back finale:

• Morning: Stroll through Worthington Farmers Market or Dublin Farmers Market (Saturday mornings).

• Lunch: Treat yourself to a repeat favorite — maybe another Wario’s sandwich or a final scoop of Jeni’s.

• Afternoon: Visit Topiary Park, a living sculpture garden designed to look like a Georges Seurat painting, and spend some time at Columbus Museum of Art if you skipped it earlier.

• Evening: End with a sunset walk along the Scioto Mile to soak in your last views of the city.

Final Thoughts

A week in Columbus lets you truly experience the city — its food, neighborhoods, parks, and nearby gems. By the time you leave, you’ll have favorite murals, go-to restaurants, and maybe even a favorite Jeni’s flavor you’ll dream about until your next visit.