Columbus is one of those cities that reveals more the longer you stay. If you’re planning to spend a week in Columbus Ohio, you’ll have time to 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.
Since several days involve driving outside the city, having a car makes this itinerary much easier. If you’re flying into Columbus and need one, you can compare rental car prices through Discover Cars.
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.
German Village is an easy way to start when you spend a week in Columbus Ohio because you can settle in without trying to pack too much into your first day.
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.
You can read my full review in Unforgettable Dining at Lindey’s Columbus Ohio.
Start at The Woodbury, where candied bacon crepes and chicken hotcake tacos are the move.
Explore the Short North Arts District. Browse boutiques, snap photos of the murals, and stop for coffee at one of the local cafés.
If you’re going to spend a week in Columbus Ohio, the Short North is definitely an area I would make time for rather than just driving through.
Head to Wario’s Beef & Pork, where the sandwiches are legendary. My go-tos:
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.
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.
If food is a big part of your trip, I have even more of my favorites in The Ultimate Columbus Foodie Guide.
A Phone and Wallet Crossbody Strap is useful for days like this when you’re constantly pulling out your phone for photos, directions, and restaurant stops.
Casual dinner at Barrel & Boar inside North Market or small plates in Short North.
One advantage when you spend a week in Columbus Ohio is having enough time to mix city sightseeing with some of the parks around Columbus.
Get outside and enjoy one of Columbus’s parks:
If you’re planning to hike, my Small Osprey Backpack is a good size for carrying water and the basics without dragging around a full travel backpack.
Pack a picnic or grab something light near the park.
Walk along the Scioto Mile riverfront path and enjoy the skyline views.
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.
Drive about an hour southeast to Hocking Hills State Park, one of Ohio’s natural gems. Having enough time for a Hocking Hills day trip is another reason I like the idea of choosing to spend a week in Columbus Ohio instead of limiting the trip to a weekend.
Old Man’s Cave, Ash Cave, and Cedar Falls are all within Hocking Hills State Park, so they work well together for a day of exploring.
A Brita Water Bottle is useful to bring along for hiking days, especially when you’ll be away from Columbus for most of the day.
Pack a picnic or stop in Logan for a casual meal.
Return to Columbus and grab a casual dinner or order takeout for a low-key night in.
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Start at Fox in the Snow Café, known for its rustic pastries (the cinnamon roll and hand pie are fan favorites) and excellent coffee.
Spend the late morning boutique hopping in Short North or exploring the charming strip between Woodland and E. High St.
Having seven days means you don’t have to choose between neighborhoods, museums, parks, and food when you spend a week in Columbus Ohio. There’s room for a slower day like this without feeling like you’re missing something else.
Grab something fresh and light at Northstar Café — their Buddha Bowl and veggie burgers are standouts.
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.
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.
Drive 90 minutes northeast to Sugarcreek, the “Little Switzerland of Ohio.”
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.
If you decide you want more time in the area instead of making it a day trip, my A Weekend in Sugarcreek, Ohio: Little Switzerland, Big Charm has everything I would add.
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).
Return to Columbus and relax with a casual dinner or drinks.
Day trips like Sugarcreek are much easier to work into the itinerary when you spend a week in Columbus Ohio because you still have plenty of time to explore Columbus itself.
Drive about two hours north for a day in Cleveland:
Stay in town and make it a laid-back finale:
Worthington Farmers Market operates on Saturdays year-round, moving between its outdoor and indoor locations seasonally. The Dublin Market is also held Saturday mornings, but it runs seasonally from May through September.
If farmers markets are your thing, my Guide to Columbus Farmers Markets has more options around the city.
Absolutely. 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.
There’s enough variety to spend a week in Columbus Ohio without feeling like you’re stretching the trip just to fill seven days. You can explore the city itself, slow down when you want to, and still have time for some great Ohio day trips.
If you end up booking anything for your trip, using my affiliate links helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. I spend a lot of time researching and writing these guides, so I really appreciate the support.
If you’re flying into Columbus, compare flight options with Skyscanner. For this particular itinerary, I would also compare rental cars through Discover Cars because Hocking Hills, Sugarcreek, Kidron, and Cleveland are much easier with your own transportation.
Compare Columbus hotels through Booking.com or Hotels.com.
For more help deciding what part of the city to stay in, read Where to Stay in Columbus, Ohio.
Browse Columbus tours and activities through Viator or Get Your Guide.
For more ideas to fill any open time in your itinerary, see Top 5 Things to Do in Columbus, Ohio.
If seven days is longer than you have, The Perfect 24 Hours in Columbus, Ohio gives you a much shorter version of the city.
For more ideas beyond Columbus itself, see The Best Day Trips from Columbus, Ohio.
YES is always the answer... ✈️
I’m Wendy, and yes, I travel for a living (still pinching myself). After 15 years teaching middle school math, I traded the whiteboard for a passport and never looked back. Knoxville is home base, but Arizona sunsets are on another level, and if it’s been sitting on your list, this is your sign to finally say yes and book it. City guides, hotel reviews, and foodie spots are all on the blog. So glad you’re here 🌵☀️
A café, bakery, market, and wine shop all in one Phoenix stop 🍊
At La Grande Orange, order the crepes first, they’re the thing I’d go back for. The chicken salad sandwich is perfect if someone wants lunch while you’re still on breakfast, and the red velvet mini cupcake and a chai latte round it out. The sea salt chocolate chip cookie is heartier than gooey, so it’s best for dunkers. It’s counter service with easy parking, and the market has quirky gifts you won’t find elsewhere. Leave time to browse, because you’ll stay longer than planned.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ☀️
“Outside Terminal 3” is not a pickup location at PHX.
Before your driver pulls in, text them four things: your terminal, north or south side, door number, and inner or outer curb. Grab your bags first, then call them in. Drivers can wait free in the cell phone lot instead of circling. Getting through security is easy; getting picked up is the hard part.
Save this for your Phoenix trip ✈️
Come for the architecture, stay for the view.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross has been built into Sedona’s red rocks since 1956. The outside overlooks get busy, but inside is quiet, with huge windows framing the rocks. It’s free, takes 30-45 minutes, and has a paved, wheelchair-accessible ramp. Make sure to bring water in summer.
Save this for your trip planning!
Order it well done. Trust me.🍑🍕
Peach & Pancetta Pizza at Hideaway House in Sedona: roasted peaches, salty pancetta, ricotta, basil, extra-crispy crust. Split the house salad, grab a prickly pear lemonade, and get a patio table facing the red rocks. Skip the bread if you want room for another slice.
Save this for your Sedona trip✈️
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
