Columbus is full of energy, incredible food, and a mix of neighborhoods that all have their own personality. Whether you’re visiting for a day or a whole week, these are the five things you absolutely can’t miss if you’re searching for the Top Things to Do in Columbus Ohio and want the full local experience.
If Columbus has a “cool neighborhood,” this is it. The Short North is packed with colorful murals, indie boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. Spend a few hours just wandering — snap photos of the murals (they’re everywhere), pop into the shops, and stop for coffee or brunch along the way.
Wendy's Tip: Go in the morning or early afternoon when the light is good for photos and the shops aren’t too crowded.
If you want to plan a full weekend in the city, check out my Romantic Getaway in Columbus – 2-Day Itinerary for more ideas.
North Market is Columbus’s foodie hub — an indoor food hall with dozens of vendors. There’s something for everyone here, from spices and flowers to full meals.
Must-Try Stops:
Jeni’s Ice Cream – Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, and Wildberry Lavender are my go-to flavors. Get it in a butterscotch waffle cone for the ultimate experience.
Mo Mo Ghar – Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Order the Johl Mo Mo dumplings or Choila Set for something spicy, flavorful, and totally unique.
Barrel & Boar – Solid BBQ if you want something savory.
Wendy's Tip: Grab lunch here, then wander through the stalls for souvenirs like spice blends or local honey.
Visiting North Market is easily one of the Top Things to Do in Columbus Ohio, especially if you're a foodie. To round out your trip, don’t miss my guide on Where to Stay in Columbus, Ohio so you’re close to everything.
Watershed Kitchen & Bar is one of Columbus’s best restaurants — and it just happens to be attached to a working distillery. Book a distillery tour ahead of time to see how their spirits are made, then stay for dinner.
What to Order (My Picks):
Crispy potatoes – 8/10
Caesar salad – 8.5/10
Mushroom pasta with short rib – 9/10
Pork chops – 8/10
Wendy's Tip: Portions are generous, so split an appetizer, entrée, and dessert if you want to try more than one thing.
Save this for later on Pinterest so you don’t forget it.
German Village is like stepping into another era — red-brick streets, gas lanterns, and 19th-century homes. Stroll through the neighborhood and make time for The Book Loft, a 32-room maze of books that’s one of the largest independent bookstores in the country.
Don’t Miss:
Boutiques and shops along Mohawk Street.
Lindey’s Restaurant for dinner (make reservations two to three weeks in advance).
Private drive near St. Mary’s Church — follow it back to discover hidden courtyards and a little candle shop.
For a full review of this spot, read my blog on Unforgettable Dining at Lindey’s Columbus Ohio.
Columbus has some truly beautiful parks, and sunset is the best time to see them. Here are a few favorites:
Scioto Mile – Best cityscape views along the river.
Scioto Grove Metro Park – Climb the fire tower for panoramic sunset views.
Highbanks Metro Park – Scenic overlooks surrounded by trees.
Antrim Park – A tranquil lake that reflects the evening light.
Wendy's Tip: Pack a blanket or pick up takeout and make it a picnic night.
Columbus is a city that surprises people—it’s creative, walkable, and full of good food and hidden gems. If you're looking for the Top Things to Do in Columbus Ohio, these five experiences are the perfect place to start. You'll leave feeling like you really experienced the city.
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You can also search current hotel prices and availability through Booking.com.
Browse Viator for Columbus tours, food experiences, and other activities you can book ahead of your visit.
I use my Airport Backpack to carry my camera, water bottle, and anything else I need while exploring the city.
Columbus is very walkable, so I also bring my Brita Water Bottle to refill throughout the day instead of buying bottled water.
For a shorter visit, follow The Perfect 24 Hours in Columbus, Ohio.
Plan your meals with The Ultimate Columbus Foodie Guide.
Staying longer or looking for more places to explore? Read The Best Day Trips from Columbus, Ohio.
Booked my fall cabin before September even started, and I’m not sorry about it. 🍂
These are the stays that make you actually want the cold to hurry up fireplaces, mountain views, the kind of porch you don’t leave. Not every one of these is going to fit every trip, but if a cozy fall getaway is on your radar, this is the roundup to start with.
One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️
There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts.
If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.
Pack your bags... ✈️🧳My hiking and road trip gear shop just got a refresh, and this is everything that actually earns a spot in my bag. The dry bag pulls double duty for beach days and trail days, the Osprey backpack is the one I grab for anything motorcycle or day-hike related, and the GoPro comes with me literally everywhere at this point.
Nothing on this list is filler it’s all stuff I’ve used, packed, and repacked more times than I can count. Full shop linked in my bio if you want to build out your own kit before your next trip.
Filing this one under “go now before it gets cold.” Bonneville Hot Springs is one of those trips where fall access is honestly the sweet spot the campground road is open, the hike in is short, and you skip the snow-and-gate situation we dealt with when we went in March.
September and early fall mean clearer trails, easier parking, and pools that are just as good without the extra mile of hiking to earn them. Fewer than 10 people out there when we visited, a rustic changing booth, zero amenities, and pools that range from “relax” to “actually scalding” until you move some rocks around and mix in river water. Small waterfalls feeding in, mountains in every direction, not polished, and that’s exactly the point.
Full breakdown on parking, what to pack, and timing it right is linked in my bio.
Summer’s not even over and I already have the itch. Fall hiking season is calling and I am answering.
Save this if you feel the itch too.🍁
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
