Things to do in Columbus! Local recommendations, activities, restaurants…etc
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Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
First class welcome center, beautiful trail options for flat or more moderate paths
Highbanks Metro Park
Dog friendly, 40 acre park with paved trails, a playground and dog run!
Rocky Fork Metro Park
Amazing park! Trails that wind through the woods, disc golf and an inclusive playground!
Blendon Woods Metro Park
Hidden gem where you can walk among the tree tops 40 feet in the air and get a Birds Eye view. Rope bridges to cross. Dog friendly in the park but not up on the canopy walk
Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk
I grew up going to this park often! No pets allowed but the wildlife is amazing, there's many different areas in the park that all have different looks and vibes. Manicured gardens to nature preserves! It has it all!
Inniswood Metro Gardens - Metro Park
Gorgeous water fall and water views! Playground for kids and water activities in the warmer months
Quarry Trails - Metro Parks - Central Ohio Park System
Love this farmers market! In the middle of historic worthington it's the perfect time to check out local shops while you browse the farmers market vendors! Bought some of the best gluten free bread at this market recently
Worthington Farmers Market
If you get the chance to check out this farmers market do it! Love the variety of vendors
Clintonville Farmers' Market
Wide selection of goods and friendly vendors!
New Albany Farmers Market
Both sides well maintained for your furry friends!
Rocky Fork Dog Park
LOTS of space and big open areas for your dogs to run and play!
Brooksedge Park Bark Park
New park in the New Albany area! Flat walking surfaces and a playground for kids
TAYLOR FARM PARK - Updated August 2025 - 40 Photos
Gardens with plants and art! The butterfly room has always been my favorite. Diverse range of ecosystem rooms with native plants to those areas.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
About every type of rose you can imagine! Beautiful gardens and walking paths
Columbus Park of Roses
Restaurants
New York style pizza!
Adriatico's
Creative pizzas and classic subs
Hounddog's Pizza
Great location in the middle of the short north! Vegan options available
Paulie Gee's
Great Italian food, really cool atmosphere
Speck Italian Eatery
An Italian restaurant AND grocery store! Get your pasta here! Some of the best Italian food in town
Carfagna's – Culinary Merchants Since 1937
This is on my list of must try places in Columbus! Great reviews
Cento
Cool location! Friendly staff and great pasta dishes
Marcella's
Reservations required! Such an amazing hidden gem!
Pasqualone`s Ristorante (La Plaia)-Home
Multiple locations around town!
Brassica at Easton Town Center
Very authentic Mediterranean food!
Lavash Cafe
The burgers and other sandwiches are delicious!
Arch City Tavern
Never had a meal here that I didn't like!
Cap City Fine Diner and Bar
Huge beer selection, usually has great bourbon and the food is so good!!
101 Beer Kitchen
Other Food & Drinks
Columbus coffee staple! Great chai latte and pastries here
Fox in the Snow Cafe
Coolest environment! Very relaxing to sit and sip here
Parable Cafe
Such a cute little coffee shop in uptown Westerville
Begin - Specialty Coffee & Light Bites in Uptown Westerville
Craft cocktails. Love the huge outdoor bar area!
Beeline | Easton Town Center Cocktail Bar | Home
Very cool vintage Palm Springs vibes with themed drinks to match!
Palm Valley Cocktails
Delicious craft cocktails and great views of downtown Columbus!
Lincoln Social Rooftop
Inventive cocktails set in an old bank where the vault is the center piece!
The Citizens Trust
Such fun cocktails and variety of options
Law Bird
Chill atmosphere, great assortment!
The Alibi Bourbon & Cocktail Lounge
Hidden speakeasy in the basement of late night slice! The cocktails here will make you feel like you're in a beach somewhere tropical
Sacred Palm
Love this spot! Usually not too busy and the craft cocktails are delicious!
The Daily Bar
So many vegan options!
Pattycake Bakery
French inspired bakery with great reviews!
TOUS les JOURS
One of my favorite local bakeries! Try their macarons!
Pistacia Vera
Awesome flavors! Can't wait to visit here again
Bite This
Officially my favorite ice cream in town! So many unique flavors!
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
On my list of places to try! Great reviews
CRMD
A Columbus staple! This ice cream is so flavorful and creamy!
Graeter's Ice Cream
Deli in the middle of German village that has amazing options! Grab a sandwich and go enjoy it in the park across the street!
The Brown Bag Delicatessen
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The Italian sub is one of my favorites! Can customize any sub you'd like
DiBella's Subs
Candy shop with a huge selection of your childhood favorites!
Rocket Fizz Columbus, OH
Arts & Entertainment
Enjoy the baroque and classical styles of art as well as modern curations
Columbus Museum of Art
I learned so much here as a kid and have continued to return as an adult for their "COSI after dark" events! So much fun for everyone!
Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
Very cool exhibits! My favorite is the Lustron home!
Ohio History Center
The United States national museum for veterans of the US armed forces
National Veterans Memorial and Museum
Amazing rotating art exhibits! The layout of the building is also very interesting and a piece of art itself
Wexner Center for the Arts
The historic palace theater. Beautiful on the inside!
Palace Theatre
One of my favorite theaters in downtown Columbus. Historic and beautiful on the inside!
Ohio Theatre
Smaller theater in downtown Columbus but hosts a lot of great shows
Southern Theatre
Whether it's an OSU football game or a concert The Shoe is an amazing venue to watch in!
Ohio Stadium
Voted best zoo in Ohio! Check out their opportunities to meet and greet some of the animals there!
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
Columbus comedy club located at Easton Town Center
Columbus Funny Bone
Comedy or drama shadowbox live has it all!
Shadowbox Live
Retro movie theater! Very cool experience! I don't think I would want to see the newest block buster here but a re showing of a movie absolutely!
Studio 35 Cinema & Drafthouse
Sip on a refreshing beer at this small local theater while you enjoy the movie
Grandview Theater and Drafthouse
Lots of great acts. Standing room mostly. Big GA pit.
Newport Music Hall
Indoor/outdoor music venue with good views no matter where you are
KEMBA Live!
Small intimate music venue. Small GA pit
The Basement
Local art gallery showcasing some of Columbus' finest!
934 Gallery
Diversity of works in the space
Riffe Gallery
Art gallery but you can also take classes here if you'd like to learn a new skill like pottery
Cultural Arts Center
Art gallery but you can also take classes here if you'd like to learn a new skill like pottery
Cultural Arts Center
Art gallery but you can also take classes here if you'd like to learn a new skill like pottery
Cultural Arts Center
Local Favorites
My go to salon in clintonville! Every stylist is wonderful!
Virtue Vegan Salon
The vibes make you feel like you are in another country! Massages, aura photos and so much more!
PALOMA
Helpful and friendly staff! Carve out some time to explore around this multi room book store because you will need it!
The Book Loft of German Village
Love this local gem! Great selection and everyone is always so friendly
Birdie Books
Great vintage boutique! They sell anything from greeting cards to vinyl records! Say hi to the shop dog Charlie while you are there!
