A Perfect 3 Day Weekend in Columbus Ohio Itinerary You’ll Love
Last Updated on 30th January 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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Columbus is a thriving metropolitan city that is rapidly growing in popularity as a must-see destination with every passing year. Named after Christopher Columbus, Ohio’s capital city is a great destination for nature lovers, sports fans, and history buffs alike. It’s full of diversity and culture has a young vibe and appealing atmosphere, and a booming arts and tech scene. Here’s the perfect 3 day weekend in Columbus you’ll want to follow!
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Introducing Columbus, Ohio
Whether you are looking for entertainment and excitement from sporting events and festivals, rejuvenation and relaxation from green spaces and nature, education from museums and cultural neighborhoods, or to escape from responsibilities and experience the nightlife scene, Columbus is an all-around great city for all visitors.
Is 3 days enough time to see Columbus?
Columbus is a fairly large city of over 900,000 residents and so it’s nearly impossible to experience everything the city has to offer in such a short amount of time. However, 3 days allow visitors to get a great overview of the city and experience some of the best attractions and neighborhoods.
If you have extra time to spare and wish to explore more of the surrounding area, you’ll want to set aside at least 4 or 5 days to truly enjoy all that the capital of Ohio has to offer. For an ideal introduction to the hip city of Columbus, keep scrolling and read this guide on how to spend 3 days in Columbus, Ohio!
Tips for Visiting Columbus
Columbus is a superb city to visit any time of year as there is always something going on and more things and attractions pop up around the city each year. If you have never been to Columbus before, doing some research ahead of time can eliminate stress and frustration before it even arrives.
To make the most out of your trip to Columbus and know what to expect before and upon arrival of your trip, keep the following tips in mind:
When to visit
September and October are the best times of year to visit Columbus. Not only are temperatures comfortable and cooled down after the hot summer months, but there are a number of this to do this time of year, such as sporting events (especially OSU football) and festivals.
April is also a great time of year to visit, with blooming flowers around the city and lower crowds and prices. If you love cherry blossoms, then you’ll be delighted to discover that there’s an annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held in the city around the middle of April.
How to get around
Columbus is a car city, and the best way to get around is by car, taxi, or Uber. If you don’t have a car or are on a tighter budget, there is a public bus transit around the city using COTA, and a wide variety of bike rentals as well.
How to stay safe
Columbus is an overall safe city for visitors and is no more dangerous than visiting your hometown. You shouldn’t have any major issues as long as you pay attention to your surroundings, lock your car, keep an eye on your belongings, and generally follow the same safety precautions as you would at home.
Columbus 3-Day Itinerary Sample
Whether you are looking to spend your 3-days in Columbus exploring, relaxing, learning, or taste-testing mouthwatering cuisine and local brews, Columbus is a place that truly has something for everyone to enjoy, no matter your age or interests.
Day 1 in Columbus: Must-see attractions
Morning: On your first morning in Columbus, wake up early to catch the sunrise around the Scioto Mile. The Scioto Mile sits on more than 175 acres, encompasses a number of parks, and is one of the best outdoor attractions in the city.
It is a trail which lies on both banks of the Scioto River in downtown Columbus and connects parks. As well as miles of walking and biking paths along the Scioto River, the area hosts numerous events, festivals, and celebrations during the summertime, in addition to the famous fountain, climbing walls, and incredible city views.
The must-see spot of the Scioto Mile is the Scioto Mile Fountain, which features interactive splash pads and pretty river vistas. If you don’t want to spend too much time wandering the Scioto Mile, prioritise heading to the Fountain.
After enjoying some of the Scioto Mile, head to The Statehouse, which is one of the most important landmarks in the city. To learn more about politics, the general assembly, or to just marvel at the Greek Revival architectural design of the building, touring the Ohio Statehouse is a great activity.
Tours are available in the mornings and afternoons every week, Monday-Friday. You’ll want to book a visit in advance and be prepared to go through airport-style security to enter. Even if you don’t visit the interior of the building, the beautiful façade is a must-see while in Columbus.
Next, it’s time to visit the The Columbus Museum of Art. This cultural institution is just a 15 minute walk from the Statehouse (or a 5 minute drive) and showcases the huge blend of cultures that are in Columbus and the entirety of the Midwest.
Afternoon: A visit to Columbus is never complete without an afternoon of exploring in the German Village. Start at Schmidt’s Sausage Haus for lunch, a delicious and widely popular German restaurant, and then venture around and learn about the German history of Columbus.
The German population increased in Ohio during the 19th century and today the district still retains a European ambiance, as well as being one of the most thriving and interesting neighborhoods in the city.
Evening: Columbus is home to a wide range of breweries and distilleries with an array of delicious craft beers. Head to Plank’s Bier Garten in the Brewery District for a quick dinner and pint before setting off brewery hopping around some of the city’s finest establishments.
Some of the most popular breweries and distilleries in Columbus include The Daily Growler – German Village/Brewery District and Antiques on High (you can buy beer flights here). One of the more hidden gems of the Brewery District is the larger than life sized statue of Gambrinus: King of Beer which can be found at 605 S. Front St., Columbus.
Day 2 in Columbus
Morning: On your second morning in Columbus, grab a coffee and head straight to the North Market. The North Market is a huge farmers market downtown, possibly the biggest you’ve ever seen, with the freshest products possible.
The market is more than 140 years old and has been more than just a market for residents, but is a place to meet with friends and family, shop for local crafts and handmade trinkets, and taste the huge mixture of cultures throughout different cuisine and spices. You can easily grab lunch at the market if you spend all morning there.
Afternoon: If you are traveling to Columbus with kids, consider spending an afternoon at COSI. The Center for Science & Industry takes learning to the next level, with fun and interactive attractions throughout the establishment.
Kids who have an interest in science will enjoy exhibits such as the dinosaur gallery, big science park, and fascinating planetariums. While it is aimed more toward younger children, adults who are young at heart will have just as much fun!
If you don’t mind heading out of the city a bit and want to visit a cultural spot which is a little more out of the ordinary, head to one of the newest museums in the city, the Otherworld. It takes around two or three hours to fully enjoy Otherworld.
Not just a museum, but a huge interactive art installation consisting of magical designs, colors and blacklights, surreal landscapes, and multi-sensory entertainment. Explore freely and interact with more than 40 scenes in this exciting mixed-reality playground.
Evening: Make reservations at the Guild House for dinner, then spend the evening immersing into the exciting nightlife of the Short North Arts District in downtown Columbus.
Not only are there various bars and gastronomical establishments lined down the streets, but also local boutiques, art galleries, and live music happening somewhere almost every weekend.
For those looking to party the night away, venture down a few blocks to the Arena District for even more bars, pubs, and clubs to hop in and out of.
Day 3 in Columbus: Nature and retail therapy
Morning: After a long night out on the town, start your final morning in Columbus by wandering around the Franklin Park Valley Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1895, it’s one of the city’s biggest attractions and is altered each and every season for new experiences each year.
The beautiful space takes a couple of hours to explore if you truly want to enjoy everything on offer. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by relaxing in a calm environment, surrounded by immersive artwork, and loads of wildlife and flora, and fauna.
Be sure to check out the butterfly garden as well, known as the Blooms & Butterflies exhibit. It’s the best way to finish an exciting weekend in Columbus and is an attraction that mustn’t be skipped over.
Afternoon: After a relaxing morning head east of downtown to the Easton Town Center. Not only is Easton one of the coolest shopping centers in the Midwest, but it’s also designed like an old-fashioned city, allowing visitors to step back in time with all the modernity of today.
There are hundreds of restaurants and shops to explore and indulge in, as well as attractions such as ice skating, an iMax theater, and live performances in the evenings.
Evening: On the last in the thrilling capital city, plan ahead and reserve tickets to a ballgame. While football is definitely the most attractive, as Columbus is home to the Buckeyes at The Ohio State University, there is a wide range of options for all spots fans any time of the year.
Consider heading to Crew Stadium for soccer fans, or head to the Arena District and catch an NHL Bluejackets hockey game. Ohio has some of the best sports teams in the Midwest and there is bound to be a night of celebrations happening after a big win.
Other things to do in Columbus
If you followed along with our three-day itinerary, then you’ve probably had a fantastic introduction to the city so far. However, there is so much more. If you choose to extend your stay in Columbus for longer than a 3-day period or are already planning to return to this incredible city, here are more things to see and do.
- See a show at the Ohio Theatre: The Ohio Theatre has been up and running for more than 100 years and is a great place to spend an evening in the city. The outstanding architectural structure only intensifies live entertainment, such as ballet performances, phones, and some of the most beloved touring Broadway series, such as the infamous Nutcracker, Wicked, or the Lion King.
- Kingmakers Board Game Parlor: On rainy days in the city or when you are just looking to relax and unwind, head over to the Kingmakers Board game Parlor. Here, visitors can chill and catch up with friends, while playing the most cherished and beloved board games of old times. It’s one of the most unique places in the city allowing all guests to feel just like a child. Plus, there’s beer and wine.
- Columbus Architectural Salvage: Something very interesting and unique to the city of Columbus is the Columbus Architectural Salvage. Browse around all the things available, while many objects may come from landfills, as the saying goes, one man’s trash is in another man’s treasure. It’s a great window into the past as it features old household appliances, outdated vintage jewelry and trinkets, and a reminder of how some things, only get better with age.
Where to stay in Columbus
Columbus has a lot of diverse neighborhoods. The best places to stay when visiting Columbus for a 3-day trip are the Italian Village or Short North neighborhoods, the University District, Clintonville, and Downtown. Here are some of the top hotel recommendations based on location and price:
Budget: This hostel is a little bit of a way from most of Columbus’ main attractions but is one of the cheapest places to stay in town. Located in the University Area of town, there are laid-back dorm rooms and free Wi-Fi is available. Check prices and availability here.
Mid-range: This hotel is literally just across the street from the Ohio Statehouse and boasts amenities such as a bar and restaurant onsite, bicycle hire, baggage storage, and free Wi-Fi. Check prices and availability here.
Luxury: For an unforgettable weekend stay in Columbus you’ll want to check out this hotel, which is set against the backdrop of a landmark art deco high-rise building and offers views of the Scioto River. Highlights include a fitness center, air conditioning, and a great location. Check prices and availability here.
A final note on planning a trip to Columbus
With so much to see and do paired with an exciting and vibrant atmosphere, It’s easy to see why Columbus is rising in popularity and growing into a thriving metropolitan American hub.
We hope you have enjoyed this guide on how to spend 3 days in Columbus and that you take a chance on exploring this exciting city; we promise you won’t regret it!
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About the author: Ali Sullivan is an experienced world traveler, freelance writer, small business owner, and CEO of Alis Happy Desk. She works online within the travel niche by running her own business, planning travel itineraries, writing blogs and guides, and exploring the world in her off-time.
