Welcome to your Columbus, Ohio City Guide!

I always have tons of readers asking for suggestions on the best things to do in the city and this list covers most of my favorites!

Feel free to email me at girlaboutcolumbus@gmail.com if you have further questions – I’d love to help!

(map c/o On Lane Avenue )

BRUNCH in Columbus:

• Katalina’s – try the pancake balls!
• Milestone 229 – fabulous views.
• Alchemy Juice Bar + Cafe or TRISM – tons of healthy options, smoothies/juice/bowls.
• Skillet –  cozy German Village spot that serves season, farm to table fare.
• Wolf’s Ridge Brewing – great atmosphere, beermosas, and doughnuts.

You can find a full listing of GAC’s recommendations on Where to Brunch in Columbus here.

LUNCH in Columbus:

• • Brassica – Mediterranean-influenced, casual, perfect lunch spot.
  • North Market – Tons of food options, including Little Eater, Jeni’s, and Pistacia Vera.
  • La Chatelaine – Cozy and delicious French bakery & bistro.
  • Northstar Café – One of our faves – try the Buddha Bowl
  • Budd Dairy Food Hall – Lots of options!
  • Lindey’s – Charming Columbus classic in German Village. Sit on their patio if it’s warm!

DINNER in Columbus:

• • Marcella’s – Great happy hour. Italian. In the Short North.
  • Chapman’s Eat Market– New spot in German Village!
  • Del Mar – new Cameron Mitchell restaurant in the Short North, with a focus on SoCal food & drinks
  • Martini Modern Italian – Best filet in town. Upscale but inviting atmosphere.
  • Figlio – Delicious Italian.

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DESSERT in Columbus:

• Pistacia Vera – Macarons, delicious treats.
• Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – You can’t come to Columbus and not try Jeni’s! The best!

COFFEE SHOPS in Columbus:

• • Mission Coffee Co.
  • Kittie’s Cakes
  • Fox in the Snow Cafe

JUICE BARS in Columbus:

• • Alchemy Juice Bar + Cafe
  • Native Cold Pressed
  • TRISM
  • Zest Juice Co.

BEST BARS in Columbus:

• • Lincoln Social – GORGEOUS rooftop bar in the heart of the Short North Arts District! Newly opened!
  • The Keep – this swanky bar is in the Leveque Hotel, located downtown
  • Seventh Son Brewing – A fun, casual spot!
  • Pins Mechanical Co. – Where all the cool kids go 🙂
  • The Pint House – a go-to spot in the Short North
  • Standard Hall – on High Street in the Short North and has a great patio!
  • VASO Rooftop Lounge – Amazing rooftop bar in Dublin!

WHERE TO TAKE KIDS in Columbus:

• • Columbus Zoo
  • COSI
  • Franklin Park Conservatory (especially the Children’s Garden!)
  • Columbus Museum of Art

Check out all of my recommendations for the kiddos HERE.

WHERE TO SHOP in Columbus:

• Easton Town Center
• Polaris Fashion Place
• Boutiques in the Short North
• Worthington Farmer’s Market
• Columbus Flea

BEST BOUTIQUES in Columbus:

• • STUMP Plants
  • Vintage Toast
  • Cub Shrub (for the littles!)
  • Rowe Boutique
  • Homage
  • Vernacular

• You can find a full listing of GAC’s favorite local shops here.

SITES TO SEE in Columbus:

• • Scioto Mile
  • Columbus Zoo
  • Ohio State University
  • Park of Roses
  • Columbus Museum of Art
  • COSI
  • German Village

BEST HOTELS in Columbus:

• • Hilton Downtown
  • German Village Guest House
  • Hotel LeVeque
  • The Westin
  • AC Hotel by Marriott Columbus Dublin
  • The Joseph
  • Graduate Columbus

BEST SALONS/SPAS in Columbus:

• • The Blowout Bar
  • The Spa at River Ridge
  • Charles Penzone
  • Virtue Vegan Salon
  • The W Nail Bar

{photo credit}

BEST GYMS/FITNESS CLASSES in Columbus:

• • Thank Yoga
  • The Fitness Loft
  • LA Fitness
  • System of Strength

BEST DAY TRIPS from Columbus:

• Granville, Ohio
• Yellow Springs, Ohio
• Chillicothe, Ohio
• Ohio Amish Country

{image via Columbus video production company Wolfstreet Creative}