I just got back from an amazing trip to one of Ohio’s gems, Columbus! This historic city had so many charming neighborhoods, amazing architecture, and super friendly locals. During my two day visit, I was able to check out so many amazing restaurants, boutiques, and Columbus attractions. I’ve rounded everything up in this Columbus travel guide!

Things To Do

German Village

I loved exploring in this charming, historic Columbus neighborhood, German Village. The beautiful brick houses that line the cobblestone streets of this area were built by 19th century immigrants! The most popular streets are Beck, Mohawk, and Deshler. I ended up snapping a lot of photos on Beck Street, photographed above. You’ll also find German pubs, book shops, art galleries, and artisan restaurants + coffee shops here.

The Book Loft Of German Village

The Book Loft located in German Village is one of the nation’s largest independent book stores housed in a Pre-Civil War building with 32 book filled rooms! In addition to books, they also sell t-shirts and other gifts so there is definitely something for everyone. This classic book store is also perfect for a bookish photo opp! 😉

Address: 631 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43206

Main Street Bridge

The pedestrian walkway on Main Street Bridge offers amazing views of the Columbus city scape and the Scioto River. There are several other beautiful bridges along the waterfront, but this bridge is one of a kind with it’s sweeping arch design so it’s very easy to recognize. I walked to the bridge from my hotel early in the morning to shoot some photos of this stunning view.

Short North Arts District

This hip, culturally rich neighborhood is know as the “art and soul” of Columbus! It spans across the main strip of North High Street between downtown and Ohio State’s campus with 17 lighted arches lining the area. The arts district is filled with colorful murals, art galleries, vintage shops, record stores, and amazing restaurants + coffee shops.

Short North Gothic Mural

The Short North Gothic Mural, painted by Steve Galgas and Mike Altman, is a twist on the Grant Wood’s well-known and iconic classic, American Gothic! This mural is located on the side of Jeni’s Ice Cream, right off of High Street, the main street in Short North. It’s a great mural to capture and a very iconic Columbus mural!

Address: 714 N High Street, Columbus, OH

North Market

North Market, located between downtown and the Short North Arts District is an 145 year old food hall and public market with vendor stalls from Ohio’s best independent merchants, farmers, and makers. It has a very vibrant feel with colorful neon signs, delicious foods, and other goods like flowers, spices, and more. It has an upper floor that offers lots of seating as well as views of the market below. I loved the open industrial feel of this amazing market!

Address: 59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH 43215

Columbus Museum Of Art

Founded in 1878, the Columbus Museum of Art was the first art museum registered in the state of Ohio. It’s located in downtown Columbus and offers special exhibitions and events throughout the year. I was able to check out the amazing Raphael exhibition during my visit but my favorite art work was located in folk art rooms next to Derby Court on the second floor. The museum also has a cafe, sculpture garden, and a museum store.

Address: 480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

Where To Eat

Fox In The Snow

This popular Columbus cafe, Fox In The Snow, has been named one of the “The Best Coffeeshops In America” by Food and Wine Magazine! They have two beautiful locations in the city serving up delicious rustic style baked goods and hand poured drinks. The vanilla latte I ordered was crafted to perfection and I also tried their out of this world Morning Bun filled with yummy whipped chocolate. The ivy covered building located near the Italian Village looks magical and inviting + the interior had an airy, industrial feeling to it that I loved. I wish I could have checked out their other location too!

Address: 1031 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201

Comune

This gorgeous restaurant located near the beautiful German Village had the most beautiful interiors and dishes of course! Comune offers a flavorful, plant forward cuisine made from seasonal ingredients. I loved the open, plant filled space and the stunning bar was such an amazing focal point of the restaurant. With plenty of seating and such amazing food, it’s a great spot to visit with friends or even just to stop in for a cocktail!

Address: 677 Parsons Ave, Columbus, OH 43206

Emmett’s

I visited Emmett’s new location in Open Air, a historic school building in the Tuttle Park area of North Columbus that was renovated into an amazing community space! I loved the industrial feel of this cafe with it’s open windows, the plant filled divider shelf in the center of the room, and exposed ceilings. They had a lot of great seating areas so it’s a great spot for dining in, but they also had a walk up window for take away orders. Their breakfast sandwich was probably the best I’ve ever had, they added something super yummy to it. I loved my latte, blueberry muffin, and green juice too!

Address: 2571 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH

Lincoln Social

This urban rooftop lounge located at the top of the Lincoln building in the Short North Arts District area, is a very popular spot with the locals and for good reason! Lincoln Social Rooftop offers amazing views of the city, yummy shareable plates, and amazing cocktails. It has a hip, trendy vibe with open windows, an amazing bar, and even a patio area. It’s a great place to socialize with friends with plenty of seating and you can even catch a game on their big screen TV’s! I had their pizza and artichoke dip, both very tasty plates, I had to eat very bite 😉

Address: 711 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Freedom A La Carte

Another amazing Columbus cafe with a meaningful mission, Freedom A La Carte offers fresh, made from scratch pastries and dishes while focusing on training and empowering local survivors of human trafficking which is so amazing! The cafe has a really cute boho farmhouse vibe with lots of indoor and outdoor seating making it a great spot for breakfast or lunch. I saw many customers stopping by just for their amazing pastries! Their quiche was delicious and very filling and their Cayenne chocolate croissant was an unexpected twist.

Address: 123 E Spring St, Columbus, OH 43215

Where To Shop

Pivot

This new women’s boutique in Short North, Pivot Boutique, is curated to perfection from their beautiful displays to their selection of inclusive, international, and sustainable shoes, handbags, and accessories from established and emerging brands. Each piece is of the most amazing quality so you are sure to find something you will want to keep in your closet forever. The owner was lovely as well!

Address: 718 N High St, Columbus, OH

Artisan De Luxe

I loved the vintage and rustic vibes of this hip boutique located in the heart of Short North, Artisan De Luxe. They specialize in specialize in denim from brands like Agolde, Citizens of Humanity, and Taylor Stitch as well as other artisan pieces from around the world! It’s definitely a one stop shop for all things denim but they also carry other great closet staples and accessories.

Address: 761 N High Street, Columbus, OH, 42315 

Rowe Boutique

This contemporary women’s boutique recently moved in to their beautiful new space in the Short North Arts District. Rowe Boutique offers a curated selection of fun, trendy pieces from established and emerging designers. You can find everything from trendy wear to cocktail dresses as well as shoes, accessories, and more!

Address: 688 N High St, Columbus, OH 43215

Where To Stay

Hotel LeVeque

This dazzling boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Columbus has been voted one of the most beautiful hotels in the city by AD. The art deco style Leveque Tower is a Columbus landmark and one of the stars of the city skyline, which fits in perfectly with the luxurious, celestial feel of the gorgeous Hotel LeVeque. The staff at the hotel were very friendly and I loved my room which had amazing views and a spacious bathroom. They also had a Starbucks on the main floor, a fitness center, valet parking service, pet friendly accommodations, and a ritzy restaurant called Keep.

Address: 50 W Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215

XOXO