Things to Do in Columbus
DESTINATION GUIDE

Things to Do in Columbus

12 curated spots from Columbus itineraries

Activities & Attractions

5 curated experiences

Columbus Museum of Art
Do
afternoon

Columbus Museum of Art

Explore modern and classic works, sculpture garden, and special exhibits. Indoor photography is generally allowed in most galleries (without flash); check posted signs in each room.

2h · $18-20
German Village Architecture & Book Loft
Do
morning

German Village Architecture & Book Loft

Wander the brick streets, photograph historic homes and gardens, then get lost in the multi-room Book Loft for browsing and quirky interior shots.

2h · Free (shopping extra)
Goodale Park Walk & Photography
Do
afternoon

Goodale Park Walk & Photography

Walk the paths, photograph the pond, flowers, and views back toward the skyline; loop through nearby Victorian Village streets for historic homes.

1h 30m · Free
Live Music at Natalie’s (Grandview/near Downtown)
Do
evening

Live Music at Natalie’s (Grandview/near Downtown)

Catch a ticketed show of jazz, roots, or indie in an intimate setting; arrive a bit early for a drink and photos of the stage setup. Ask staff about shellfish-free options if you snack; there are usually pizzas and small plates without shellfish.

2h · $20-40 ticket plus drinks
Ohio State Campus Walk – Oval & Wexner Center for the Arts
Do
morning

Ohio State Campus Walk – Oval & Wexner Center for the Arts

Walk the Oval, photograph campus architecture, and visit the Wexner Center for contemporary art. Check exhibit signage for any photography restrictions inside galleries.

2h · Free (Wexner admission varies, often low-cost)

Restaurants & Food

7 local favorites

Budd Dairy Food Hall
Eat
evening

Budd Dairy Food Hall

Multi-vendor food hall in a restored dairy building with rooftop seating and city views; choose shellfish-free vendors like pizza, burgers, tacos, or pasta. Explicitly avoid stalls serving shellfish and confirm with each vendor about cross-contamination.

1h 30m · $20-35 per person
Condado Tacos (Short North location)
Eat
evening

Condado Tacos (Short North location)

Build-your-own tacos with a colorful, tropical-inspired interior; choose proteins like chicken, steak, or veggies and explicitly avoid any shellfish toppings or specials, confirming your allergy with staff.

1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Harvest Pizzeria (German Village location)
Eat
afternoon

Harvest Pizzeria (German Village location)

Casual pizzeria with fresh toppings, salads, and a relaxed patio; order a margherita or veggie pizza and a salad. Shellfish is rarely on the menu; verify with server and avoid any seasonal special containing seafood.

1h · $18-25 per person
Kafe Kerouac (Campus-area café)
Eat
morning

Kafe Kerouac (Campus-area café)

Bohemian coffee shop with records and books; enjoy coffee, tea, and simple pastries. Pastries and drinks are shellfish-free; just avoid any pre-made items with unclear ingredient lists.

45m · $8-12 per person
Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant
Eat
afternoon

Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

Cozy Ethiopian spot with injera platters and rich stews; choose vegetarian combos or beef/chicken dishes that are shellfish-free. Confirm allergy with staff so they steer you away from any shrimp or seafood dishes.

1h 15m · $18-25 per person
Northstar Cafe (Short North)
Eat
afternoon

Northstar Cafe (Short North)

Bright, veggie-forward café with big windows and plants; order the Northstar Burger, Buddha Bowl, or tacos. Many clearly shellfish-free options; staff are used to handling allergies, so confirm and avoid any daily specials featuring shellfish.

1h · $18-25 per person
Pistacia Vera
Eat
morning

Pistacia Vera

Elegant bakery café with sunlit interior and patio; order quiche, croissants, or desserts and coffee. Many pastries and plates are shellfish-free; confirm ingredients for any specials and avoid items with vague “seafood” references.

1h · $12-18 per person

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