Cheap things to do in Columbus

$5–$15 typical45 min visiteasy parking

Food & Drink

Roosevelt Coffeehouse at Olentangy River Brewing Company

This coffeehouse inside a brewery is a good spot for a relaxed morning or afternoon stop, offering coffee and light food. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $5-15 per person.

FoodCocktailsShopping

Downtown

The Roosevelt Coffeehouse

This coffeehouse is ideal for a solo work session, a casual meeting, or a quick stop for coffee and a pastry. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for an hour-long visit.

FoodWellnessRelaxed

Downtown

Bottoms Up Coffee

Bottoms Up Coffee is suitable for a quick, relaxed stop for a beverage or light bite. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes and $5-$15 per person.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

Laurel Canyon

Koffee Paradise

Koffee Paradise is suitable for a quick solo coffee break or a casual meet-up, typically lasting about 30 minutes and costing $5-$15 per person for beverages and light snacks. It's an easy stop before or after errands.

FoodShoppingRelaxed

$100–$250 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Brewery District

Agni

Agni is suitable for a high-end dinner outing, often paired with pre-dinner drinks or post-dinner entertainment. Expect to spend 2-3 hours and at least $100-250 per person for the experience.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

Uptown District

Butcher & Rose

Butcher & Rose is suitable for an upscale dinner or late-night cocktails, often pairing with a show or event downtown. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit and expect to spend $75-150 per person.

FoodCocktailsUpscale

$75–$150 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Downtown

Astra Rooftop

Astra Rooftop is suitable for an evening date night or social gathering, offering cocktails and food with city views. Expect to spend $30-75 per person for drinks and appetizers.

FoodCocktailsViews

$30–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Short North Arts District

Forno Kitchen + Bar

Forno Kitchen + Bar is suitable for an evening meal or weekend brunch, offering elevated American dishes. Expect to spend $35-$75 per person and plan for a 1.5-hour visit.

$35–$75 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Easton

RH Rooftop Restaurant at RH Columbus

This upscale rooftop restaurant is suitable for a special occasion meal, offering steak, seafood, and brunch classics. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $70-$150 per person.

FoodCocktailsViews

$70–$150 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Tuttle Park

Understory

Understory is a good spot for an evening meal and drinks, suitable for a date or a small group. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here and between $30-$70 per person.

$30–$70 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

German Village

The Old Mohawk

The Old Mohawk is good for a casual dinner or drinks with friends, offering a bustling atmosphere with unique menu items like turtle soup. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-$45 per person for food and drinks.

$20–$45 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Blendon Woods Metro Park

Blendon Woods Metro Park is suitable for a free half-day family or solo outdoor adventure, offering trails, wildlife viewing, and seasonal activities like disc golf or ice skating. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a destination on its own.

OutdoorsAnimalsSports

Outdoors

Inniswood Metro Gardens

Inniswood Metro Gardens is ideal for a serene outdoor walk or a family outing, offering formal gardens and trails for a 1-2 hour visit. It pairs well with a picnic or can be a peaceful interlude before other activities, with no cost for entry.

OutdoorsViewsWellness

Outdoors

Blacklick Woods Canopy Walk

This is a good spot for a free, active outdoor adventure, suitable for families or solo outings. Expect to spend an hour or two walking among the trees, and it's best visited during pleasant weather.

OutdoorsSportsViews

Fifth by Northwest

Bonifacio

Bonifacio is suitable for an evening meal or drinks, offering Filipino cuisine in a relaxed setting. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and around $30-60 per person for food and a drink.

$30–$60 typical1.3 hr visitmoderate parking

Short North Arts District

House of Creole Columbus

A Creole restaurant likely best for a dinner outing with friends or a date. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $30-60 per person on food and drinks.

FoodRelaxedSocial

$30–$60 typical1.3 hr visithard parking

German Village

Cento

Cento is an upscale Italian restaurant best for a date night or special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and $75-$150 per person on food and drinks.

FoodCocktailsRomantic

$75–$150 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Linworth Village

Antrim Park

Antrim Park is a good free option for a couple of hours of outdoor activity, suitable for walks, sports, or a family picnic. It can be paired with a nearby cafe for a post-activity treat.

OutdoorsSportsViews

$75–$150 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Easton

Mitchell's Ocean Club

Mitchell's Ocean Club is an upscale seafood and steakhouse experience, suitable for a celebratory dinner or special date night. Expect to spend 2 hours and $75-150 per person, often pairing well with an evening out at Easton Town Center.

FoodCocktailsLive music

West Scioto

Quarry Trails Millikin Falls Area

Quarry Trails Millikin Falls Area is a free outdoor park ideal for a 1.5-hour nature walk or hike. It pairs well with a picnic or can be part of a longer day exploring Columbus parks.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals

$30–$75 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking

Short North Arts District

SoCal Kitchen + Bar

SoCal Kitchen + Bar is a good spot for an evening meal with creative cocktails, suitable for a date night or girls' night out. Expect to spend $30-$75 per person for dinner and drinks, with a visit lasting around 90 minutes.

FoodCocktailsSocial

Far South

Three Creeks Metro Park

Three Creeks Metro Park is ideal for a half-day outdoor adventure with family or solo, offering trails, dog areas, and water activities. It's free to enter and best enjoyed on a clear day.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews