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COSI and around
A day in Columbus · 9:30–16:30 · 6 stops
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mapvivid.com/columbus/itineraries/cosi-and-aroundA walking day around COSI, Santa Maria Replica and Scioto Mile, with a lunch break nearby and The Book Loft of German Village to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
9:301↓ 7 min walk
11:002Santa Maria Replica ↗30 min
Full-size replica of Columbus's flagship
- Tour the ship
- Check seasonal hours
↓ 2 min walk
Lunch
12:45Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
↓ 26 min walk
Afternoon
↓ 2 min walk
14:455↓ 5 min walk
16:006The Book Loft of German Village ↗30 min
Sprawling bookstore with 32 rooms
- Allow an hour to wander
- Cozy reading nooks
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Columbus tips
Transportation
- Use COTA buses: The city bus system covers downtown, Ohio State and major corridors; use the app for trip planning and mobile tickets.
- Rent a CoGo bike: The bike share system is handy for short hops around downtown, the Short North and the Scioto Mile trails.
- Plan for driving: Columbus is spread out and public transit is limited outside the core, so a car or ride-hailing app is often easiest.
Local Hacks
- Explore German Village: This historic neighbourhood has brick streets, restored houses and the famous Book Loft bookstore.
- Go to Gallery Hop: On the first Saturday of the month, the Short North hosts art galleries, street performers and late-night shopping.
- Visit Franklin Park Conservatory: The glasshouses and gardens feature exotic plants and art, a great escape on cold or rainy days.
Saving
- Check free museum days: The Columbus Museum of Art and others offer free or discounted entry on certain days, so check before you go.
- Enjoy the Scioto Mile: The riverfront parks and fountains downtown are free and great for walking, picnics and events.
- Eat at North Market: This historic market has many food vendors with affordable meals and local specialities.
Security
- Lock your car: Keep valuables out of sight in parked cars, especially in busy nightlife and event areas.
- Plan for game days: Ohio State football weekends bring huge crowds and traffic; plan routes and parking ahead.
- Stay alert at night: Stick to busy areas and use ride-hailing late at night rather than walking long distances.
Cultural
- Join the Buckeye spirit: Ohio State football is a big deal; wearing scarlet and gray on game day will win you friends.
- Try local ice cream: Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams started in Columbus, and its creative flavours are a local favourite.
- Tip for service: Tipping is customary in restaurants, bars and for ride-hailing drivers in the US.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for humid summers: Summers are warm and humid, so bring light clothing and sunscreen.
- Dress warmly in winter: Winters are cold with snow and ice, so a heavy coat, gloves and waterproof boots are essential.
- Layer in spring and fall: Weather can swing quickly between warm and chilly, so dress in layers.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/columbus/itineraries/cosi-and-around
Day 2 of 39:30–16:306 stops
COSI and around
A walking day around COSI, Santa Maria Replica and Scioto Mile, with a lunch break nearby and The Book Loft of German Village to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 1 h 30 minHands-on science center on the Scioto River
3 tips
- Great for families
- Check special exhibits
- Parking nearby
📷 Photos
7 min walk
211:00 · 30 minFull-size replica of Columbus's flagship
3 tips
- Tour the ship
- Check seasonal hours
- On the riverfront
📷 Photos
2 min walk
311:45 · 1 hRiverfront park and promenade
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Walk or bike
- Great skyline views
- Stay for sunset
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 12:45
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps26 min walk
Afternoon
414:15 · 30 minPeaceful park in German Village
3 tips
- Free
- Great for photos
- Summer concerts
📷 Photos
2 min walk
514:45 · 1 hHistoric brick-lined neighborhood
- Tip: At night
3 tips
- Walk the cobbled streets
- Visit the cafes
- Great for evening strolls
📷 Photos
5 min walk
616:00 · 30 minSprawling bookstore with 32 rooms
3 tips
- Allow an hour to wander
- Cozy reading nooks
- Great gifts
📷 Photos
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Columbus. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
More days in Columbus
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Columbus Museum of Art and around
🕘 9:30–17:30📍 6 stops
- 1Columbus Museum of Art
- 2Topiary Park
- 3Ohio Statehouse
- 4North Market
- 5Goodale Park
- and 1 more
Day 3 of 3
Ohio Stadium and around
🕘 9:30–15:45📍 4 stops
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- 2Ohio Stadium
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