You’ve recently moved into a downtown Columbus apartment. After a few months of living, working and exploring in the city, your friends from out of town call up and plan a quick weekend visit.
Obviously, you want to show them a great time, but with so much to do in Columbus—from the Arena District to Grandview Heights—planning the perfect night suddenly seems overwhelming.
But fear not! As experts on all things fun in downtown Columbus, we put together a blueprint for the perfect night out. If you want to impress your friends and introduce them to the great city that is Columbus, check out this guide.
The Pregame
Every great night out begins with a solid pregame! To give your friends the warmest welcome possible, pick up some drinks and hors d’oeuvres from your local supermarket and have them laid out and ready by the time they arrive.
If you’re a downtown Columbus apartment resident crunched for time, your Resident VIP card will get you free curbside express pickup on orders of $75 or more at Giant Eagle Market District in Grandview Heights.
After catching up for a bit over drinks, it’s time for the night to begin!
The Dinner
Nothing acquaints people to an urban area quite like the food—it provides a powerful first impression and shapes perception in a big way. After your friends get settled in to your apartment, it’s time to grab dinner at one downtown Columbus’ many fantastic restaurants.
No matter the cuisine or dietary preference, the city has an option that’s perfect for your group and bound to keep them raving. Here is our list of recommend dinner spots in downtown Columbus, based on the type of food you’re looking for:
American
Brazilian
Brewery
Irish
Italian
Mexican
Vegetarian
The Nightlife
Whether or not your friends have a good time in the city can rest entirely on where you choose to spend your night. After a great meal at one of downtown Columbus’ great restaurants, it’s time to paint the town red with a fun nighttime activity.
Whether you’re in the mood for live music or a sporting event, the city has what you need to provide a truly memorable experience for your group—one that you’ll remember fondly for years to come. Here are a few recommendations that the whole group will enjoy:
Sports Bar
Sports
- Columbus Blue Jackets NHL hockey game | Nationwide Arena
- Columbus Clippers MiLB baseball game | Huntington Park
Live Music
Once the night is over, it’s time to lead the group back to your spacious downtown Columbus apartment for some late-night fun and at least a few hours of sleep.
The Next Day
After you and your friends wake up from a fun night out in downtown Columbus, head back out for a delicious breakfast and brunch. Here, you can recount the previous night’s events and laugh over breakfast and coffee (or something stronger).
Our recommended eateries in the city include:
Once breakfast/brunch is over, you can head back to your apartment for some much-needed lazy time—or, if the weather’s nice, venture out to one of Columbus’ many beautiful parks for some fresh air and relaxation.
Some of our favorite parks in Columbus include:
Once the weekend is over, your friends will most likely leave your downtown Columbus apartment wanting more. “Why don’t we live here?” and “When can we come back?” are just two of the many envy-filled questions they might ask before they leave.
Congratulations, you’ve successfully introduced your friends to Columbus. And you can rest happy and satisfied that you gave them a truly unforgettable experience.
Like showing people around and being the go-to contact for what to do in Columbus? Become a Certified Tourism Ambassador.
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