Short North Arts District
Short North Arts District
4.5
About
Columbus's version of New York's artsy Soho district, this historic urban neighborhood is filled with boutiques, art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants and theaters.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Short North Arts District and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
959 within 3 miles
Attractions
227 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
628 reviews
Excellent
385
Very good
200
Average
31
Poor
8
Terrible
4
brewColumbus_Georgia
Columbus, GA1,329 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Wow what a great area. There are restaurants , pubs and shops and art galleries everywhere. Made the joke that a bunch of my old hippie friends moved into the neighborhood . We spent several hours here. The parking is the only drawback.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee A
Philadelphia, PA427 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
This was the perfect place for us to use as a base (staying at The Joseph hotel) for our Columbus vacation. There were lots of restaurants (like Northstar Café, Rooh, The Guild House, The Lox, Jeni's) and shops (Samson, Big Fun, Macaron Bar). It is clean and beautiful (lots of murals) and in easy walking distance to the North Market and Goodale Park.
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stay31312
Chicago, IL1 contribution
The Short North is a wonderful little neighborhood full of great shops, restaurants, galleries, and theatres. No chain restaurants or fast food found here, just refreshing Mom and Pop shops filled with all kinds of fun stuff. Don't miss Curio-a-go-go for fun toys, Benelava, or the Riley Hawk Gallery. Eat at Betty's for some of the best food I have ever had.
Written June 13, 2003
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thomasmcsweeney2014
Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand386 contributions
Jun 2015 • Friends
The Short North Arts District of Columbus, Ohio is a unique part of the city. Centred on High Street, it runs between downtown and the Ohio State University campus area. This is not the bargain basement area of the city although value can be had, it probably will not come as a bargain. However, the end of July is the Short North Summer Sale which is when the best bargains can be found. The district is heavily populated with art galleries, speciality shops, pubs, nightclubs, and coffee houses. This area is made of tightly packed brick buildings but is well maintained. There are several blocks of more modern buildings from Park Street north. The city installed 17 lighted metal archways extending across High Street throughout the Short North, reminiscent of such arches present in the area in the early 1900s. These archways begin at Smith Place and go south to Poplar Avenue. Now you must understand, because of Ohio State University and other colleges and universities in Columbus, Columbus is more liberal that the rest of Central Ohio. Around OSU campus, there are numerous college bars as you would expect. So there had to be a place to put the Gay and lesbian bars and the Short North Arts District of Columbus is it - so just a word of caution - there are plenty of straight bars as well. The Short North Arts District of Columbus also hosts the annual Columbus Gay Pride Parade. This year the Gay Pride weekend will be from June 19 to June 21 with the actual Gay Pride Parade starting at 11 AM on Saturday June 20th. However, this is not the only parade, as Columbus has the Doo Dah Parade every 4th of July since 1983. The parade route begins on Park Street near Goodale Park and ends at the Short North Tavern. One of the most popular and longest-running participant groups is the Marching Fidels, a group dressed like Fidel Castro who take siestas along the parade route and conscript bystanders into the Cuban army, dressing them in camouflage and "forcing" them to march in the parade. Judging takes place along the route and participants bribe judges to vote for their entries. Prizes for Best and Worst Entries are rewarded with gift certificates to Short North businesses. It definitely is something to see before the 4th of July fireworks. In addition, this year will mark the first annual Arch City Comedy Festival from September 3rd to the 5th at the Garden Theater and other venues. The Arch City Comedy Festival is a three-day stand-up comedy and podcast festival.
However, art is the name of the game in the Short North, and there is plenty of it. The area has several murals - one is of the old Union Station (now demolished) created by artist Gregory Ackers in 1987 - although showing its age, it still added to the artistic atmosphere until 2014 when a building replaced the parking lot blocking view of the mural. Another mural called Trains was created by Gregory Ackers and his brother Jeff Ackers in 1989, it covers the south wall of Bernard's Tavern and depicts passengers (some who are British royalty) on a train arriving in Union Station. There are many murals including a reclining Mona Lisa, an inverted American Gothic, and others inside the businesses of the Short North. But the very best time to visit the Short North is during Gallery Hop Saturdays. Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2015, Gallery Hop is the first Saturday of every month in the Short North Arts District. Visitors celebrate art throughout the evening with new gallery exhibitions, street performers, special events, food, and drinks throughout the District. With dozens of galleries and non-traditional exhibit spaces, it’s Columbus’ favorite night of the month to celebrate art. Though many shops and galleries are open earlier, Gallery Hop officially starts at 4:00pm and runs to 10:00pm, with restaurants and bars staying open considerably later. On a typical Hop, over 20 galleries and hundreds of non-traditional art venues (restaurants, boutiques, and salons) spotlight the best of established and emerging Ohio-based artists. They also feature the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. However, what makes this so much better than your average Bar Hop or Art Hop are the street performances. Each month, performers settle into the many nooks of the Short North Arts District to entertain the throngs of fans. Saxophonists, singers, improvisational dance troupes, even stilt walkers and stage characters add to the unforgettable experience. You will also find vendors selling their hand-crafted one-of-a-kind items. I met numerous theater majors from OSU, Otterbein University, and Wright State in costume who would perform sketches from their current plays during my Gallery Hop. Tarot Card readers and magicians were plentiful. At the Roy G Biv Gallery, I saw works by artists Michael Gargiulo and Ash Moniz. In addition I saw Andrea Joyce Heimer’s exhibition, "Man, Myth & Magic", at Lindsay Gallery. Then at the Sherrie Gallerie I found "Contemporary Figurative Ceramics" works by Jack Earl, Tom Bartel, and Janis Mars Wunderlich. At Studios on High Gallery I found Judy Hoberg' "Whimsy in Transition" display. Then at the Sean Christopher Gallery Ohio I found their "Funhouse"", with works by Roger Kent Grosswiler, Tala Catrene Kanani, Jordan Molli, Rachel Nicklaus, Theresa Touma, and Charles Wince. And finally I saw "Down on the Farm" at the pm gallery, by painter Vicki Moon Spiegel. So you can correctly say that I got an eyeful of art that night.
However, art is the name of the game in the Short North, and there is plenty of it. The area has several murals - one is of the old Union Station (now demolished) created by artist Gregory Ackers in 1987 - although showing its age, it still added to the artistic atmosphere until 2014 when a building replaced the parking lot blocking view of the mural. Another mural called Trains was created by Gregory Ackers and his brother Jeff Ackers in 1989, it covers the south wall of Bernard's Tavern and depicts passengers (some who are British royalty) on a train arriving in Union Station. There are many murals including a reclining Mona Lisa, an inverted American Gothic, and others inside the businesses of the Short North. But the very best time to visit the Short North is during Gallery Hop Saturdays. Celebrating its 30th Anniversary in 2015, Gallery Hop is the first Saturday of every month in the Short North Arts District. Visitors celebrate art throughout the evening with new gallery exhibitions, street performers, special events, food, and drinks throughout the District. With dozens of galleries and non-traditional exhibit spaces, it’s Columbus’ favorite night of the month to celebrate art. Though many shops and galleries are open earlier, Gallery Hop officially starts at 4:00pm and runs to 10:00pm, with restaurants and bars staying open considerably later. On a typical Hop, over 20 galleries and hundreds of non-traditional art venues (restaurants, boutiques, and salons) spotlight the best of established and emerging Ohio-based artists. They also feature the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. However, what makes this so much better than your average Bar Hop or Art Hop are the street performances. Each month, performers settle into the many nooks of the Short North Arts District to entertain the throngs of fans. Saxophonists, singers, improvisational dance troupes, even stilt walkers and stage characters add to the unforgettable experience. You will also find vendors selling their hand-crafted one-of-a-kind items. I met numerous theater majors from OSU, Otterbein University, and Wright State in costume who would perform sketches from their current plays during my Gallery Hop. Tarot Card readers and magicians were plentiful. At the Roy G Biv Gallery, I saw works by artists Michael Gargiulo and Ash Moniz. In addition I saw Andrea Joyce Heimer’s exhibition, "Man, Myth & Magic", at Lindsay Gallery. Then at the Sherrie Gallerie I found "Contemporary Figurative Ceramics" works by Jack Earl, Tom Bartel, and Janis Mars Wunderlich. At Studios on High Gallery I found Judy Hoberg' "Whimsy in Transition" display. Then at the Sean Christopher Gallery Ohio I found their "Funhouse"", with works by Roger Kent Grosswiler, Tala Catrene Kanani, Jordan Molli, Rachel Nicklaus, Theresa Touma, and Charles Wince. And finally I saw "Down on the Farm" at the pm gallery, by painter Vicki Moon Spiegel. So you can correctly say that I got an eyeful of art that night.
Written June 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Compass19924
cleveland,oh.1 contribution
What a surprise to find this strip in columbus of all places!
We were made to feel completely welcome at places like the short north tavern and mac's pub. Rigsby's is one of the best restaraunts i have eaten at anywhere! but the real surprise was the art galleries.... go north on high steet for the best ones, north of first and high. ibel gallery felt like new york city {without the attitude}, and lindsay gallery has to have one of the best folk and outsider collections in the country.... the ohio art league and roy g biv gallery showed really cool local artists.
we bought two paintings at roy g. biv , and a stone carving at lindsay...all for under a thousand bucks. My friends would kill me for saying this, but cleveland has nothing to compare to the short north. as for the rest of columbus, that' s another story.
We were made to feel completely welcome at places like the short north tavern and mac's pub. Rigsby's is one of the best restaraunts i have eaten at anywhere! but the real surprise was the art galleries.... go north on high steet for the best ones, north of first and high. ibel gallery felt like new york city {without the attitude}, and lindsay gallery has to have one of the best folk and outsider collections in the country.... the ohio art league and roy g biv gallery showed really cool local artists.
we bought two paintings at roy g. biv , and a stone carving at lindsay...all for under a thousand bucks. My friends would kill me for saying this, but cleveland has nothing to compare to the short north. as for the rest of columbus, that' s another story.
Written June 19, 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
livelifefreely
9 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
A few friends and I went for gallery hop and had a great time! I love that all the shops are privately owned and have a lot of character. Great atmosphere and good times had by all!
Written February 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Loumgnlz
Chicago, IL67 contributions
May 2021
We wish we could have been there for the gallery hop on the first Friday of the month. Still, Short North is a great neighborhood with unique, fun dining and shopping options.
Written May 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
982edd
Bowling Green, OH76 contributions
Apr 2018 • Solo
Let's build more new housing--great--as everyone wants to move to cities' downtowns again, but you cannot have a "Short North" as it started out with former parking lots becoming sites for pricey high-rises! The Short N is a fun place to visit, but I've stopped going to the Gallery Hop Nights because of congestion. The C-Bus has helped, but when you have to "bus into" a place, it is already losing any cache it used to have. And for heaven's sake, St. Louis, we all know, is the REAL "Arch City" as much as I dearly love Columbus. A few resurrected lighted arches over High Street don't make it. Think through your visits to the Sh. North before you start out--and don't bring small children and strollers!
Written August 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
915SWgal
Albuquerque, NM53 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
The arts district has a mobile website that you can use as you walk the street and can read about the art that is displayed. We spent a nice few hours checking it out, browsing the shops (my favorite was Karavan. Turkish lamps so beautiful!!). The area is undergoing a lot of renovation but still very enjoyable. We found free parking at the end near 6th ave (or st?) On a Sunday while the Arnold festival was going on. It's a nice area to spend a sunny afternoon.
Written March 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andoralee1
Pickerington, OH99 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
The short north is one of the best places for all out of towners or locals to visit. There are so many electric coffee shop s, boutiques, restaurants, art stores, bars ... you name it, it is there. There are numerous parking lots and many things to see and do. Great for walking around on a Friday or Saturday night.
Written September 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploringtheworld3919
3 contributions
Hello. My Fiance is planning a little family weekend getaway to the short north district. We want to take our step daughter to cosi. There are also 2 other restaurants he wants to check out. My question is where is the best place to stay? And is there anything else to do like a history museum or something fun for the family?? We dont want yo travel more then 20 minutes away from the short north district. Thank you for your time:)
tenantrep
Columbus, OH992 contributions
A few hotels and plenty of air bnb in that area
The Joseph hotel is awesome and a nice restaurant there
Go to the conservatory a few miles east on broad street a nice place see plants and other cool things
Then go to fox in the snow restaurant lunch or brunch
Also love Hyde park for steaks
sarg1968
lexington ky34 contributions
I see it says $175. What’s the $175 for? Surely they aren’t charging a $175 for a walking tour! I’m confused.
dplpjp
Columbus, OH106 contributions
There is not normally a charge for the monthly Gallery Hop event. Maybe you are looking at some type of fundraiser being held?
ThePinkPolliwog
Westerville, OH68 contributions
Planning a day trip to short north. Where should we start the visit and where would we a good place to park the car?
marty
Columbus, OH64 contributions
During the day meters are available on side streets, However, don't park without a meter, You will be ticketed or towed. Also, I often go to the north market. You can park and shop there, and you get a certain amount of free parking if you buy something and ask the merchant for a validation ticket. It is a short walk up to high street. Also at Hubbard and high there is a free lot, limited space, but don't go at lunch and parking is more available. If you like to walk, start at Goodale and high, there is a garage at the Cap, next to the convention center. Head north and there are many blocks of restaurants and galleries. Also, The Cbus is a free bus that goes up and down high and Front streets, connecting German village and the Brewery district.
You can park on front or high, or third south of the short north and catch the bus. Check out google maps, it should show streets and parking garages.
cpavey122017
Columbus, IN3 contributions
My husband and i are coming in for the golf tournament at Dublin durning the day Sun-Thur. We love to stroll and look at quaint shops. Would this be a place to go?
RVACMHMCOGSOPSLROA
Columbus, OH3 contributions
I am sorry that I am just now getting back to you. Yes, I would suggest seeing the Short North. If you go during the day it will be quieter and may make for a nice stroll. If you go at night it can get a little crazy but it is an urban area so that comes with the territory. German Village, the Short North, the Victorian Village, the Scioto Mile (downtown) and southern Worthington would all be places that would suggest seeing while you're here. If you eat in the Short North try the Pearl.
dandt65
Amesbury, MA301 contributions
Will be there the first week in May...is the area active on weekdays? Will be there with a friend in a wheelchair..are shops and restaurants handicapped accessible?
marty
Columbus, OH64 contributions
The side streets are not crowded during the day and you may be able to walk in the streets, but high street would be more difficult for a wheelchair. Take your time and go midweek during the day. The near by Arena district, and the Scioto mile in particular have lovely walkways and green space. Milestone 229 restaurant on the river has a huge patio and fountain area at bicentennial park, it all connects via bike walk path along the river. There are restaurants and the north market is near the arena district as well.
dandt65
Amesbury, MA301 contributions
Will be there the first week in May with a friend who will be in a wheelchair...is the area active on weekdays and are shops and restaurants handicap accessible?
billbabbitt
Columbus, OH212 contributions
the shops are all open on weekdays and not as busy as the weekend. shops and streets are handicap accessible.
Janis L
Columbus, OH1 contribution
What is there to do with a young teenager? A girl?
MrsW93
Indianapolis, IN93 contributions
Not sure of your teens interests but I can tell you my 16 yr old daughter LOVES the Short North. We lived in Columbus until she was almost 10 and it's always the first area she wants to hit up when we go "home". There's an abundance of great, unique shops, restaurants, etc... One block over from the Short North is Goodale Park. It's beautiful. You can ride bikes, skateboard or even just throw down a blanket and people watch. Walking up and down the street in the area you'll discover all kinds of great things.
Theresa H
Pittsburgh, PA126 contributions
I will be visiting Cleveland in September and staying Sunday into Monday. Do you have any suggestions for a reasonably priced place to spend the night within walking distance of restaurants? I know a lot of places are closed on Sunday, but is there anywhere to get an after dinner drink?
Robert E
Cincinnati, OH131 contributions
You may have already visited since this looks like an old post. There are plenty of hotels in both the downtown area as well as the Short North in a wide price range. If in the Short North everything is within walking distance, depending on how much you want to walk. There is also the hop on hop off bus for that area that is free if I remember correctly.
I'm only here in Columbus for a few weekdays but would live to visit this area... Is there anything to see or do if I go on a weekday around 6/7pm after work? I'm staying at Easton hotels, how could I get there? Thank you, appreciate it!
marty
Columbus, OH64 contributions
Take 670 east to the high street exit. Take a right and quick left onto Goodale to high. Go north on high (right). You are there.Park at a meter or garage, or valet at one of the restaurants or the north market. It is usually busy even during the week. Most restaurants, the pearl, forno, marcellas have great happy hours until 6. I don't know if galleries are open, but some shops are. While it is busy, there is still crime, so best to be in pairs if wondering off of high or after dark.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing