Columbus is a city of charming districts, and a rental car lets you discover them on your schedule. Start with the Short North Arts District, a creative hotspot. This vibrant neighborhood along High Street is “a creative and cultural epicenter” of Columbus, “brimming with art galleries, boutique shops, and eateries” rubyaba.com. Don’t miss the colorful murals and, if timing allows, plan a visit for Gallery Hop night (when galleries open late). There’s plenty of parking garages and street lots along High Street.
Then head south to German Village, where historic charm abounds. As one guide notes, “German Village…offers cobblestone streets and brick houses that transport visitors to a different era” rubyaba.com. Pull into a parking spot and wander the brick-lined lanes. Grab a bite at a café (Schmidt’s for German sausage is iconic), or check out Schiller Park and The Book Loft (a 32-room bookstore). The drive from Short North to German Village is short and shows Columbus’s mix of new and old.
A bit west of downtown is the Arena District and Downtown. You’ll pass Nationwide Arena (home of the Columbus Blue Jackets) and possibly the Scioto River. With a car, you can easily reach the Convention Center, catch a ballgame, or cruise along the Scioto Mile parks. Nearby, Victorian Village and Grandview Heights (adjacent to the university) are leafy residential areas worth a drive-through to see stately homes and local diners.
North of downtown, explore University District and Clintonville. Driving past The Ohio State University campus will give you a sense of Buckeye culture (be mindful of game day crowds). In Clintonville, enjoy tree-lined residential streets and the Olentangy Bike Trail for a quick nature break. Out in the northeast, Polaris and Easton suburbs (20+ minutes away) offer malls and outlets if you fancy shopping stops.
If you have extra time, take a short drive to Westerville or Gahanna. These charming suburbs showcase the “small-town vibes” and local festivals of the Columbus area rubyaba.comrubyaba.com. (For example, winding through Westerville’s historic uptown or Gahanna’s Creekside business district.)
With each neighborhood, having your own car removes guesswork about connections and schedules. It also means you can hop between neighborhoods in one day — perfect for a self-guided city tour. And parking tips: Many districts have meters or garages. Apps like ParkColumbus help find spots in busy areas. Be aware of rush hour (7–9am and 4–6pm) on main roads, especially near campus or downtown.
Ready to explore Columbus’s neighborhoods? Rent a car from The Pluto LLC for an easy, stress-free ride through the Short North, German Village, and beyond. Our fleet of standard daily drivers helps you see the city in your own time!