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Arena District, United States of America - Things to Do in Arena District

Arena District

Arena District, United States of America - Complete Travel Guide

The Arena District in Columbus, Ohio, is a busy downtown entertainment and sports hub that has transformed from an industrial area into one of the city's most dynamic neighborhoods. Centered around Nationwide Arena, home to the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets, this compact district pulses with energy from professional sports, concerts, dining, and nightlife. The area easyly blends modern architecture with historic buildings, creating an urban playground that attracts both locals and visitors year-round. What makes the Arena District particularly appealing is its walkability and concentration of attractions within just a few blocks. From catching a Blue Jackets game to exploring the North Market Bridge Park, enjoying craft cocktails at rooftop bars, or taking in a show at one of the entertainment venues, everything is within easy reach. The district serves as a gateway to downtown Columbus, offering visitors a taste of the city's growing reputation as a foodie destination and cultural hotspot.

Top Arena District

Attend a Columbus Blue Jackets Game

Experience the excitement of NHL hockey at Nationwide Arena, one of the premier sports venues in Ohio. The arena also hosts major concerts, family shows, and special events throughout the year. The modern facility offers excellent sightlines and a electric atmosphere that makes any event memorable.

Booking Tip: Tickets range from $25-150+ depending on seating and opponent. Book directly through the arena or verified resellers, and arrive early to explore the district's pre-game dining and bar scene.

North Market Bridge Park

This modern public market features over 35 local vendors offering everything from artisanal foods to unique crafts. It's an excellent place to sample Columbus's diverse culinary scene under one roof. The market emphasizes local producers and provides a authentic taste of central Ohio's food culture.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, open Tuesday-Sunday with varying vendor hours. Peak times are weekend afternoons, so visit weekday mornings for a more relaxed experience. Bring cash as some vendors prefer it.

Take a Brewery District Walking Tour

The Arena District and nearby Brewery District offer some of Columbus's best craft beer experiences. Many historic buildings have been converted into breweries, gastropubs, and distilleries. The area showcases the city's brewing heritage while highlighting innovative new establishments.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free, but organized tours ($30-50) include tastings and insider knowledge. Most breweries offer tours on weekends, and many have happy hour specials weekday evenings.

the Nightlife Scene

The Arena District comes alive after dark with rooftop bars, dance clubs, and live music venues. From upscale cocktail lounges to casual sports bars, the variety ensures something for every taste. Many venues offer great views of the downtown skyline and stay open late on weekends.

Booking Tip: Cover charges range from free to $20 depending on the venue and night. Make reservations for upscale spots, especially on game nights and weekends. Happy hours typically run 4-7pm.

Stroll Through Downtown Columbus

The Arena District serves as an excellent starting point for exploring downtown Columbus, including the Scioto Mile riverfront, historic neighborhoods, and cultural attractions. The area connects easily to other downtown districts via pedestrian-friendly streets and the city's bike share system.

Booking Tip: Walking is free and most attractions are within 10-15 minutes. Consider renting a CoGo bike ($5/30 minutes) for longer distances. Download the city's walking tour app for self-guided exploration.

Getting There

The Arena District is easily accessible by car via I-70, I-71, and I-670, with multiple parking garages and surface lots available throughout the area. John Glenn Columbus International Airport is about 15 minutes away by car or taxi ($25-35). The district is also served by COTA bus routes, and the downtown circulator provides free transportation within the downtown core. Amtrak does not serve Columbus, but Greyhound and Megabus provide intercity bus service to downtown locations.

Getting Around

The Arena District is highly walkable, with most attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues within a few blocks of each other. The COTA bus system connects the district to other parts of Columbus, and the free CBUS circulator runs through downtown. CoGo bike share stations are located throughout the area, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. For events at Nationwide Arena, many visitors prefer to walk from nearby hotels and restaurants rather than deal with parking.

Where to Stay

Arena District
Short North Arts District
German Village
Victorian Village
Downtown Columbus
Grandview Heights

Food & Dining

The Arena District offers an impressive concentration of dining options, from upscale steakhouses perfect for pre-game meals to casual gastropubs and late-night eateries. Local favorites include farm-to-table restaurants showcasing Ohio ingredients, authentic ethnic cuisines reflecting Columbus's diverse population, and innovative fusion concepts. The nearby North Market provides additional options with local vendors and artisanal foods. Many restaurants offer special menus and extended hours on game nights and during events, making reservations essential during peak times.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Columbus

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

The Thurman Cafe

4.6 /5
(6666 reviews) 2
bar

Cap City Fine Diner and Bar

4.6 /5
(4112 reviews) 2
bar

Lindey's

4.6 /5
(2737 reviews) 3

Forno Kitchen + Bar

4.5 /5
(2458 reviews) 2

The Old Mohawk

4.5 /5
(2153 reviews) 2
bar

The Guild House

4.5 /5
(1923 reviews) 3

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The Arena District is active year-round, but the best times to visit are during hockey season (October-April) when the energy is highest and most venues extend their hours. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for walking around downtown and exploring outdoor patios. Summer brings outdoor concerts and festivals, while winter events center around indoor venues. Weekends are busiest, especially when there are events at Nationwide Arena, so plan accordingly for dining and accommodations during these peak times.

Insider Tips

Book restaurants well in advance on Blue Jackets game nights, as the district gets extremely busy 2-3 hours before puck drop
Many bars and restaurants offer game day specials and shuttle services to Nationwide Arena - ask your hotel concierge for current promotions
The district is much quieter on non-event weekdays, making it perfect for a more relaxed exploration of the dining scene and local shops

Activities in Arena District