Dates are flexible. This day-by-day plan is provisional until you choose exact travel dates.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to John Glenn Columbus International Airport, allow roughly 6–8 hours door to door, including airport arrival, your flight itinerary, and the trip into town; a connection can make it longer, so keep the evening flexible. From the Columbus airport, downtown is about a 10–15-minute drive in light traffic by taxi or rideshare; the COTA bus is a cheaper option, but takes longer. Check in or drop your bags before heading out.
Start at North Market, where an hour is enough to browse the food hall and grab a casual bite. Vendor hours vary, and some stalls close earlier than the market itself, so check the current schedule if you land late. From there, walk about 10 minutes to Columbus Commons for a gentle 30–45-minute breather; skip the park if it’s dark or you need time to settle in. Continue toward the river for an easy 45-minute stroll along the Scioto Mile, with downtown’s skyline and bridges as your backdrop.
For dinner, take a taxi or rideshare to Schmidt’s Sausage Haus in German Village—allow roughly 10–15 minutes from downtown, depending on traffic. Settle in for a hearty local-style meal; budget about $20–35 per person and check serving hours before you go.
No packing list attached yet.