What a cute area in Ohio! I stumbled upon this area when searching for things to do on Yelp. When I was planning to visit, I did not have any particular place in mind to visit; I just planning to stroll and pop into places if they looked enticing. We had our dog with us so we did not do an abundance of walking around. From what I saw, there were no places that welcomed pets in the businesses. It makes sense and it was no biggie, I just did not spend as much time as I would have if pets were welcome. I stopped into what I thought was a deli but more like a restaurant with a counter, hoping to purchase goodies for home. There are several stores for shopping, which were fun to browse. I only purchased some chocolates in a candy store, which apparently were made in house. I definitely want to visit here again with more research. read more

See all

This is a lovely historic neighborhood just a couple miles south of downtown Columbus. If you have a free afternoon and the weather is nice, it's well worth a visit to Schiller Park (dog-friendly with benches) which has a garden and statue dedicated to the German poet Schiller. I took COTA Bus #5 from downtown Columbus (Ohio Statehouse) and explored the area just north of the park. The brick houses and cobblestone alleyways provide a glimpse of life in the 1880s and early 1900s when this area became a central hub for the German-American community. I don't think there are too many kid-friendly activities or museums nearby - but it makes a pleasant excursion if you're stuck at the Convention Center for a conference in downtown Columbus. Street parking looked a bit challenging. If Bus #5 is running slow on your return trip from the German Village back to the downtown area (it can be up to a 30 minute wait if you just missed the last bus), consider taking an Uber/Lyft taxi instead. read more

See all

This was another stop I really wanted to see on my road trip and getting here early in the morning made it even better. I grabbed a coffee and walked around the quiet brick streets and it honestly felt like the perfect reset before a long driving day. The houses the flowers the calm vibe everything came together so nicely. It is one of those neighborhoods that feels simple yet surprisingly charming and I am glad I made the stop read more

See all

We stayed in Columbus for a day, and Schmidt's in German Village was our first stop. Took 30 min walk around the area after the lunch, it's very unique, I believe it add great value to the history of the area. Besides excellent German restaurant, there are some cute little shops you can stop by, too. read more

See all

I lived in the German Village for a few years and loved every second of my time there. This charming neighbor is well kept and I loved taking daily walks along the cobblestone streets to Schiller Park. There are so many small shops, cafes, great restaurants in the area to explore as well. My favorite time in GV is when the leaves start to change to shades of crimson and gold. Some of the walkways are lined with luminarias in the fall and create a cozy, magical atmosphere in the evenings. Overall, a great place to live as well as visit. read more

One of Columbus' must stops... German Village is a walk back in time of old Bavaria... Village restaurants, coffee shops, row homes, unique architecture, and brick streets, its uniqueness sets it apart from other areas of Columbus. Schmidt's Sausage Haus is a must stop (some of, if not the best and most authentic German food you'll find in the Midwest), and there are several other restaurants all within walking distance in Germany Village. Add in Schiller Park and Columbus Brewing Company right up the road in the Brewery District, German Village really does have it all. The only drawback is the liberal lunacy (that will churn your stomach) lives and frequents German Village, but aside from that, it's arguably Columbus' coolest area. read more

See all

As I left my hotel for a small walk this morning, I ended up spending three hours in German Village. The cobblestone streets, the brick houses, the architecture and history of this area are breathtaking. The beautiful stores, the incredible food and the ambience just walking through the village is absolutely priceless. I highly recommend this to anybody visiting Columbus. I feel this is a beautiful section of town and deserves to be visited. read more

See all

The only answer to: where should I live if I move to Columbus? A walkable, historic neighborhood complete with beautiful, Victorian-style homes, Schiller Park, and plenty of coffee shops and top-notch restaurants. Filled with cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks, flower/plant marts, and Halloween + Holiday events--don't miss the Christmas Market on South 3rd come December. I recommend: Stauff's or Fox in the Snow for coffee, Winan's for chocolates/sweet treats, Chapman's, Lindey's, or Sycamore for a nice dinner out, and Antiques on High for drinks in a 70s-style cocktail lounge. The Book Loft is such a treat, too! All in all, a magical neighborhood and great place to visit in Columbus. read more

Such a pretty neighborhood to be in. It has books and thrift stores and candles and jewelry and BRICK ROAD FLOORING. i'd so live here. AND IT HAS A STUART LITTLE DOOR. peak place. read more

See all

Great lil spot to pick up some German food. Felt very authentic with the polka music playing and the serving staff in their attire. Food was right on with the buffet, and the desserts are a must! Definitely a place that I will go back to if I'm in town. read more

The sad part is that I have had bad experiences with the people of German village. They seem to be a little self centered and rude. I'm sure it's not all but most of the ones I came in contact with they were. Really wanted to enjoy the holiday festivities but it was hard with all the rudeness going in. The prices were average. Services were average. read more

German Village - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I love this area and part of town! So many cute shops, local businesses, and restaurants go to and check out. I love the old brick roads and beautiful houses in this neighborhood. read more

This is a Great area with architectures keeping the culture sustained. Beautiful neighborhood . Friendly people in the German way. Good services everywhere we went. Respectful and welcoming atmosphere with open mindedness . Great local shops and restaurants with reasonable prices. Highly recommend to stop by for a on-foot tour. read more

Pretty architecture. German restaurants and gift shops in residential neighborhood. I didn't find any Main Street with shops. All the shops I visited were spread out among residential streets. On a weekday in October, I found free 2-hour parking easily. Some sidewalks; some cobblestone. I had no difficulty walking in my flat chukka boots. Don't miss the fudge store! read more

Cutest part of town. We're already planning a girls vacation. So many places to go, things to do and good spots to eat. Can't wait to come back. Parking can be rough and the streets while cite could kill your car. But, just walk. read more

The German Village in Columbus Ohio was first settled in the 1880's. This neighborhood reflects that era in respect to the narrow brick and cobblestone streets and sidewalks, ivy covered walkways, coal chutes and small but well maintained homes and flower gardens, The neighborhood was put on the historical register in 1974. It is quaint and somewhat ethnically German. You can start your exploration of the neighborhood at the German Village Meeting Haus where you will find maps, etc. in this welcome center. After leaving the welcome center their are a number of locations you might want to visit. The Book Loft is an older home covered into a 32 room book store. Each room is designated to a distinct topic. Schiller Park is named for the celebrated German author and is a 32 acre recreational center set in a residential section of the neighbor. Be sure to listen to St. Mary's bells on the hour. Places to eat are numerous and diverse. Schmidt's Sausage House is on the National Register and a local favorite. They also have a fudge store. Pistacia Vera has excellent pastries while Lindey's is a fine upscale restaurant. If you just want to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate during the holiday season, Stauf's is a good bet. They have a wonderful Expresso Chocolate Cake. Parking and driving in the German Village is challenging. Public transportation exists to the neighborhood. There are paid parking areas, as well as, street parking. except for certain times of the year like Christmas and festivals, you should be able to find free street parking. read more

See all

German Village is a beautiful and historic part of Columbus. The quaint brick streets are neat (though they require one watch their steps)! The historic architecture on homes and businesses are fun to see. All of this sets the atmosphere for a lovely stroll through the area. There are a lot of wonderful places to check out. Without a doubt, my favorite is The Book Loft. If you love books, be sure to check out this 32 room wonder! I could spend hours there. It's neat to wind through the rooms and browse. There is also Pistacia Vera for pastries, desserts, and brunch. Kittie's Cakes has a location here, full of their amazing cinnamon rolls and other tasty baked goods. Tiki Botanicals, with all of their amazing smelling bath products and candles, has a location, as does Winan's Chocolates and Coffee. Schiller Park here is a large and wonderful area to walk around and enjoy. It is home to public art, like the well known Umbrella Girl, an amphitheater, and playgrounds. German Village also hosts the annual Village Lights event in December, when they light up the area with luminaries, businesses stay open late, and residents decorate beautifully. A great place to explore! read more

While my neighborhood is obviously my favorite in Columbus, German Village is a very close second. I love strolling down the sidewalks of the brick laid streets, exploring the amazing businesses scattered about, and the old timey feeling that comes with it. It really is a charming place. My favorite places include Brown Bag Deli (best sandwich in town), Pistacia Vera (amazing pastries), The Book Loft (go get lost), Tiki Botanicals (fabulous bath and body products), Stauf's GV location is my absolute favorite spot to grab coffee and get work done (they have several), STUMP plants has a beautiful location in the neighborhood, as does Fox in the Snow. If you happen to be visiting Columbus, a stop in the German Village is a must. The century old homes, cobblestone streets, Schiller park (second oldest park in Columbus), and five-star businesses will surely leave you with a smile on your face. Just know, folks here don't actually speak German, haha. read more

Charming cobblestone roads& homes, lots of German restaurants & brewery's. The brick homes weren't colorful but felt European. read more

See all

Most of these reviews are about German Village, the neighborhood, and I can't add much to those- it's a cool place, with interesting restaurants, shops, and parks. If nothing else walk a bit to see the architecture, then go to the Book Loft, and Pistacia Vera or Kittie's for a snack. But this address is actually the location of the German Village Society Meetinghouse, and I'm going to talk a bit about that. It's a small house, back from the street with a little parking lot, and it is a lot of things. It's a welcome center, where you can get maps, etc. It's the office of the historic preservation group, which is useful if you live there. And it coordinates, and hosts, events, of which there are a lot. Garden walks, art shows, etc. Most of it is cool stuff out in the village, but there are also events here. There's a big room upstairs with a stage, art on display, etc. I've been here to get information and maps for visitors, and they were super helpful. This time we went for the pet parade. It would have been held in Schiller Park but the weather went south. So, a bunch of super cute dogs in amazing costumes crossed the stage, and vendors (we were one) provided treats, rescue information, etc. It was well-organized (though of course a bit chaotic with so many dogs and people inside.) The staff were friendly and helpful. The space was cool, and would be great for short plays, weddings, etc. Come to German Village for a fun day. Come to the GVS meetinghouse for info to find more to do, to get involved, and for help if you live here. read more

Coming from from Pennsylvania the German village reminded me of Pittsburgh's Mexican War Streets and Elfreth Alley in Philadelphia (albeit on a much larger scale). It's so cool that this neighborhood is so well maintained and that the brick roads and sidewalks are still passable! So many charming homes and St. Mary's church with the bells ringing out on the hour was lovey too. I'm sure we didn't see even the half of what there is to see, but we really enjoyed pushing s stroller up and down all the side streets and being on the lookout for the historical plaques. Didn't have time to stop in for a proper meal at any of the German restaurants, but did grab sweets at Kolache Republic and a few treats at the Schmidt Fudge House. read more

A real gem! The Columbus area was a mid-way point on a trip I was taking so I was looking for a place in the area. German village looked interesting, so I stayed there. This place has a really great vibe about it and unique feature like brick streets along with great restaurants. I liked the area so much I stayed there on the way back. This is a great place to visit and from what I saw would be a great place to live! read more

My kinda heaven. There were so many things I enjoyed about my brief morning visit to German Village. The narrow brick streets, ivy covered alleyways, historic architecture and plethora of charming local businesses ranging from bookstores and delis to bakeries and retail. Also, as a registered historic home owner, I had my pen and paper ready to snag ideas for building out our home, brick driveways, landscaping, you name it. I strolled away with some great ideas, in case you're wondering. As for our particular visit, we especially elbowed a visit to the Book Loft (known for its 32 rooms of books tucked in every corner of an old home). The weather was perfect during our visit for the sidewalk book sale. We left with a hefty stash of books and made our way down the street to grab a fresh pastry before hitting the road. If you find yourself on I70 or visiting Columbus, make a point to stop into this charming neighborhood. Save time for a stroll! read more

See all

Fewer businesses than I was anticipating but still cute Good place to wander, not really a destination read more

I love being a tourist, even in my own hometown. My local destination? German Village. The nice thing about "The Village" is that it's so different from any other part of Columbus. When you walk along the streets of German Village admiring the brick and stone houses and buildings, you're walking in one of America's best preserved historic neighborhoods. German Village is beautiful each and every season with each one contributing it's own unique look and feel for this historic district. If you are looking to get the feeling of the spirit of Germany then you need to head to Schmidt's, Juergen's Traditional Bavarian Bakery & Restaurant and Schmidt's Fudge Haus. If you go to Schmidt's, just remember this: Bahama Mamas and Cream Puffs. There's so many food options all around the neighborhood that you'd need a full week just to try them all out. Scattered the length and breadth of the neighborhood, you'll find something for every taste and budget. Lindey's, G. Michael's and Barcelona showcase some of the nicer places to enjoy a great meal. The Old Mohawk, The German Village Coffee Shop, The Brown Bag Deli, and Thurman's among many others cater to the more casual diner but are just as good in their own way. There's not much in the way of shopping but what is here is interesting and fun. A trip to Hausfrau Haven, The Book Loft and Helen Winnemores will most likely convince you of that. Don't forget to check out one of the finest parks in Central Ohio, Schiller Park. It's a wonderful 23 acre gem full of beautiful landscaped grounds. You just have to go and see it for yourself. This is a very cool area, steeped in history and full of fun little businesses. Be a tourist there sometime and get your feet on the ground and explore "The Village". You'll be glad you did! read more

See all

Love coming to the neighborhood! It's historical and I love the brick roads! You can always find free parking too. I don't come as often as I'd like around here, usually only to show out of town people. There aren't a ton of places to go to, but there are some great restaurants and Schiller Park is great. It's never congested to be here like it is in Short North. Stauf's and Fox in the Snow are probably the most popular places here. Parking can get ridiculous sometimes though. It's pretty in the fall with all the leaves turning colors. Definitely an amazing part of town that makes you love this city! read more

We went to Columbus for half a day and thought to visit this area - mainly to get a feel of it also visit The Book Loft which sounded quite an interesting place. The area is quite nice with beautiful homes and street walking is great in this neighborhood. You can park your car on one of the streets or some of the paid parking lots close to the area. There are restaurants, cafes, and bars where you can have a great time. We went to Stauf's Coffee which was great - good coffee and amazing cake (especially the Espresso Chocolate Cake). German Village is a great place to visit if you are in Columbus, besides North Market/North High Street. read more

See all

Love the German Village. I live a decent way away and take frequent trips up here often. The book loft is one of my favorite places in German Village to visit read more

Such a quaint piece of America. The brick roads, picturesque homes, and cute shops makes this a worthwhile stop while in Columbus. I am here on a business trip. We decided to head out tonight. Inside the village is a restaurant named Schmidt's. There is an hour wait and we are walking the neighborhood. It is pleasant, peaceful and great to take in the atmosphere. Good to be here. read more

German Village - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

See all

One of the really unique parts of what makes Columbus a great world class city. German Village is one of the most intact ethnic architectural enclaves - in this case German - in the United States. Brick streets, restaurants & shops tucked away around many of the corners make it a natural "go to" for a visit. read more

I have a soft spot for German Village. Not only is it the coolest neighborhood in Columbus, complete with its historic homes, cobblestone streets, local businesses and breweries, and the 23-acre Schiller Park, but it's where I went to elementary school at Stewart. I wish every kid could've had the elementary school experience I did, singing Christmas carols in the hallways every holiday season, and hiking around Schiller Park dressed in our best Halloween costume while teachers prepared for the party back in our classrooms. I caught tadpoles and crawdads in the pond at Schiller, laid on the bushes (who does that?), and when I got older, ran miles in the park, drank at the pubs. Good times. Good times. read more

See all

German Village is charming enough on it's own, but add ten thousand luminaries, strolling carollers, mulled cider, and carriage rides, you'll swear you've walked into that perfect Christmas village. Village Lights takes place this year, the first Saturday in December and is a festive way to kick off the holiday season. Stores, galleries, bakeries and restaurants stay open a little later than usual. Some even give out free tastes of hot chocolate or smores. Grab a cup of cider and have a wander through the shops or pop in and out various restaurants. Horse drawn carriages can be picked up on S. Third near Frankfort Street. If strolling is more your style, pop into Barcelona to catch some holiday jazz, then hit Cup O' Joe for more holiday tuneage and a hot toddie! More music can be heard at Schmidt's, Trinity Lutheran Church, Other places, such as the golden Hobby Shop, Yosick's Artisan Chocolates and brown Bag Deli are handing out samples of sweets-n-such. Shops, such as Pistacia Vera, Village vamp and the Book Loft, offer special discounts and promotionals. The Book Loft is even hosting a book-signing with the local author of Columbus's travel guide (which happens to be me!). Village Lights is focused along South High Street and Mohawk Street and the cross streets of beck, Sycamore, Kossuth and Whittier. WaterFire will be aflame in Schiller Park's Pond. read more

German Village - Village Lights Flyer - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I live in the Short North, which I absolutely love but I always enjoy spending time in German Village and try to get there often. In my opinion, it is the most charming area in Columbus. I love history, so you will often find me stopping around German Village to read the various signage. There is so much to love here! Here are some of my personal favorite things to do: - Dinner/lunch at Schmidt's: Schmidt's is a Columbus institution and has been around for over 100 years! I personally don't even like German food, but Schmidt's is one of my favorite restaurants in Columbus. They have an excellent buffet that I can't get enough of. And their dessert selection is mouthwatering! -Dinner/Brunch at Lindey's: This is a more elevated vibe than Schmidt's. But the ambiance and service at Lindey's are excellent. I remember the food being better than it has been the past two times I've visited, but it's still a go-to for me. -Browsing around The Book Loft: You can spend HOURS at The Book Loft! No joke! I many times have gotten lost in there. If you are a reader, this is like being a kid in a candy factory. I can never leave here without getting a few books (some, admittedly I still need to read!). -Coffee/Tea/Hot Choc at Staufs: I personally don't drink coffee but I love tea and hot chocolate. I have gone to Stauf's many times. It's right next door to The Book Loft, so it's great to grab a hot beverage before you browse. I also planned much of my sister's bridal shower while sitting down in Stauf's with a hot cocoa and scone! -Mass at St. Mary's- This parish is GORGEOUS! It was just updated after being closed for over 2 years due to a lightening strike. The wood decor is absolutely stunning and their organ is unlike any other I've seen! This is not my home parish, but since it's close by, I sometimes go to their vigil Mass. So many other things to do and places to eat that I also enjoy, but those are just some of my faves. Sometimes I dream of getting a condo in German Village. It's still just a dream, but maybe one day! read more

Even though it started to rain the crowd still supported the Art Crawl. Up and down Macon Alley vendors were set up inside garages with their artwork for sale. Lots of jewelry, artwork and woodwork. You could buy beer and wine and drink it as you walked! Food trucks were there as well! read more

German Village - Started to rain but most things are in garages - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

My friends and I had a great time in German Village this past weekend. We originally thought we would just walk around, do some shopping, and admire the brick streets and beautiful homes but our time spent here turned into much more than that. My favorite part was visiting The Book Loft which is well known for its massive amount of books categorized into 32 different rooms. Even if you have no intention of purchasing any books, be sure to stop there! After making a stop at the German Village Visitors Center, we got a map and some information about the best places to check out in German Village. We then continued our journey and ended up at Helen Winnemore's which is a cute boutique/art/gift shop. Their goods were a little out of our price range but we were relieved when one of the store associates offered us some water after we had been walking around in 90+ degree heat for a bit. Then we made our way to Schiller Park for their 25th anniversary celebration of the park's opening. We were in luck that it was on the day we arrived because it gave us something else to do. Beautiful park and such a charming town. Wish we had a little bit more time to stop for some coffee or chocolates! One thing that I was surprised at was the large amount of restaurants and cafes but small amount of boutiques and other types of retail shops. I thought that I could perhaps find a cute gift and spend more time shopping than we did. There also isn't one street that all the stores and restaurants are on so I probably missed some neat places because they're all spread out and put between houses. We found street parking, but it isn't easy. Our issue was that with all the street parking, we had a hard time seeing around the cars when coming off of side streets. And when walking around it was also difficult to see around cars without being in the road, so just watch your surroundings on those narrow streets! As a tip, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. read more

German Village - Schiller Park - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I can't say enough about how much quaintness there was going on here, it was maximum quaintness the shops, the cobblestone streets, the homes, and restaurants. I couldn't get enough, and to see it all lit up and decorated for the holidays was perfection. Just walk around, take it all in. The book shop is a must see. read more

See all

Great for kids. Pretty area especially with the cherry blossoms blooming. Stopped into the chocolate shop for yummy chocolate.

What a sweet little section of town! I felt like Hansel & Gretel. If you're traveling near Columbus, take a stroll down to these cobblestone roads filled with charming little cottage type homes that make you feel like you're in a small village in Germany. There are a few small shops where you can grab some authentic German goods, sit down and have a meal or grab some pastries to go. There's also a newer coffee shop and a deli as well nearby. I can imagine this area is super sweet during autumn, filled with color and leaves and extra special during Christmastime, all lit up. read more

See all

Went there last night and I had such a wonderful time!!! We went into a private residental home and saw the biggest christmas tree ever, the homeowners gave us very tasty homemade eggnog (so good) and outside of their home there were real live camels and reindeers. I felt like I was walking down a christmas wonderland, there were lights everywhere and everyone was so friendly. So many different businesses opened up late to welcome visitors with goodies. We stopped by a restaurant that offered us free cookies and hot chocolate. There was an opportunity to take your picture with "buddy the elf" or santa claus. Such a wonderful night...now im officially in the christmas spirit! read more

See all

Architecture & Lunch The German Village is primarily a residential area of Columbus. The cobblestone streets and red brick homes are charming. Some homes have been converted into gift shops or restaurants. However, there isn't a central shopping/dining district. Rather these businesses are sporadically placed throughout the neighborhood. The Book Loft has every book imaginable! The German Village is a fun place to go for lunch and a walk. Don't plan on spending more than a couple of hours there. read more

See all