German Village

Activity Overview

German Village is a historic neighborhood located in the heart of Columbus, Ohio. In the mid-19th century, the neighborhood was settled by German immigrants, who spoke German in their schools, churches, and stores and eventually made up nearly a third of the city's population. During World War I, anti-German sentiment led to many actions against the community which led to its decline, but in recent years the neighborhood has been preserved and converted into one of the most popular areas of the city to live in.

Visitors to German Village will find themselves surrounded by beautiful brick architecture, as well as a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Families can spend some time learning about its history in the visitor center, grab a bite to eat, and go shopping!

Things to Do

• Stop by the Visitor Center any day of the week to see a short introductory video to the neighborhood, view exhibits related to its history, and pick up a map of German Village.
• Go on the self-guided walking tour of German Village, which features three different routes that pass by historic architecture and suggest places to stop for food or a drink.
• Attend an event! They frequently have art exhibitions, concerts, markets, garden tours, and other family-friendly programs.

German Village Insider Tips

• Check out their detailed directions on how to reach German Village by car, bus, bicycle or on foot.
• Shop 'til you drop! The neighborhood is home to tons of small shops such as bookstores, art galleries, a hobby shop, a fudge shop, and a winery. See the full list of shops here.
• Don't miss out on the chance to eat in one of German Village's excellent restaurants and cafes - you'll find everything from hot dogs and pizza to traditional German food at Schmidt's Restaurant und Sausage Haus.