Claire ThompsonColumbus has a unique skyline popular with many visitors and locals. And if you find yourself here, we’re willing to bet you’re one of many!
From scenic riverfront parks to overlooking rooftops, there’s a spot for everyone to appreciate the city from every angle—that’s a given, but we’re here to give you the best places to view the skyline in Columbus, plus the perfect time to take stunning photos!
1. Scioto Mile Promenade
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Website: https://www.sciotomile.com/parks/the-promenade/
Address: 233 S Civic Center Dr
Contact details: +16146453335
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 6:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sightseeing at Scioto Mile Promenade is best enjoyed during a picnic, with beautiful landscapes and walkways where you can also walk, jog, and bike.
It’s surrounded by swings and play tables that make it a nice spot for families to hang out and relax.
Not to mention, the Promenade is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend anytime – just be sure to keep them on a leash!
Visitors especially love visiting during the fall season as the colors of the trees blend perfectly with the stunning views.
Another good thing about this place is that it’s very accessible to every visitor. It’s not too crowded either, so everyone can comfortably enjoy their spot.
Pro tip:
If you’re aiming for the perfect skyline view, it’s best to position yourself near the Main Street Bridge just before sunset.
2. Genoa Park
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Website: https://columbusrecparks.com/parks/genoa-park/
Address: 303 W Broad St, Columbus
Contact details: +16146453800
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
This cute little park is perfect for a peaceful day out with great views of the city and riverfront areas. The stunning sunset view over the Scioto River and the skyline is what sightseers look forward to the most!
It has a more relaxed ambiance with a lot of space for picnics. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, so just find a shaded area to settle down and let the little ones run around!
One of its famous spots is the water park amphitheater, known for hosting lively outdoor events like concerts and festivals. These events are crowd favorites, as they make the place buzz with music and food stalls!
It’s also a great spot for photographers to take pictures of the downtown skyline and the Scioto River.
Pro tip:
The Water Park Amphitheater hosts a lot of events all year. It’s best to keep an eye on their calendar so you can schedule when you want a peaceful day out or when you want to join these lively events.
3. Bicentennial Park
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Website: https://www.sciotomile.com/parks/bicentennial-park/
Address: 233 S Civic Center Dr
Contact details: +16146453800
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Bicentennial Park is a clean and well-maintained park with a panoramic view of the Columbus skyline.
It’s a great place to walk while sightseeing, and there’s also the famous Scioto Mile Interactive Fountain that kids love, especially during the summer.
If you want to get a good view of the city, you can paddle around the Scioto River by renting a kayak!
The park is also a venue for several annual festivals, including Columbus’s famous Fourth of July fireworks display.
Needless to say, it’s a great place for family outings, with many activities around as you take in the stunning views of the surroundings.
Pro tip:
Bicentennial Park has an on-site restaurant with a dining terrace called Milestone 299. So, if you want to grab a bite with an elevated view of the Columbus skyline, this place is worth checking out!
4. North Bank Park
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Website: https://columbusrecparks.com/parks/north-bank-park/
Address: 311 W Long St
Contact details: 614-645-3337
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
North Bank Park is one of the most underrated spots to enjoy the Columbus skyline. It has a nice modern design and a great contrast between the buildings and the riverbank.
The Scioto Trail runs through the park, so you can enjoy your walk or bike ride with a nice view.
With a lot of open lawn space, it’s perfect for picnics and outdoor family activities – and you can bring your pets too!
The North Bank Park Pavilion is a popular venue for events like weddings, pop-up festivals, and corporate gatherings. It’s designed with glass windows so that the stunning view of the city is still visible.
Just a heads up, though, there are no public restrooms within the area, so plan accordingly if you’re staying a while, especially with kids.
Pro tip:
You can get the best view here during the summer or fall evenings. This is the time when the lights of the skyline and the reflection on the river give the place a stunning hue that’s perfect for pictures.
5. The Boat House at Confluence Park
Website: https://www.boathouserestaurantoh.com/
Address: 679 W Spring St
Contact details: +16144690000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
The Boat House is a must-visit if you want to enjoy the view of the skyline with good food.
The restaurant, bar, and catering here are well-regarded. While their offerings fall on the higher end, visitors come back for the combination of delicious foods and scenic ambiance.
You can also book the place for private gatherings! If you plan to do so, we recommend the Confluence Room.
Here, you can enjoy an overlooking view of the skyline with a built-in fireplace!
On the other hand, if you decide to dine in the restaurant, we suggest you take a table on the outdoor patio so you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and the Scioto and Olentangy rivers.
Pro tip:
We suggest arriving early or hanging around a little longer until sunset to get the best, Instagram-worthy pictures!
6. RH Rooftop Restaurant
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Website: https://rh.com/columbus/restaurant
Address: 4120 Worth Ave
Contact details: +16149688830
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Sunday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
If you want to enjoy the skyline view with a touch of elegance, check out RH Rooftop Restaurant. The menu features brunch and dinner offerings, complemented by a selection of fine wines and champagnes.
And yes – just by the sound of it, it’s definitely on the pricier side, but many guests feel like it’s worth the splurge once in a while.
What people love the most about this place is the ambiance. We’re talking about glass ceilings, crystal chandeliers, and floods of natural lighting during the day.
It’s intimate and classy, which is why it’s a popular spot for romantic dates.
Pro tip:
Arrive early, ideally before the golden hour, to capture the best photos, as it’s the time of the day when the light pours in from all directions.
7. Goodale Park
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Website: https://goodalepark.org/
Address: 120 W Goodale St
Contact details: +16146453300
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00 am – 11:00 pm
Aside from being a great spot for picnics with a nice view of the city, you can also find various activities to enjoy and interesting spots to explore in Goodale Park.
There’s a gazebo, a historic park shelter, and even courts to play sports like baseball and basketball. So, it’s really up to you whether you want to sit and relax or explore the area.
Oh, and the park is also pet-friendly, so you’ll often see people walking or lounging with their furry buddies. Feel free to bring yours, too!
Pro tip:
The place is near famous attractions like the Columbus Museum of Art and North Market Downtown. You can easily visit these spots after you relax at the park!
8. Rich Street Bridge
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RdSDwMv3SJfstX6k7
Rich Street Bridge is a famous spot for taking pictures because it gives a nice, unobstructed view of the skyline and the Scioto River.
You will often find passersby taking quick snaps here, and honestly, we can’t blame them for doing so. It’s a simple structure, but the payoff is big, as any photo would look good from any angle.
It’s also frequently used as a background for professional photoshoots like engagements and graduation shoots!
What’s great is that the bridge is pedestrian-friendly with sidewalks, and it connects to the Scioto Mile Trail System, so it’s an easy route to include in your stroll or bike ride.
Pro tip:
The views are great anytime, but we suggest visiting early – ideally before nightfall, as certain areas along the trail can get dark in the evening. It’s better to be safe, especially if you’re going alone or are unfamiliar with the place.
9. Hilton Columbus Downtown Rooftop
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Website: https://www.storiesonhigh.com/
Address: 402 N High St
Contact details: +16143848600
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Friday and Saturday 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm
If you want the ultimate viewing experience, then look no further than the Hilton Columbus Downtown Rooftop.
Also known as “Stories on High,” this rooftop bar and restaurant will give you a 360-degree view of the Columbus skyline due to its floor-to-ceiling windows and two outdoor terraces.
It’s the best place for night views because you can see the glow of the skyline from there!
The menu here is premier, with crafted cocktails and small plates to match the luxurious feel. Many guests rave about the impressive flavors and presentations of the food offerings!
One thing to note is that this place is strictly for people over 21 years old.
Pro tip:
This kind of venue is best for date nights. Make a reservation, time it with sunset, and dress up a little. It’s that kind of place.
10. Rhodes Tower Observation Deck
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Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Kx5V8E7oCnePQU516
Address: 30 E Broad St
Contact details: +16144667362
Operating hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
If you want to see the beauty of Columbus in one sweeping view, head straight to the Rhodes Tower Observation Deck.
It’s a nice place to get an overview of the city while staying indoors. And the best part is – it’s free for everyone!
Located on the 40th floor of the tallest building in the city, the deck is open to the public during weekday hours (9 AM–5 PM).
You’ll spot landmarks, neighborhoods, and tall buildings stretching into the distance. It’s perfect for sightseers who want a weather-proof, crowd-free experience.
Pro tip:
Before you leave, walk over to the tiny window across from the elevators. It’s easy to miss, but it will give you one of the best views of the Scioto River, framed perfectly between the buildings.
