Skip the main strip on a Saturday night unless you love crushing elbows with strangers. Spend your daylight hours exploring High Street's murals and independent boutiques instead. If you're serious about the food scene, book the Short North Walking Food Tour—it's worth the $96 to actually hit the local favorites without the hour-long waits. Grab a coffee, walk the side alleys for the real street art, and leave before the chaotic bar crawl crowd arrives.
