- Top Attractions
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Why Visit Columbus
Established in 1812 as the state capital, Columbus's architecture tells its story. The Ohio Statehouse showcases Greek Revival style, while the LeVeque Tower is an Art Deco icon. One of the best reasons to visit Columbus is German Village.
The Scioto Mile, a 175-acre urban oasis, is one of the top attractions in Columbus, offering kayaking and biking. For hiking, Highbanks Metro Park has 100-foot shale bluffs. A lesser-known local favorite is the unique Topiary Park.
A key reason why visit Columbus is its food scene, anchored by the historic North Market. Try Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams or Schmidt's Bahama Mama sausage. For a true local experience, seek out Columbus-style pizza, with its thin crust and square cuts.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild weather, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercold, occasional snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LayeredClothing
- #RainGear
- #Sunscreen
- #PortableCharger
- 3-4 days for highlights
- 5-6 for additional attractions and side trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is the official language here
- #ColumbusZoo
- #FranklinParkConservatory
- #COSI
- #ShortNorthArtsDistrict
- #OhioStatehouse
- #SciotoMile
- Explore the North Market
- Visit the Wexner Center for the Arts
- Stroll along the Scioto Riverfront
- Enjoy a show at the Ohio Theatre
- Sample local craft beers
Recommended Hotels in Columbus by Experience
Things to do in Columbus
Discover
Exploring Columbus reveals a mix of heritage and modern design. Discover the historic brick streets of German Village, the interactive exhibits at COSI, and the scenic riverfront parks along the Scioto Mile. The city offers a dense collection of museums and parks.
Experience
Experience the energy of an Ohio State Buckeyes game, or browse galleries during the Short North Arts District's monthly hop. Savor local produce at the North Market or enjoy summer fun at the annual Ohio State Fair and various cultural festivals.
German Village
Historic neighborhood with brick streets and restored homes.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Gardens
Botanical gardens and glasshouse featuring exotic plants.
COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
Interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits for all ages.
Short North Arts District
Hub for art galleries, boutiques, and public art murals.
Scioto Mile
Urban park with trails, fountains, and riverfront views.
Ohio Theatre
1928 movie palace, now a performing arts hall.
North Market
Historic public market with dozens of independent merchants.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Columbus, fly into John Glenn Columbus Int'l Airport (CMH). A COTA bus connects the Columbus airport to city center for about $2.75. Taxis or rideshares take ~15-20 min. Intercity buses like Greyhound also serve the city.
Getting Around
Public transport in Columbus is centered on COTA buses; use the Transit app for digital fares and day passes. Downtown is walkable, with CoGo Bike Share and e-scooters available. For greater range, consider a car rental in Columbus.
Local Essentials
When driving in Columbus, avoid the I-270 loop during rush hour. Pay close attention to street parking signs, as rules vary widely by neighborhood. Most venues accept cards, but carry some cash for smaller vendors or food trucks.
Where to Stay in Columbus
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Columbus's vibrant food scene where you can taste authentic food Columbus is known for. Indulge in buckeye candies and artisan Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams. The local culture embraces casual brewery hopping and lively patio dining.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Columbus, eat at Schmidt's for its festive vibe; expect crowds. Barley's Brewing is a relaxed brewhouse; try seasonals. Northstar Cafe has an airy feel for a quick bite; order online.
Schmidt's Sausage Haus und Restaurant
Authentic German food and famous giant cream puffs.
Lindey's
Upscale American bistro with a beautiful garden patio.
The Thurman Cafe
Legendary oversized burgers in a casual pub setting.
Mitchell's Ocean Club
A sophisticated fine-dining seafood and steakhouse.
Marcella's
Bustling Italian kitchen perfect for sharing plates.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Columbus cultural activities through its heritage events. Experience German traditions at Columbus Oktoberfest, or celebrate the city's large Irish community at the massive Dublin Irish Festival with music, dance, and folklore.
Enjoy
Discover must-see modern creativity in Columbus. The city's stages pulse with indie rock at festivals like Sonic Temple and showcase cutting-edge visual arts during the Columbus Arts Festival, a premier national event.
Columbus Arts Festival
June juried arts show with 250+ artists, music, and food.
Ohio State Fair
July-August event with rides, concerts, and livestock shows.
Dublin Irish Festival
World's largest 3-day Irish fest in August; music & dance.
Columbus Oktoberfest
September celebration of German culture with beer and music.
HighBall Halloween
October's huge costume party with a couture fashion show.
Columbus Asian Festival
May celebration of diverse Asian cultures with performances.
Jazz & Rib Fest
Free July festival with top jazz music and BBQ cook-offs.
Great Weekend Getaway
Columbus is a really fun city with a lot to do. We found it super easy to get around and explore different areas. It feels both big and small at the same time. The food scene is solid and people were generally welcoming.
Loved the Short North
The whole Short North Arts District was fantastic. Spent hours just popping into the galleries and unique shops. Found some great coffee spots to just sit and watch the world go by. It's a very walkable and interesting part of the city.
Beautiful Historic Area
Columbus has some wonderful neighborhoods. German Village, with its brick streets and restored old houses, was a definite highlight. It felt like stepping back in time. We found a lovely little bookstore and a place for a great lunch.
Nice Parks and Open Spaces
The Scioto Mile was a great place to walk and get some fresh air right in the city. The skyline views are really nice from there. It's clean and felt very safe. A good break from the busier streets and lots of room to move around.
So Much Good Food
The variety of food was amazing. Every neighborhood seemed to have its own great spots. I had some Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, which was definitely worth the hype. Lots of cool breweries and independent restaurants to check out.
Fun and Lively City
There's a definite energy here, probably from the university. Lots of cool bars, live music spots, and places to hang out. It feels like a young city with plenty going on, especially in the evening. People are friendly and up for a chat.