Columbus, OH

Travel Guide

Columbus which includes a pond, a park and a city
Schiller Park showing a pond, autumn leaves and a park
Columbus featuring a garden as well as a couple
Columbus which includes skyline, a river or creek and a city
Photo provided by Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau

The capital of Ohio is known for its street food, cultural festivals and art scene. It’s also home to one of the largest state universities in the U.S.

Columbus is a large, culturally diverse city in the U.S. Midwest. Visit Ohio’s capital to experience Irish festivals, Mexican food, unique neighborhoods, such as the historic German Village, and a range of museums and attractions, from small art galleries to big zoos. Columbus is also home to Ohio State University and comes with all of the trappings of a college town. Enjoy a fun nightlife, one-of-a-kind shops and plenty of cultural events held throughout the year.

Plan your visit to coincide with the Jazz and Rib Fest, an annual summer tradition that features musicians and award-winning food. The Dublin Irish Festival is held the first weekend in August and attracts about 100,000 visitors, who come for three days of Celtic song and dance.

Spend an afternoon walking through the Short North Arts District, where dozens of boutique galleries and shops line the sidewalks. Escape typically hot and muggy summer days indoors at the Center of Science and Industry. It has interactive exhibits that will appeal to children and parents. Families will also love the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium north of the city center. Watch as polar bears swim overhead, and touch tropical sea creatures.

Columbus is known for its food trucks that sell anything from hot dogs and Mexican food to roast turkey. The trucks change location almost every day, but you’re always likely to find something in the center of town. Find more food, and other shopping, at the North Market, which hosts more than 30 merchants selling a range of fresh produce as well as arts and crafts.

There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and breweries in Columbus. After catching an Ohio State Buckeyes football game, go to the Arena District for happy hour prices. Take a tour at Brothers Drake Meadery & Bar.

While largely flat, Columbus is a sprawling city. Rent a car to get around with ease. Port Columbus International Airport is less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from downtown, making it easy to access the city from any part of the world. Two interstate highways connect Columbus with nearby cities.

Where to stay in Columbus

Santa Maria showing a bay or harbor and heritage elements

Downtown Columbus

4.5/5(1,219 area reviews)

Enjoy entertainment options like theaters, concerts, and the Scioto Mile's riverfront parks in this central business district with towering buildings and various educational institutions.

Downtown Columbus
Bibibop Asian Grill is the Asian equivalent of the Chipotle style of dining.

A bowl filled with wild purple rice, bean sprouts, sauteed potatoes, chicken, cucumber, lettuce, carrot, daikon, cheese, corn and egg topped with yum yum sauce.

Polaris

4.5/5(633 area reviews)

Polaris is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Polaris Fashion Place and Topgolf while in the area.

Polaris
Santa Maria featuring a garden and signage

Worthington

Unique features of Worthington include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by McConnell Arts Center or The Candle Lab while you're exploring the area.

Worthington
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Short North

Colorful, offbeat, and trendy, this densely-populated district offers art galleries, specialty shops, pubs, nightclubs, and coffee shops. Stroll along High Street under its 17 lighted metal arches, and admire the vibrant murals on its brick buildings.

Short North
Alternating layers of chewy brownie and rich peanut butter, covered with dark chocolate ganache!

I usually stuff myself on savory pizza pies and have no room for dessert pies. On this trip, I boxed up some pizza for a cold pizza breakfast the next morning so I could further indulge in this delight!

Easton

4.5/5(453 area reviews)

Easton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Easton Town Center and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center while you're in town.

Easton
Wexner Center for the Arts which includes signage and theater scenes

University District

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

Home to Ohio State University, the University District boasts a diverse range of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and the Gateway Film Center. Explore Ohio Stadium and Old North Columbus for a taste of local culture.

University District
Sonesta Columbus Downtown

Sonesta Columbus Downtown

4 out of 5
33 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH
$131 nightly
The price is $155 total per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
$155 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,384 reviews)
"I absolutely love staying at this property. The staff was definitely helpful, friendly, andvery professional. This property was in walking distance of the concert that we were attending, and we felt safe. We definitely stay again whenever I’m in the area."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2025

Sonesta Columbus Downtown
The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center

The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center

4 out of 5
2110 Tuttle Park Pl, Columbus, OH
$138 nightly
The price is $163 total per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
$163 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,123 reviews)
"James in the lobby bar was amazing!"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center
Wyndham Columbus

Wyndham Columbus

4 out of 5
175 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH
$79 nightly
The price is $93 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$93 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
6.8/10 (1,401 reviews)
"Everything perfectly"

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Wyndham Columbus
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Standard Downtown Columbus

The Standard Downtown Columbus

2.5 out of 5
174 W Long St, Columbus, OH
Stay at this aparthotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nationwide Arena and COSI are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (21 reviews)
"I had to call for a code to get the key. It was not automatically emailed to me as promised. Hairs on the bed. If you are a light sleeper it was loud there at night. Fortunately, I am a heavy sleeper. Only one ac unit worked, but did keep the place cool enough. All in all an average stay"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

The Standard Downtown Columbus
Cute, cozy, crash pad near bike path!! Quiet, convenient, Short North location!

Cute, cozy, crash pad near bike path!! Quiet, convenient, Short North location!

Columbus
Stay at this vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Ohio Stadium and Nationwide ...
9/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
"The property was as pictured. It was clean, cozy and comfortable. The neighborhood was easily accessible and close to plenty of food and entertainment options. I’d recommend this place to friends and would stay again."

Reviewed on Jun 17, 2025

Cute, cozy, crash pad near bike path!! Quiet, convenient, Short North location!
Luxury Italian Village 4-bed-| Pool, Gym, Roof-Top

Luxury Italian Village 4-bed-| Pool, Gym, Roof-Top

Columbus
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ohio State Fairgrounds ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
"Host was very helpful. A very nice condo but would have been nice to have 2 fobs for ease of all family members to enter. Extra parking outside the garage was terrible. Waiting sometimes up to an hour for an available spot."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Luxury Italian Village 4-bed-| Pool, Gym, Roof-Top
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Getting around Columbus

You will most likely want to rent a car in Columbus, as the local transportation networks aren’t totally comprehensive. If you can’t rent a car, don’t worry, you will still be able to get around, but with less flexibility. Travel around the city on the local COTA buses, and visit the headline attractions downtown on the free CBUS circulator. There are plenty of options for taxis and ride-sharing, too. Visit the Ohio Department of TransportationOpens in a new window website.Browse Columbus rental cars.

Best time to visit

Columbus has a clear peak tourist season that runs from June to August. As well as being the busiest time of year, this is by far the hottest, with daytime temperatures in August often exceeding 85 F (29 C). Visit in April or May, or September or October and you are still likely to have good, though slightly cooler, weather. Avoiding the summer will also mean less expensive accommodations.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Columbus

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2074
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
2386
4 - Good 46%
3 - Okay
670
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
57
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
46
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great

3/5 - Okay

MaLa

The locals were not friendly. The nail shop on High street near Hyatt Regency Columbus was dope. The culture is healthy eating and exercise city. Bob Thornton and Donato’s was not my favorite. A health conscience city. I really enjoyed the diversity.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Columbus like many cities in Ohio seems to always be under construction and I usually get spun around on I 71 and I 70 and have to backtrack on detours due to heavy traffic. Very frustrating!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Tornado warning while we were there

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

columbus was fine, i wish our trip could have been pushed later since the state had not completely opened up yet

5/5 - Excellent

Humble

I love Columbus and I’m a frequent visitor

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