Columbus Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Columbus
Columbus
Columbus showing a garden as well as a couple
Columbus featuring night scenes, a city and skyline
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 and many museums and attractions, from small art galleries to big zoos. Columbus is also home to Ohio State University, providing a lively college town atmosphere. Enjoy a fun nightlife, one-of-a-kind shops and cultural events held throughout the year.

Spend an afternoon walking through the Short North Arts District, where dozens of boutique galleries and shops line the sidewalks. Walk along High Street to discover Columbus’ cutting-edge Wexner Center for the Arts. Escape typically hot and humid summer days indoors at the COSI (Center of Science and Industry) with its interactive exhibits that appeal to children and parents. Families also enjoy the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium north of the city center.

Columbus is known for food trucks selling anything from hot dogs and Mexican food to roast turkey. Trucks relocate almost every day, but you’re always likely to find something in the city center. Move east across the river where North Market hosts more than 30 merchants selling a range of fresh produce and arts and crafts.

There are also plenty of restaurants, bars and breweries in Columbus. After watching an Ohio State Buckeyes football game, visit the Arena District for happy-hour prices or Brothers Drake Meadery & Bar for a tour, music, food and drink.

Plan to visit the Jazz and Rib Fest, an annual summer tradition featuring musicians and award-winning food. The Dublin Irish Festival happens the first weekend in August and attracts 100,000 visitors for three days of Celtic song and dance.

Columbus has a rich performing arts history which lives on in the Ohio Theatre and the Palace Theatre, stunning 1920s movie palaces converted into state-of-the-art performing arts spaces.

Columbus is a sprawling, largely flat city. Rent a car to get around easily. Port Columbus International Airport is less than 10 miles (16 kilometers) from downtown. Two interstate highways connect Columbus with nearby cities.

Where to stay in Columbus

Santa Maria which includes heritage elements and a bay or harbour

Downtown Columbus

The ample dining options and great live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Columbus. A stop by Nationwide Arena or North Market might round out your trip.

Downtown Columbus
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Polaris

Polaris is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Polaris Fashion Place and Magic Mountain Fun Center while you're in town.

Polaris
Santa Maria featuring a park 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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Easton

Travellers come to Easton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and Easton Town Center while you're in town.

Easton
Wexner Center for the Arts showing signage and theatre scenes

University District

University District is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wexner Center for the Arts and Newport Music Hall while you're in town.

University District
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Short North

Short North is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by North Market and Jazz Arts Group while in the area.

Short North
Sonesta Columbus Downtown
Sonesta Columbus Downtown
4 out of 5
33 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH
The price is AU$199 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
AU$199
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,348 reviews)
"Distance to the arena district was very appreciated."

Reviewed on 15 Dec. 2024

Sonesta Columbus Downtown
Hilton Columbus Downtown
Hilton Columbus Downtown
4 out of 5
402 North High Street, Columbus, OH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$312 per night from 23 Dec to 24 Dec
AU$312
includes taxes & fees
23 Dec - 24 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,095 reviews)
"Convenient and clean"

Reviewed on 11 Dec. 2024

Hilton Columbus Downtown
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area
2.5 out of 5
2447 Brice Rd, Columbus, OH
The price is AU$139 per night from 22 Dec to 23 Dec
AU$139
includes taxes & fees
22 Dec - 23 Dec
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,108 reviews)
"Close to restaurants"

Reviewed on 15 Dec. 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area
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.
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 an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Ohio Stadium and Schottenstein Center are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
Perfect location for OSU game
"This place was inviting and cozy. Very clean and nicely maintained. We walked to the stadium which was so much easier than trying to find a parking space! We really enjoyed our stay so thanks for having us!!"

Reviewed on 11 Nov. 2024

Cute, cozy, crash pad near bike path!! Quiet, convenient, Short North location!
5th Street Retreat! Centrally located family-sized home with game room & deck
5th Street Retreat! Centrally located family-sized home with game room & deck
Columbus
Stay at this vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy air conditioning. Popular attractions Historic Crew Stadium and Ohio Stadium are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Weekend trip
"A group of 4 of us stayed here while competing in a curling tournament. The house served our needs well. The listing might indicate that the games room is actually also the fourth bedroom but it wasn’t a big deal as we all found the accommodations comfortable."

Reviewed on 11 Dec. 2024

5th Street Retreat! Centrally located family-sized home with game room & deck
Modern Home with Garage near Children’s Hospital
Modern Home with Garage near Children’s Hospital
Columbus
Stay at this vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions COSI and Historic Crew Stadium are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (26 reviews)
Cute Restoration
"Nicely done restoration in up and coming neighborhood. Clean and stocked with some snacks and coffee. Had a great time!"

Reviewed on 2 Nov. 2024

Modern Home with Garage near Children’s Hospital
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.

Popular places to visit

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Cities near Columbus