Downtown Columbia Travel Guide
Columbia
Visit Downtown Columbia
Popular places to visit
South Carolina State House
Inspect the many monuments and political symbols that decorate the grounds and majestic mansion of the state’s most important structure.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Explore the great outdoors at Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, a lovely green space in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Columbia Museum of Art
Bring kids to this fun gallery with a focus on medieval, Renaissance and Baroque art and fascinating traveling exhibits.
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Marvel at the stunning architecture and stained glass and examine the Civil War graves in this remarkable sanctuary in Columbia.
Fort Jackson
After visiting Fort Jackson, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Columbia. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Why not meet the animals who call Riverbanks Zoo and Garden home during your holiday in Columbia? You can attend a sporting event while in the area.
Top hotels in Downtown Columbia
Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC
The Graduate is our go to while in Columbia. Great stay.
Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista
Yes
Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026
Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista
The staff was very friendly. Loved the bar and food. Great location for Gamecocks basketball games
Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
The hotel was very new and very clean. The staff was extremely helpful and obviously well trained. Convenient location, short walk to city hall, restaurants and bars.
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Hilton Columbia Center
Check-in was easy; parking was convenient to the lobby, albeit expensive for the duration of our stay and length of time spent in the parking deck. The bed was extremely uncomfortable, and the pillows were dilapidated and provided zero support. The mattress was lumpy. The linens were clean, and we ...
Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026
Hotel Trundle
The hotel is less than 10 minutes from the university and is very close to all the shopping we needed to get my daughter settled into her apartment. I cannot comment about breakfast because we would leave before breakfast was served. ☹️ The rooms were very clean and everyone at the front desk was ...
Reviewed on 20 Jan 2026
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Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Columbia
The Vista
The Vista is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Colonial Life Arena and Koger Center for the Arts while in the area.
Arsenal Hill
Unique features of Arsenal Hill include the restaurants and live music. Make a stop by Governor's Mansion or Matthew J. Perry, Jr. U.S. Courthouse while you're exploring the area.
University Hill
Visitors to University Hill appreciate its restaurants. A visit to South Carolina State House and Township Auditorium might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.
Five Points
The bars and live music are a few reasons travellers visit Five Points. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Township Auditorium and South Carolina State House are a few top sights nearby.
Waverly
Though Waverly may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Township Auditorium and Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
Lyon Street
While Lyon Street isn't home to many top sights, Charlie W. Johnson Stadium and Township Auditorium are some notable places to visit nearby.
