Columbus Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Columbus
Columbus
Columbus showing a park as well as a couple
Columbus featuring skyline, night scenes and a river or creek
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 which includes heritage elements and a bay or harbour

Downtown Columbus

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

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

4/5(1 area review)

Polaris is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Polaris Fashion Place and Topgolf 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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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
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Easton

5/5(1 area review)

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

Easton
Wexner Center for the Arts showing signage and theatre scenes

University District

4/5(1 area review)

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
Sonesta Columbus Downtown

Sonesta Columbus Downtown

4 out of 5
33 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH
The price is ₹8,628 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹8,628
₹12,220 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the restaurant and ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,397 reviews)
"Enjoyed our quick stay!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 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
The price is ₹11,619 per night from 5 Aug to 6 Aug
₹11,619
₹13,710 total
5 Aug - 6 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,129 reviews)
"Great hotel. Friendly and helpful staff. Great location for Schottstein Center events. Rooms were spacious and clean. Area was nice, and safe. Would 100% stay here again."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center
Hyatt Regency Columbus

Hyatt Regency Columbus

3.5 out of 5
350 N High St, Columbus, OH
The price is ₹12,670 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
₹12,670
₹14,951 total
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Perfect stay"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Hyatt Regency 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 Wi-Fi, 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 16 Jul 2025

The Standard Downtown Columbus
Downtown Short North Free Parking Convention Ctr

Downtown Short North Free Parking Convention Ctr

2 out of 5
Columbus
Stay at this aparthotel in Columbus. Enjoy bathrobes. Popular attractions Nationwide Arena and COSI are located nearby.
Downtown Short North Free Parking Convention Ctr
Town St Medical Lofts

Town St Medical Lofts

2.5 out of 5
250 E Town St, Columbus, OH
Stay at this aparthotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions COSI and Nationwide Arena are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (16 reviews)
"Great place to stay. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Town St Medical Lofts
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

Reviews of Columbus

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 63%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

Cities near Columbus