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 neighbourhoods, 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 Centre 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 centre. 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 centre 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 kilometres) 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Columbus as well as children

Uptown District

If you're spending some time in Uptown District, Palace Theatre and Capitol Square are top sights worth seeing.

Uptown District
Santa Maria featuring a park and signage

Worthington

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

Worthington
Default Image

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
Hyatt Regency Columbus

Hyatt Regency Columbus

3.5 out of 5
350 N High St, Columbus, OH
The price is Rp2.469.392 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
Rp2.469.392
Rp2.913.884 total
25 Aug - 26 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! (1,004 reviews)
"Probably the best hotel we have ever stayed in! Everyone was so nice! The hotel smelled amazing and very clean! The bed and pillows were on point! Best night sleep in a hotel we have ever had!"

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2025

Hyatt Regency Columbus
Sonesta Columbus Downtown

Sonesta Columbus Downtown

4 out of 5
33 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH
The price is Rp1.871.539 per night from 3 Sept to 4 Sept
Rp1.871.539
Rp2.591.822 total
3 Sept - 4 Sept
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! (1,409 reviews)
"Excellent customer service. Great bar and food."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Sonesta Columbus Downtown
Wyndham Columbus

Wyndham Columbus

4 out of 5
175 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH
The price is Rp1.143.718 per night from 16 Sept to 17 Sept
Rp1.143.718
Rp1.349.587 total
16 Sept - 17 Sept
includes taxes & 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 (1,481 reviews)
"Place was great, nice and clean"

Reviewed on 17 Aug 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.
Jungle Casa Lundy

Jungle Casa Lundy

4 out of 5
31-33 Lundy Street, Columbus, OH
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly holiday home in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, dry cleaning or laundry services and laundry facilities. Popular attractions ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"This was the perfect little getaway for me and my partner. We wanted something that was close to their conference, and short north has a lot of transportation options. There were a bunch of restaurants and activities that were walking distance. The place was very clean. Check in/check out was also ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Jungle Casa Lundy
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
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
"Very nice overall! Everything was A1 from start to finish. Only thing—there was a machine clicking sound all day, and I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. Other than that, great experience!"

Reviewed on 21 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

Things to do

Cities near Columbus