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 neighbourhoods 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 Centre for the Arts. Escape typically hot and humid summer days indoors at the COSI (Centre 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 centre.

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 centre. 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 kilometres) from downtown. Two interstate highways connect Columbus with nearby cities.

Where to stay in Columbus

Santa Maria featuring 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 Topgolf while you're in town.

Polaris
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
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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
Wexner Center for the Arts which includes theatre scenes and signage

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
Santa Maria which includes 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
Sonesta Columbus Downtown

Sonesta Columbus Downtown

4 out of 5
33 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH
The price is AU$241 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
AU$241
21 Sept - 22 Sept
includes taxes & 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 ...
Sonesta Columbus Downtown
Wyndham Columbus

Wyndham Columbus

4 out of 5
175 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$145 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
AU$145
7 Sept - 8 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 (1,503 reviews)
Great hotel
"I loved this hotel. The room was very spacious. Loved using the spa. People were awesome."

Reviewed on 26 Aug. 2025

Wyndham Columbus
Hyatt Regency Columbus

Hyatt Regency Columbus

3.5 out of 5
350 N High St, Columbus, OH
The price is AU$278 per night from 1 Sept to 2 Sept
AU$278
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
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.
Jungle Fever

Jungle Fever

5 out of 5
256 West Poplar Avenue, Columbus, OH
Stay at this 5-star luxury vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Popular attractions Nationwide Arena and ...
Jungle Fever
Jungle Casa Lundy

Jungle Casa Lundy

5 out of 5
31-33 Lundy Street, Columbus, OH
Stay at this 5-star luxury vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Popular attractions Nationwide Arena and ...
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 WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nationwide Arena and COSI are located ...
The Standard Downtown 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.

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Cities near Columbus