Columbus Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Schiller Park showing a fountain, a pond and autumn leaves
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
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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Easton

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
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
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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$141 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
AU$141
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
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 rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (448 reviews)
Overall I would come back definitely! Great price!
"So we came all the way from Kansas. For the price we paid for two nights, was worth every penny and actually you get your monies worth and its pretty cheap price for room you get. The beds and pillows were comfortable, and I love the shower. The rooms were very spacious. It was nice to have a night ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area
Graduate Columbus
Graduate Columbus
4 out of 5
750 North High Street, Columbus, OH
The price is AU$247 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
AU$247
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,027 reviews)
"Such a cute place with really comfy beds, all the amenities, fair prices and welcoming staff. Rooms were cutely OSU themed. Valet pricing was a drag, but it is the city…"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Graduate Columbus
Hilton Columbus Downtown
Hilton Columbus Downtown
4 out of 5
402 North High Street, Columbus, OH
The price is AU$336 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
AU$336
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
If going to a concert nearby use this hotel!!
"I was in the area for a concert at nationwide arena. The hotel was close to the arena within walking distance and made parking and travel to and from a breeze. I would stay there again!! Awesome staff very friendly and when u go use valet parking so worth the $ made it so easy!!"

Reviewed on 26 Mar. 2024

Hilton Columbus Downtown
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 WiFi, a Smart TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Olentangy Bike Path and Jazz Arts Group are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Great Value,Great Location Great Host
"Katie was great and the property was too."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Cute, cozy, crash pad near bike path!! Quiet, convenient, Short North location!
Historic, creative, close to downtown!
Historic, creative, close to downtown!
Columbus
Stay at this vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions COSI and Nationwide Arena are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Great place to stay in Columbus, OH
"This is a fantastic place to stay. Very eclectic, especially if you love to relax and read interesting themes. Very clean and comfortable with a fascinating décor."

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2024

Historic, creative, close to downtown!
Trendy Short North Townhome w/ free parking
Trendy Short North Townhome w/ free parking
Columbus
Stay at this vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy a water park, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Jazz Arts Group and Goodale Park are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Weekend stay
"We had a great stay other than the parking we were very happy. We would actually stay again just to do a weekend and shop and eat. Great location!!"

Reviewed on 10 Mar. 2024

Trendy Short North Townhome w/ free parking
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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