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 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 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

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

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 NZ$268 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$268
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,380 reviews)
Couple time away
"We had an amazing trip. Staff was excellent, professional and courteous. The only downside was upon check-in. We were told that a welcome gift would be sent up to the room, but unfortunately that did not ever happen. This didn't deter or prevent us from having a great time and enjoying the services ..."

Reviewed on 9 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 NZ$281 per night from 31 July to 1 Aug
NZ$281
31 July - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,105 reviews)
Lacrosse ID Camp trip
"Great stay at a very nice hotel. It was really quiet and the service was excellent. I really enjoyed the fact that a lot of the local students work at the hotel and can provide some insider information regarding where to go and what to see."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center
Wyndham Columbus
Wyndham Columbus
4 out of 5
175 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH
The price is NZ$139 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$139
3 Aug - 4 Aug
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 (1,395 reviews)
"All good"

Reviewed on 7 Jul. 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.
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 laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Ohio Stadium and Nationwide ...
9/10 Wonderful! (34 reviews)
"The property was as pictured. It was clean, cozy and comfortable. The neighborhood was easily accessible and close to plenty of food and entertainment options. I’d recommend this place to friends and would stay again."

Reviewed on 17 Jun. 2025

Cute, cozy, crash pad near bike path!! Quiet, convenient, Short North location!
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 Ohio Stadium and Nationwide Arena are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (17 reviews)
"The apartment was cute and easy to get to. The address is listed wrong though and i was not able to get ahold of anyone to confirm this. Also couldnt get the wifi to connect with the provided password. Comfy apartment with a great location though! Highly recommend Pins across the street and Freedom ..."

Reviewed on 5 May 2025

The Standard Downtown Columbus
Luxury Italian Village 4-bed-| Pool, Gym, Roof-Top
Luxury Italian Village 4-bed-| Pool, Gym, Roof-Top
Columbus
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ohio State Fairgrounds ...
8/10 Very Good! (3 reviews)
Beautiful clean property
"Property is brand new. Everything is beautiful and so clean. We didnt get to use the pool due to rain but it was gorgeous. Lots of indoor garage parking available. It really isnt walking distance to anything but its like a gated community that felt safe. Street noise for the master bedroom was a ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Luxury Italian Village 4-bed-| Pool, Gym, Roof-Top
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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