Columbus

Travel Guide

Columbus
Columbus
Columbus featuring a garden as well as a couple
Columbus showing night scenes, a bridge and a city
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 featuring a bay or harbour and heritage elements

Downtown Columbus

4.5/5(47 area reviews)

Enjoy entertainment options like theaters, concerts, and the Scioto Mile's riverfront parks in this central business district with towering buildings and various educational institutions.

Downtown Columbus
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Polaris

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

Polaris is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Polaris Fashion Place and Topgolf while in the area.

Polaris
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Short North

Colorful, offbeat, and trendy, this densely-populated district offers art galleries, specialty shops, pubs, nightclubs, and coffee shops. Stroll along High Street under its 17 lighted metal arches, and admire the vibrant murals on its brick buildings.

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 showing 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
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Easton

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Easton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Easton Town Center and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center while you're in town.

Easton
Wyndham Columbus

Wyndham Columbus

4 out of 5
175 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH
The price is CA $85 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $85
CA $101 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
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 (1,499 reviews)
"The beds were comfy and the overall stay was great"

Reviewed on Aug. 25, 2025

Wyndham Columbus
Hyatt Regency Columbus

Hyatt Regency Columbus

3.5 out of 5
350 N High St, Columbus, OH
The price is CA $213 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
CA $213
CA $252 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Perfect"

Reviewed on Aug. 24, 2025

Hyatt Regency Columbus
Hyatt Place Columbus Dublin

Hyatt Place Columbus Dublin

3 out of 5
6161 Parkcenter Cir, Dublin, OH
The price is CA $116 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $116
CA $137 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Dublin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
"It had a bar."

Reviewed on Aug. 23, 2025

Hyatt Place Columbus Dublin
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

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 ...
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 Aug. 6, 2025

Jungle Casa Lundy
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (37 reviews)
Good location, older home
"I was a little disappointed that I had to be the one to reach out for access information rather than the host/property manager simply providing the information, but not that big of a deal. More disappointing is the fact that I reached out on Thursday afternoon inquiring about parking. The place is ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 4, 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 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 Jul. 16, 2025

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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