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
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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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
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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
Wexner Center for the Arts which includes signage and theatre scenes

University District

4/5(1 area review)

Home to Ohio State University, the University District boasts a diverse range of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and the Gateway Film Center. Explore Ohio Stadium and Old North Columbus for a taste of local culture.

University District
Hyatt Regency Columbus

Hyatt Regency Columbus

3.5 out of 5
350 N High St, Columbus, OH
The price is CA $204 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
CA $204
CA $240 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Easy walk to Nationwide Arena."

Reviewed on Aug. 11, 2025

Hyatt Regency Columbus
Wyndham Columbus

Wyndham Columbus

4 out of 5
175 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH
The price is CA $97 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
CA $97
CA $114 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 (1,468 reviews)
"Staff was very kind we had a great stay"

Reviewed on Aug. 8, 2025

Wyndham Columbus
Sonesta Columbus Downtown

Sonesta Columbus Downtown

4 out of 5
33 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH
The price is CA $149 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
CA $149
CA $208 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (1,414 reviews)
"Very close proximity to places to eat"

Reviewed on Aug. 10, 2025

Sonesta 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.
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
Entire 2-bedroom apartment with WiFi, AC in cool Columbus

Entire 2-bedroom apartment with WiFi, AC in cool Columbus

Columbus
Stay at this property in Columbus. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Ohio State Fairgrounds and Ohio Expo ...
DO NOT BOOK THIS
"If I could give zero stars, I would.No directions were provided on how to check in, just a code that had no place for entry. There were no parking directions given.We were let in by a resident of the apartment complex, and he told us that the room number attached to the listing was not a room number ..."

Reviewed on Jul. 19, 2025

Entire 2-bedroom apartment with WiFi, AC in cool Columbus
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! (36 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 Jun. 17, 2025

Cute, cozy, crash pad near bike path!! Quiet, convenient, Short North location!
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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