Columbus

Travel Guide

Columbus
Columbus
Columbus which includes a park as well as a couple
Columbus featuring skyline, night scenes and a bridge
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 which includes heritage elements and a bay or harbour

Downtown Columbus

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

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

4/5(1 area review)

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

5/5(1 area review)

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

4/5(1 area review)

University District is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Ohio Stadium and Wexner Center for the Arts 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 S$221 per night from 4 Jul to 5 Jul
S$221
4 Jul - 5 Jul
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! (1,381 reviews)
"It was an easy check in and out and addressed my coffee maker being broken immediately! I’d stay again!"

Reviewed on 28 Jun, 2025

Sonesta Columbus Downtown
Wyndham Columbus
Wyndham Columbus
4 out of 5
175 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH
The price is S$104 per night from 2 Jul to 3 Jul
S$104
2 Jul - 3 Jul
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 (1,382 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Wyndham Columbus
Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus East Airport
Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus East Airport
2.5 out of 5
2100 Brice Road, Reynoldsburg, OH
The price is S$115 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
S$115
3 Jul - 4 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Reynoldsburg. Enjoy an outdoor pool, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
6.8/10 (1,004 reviews)
"It was very clean. And a lot of privacy"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham Columbus East Airport
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 Ohio Stadium and Nationwide Arena are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (15 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
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, laundry facilities, and Netflix. Popular attractions Ohio Stadium and Nationwide Arena ...
7.4/10 Good! (3 reviews)
"Be very aware of staying here. House was fine, but they hit you for a “refundable” deposit hours before your stay and after numerous contacts with them, they have not refunded it 4 weeks later. Keep saying they will look into it. Very shady and had to deal with the credit card companies to get it ..."

Reviewed on 16 Mar, 2024

Jungle Fever
Short North Convention Private Parking Pets
Short North Convention Private Parking Pets
2 out of 5
Columbus
Stay at this aparthotel in Columbus. Enjoy bathrobes. Popular attractions Ohio Stadium and Nationwide Arena are located nearby.
4/10 (1 review)
Could have been a better experience.
"The upstairs unit shower backed up and leaked into the bedroom. They offered a late checkout for the trouble, but I do not feel that was enough for the disgusting issue. They did send someone to fix it a few hours after being notified. The bed was comfy."

Reviewed on 16 Jun, 2025

Short North Convention Private Parking Pets
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

Things to do

Reviews of Columbus

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 63%
3 - Okay
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3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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