Things to do in Columbus

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Columbus which includes a pond, a park and a city
Schiller Park showing a pond, autumn leaves and a park
Columbus featuring a garden as well as a couple
Columbus which includes skyline, a river or creek and a city
Photo provided by Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau
Photo provided by Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau

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What to do in Columbus

Discover the most popular places to visit in Columbus

Cherry Blossoms! I must be in Washington D.C. Nope, just walking through the west campus of The Ohio State University.

Ohio State University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area around Ohio State University, a top college in Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Ohio State University
Behold, the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in all its wiener-wonderment! There are currently eight Wienermobiles gallivanting across county commandeered by Hotdoggers passing out Wienerwhistles to wiener fanatics. The Wienermobile made a stop at the NHL All Star Fan Festival in Columbus. What's the connection between hockey and wieners? Well, Oscar Mayer is owned by Kraft and Kraft has a promotion called Hockeyville in which communities compete to demonstrate their commitment to the sport of ice hockey. The winning community gets a cash prize dedicated to upgrading their local home arena, as well as host an NHL preseason game.

Greater Columbus Convention Center

During your trip, find out what's happening at Greater Columbus Convention Center, a top convention center in Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Greater Columbus Convention Center
The Columbus Blue Jackets #CBJ and Nationwide Arena went all out as hosts of the 2014 NHL All-star Game. In addition to hosting the skills competition and the game itself, the NHL fan festival was held at the nearby convention center and the Arena District was turned into All Star Winter Park with a giant snow slide and an outdoor NHL regulation sized ice rink.

Nationwide Arena

Catch an event at Nationwide Arena during your trip to Columbus. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Nationwide Arena
On the north side of Ohio Stadium, also known as the Horse Shoe, there's a huge archway with a beautiful mosaic and pictures of iconic players. Though I've been to the 'Shoe many times, it was only recently that I discovered the flowers at the top of the arch. #UrbanJungle

Ohio Stadium

Catch an event at Ohio Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Ohio Stadium
The Crazy Kiwi Duncan Dog! An absolutely enormous foot long hot dog slathered with grilled onions, cole slaw, bacon, cheese sauce and hot sauce! Go Crew!

Historic Crew Stadium

Catch an event at Historic Crew Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Historic Crew Stadium
COSI showing interior views as well as an individual femail

COSI

There’s always more to discover in this innovative science adventure center, complete with giant 3-D digital screen and hundreds of fun-filled activities.

COSI
It's time again for the Ohio State Fair, which means it's time for a deep fried fair food feast! A staple at the fair since 1965, Marshall Family French Waffles. Basically a branding iron is dipped in batter and dropped in a deep fryer to create the crunchy, flaky, sweet treats.

Ohio State Fairgrounds

Enjoy a stop at Ohio State Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Ohio State Fairgrounds
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens featuring interior views

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Botanical wonders from around the world are exhibited alongside captivating contemporary artwork in this spacious and peaceful garden getaway.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Ohio Theater featuring signage, heritage elements and theater scenes

Ohio Theatre

This theater is the gold-and-red velvet crown of Ohio, featuring exciting musicals and concerts on its lavish Baroque-style stage.

Ohio Theatre

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Columbus

Santa Maria showing a bay or harbor and heritage elements

Downtown Columbus

4.5/5(1,219 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
Bibibop Asian Grill is the Asian equivalent of the Chipotle style of dining. A bowl filled with wild purple rice, bean sprouts, sauteed potatoes, chicken, cucumber, lettuce, carrot, daikon, cheese, corn and egg topped with yum yum sauce.

Polaris

4.5/5(633 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
Wexner Center for the Arts which includes signage and theater scenes

University District

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

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
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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
Santa Maria featuring a garden 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
Alternating layers of chewy brownie and rich peanut butter, covered with dark chocolate ganache! I usually stuff myself on savory pizza pies and have no room for dessert pies. On this trip, I boxed up some pizza for a cold pizza breakfast the next morning so I could further indulge in this delight!

Easton

4.5/5(453 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

Popular day trips from Columbus

Photo by throwingsofas

Reynoldsburg

Photo by throwingsofas

Dublin

Delaware

Delaware

Photo by rikki cornett

Grove City

Photo by throwingsofas

Hilliard

Photo by Josh Mund

Groveport

Westerville

Westerville

Photo by throwingsofas

Canal Winchester

Frequently asked questions

Is Columbus worth visiting?
Providing a mix of culture and history, there are plenty of things to do in Columbus. While you're here, head to COSI, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Columbus?
COSI and Magic Mountain Fun Center East are two great places to kick-start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Columbus while you're there too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Columbus?
COSI is one of the top tourist attractions in Columbus and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Columbus?
You can easily tick off popular sights like COSI, Columbus Museum of Art and Riffe Center Theatre Complex with a three-day escape to Columbus. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Dublin.
Is Columbus a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Columbus, like COSI and Columbus Museum of Art, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.97 kilometers from central Columbus is Downtown Columbus and Uptown District is 0.32 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Columbus with kids?
If you are after activities and attractions for all the family, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Columbus with kids.

What to do in Columbus for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Columbus, with activities for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Ohio Expo Center and State Fair or Schottenstein Center.
Are there free things to do in Columbus?
In Columbus, Schlee Brewery Historic District is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Columbus.