Things to do in Columbus

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Columbus which includes a pond, a park and a city
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
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What to do in Columbus

Discover the most popular places to visit in Columbus

Ohio State House aerial at sunrise with Huntington Center and Vern Riffe State Office Tower

Ohio State University

4.5/5(1,159 reviews)

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

Ohio State University
A view of the new pedestrian skywalk connecting the convention center to the new downtown Hilton.

Greater Columbus Convention Center

4.5/5(614 reviews)

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

Greater Columbus Convention Center
Easton Town Center

Easton Town Center

4.5/5(1,013 reviews)

During your visit to Columbus, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Easton Town Center. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theater scene.

Easton Town Center
Historic Ohio Stadium with rotunda entrance against a cloudy sky in Columbus USA

Ohio Stadium

4.5/5(438 reviews)

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

Ohio Stadium
Nationwide Arena

Nationwide Arena

4.5/5(595 reviews)

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
Historic Crew Stadium

Historic Crew Stadium

4/5(285 reviews)

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

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

COSI

4/5(479 reviews)

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
Entry from 17th ave to the fairgrounds

Ohio Expo Center and State Fair

4.5/5(296 reviews)

Enjoy a stop at Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals and acclaimed theater scene.

Ohio Expo Center and State Fair
Drone pic hovering near 11th street entry to the fairgrounds and facing south towards downtown columbus ohio

Ohio State Fairgrounds

4/5(113 reviews)

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

Ohio State Fairgrounds

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
The Broad Street Bridge over the Scioto River in columbus, Ohio

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
Columbus is a City in central Ohio

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
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

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
Schiller Park showing a pond, autumn leaves and a park

German Village

4/5(1 area review)

You'll enjoy the restaurants and churches in German Village. You might want to make time for a stop at Schwartz Castle or Muse Gallery.

German Village
Old residential buildings along brick sidewalks maintain an old world charm in German Village, a uniquely preserved neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio

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

Popular day trips from Columbus

A pair of hungry slugs making a meal out of a cluster of Orange Mycena mushrooms (Mycena leaiana).

Reynoldsburg

Easy hike, beautiful in every season.

Dublin

Shale Hollow Park in Autumn, Lewis Center, Ohio

Delaware

Meadow, Battelle Darby Creek Metropark, Galloway, Ohio

Grove City

35-25-J - Homestead Covered Bridge in Franklin County, Ohio

Hilliard

Confluence Area, Bluebell Trail, Three Creeks Metro Park, Columbus, Ohio

Groveport

A Yellow Swallowtail butterfly resting appropriately enough upon a purple butterfly bush (Buddleia davidii)

Westerville

Historic American Covered Bridge Over a Stream

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.

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