Columbus, OH

Travel Guide
Schiller Park showing a pond, a fountain and a park
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 neighborhoods, 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 Center 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 center. 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 center 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 kilometers) 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 showing a bay or harbor and heritage elements

Downtown Columbus

4.5/5(1,219 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and 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
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 Magic Mountain Fun Center while in the area.

Polaris
Wexner Center for the Arts which includes signage and theater scenes

University District

4.5/5(126 area reviews)

Travelers come to University District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Wexner Center for the Arts and Newport Music Hall while you're in town.

University District
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
Santa Maria featuring a garden 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
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area
2.5 out of 5
2447 Brice Rd, Columbus, OH
The price is ¥11,578 per night from Apr 9 to Apr 10
¥11,578
per night
Apr 9 - Apr 10
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (448 reviews)
Overall I would come back definitely! Great price!
"So we came all the way from Kansas. For the price we paid for two nights, was worth every penny and actually you get your monies worth and its pretty cheap price for room you get. The beds and pillows were comfortable, and I love the shower. The rooms were very spacious. It was nice to have a night ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area
Graduate Columbus
Graduate Columbus
4 out of 5
750 North High Street, Columbus, OH
The price is ¥20,723 per night from Apr 11 to Apr 12
¥20,723
per night
Apr 11 - Apr 12
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,029 reviews)
"Such a cute place with really comfy beds, all the amenities, fair prices and welcoming staff. Rooms were cutely OSU themed. Valet pricing was a drag, but it is the city…"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Graduate Columbus
Hilton Columbus Downtown
Hilton Columbus Downtown
4 out of 5
402 North High Street, Columbus, OH
The price is ¥28,281 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
¥28,281
per night
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
If going to a concert nearby use this hotel!!
"I was in the area for a concert at nationwide arena. The hotel was close to the arena within walking distance and made parking and travel to and from a breeze. I would stay there again!! Awesome staff very friendly and when u go use valet parking so worth the $ made it so easy!!"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hilton 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.
Trendy Short North Townhome w/ free parking
Trendy Short North Townhome w/ free parking
Columbus
Stay at this vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy a water park, WiFi, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Jazz Arts Group and Goodale Park are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Weekend stay
"We had a great stay other than the parking we were very happy. We would actually stay again just to do a weekend and shop and eat. Great location!!"

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2024

Trendy Short North Townhome w/ free parking
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 WiFi, a Smart TV, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Olentangy Bike Path and Jazz Arts Group are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Great Value,Great Location Great Host
"Katie was great and the property was too."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

Cute, cozy, crash pad near bike path!! Quiet, convenient, Short North location!
Historic, creative, close to downtown!
Historic, creative, close to downtown!
Columbus
Stay at this vacation home in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Popular attractions COSI and Nationwide Arena are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
Great place to stay in Columbus, OH
"This is a fantastic place to stay. Very eclectic, especially if you love to relax and read interesting themes. Very clean and comfortable with a fascinating décor."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Historic, creative, close to 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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Columbus

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
2074
" "5 - Excellent 39.63309764953182%
4 - Good
2386
" "4 - Good 45.59526084463979%
3 - Okay
670
" "3 - Okay 12.803363271545958%
2 - Disappointing
57
" "2 - Disappointing 1.0892413529524174%
1 - Terrible
46
" "1 - Terrible 0.879036881330021%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 6, 2020

Great

3/5 - Okay

MaLa
Jun 3, 2020

The locals were not friendly. The nail shop on High street near Hyatt Regency Columbus was dope. The culture is healthy eating and exercise city. Bob Thornton and Donato’s was not my favorite. A health conscience city. I really enjoyed the diversity.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 23, 2020

Columbus like many cities in Ohio seems to always be under construction and I usually get spun around on I 71 and I 70 and have to backtrack on detours due to heavy traffic. Very frustrating!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
May 21, 2020

Tornado warning while we were there

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 21, 2020

columbus was fine, i wish our trip could have been pushed later since the state had not completely opened up yet

5/5 - Excellent

Humble
May 18, 2020

I love Columbus and I’m a frequent visitor

Cities near Columbus