Title: Columbia Travel Guide: Best of Columbia, Missouri Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Columbia](https://expedia.co.uk/Columbia-Hotels.d901.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Columbia](https://expedia.co.uk/Columbia-Holiday-Rentals.d901.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Columbia](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Columbia.d901.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Columbia Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Columbia.d901.Car-Hire-Guide)[Columbia Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Columbia.d901.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Columbia Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Missouri State Capitol which includes an administrative building, a fountain and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6092643/f7036169-7e6d-403b-b3a3-fac711433497.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Missouri State Capitol which includes an administrative building, a fountain and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6092643/f7036169-7e6d-403b-b3a3-fac711433497.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Columbia](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/901/a77fb54f-365b-4cb3-af50-283b4309469b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Jefferson City showing heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/8072/4428b807-6fe3-4f70-8aed-1cd8b6cd2fa6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![University of Missouri which includes a garden, heritage architecture and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6093455/cfd3c54b-4b43-480e-86b5-da422fa80146.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Columbia Where to stay Things to do #### Encounter sinkholes and caves in the city’s outskirts and see the majestic buildings of the magnificent Red Campus in the historic university. Columbia is a lively town known for its university. It is considered one of the main college towns in the U.S. and has plenty of cultural events and activities year-round. Explore the two complementary parts of the diverse campus and head into the countryside for scenic state parks. The main attraction in Columbia is the University of Missouri, an impressive campus divided into two parts. Admire the historic brick structures that adorn the Red Campus, whose core is marked by the six columns of the Francis Quadrangle. Gaze up at the tall dome of the imposing 19th-century Jesse Hall. The other half of the college is the White Campus, which contains a range of neo-Gothic buildings, including the Memorial Union. Wander through the pleasant park areas of the university this campus doubles as a botanical garden. Enter the old schoolroom in the Shelter Gardens, where a stream flows beside eclectic floral displays. Use your senses of smell and touch in its sensory garden. Get around the downtown area by bus and take photos of the intriguing design of the Daniel Boone Regional Library. Attend one of Columbia’s many events, such as the True/False Film Festival in March and the Columbia Heritage Festival in September. Anticipate fairly wet and hot summers, when lightning storms provide exciting shows in the sky. Snow covers the charming university campus in winter. For a change of scenery, explore the pockmarked terrain of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park in the city’s southern outskirts. Delve into the Devil’s Icebox, a vast cave network through which a constant gush of cool air flows. The city is in the centre of Missouri, just north of the state capital, Jefferson City. It is between the very large cities of St. Louis and Kansas City. Fly into the Columbia Regional Airport. Drive north for 13 miles (21 kilometres) to get here in about 20 minutes. Columbia is a college town with fun events and picturesque parks. ### Where to stay in Columbia ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### North Central Columbia North Central Columbia might not have many top sights, but The District Downtown Columbia and Daniel Boone Regional Library are two attractions nearby that you can check out. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Columbia-North-Central-Columbia.dx553248635976471662) ![Default Image](https://images.trvl-media.com/media/content/expus/graphics/deals/TE_Clouds_card_r1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=350&h=192&q=medium) ### Thornbrook When in Thornbrook, you can plan a visit to Shelter Gardens and Mizzou Arena, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Columbia-Thornbrook.dx553248635976476810) - Top hotels in Columbia - Top Holiday Rentals in Columbia ![Stoney Creek Hotel Columbia](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1060000/1052400/1052330/5398551a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Stoney Creek Hotel Columbia 2601 S Providence Rd Columbia MO Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (1,376 reviews) Very nice room away from other guests. It is quiet and cozy! Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026 [Get rates](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F02%2F2026&endDate=12%2F02%2F2026&selected=1052330&PinnedHotelID=1052330&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=901) [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=11%2F02%2F2026&endDate=12%2F02%2F2026&selected=1052330&PinnedHotelID=1052330&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=901) ![Drury Plaza Hotel Columbia East](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/22000000/21390000/21389900/21389857/3abac008_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Drury Plaza Hotel Columbia East 3100 Interstate 70 Dr. SE Columbia MO £80 8 Feb - 9 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,356 reviews) Quick, friendly and seamless Reviewed on 25 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=08%2F02%2F2026&endDate=09%2F02%2F2026&selected=21389857&PinnedHotelID=21389857&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=901) ![Baymont by Wyndham Columbia, MO](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/50000/40200/40115/08435bc3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Baymont by Wyndham Columbia, MO 2500 I 70 Dr Sw Columbia MO £52 4 Feb - 5 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbia. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. Popular ... 8.2/10 Very Good! (655 reviews) Nice breakfast but no tea bags available. Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=04%2F02%2F2026&endDate=05%2F02%2F2026&selected=40115&PinnedHotelID=40115&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=901) [See all 1,281 properties in Columbia](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=29%2F01%2F2026&endDate=30%2F01%2F2026®ionId=901) 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. ![3BR/1.5BA Cozy, Affordable Retreat in Columbia, 10-min from Mizzou](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111600000/111597400/111597334/2b77b2e0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### 3BR/1.5BA Cozy, Affordable Retreat in Columbia, 10-min from Mizzou Columbia MO Stay at this holiday home in Columbia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Stephens Lake Park and AMF Town Country Lanes are ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews) Such a lovely small home to stay at while staying in Columbia. Clean, fully stocked, easy rules to follow, very comfy beds, nice hot shower, handicap accessible walkway to the house. The TV was easy to navigate. I would definitely stay here again. Thank you for a great experience while my friend ... Reviewed on 21 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Columbia-Hotels-3BR15BA-Cozy-Retreat-In-Columbia.h111597334.Hotel-Information) ![Spacious & Cozy near Downtown ~ HotTub ~ Game Room ](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/97000000/96060000/96050300/96050265/b9c2faef_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Spacious & Cozy near Downtown \~ HotTub \~ Game Room Columbia MO Stay at this holiday home in Columbia. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffee maker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Shelter Gardens and Daniel ... 10/10 Exceptional! (56 reviews) We had a fantastic stay at this house for my daughter's December graduation. The house was quaint but has plenty of room for multiple family members to stay together. It was a short stay so we didn't get a chance to use all of the amenities but the hosts have definitely taken time to make the place ... Reviewed on 1 Jan 2026 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Columbia-Hotels-Spacious-Cozy-Near-Downtown-HotTub-Game-Room.h96050265.Hotel-Information) ![Luxury Modern Downtown Columbia Lofts. 2 Beds, 2 Baths](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/28000000/27120000/27118700/27118654/92753e77_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Luxury Modern Downtown Columbia Lofts. 2 Beds, 2 Baths Columbia MO Stay at this apartment in Columbia. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Ragtag Cinema and Columbia Art League ... 9.8/10 Exceptional! (114 reviews) Great location with excellent amenities and a stunning view close to downtown and everything you need. Reviewed on 25 Dec 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Columbia-Hotels-Luxury-Modern-Downtown-Columbia-Lofts-2-Beds.h27118654.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Columbia](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=901&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) 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. ## Check Columbia hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=901&startDate=2026-01-28&endDate=2026-01-29)[28 Jan - 29 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=901&startDate=2026-01-28&endDate=2026-01-29) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=901&startDate=2026-01-29&endDate=2026-01-30)[29 Jan - 30 Jan](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=901&startDate=2026-01-29&endDate=2026-01-30) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=901&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026)[30 Jan - 1 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=901&startDate=30%2F01%2F2026&endDate=01%2F02%2F2026) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=901&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)[6 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=901&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![University of Missouri which includes heritage architecture, a garden and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6093455/6cff96be-1e29-4df3-85b4-5c4b939de401.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### University of Missouri Take a tour of the stunning botanical gardens interspersed with the eclectic range of neo-Gothic and redbrick structures in this historic university. [](https://expedia.co.uk/University-Of-Missouri-Columbia.d6093455.Attraction) ![Columbia, Missouri, USA downtown city skyline](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6168175/92031a32-e71d-4ee0-a831-d7e0fd63d847.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Columbia College Enjoy the student vibe when you visit Columbia College during your trip to Columbia. While you're here, you can savour the lively bars. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Columbia-College-North-Central-Columbia.d6168175.Attraction) ![Rock Bridge Memorial State Park featuring a river or creek and forest scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6351945/1418c8dd-6c22-42aa-a228-b3ec6e26395c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Delve into the cool cave, meander through dense forests and climb to the peaks for panoramic views over scenic valleys. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Rock-Bridge-Memorial-State-Park-Columbia.d6351945.Attraction) ![Shelter Gardens which includes a waterfall and a pond](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248621561876602/28842c44-19aa-47ee-a02b-7111478f7221.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Shelter Gardens Bring a chair for a summer recital, walk beside the stream and sit at the desk of an old schoolroom in this intriguing park. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Shelter-Gardens-Columbia.d553248621561876602.Attraction) ![Columbia featuring outdoor art](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635919227137/20255657-18f6-425e-99d0-2f702c772c27.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Daniel Boone Regional Library Get to the heart of the community through the book sales and clubs in this central library. Enjoy a cup of coffee as you read. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Daniel-Boone-Regional-Library-Columbia.d553248635919227137.Attraction) #### Mizzou Arena Catch an event at Mizzou Arena during your trip to Columbia. You can attend a sporting event while in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Mizzou-Arena-Columbia.d6093461.Attraction) ## Cities near Columbia ![Lonely male figure at the old boat ramp on Missouri River at Taylor's Landing near Rocheport, MO, fall colors scenery with the bridge view](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6052571/4a9d625d-bb4f-4551-81a5-63d66f922088.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Rocheport ### Other places like Columbia - Cities near Columbia - Places of interest [Rocheport](https://expedia.co.uk/Rocheport.dx6052571) - [Women's and Children's Hospital ](https://expedia.co.uk/Womens-And-Childrens-Hospital-Columbia.d553248635974865886.Attraction) - [Rock Bridge Memorial State Park ](https://expedia.co.uk/Rock-Bridge-Memorial-State-Park-Columbia.d6351945.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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