What to do in Columbus, OH

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 showing a park as well as a couple
Columbus featuring skyline, night scenes and a river or creek

Columbus Attractions

The state capital of Ohio, Columbus is a city very much on the up. Big things are happening here and there’s an exciting vibe and energy about the place. The famous Museum of Art is growing, having added a new wing recently, and there’s a whole new stretch of riverfront and parkland in the Downtown area. The city is building a real reputation as a gastronomic hub, with creative young chefs delivering incredible dishes using the best local ingredients. The city combines an affordable lifestyle with a blooming creative and arts scene, making it one of the most desirable places to visit in the Midwest.

Areas & Neighbourhoods in Columbus

Downtown - The capitol building, Museum of Art and Arena Grand Theatre are all located in the Downtown area, the beating heart of the city and the place to come for the city’s biggest and best attractions.

Brewery District - Columbus is famed for its beer, much of which was once produced in the historic Brewery District, with a history stretching back 200 years. It’s just south of the city centre and well worth exploring during your stay.

Bexley - Visit the historic Drexel Theatre, the booming Main Street and the arts and shopping destinations scattered through Bexley, one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods.

Clintonville - Originally a separate township and named after US Vice President George Clinton, you can still see the evidence of prestigious summer homes that were built here before it was swallowed up by the city proper.

Things to See in Columbus

Get your arts and cultural fix at the Short North arts district, where you’ll find dozens of art galleries, cafes and shops. It’s one of the Midwest’s major cultural attractions and a great space to see public art. The German Village is an historic neighbourhood just to the south of Downtown. There’s been a huge renovation project here in recent years, with bars, cafes and parks adding to the pleasant atmosphere. If you’re a sports fan, then visit the North Market and Arena District. The major sporting stadiums are all found here, and they also double up as the concert venues when there’s a big show in town.

Things to Do in Columbus

There are lots of festivals held throughout the year in the city. These include the Jazz and Rib Fest in July when nearly half a million people will visit the city. The Arnold Fitness Classic, Asian Festival and Oktoberfest are just a short selection of some of the other events you can experience throughout the year. With some major sports teams like the Blue Jackets in the NHL and Clippers in the MLB, there’s always a game to take in at the arenas, or prop yourself up in a dive bar and watch with the locals. Tour the Brewery District, once home to much of the state’s beer production or visit one of the many museums in the Downtown area to learn more about local and national history.


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What to do in Columbus


Popular places to visit

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

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
Columbus is a City in central Ohio

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
Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

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
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 Shops at Worthington while you're exploring the area.

Worthington
Schiller Park showing a pond, autumn leaves and a park

German Village

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

 

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Day trip destinations from Columbus

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 Centre 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 Centre Theatre Complex with a three-day escape to Columbus. On average, most travellers 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 neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.97 kms (0.60 miles) from central Columbus is Downtown Columbus and Uptown District is 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) 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 Centre and State Fair or Schottenstein Centre.
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 neighbourhoods, 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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