What to do in Columbus, OH

Activities, attractions and tours
Schiller Park which includes autumn colours, a pond and a park

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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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
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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 Magic Mountain Fun Center while you're in town.

Polaris
Wexner Center for the Arts showing signage and theatre scenes

University District

4/5(1 area review)

University District is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wexner Center for the Arts and Newport Music Hall while you're in town.

University District
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Easton

5/5(1 area review)

Travellers come to Easton for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Easton Town Center and LEGOLAND® Discovery Center while you're in town.

Easton
Santa Maria featuring a park 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

Day trip destinations from Columbus