Columbus

Travel Guide

Columbus
Columbus
Columbus showing a garden as well as a couple
Columbus which includes a river or creek, night scenes and a bridge
Photo provided by Greater Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau

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 featuring a bay or harbor and heritage elements

Downtown Columbus

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
Default Image

Polaris

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
Santa Maria showing a park and signage

Worthington

Unique features of Worthington include the restaurants and shopping. Make a stop by The Shops at Worthington or McConnell Arts Center while you're exploring the area.

Worthington
Default Image

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
Default Image

Easton

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
Wexner Center for the Arts showing signage and theater scenes

University District

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
Hyatt Regency Columbus

Hyatt Regency Columbus

3.5 out of 5
350 N High St, Columbus, OH
The price is P8,957 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P8,957
P10,570 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

Hyatt Regency Columbus
Wyndham Columbus

Wyndham Columbus

4 out of 5
175 Hutchinson Ave, Columbus, OH
The price is P4,607 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P4,607
P5,436 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
6.8/10 (1,454 reviews)
Our stay at the Wyndham
"Great location, quiet, quick check in, friendly staff, clean and comfortable room. I'd recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Wyndham Columbus
Sonesta Columbus Downtown

Sonesta Columbus Downtown

4 out of 5
33 E Nationwide Blvd, Columbus, OH
The price is P6,072 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,072
P8,538 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the restaurant ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,409 reviews)
"Friendly, helpful staff. Clean, quiet room. Convenient location to many restaurants and event spaces."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Sonesta 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.
The Standard Downtown Columbus

The Standard Downtown Columbus

2.5 out of 5
174 W Long St, Columbus, OH
Stay at this aparthotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nationwide Arena and COSI are located ...
7.6/10 Good! (21 reviews)
"I had to call for a code to get the key. It was not automatically emailed to me as promised. Hairs on the bed. If you are a light sleeper it was loud there at night. Fortunately, I am a heavy sleeper. Only one ac unit worked, but did keep the place cool enough. All in all an average stay"

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2025

The Standard Downtown Columbus
Town St Medical Lofts

Town St Medical Lofts

2.5 out of 5
250 E Town St, Columbus, OH
Stay at this aparthotel in Columbus. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions COSI and Nationwide Arena are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (18 reviews)
"Very nice overall! Everything was A1 from start to finish. Only thing—there was a machine clicking sound all day, and I couldn’t figure out where it was coming from. Other than that, great experience!"

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

Town St Medical Lofts
Downtown Short North Free Parking Convention Ctr

Downtown Short North Free Parking Convention Ctr

2 out of 5
Columbus
Stay at this aparthotel in Columbus. Enjoy bathrobes. Popular attractions Nationwide Arena and COSI are located nearby.
Downtown Short North Free Parking Convention Ctr
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

Things to do