Things to do in Columbus

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Columbus

Types of activities

Where to stay

Columbus Travel Guide

Columbus which includes a pond, a park and a city

Schiller Park showing a pond, autumn leaves and a park

Columbus showing a garden as well as a couple

Columbus which includes a river or creek, night scenes and a bridge

Columbus showing a high rise building, a city and modern architecture

Explore activities
Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
Book with ease
Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
Treat yourself
Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Columbus

Popular places to visit

Ohio State House aerial at sunrise with Huntington Center and Vern Riffe State Office Tower

Ohio State University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area around Ohio State University, a top college in Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

A view of the new pedestrian skywalk connecting the convention center to the new downtown Hilton.

Greater Columbus Convention Center

Learn about the events happening at Greater Columbus Convention Center during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Easton Town Center

During your visit to Columbus, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Easton Town Center. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

Ohio Stadium

Catch an event at Ohio Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene or attend a sporting event.

Historic Crew Stadium

Catch an event at Historic Crew Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

COSI

There’s always more to discover in this innovative science adventure center, complete with giant 3-D digital screen and hundreds of fun-filled activities.

Nationwide Arena

Catch an event at Nationwide Arena during your trip to Columbus. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Ohio Expo Center and State Fair

Enjoy a stop at Ohio Expo Center and State Fair, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and lively festivals.

Drone pic hovering near 11th street entry to the fairgrounds and facing south towards downtown columbus ohio

Ohio State Fairgrounds

Enjoy a stop at Ohio State Fairgrounds, an entertaining place to visit in Columbus. Experience the area's acclaimed theater scene and great live music.

Areas of 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.

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

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.

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.

Mirror Lake at the Ohio State University

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.

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.

Easton

Easton is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and Easton Town Center while you're in town.

Meadow, Battelle Darby Creek Metropark, Galloway, Ohio

Grove City

New Albany

Rural landscape scene in late Spring, Ohio

Plain City

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 Center 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 Center Theatre Complex with a three-day escape to Columbus. On average, most travelers 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 neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.97 kilometers from central Columbus is Downtown Columbus and Uptown District is 0.32 kilometers 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 Center and State Fair or Schottenstein Center.

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 neighborhoods, 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.