Columbus Travel Guide

What are the best things to do in Columbus, Ohio?

Columbus offers a mix of museums, historic neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, sports, and family-friendly attractions. As Ohio’s capital and largest city, Columbus combines big-city amenities with walkable districts and abundant green space. Popular places to visit include the Scioto Mile, German Village, Short North Arts District, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, COSI, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or considering a longer stay, Columbus offers plenty of ways to explore the city.

Columbus at a Glance

• Location: Central Ohio
• Known for: Ohio State University, German Village, Short North Arts District, museums, parks, sports, and food
• Best for: Families, couples, food lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture seekers
• Popular outdoor area: Scioto Mile and the Scioto River waterfront
• Popular cultural attractions: Columbus Museum of Art, COSI, and Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• Family favorites: COSI and Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• Sports: Columbus Crew soccer and Columbus Blue Jackets hockey

Explore Downtown Columbus

Downtown Columbus combines city attractions, public spaces, restaurants, and entertainment with easy access to the Scioto River.

One of the best places to start is the Scioto Mile, a collection of parks and paths stretching along the riverfront. The area is popular for walking, biking, skyline views, public art, fountains, and seasonal events.

For art lovers, the Columbus Museum of Art features collections spanning classic and modern works. After exploring the museum and riverfront, head into nearby neighborhoods for coffee, shopping, restaurants, and nightlife.

Visit Historic German Village

German Village is one of Columbus’ most distinctive neighborhoods. Located just south of downtown, the historic district is known for brick streets and sidewalks, restored homes, independent shops, restaurants, pubs, and local businesses.

Take a leisurely walk through the neighborhood, explore its small parks, or stop at a local bakery or restaurant. German Village is especially appealing to visitors who want to experience a more historic and residential side of Columbus.

See the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens combines indoor plant collections, art installations, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Its conservatory makes it possible to enjoy tropical plants and other horticultural displays regardless of the weather.

Seasonal exhibits and special programming add variety throughout the year, making the conservatory a good choice for families, couples, and anyone interested in plants and design.

Spend Time in Columbus Parks

Columbus has plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city.

Goodale Park, near the Short North, is a convenient spot for a picnic, walk, or relaxing break. Along the river, the Scioto Mile provides paths and open spaces with views of downtown.

Depending on the season, Columbus parks and public spaces may also host concerts, festivals, art events, and fitness activities.

Experience Columbus’ Food and Nightlife

Columbus has a diverse dining scene that ranges from casual neighborhood restaurants to upscale dining and international cuisine.

The Short North Arts District is one of the city’s best-known destinations for restaurants, bars, galleries, shops, and nightlife. Downtown and German Village also offer a variety of places to eat and spend an evening.

For something uniquely local, try Columbus-style pizza, which is typically characterized by a thin crust, toppings that extend toward the edge, and square-cut pieces. While opinions vary on what makes the style distinctive, it’s a fun regional specialty to try while visiting.

After dinner, Columbus offers breweries, cocktail bars, live music venues, and other entertainment options.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Columbus

Traveling with children? Columbus has several attractions designed to make learning and exploration entertaining.

COSI

The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is a hands-on science museum featuring interactive exhibits and educational experiences. Its activities make it a popular option for families looking for an indoor attraction.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is home to animals from around the world and features expansive habitats, exhibits, and family activities. Plan to spend several hours exploring, especially if you want to see multiple areas of the zoo.

Columbus Sports

Sports are a major part of the Columbus experience. Soccer fans can catch a Columbus Crew match, while hockey fans can see the Columbus Blue Jackets in action. The city is also home to Ohio State University, making college sports another important part of the local culture.

Columbus Travel Guide: Which Area Should You Visit?

Why Visit Columbus, Ohio?

Columbus is a good destination for travelers who want a combination of culture, history, outdoor recreation, food, and family attractions without the scale of a larger metropolitan destination.

Key takeaways

• Explore the Scioto Mile for riverfront walks, parks, and downtown views.
• Visit German Village for historic architecture, restaurants, and local shops.
• Spend time at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens for plants, gardens, and seasonal exhibits.
• Head to the Short North Arts District for restaurants, galleries, shopping, and nightlife.
• Visit COSI for interactive science experiences.
• Allow plenty of time for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium if you’re traveling with children.
• Try Columbus-style pizza for a regional food experience.
• Catch a Columbus Crew soccer match or Columbus Blue Jackets hockey game if your trip coincides with the season.

FAQs

What is Columbus, Ohio, best known for?

Columbus is best known as Ohio’s state capital and for attractions such as Ohio State University, German Village, the Short North Arts District, COSI, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and its growing food and arts scenes.

Is Columbus, Ohio, worth visiting?

Yes. Columbus offers museums, historic neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, nightlife, family attractions, and professional sports, making it a versatile destination for a weekend trip or longer stay.

What are the best free things to do in Columbus?

Walking through German Village, exploring many public parks, and strolling along portions of the Scioto Mile can be budget-friendly ways to experience Columbus. Check individual attractions and events for current admission and parking fees.

What is the best neighborhood to visit in Columbus?

It depends on your interests. German Village is a great choice for history and architecture, while the Short North is popular for dining, shopping, galleries, and nightlife. Downtown is convenient for major attractions and riverfront activities.

Is Columbus family-friendly?

Yes. COSI, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, parks, gardens, and interactive attractions give families plenty of options for entertainment and education.

What food is Columbus known for?

Columbus-style pizza is one of the city’s regional specialties. The thin-crust pizza is commonly served with edge-to-edge toppings and cut into small squares.

What outdoor activities can you do in Columbus?

Visitors can walk or bike along the Scioto Mile, explore city parks, enjoy gardens and green spaces, and participate in seasonal outdoor events.

Plan Your Columbus Visit

From riverfront walks and historic neighborhoods to museums, gardens, sports, and local restaurants, Columbus makes it easy to build an itinerary around your interests. Its combination of urban attractions and accessible green spaces makes it a destination worth exploring throughout the year.

If your Columbus visit turns into a move, Public Storage can also help make the transition easier by giving you a place to keep belongings organized while you settle into your new home.