bigtravelbuzzColumbus is the capital city of Ohio, located in the central part of the state. It’s a vibrant and growing city, known for its diverse culture, thriving arts scene, and excellent food and drink.
Here are some of the top things to do in Columbus:
Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – This world-renowned zoo is home to over 10,000 animals from around the world. It’s a great attraction for families and animal lovers.
Explore the Short North Arts District – This trendy neighborhood is home to galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to wander and explore.
Tour the Ohio Statehouse – This historic building is the seat of Ohio’s government and is open for tours. It’s a great way to learn about Ohio’s history and politics.
Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – This 88-acre park features a range of gardens, including a tropical rainforest, desert garden, and butterfly exhibit.
Attend a Columbus Crew soccer game – Columbus is home to a Major League Soccer team, the Columbus Crew. Attending a game is a fun way to experience the city’s sports culture.
Check out the food and drink scene – Columbus has a growing food and drink scene, with a range of craft breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants serving up delicious fare.
Overall, Columbus is a great destination for anyone looking for a mix of culture, history, and fun.
Places to Visit in Columbus
Columbus, the capital city of Ohio, has a lot to offer visitors. Here are some of the top places to visit in Columbus:
German Village – This historic neighborhood is known for its charming brick homes, cobblestone streets, and European-style restaurants and shops.
Scioto Mile – This 175-acre park in downtown Columbus features a 15,000-square-foot fountain, a promenade, and a bike path along the Scioto River.
Ohio Statehouse – This historic building is the seat of Ohio’s government and is open for tours. It features a mix of architectural styles and a stunning rotunda.
Columbus Museum of Art – This museum features a collection of American and European art, including works by Picasso, Monet, and Matisse.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – This 88-acre park features a range of gardens, including a tropical rainforest, desert garden, and butterfly exhibit.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – This world-renowned zoo is home to over 10,000 animals from around the world. It’s a great attraction for families and animal lovers.
North Market – This indoor market features over 30 vendors selling a range of local and international foods and goods.
Ohio Theatre – This historic theatre is a stunning example of Baroque architecture and hosts a range of concerts and performances throughout the year.
These are just a few of the many places to visit in Columbus. Be sure to explore the city’s many neighborhoods, parks, and attractions to discover all that it has to offer.
Best Time To Visit Columbus
The best time to visit Columbus depends on what you want to do and see while you’re there. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during different seasons:
Spring (March-May): Spring in Columbus is mild, with temperatures averaging in the 50s and 60s (Fahrenheit). This is a great time to visit if you want to see the city’s parks and gardens in bloom, including the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
Summer (June-August): Summers in Columbus are hot and humid, with temperatures frequently reaching the 80s and 90s. This is a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and attending festivals and events.
Fall (September-November): Fall in Columbus is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from the 50s to the 70s. This is a great time to explore the city’s parks and outdoor attractions, such as the Scioto Mile and German Village.
Winter (December-February): Winters in Columbus are cold and snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. This is a great time to visit if you enjoy winter sports, such as ice skating and skiing, or attending holiday events, such as the Columbus Zoo’s Wildlights.
Overall, the best time to visit Columbus is during the spring and fall when temperatures are mild, and the city’s outdoor attractions are in full bloom. However, if you’re looking for summer activities or winter sports, those seasons can also be a great time to visit.
How to get around in Columbus
There are several options for getting around in Columbus, Ohio:
Public Transportation – The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) operates a bus system throughout the city. They offer single-ride tickets, day passes, and monthly passes, making it easy to get around without a car.
Ride-Sharing Services – Popular ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Columbus, making it easy to get a ride at any time of day or night.
Biking – Columbus has a growing network of bike lanes and trails, making it easy to get around by bike. There are several bike rental options throughout the city, including CoGo Bike Share.
Walking – Many of Columbus’s neighborhoods are walkable, making it easy to explore the city on foot. Downtown Columbus, in particular, has a pedestrian-friendly layout.
Car Rental – If you prefer to have your own transportation, car rental options are available throughout the city.
Overall, Columbus is a relatively easy city to navigate, with many transportation options available to visitors. Depending on your preferences and itinerary, you may choose to use a combination of these methods to get around during your stay.
Where to eat in Columbus
Columbus, Ohio is known for its vibrant food scene, with a variety of restaurants and cuisines to choose from. Here are some top recommendations for where to eat in Columbus:
North Market – This indoor market features over 30 vendors selling a range of local and international foods, including tacos, pizza, sushi, and more.
Thurman Cafe – This classic burger joint has been serving up huge, juicy burgers for over 70 years. It’s a must-visit for burger lovers.
Schmidt’s Sausage Haus – This German restaurant is a Columbus institution, serving up traditional dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel, and cream puffs.
The Pearl – This upscale tavern offers a range of comfort food favorites, including mac and cheese, fried chicken, and pot roast.
Los Guachos – This authentic taqueria serves up some of the best tacos in Columbus, along with other Mexican specialties like tortas and elote.
Katalina’s – This charming cafe is known for its signature dish, the “Original Pancake Balls,” which are filled with Nutella or dulce de leche.
Service Bar – This cozy spot serves up elevated comfort food and creative cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere.
Basi Italia – This Italian restaurant in the Victorian Village neighborhood offers a range of fresh pasta dishes, along with an extensive wine list.
These are just a few of the many great places to eat in Columbus. Be sure to explore the city’s many neighborhoods and food options to discover all that it has to offer.
Famous street stalls in Columbus
Columbus, Ohio is not particularly known for its street food scene, but there are still some great food trucks and street vendors that you can find throughout the city. Here are some famous street stalls in Columbus to check out:
Ajumama – This food truck serves up Korean street food, including bibimbap and Korean fried chicken.
Hot Chicken Takeover – This popular food truck and restaurant specializes in Nashville-style hot chicken, with several levels of heat to choose from.
Hai Poké – This food truck offers Hawaiian-style poke bowls, with fresh fish and a variety of toppings.
Ray Ray’s Hog Pit – This barbecue food truck is known for its slow-smoked meats, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs.
Mojo TaGo – This food truck serves up a fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisine, with dishes like Korean BBQ tacos and banh mi sandwiches.
The Cheesy Truck – This food truck specializes in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, with a variety of cheeses and toppings to choose from.
Tortilla Street Food – This food truck offers Mexican-style street food, including tacos, burritos, and elote.
These are just a few of the many great street stalls and food trucks in Columbus. Be sure to explore the city to discover all of its hidden culinary gems.
Where to stay in Columbus
Luxury accommodation
Columbus, Ohio offers several luxurious accommodations for visitors looking to indulge in a bit of comfort and style during their stay. Here are some top recommendations for luxury accommodations in Columbus:
Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection – This historic hotel offers a unique Art Deco-inspired design, with elegant rooms and suites featuring luxurious amenities like rainfall showers and plush bedding.
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel – This modern hotel features contemporary artwork and design throughout, with spacious rooms and suites offering stunning views of downtown Columbus.
Hilton Columbus Downtown – This centrally-located hotel offers spacious, modern rooms and suites, along with an indoor pool, fitness center, and upscale restaurant.
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel – This stylish hotel offers chic, modern rooms and suites, along with an on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, and rooftop terrace.
The Westin Columbus – This elegant hotel is housed in a historic building and offers spacious rooms and suites, along with a fitness center, on-site restaurant, and easy access to Columbus’s downtown attractions.
These are just a few of the many luxurious accommodations available in Columbus. No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a comfortable and memorable stay in this vibrant city.
Where to stay in Columbus
Budget accommodation
Columbus, Ohio has several budget-friendly accommodation options for visitors looking to save money on their stay. Here are some top recommendations for budget accommodations in Columbus:
The Wayfaring Buckeye Hostel – This hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms at an affordable price, with a shared kitchen, lounge, and outdoor patio.
Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Convention Center – This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites at an affordable price, along with free breakfast and evening snacks and drinks.
Motel 6 Columbus – This budget-friendly motel offers simple, no-frills accommodations at a low price, with free parking and easy access to Columbus’s downtown attractions.
Red Roof Inn Columbus – Ohio State Fairgrounds – This budget-friendly hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms at an affordable price, with easy access to the Ohio State Fairgrounds and other nearby attractions.
Holiday Inn Express Columbus – This budget-friendly hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms and suites at a reasonable price, along with a complimentary breakfast and easy access to Columbus’s downtown attractions.
These are just a few of the many budget-friendly accommodations available in Columbus. No matter which one you choose, you’re sure to find a comfortable and affordable place to stay in this vibrant city.
Travel Tips Columbus
If you’re planning a trip to Columbus, Ohio, here are some travel tips to help make your visit more enjoyable:
Visit the Short North Arts District – This vibrant neighborhood is home to art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and nightlife, making it a great place to explore during your visit.
Check out the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium – This popular attraction is home to a wide variety of animals and marine life, and is a great place to take the whole family.
Take a walk in the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens – This beautiful park features a variety of plant life and seasonal displays, along with a butterfly exhibit and glasshouse.
Explore the Ohio State University campus – This large and beautiful campus is home to several museums, art galleries, and sporting events, and is worth a visit for its architecture and history.
Try the local cuisine – Columbus is known for its diverse culinary scene, with a variety of ethnic restaurants and local specialties like the Columbus-style pizza.
Rent a bike and explore the city – Columbus has several bike-friendly trails and paths, making it a great way to see the city and get some exercise.
Visit the German Village – This historic neighborhood features beautiful brick streets and charming homes, along with a variety of restaurants and shops.
By following these travel tips, you can make the most out of your visit to Columbus and experience all that this vibrant city has to offer.