Columbus Travel Guide

Explore the best of Columbus, Ohio with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, restaurants, accommodations, and insider tips.


Introduction to Columbus

Located in the heart of Ohio, Columbus is a vibrant city that boasts a rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes, and a thriving arts and dining scene. The city is a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers, and it offers a range of activities and attractions to suit every interest and budget.

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an outdoor adventure seeker, Columbus has something to offer you. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top places to visit, things to do, and places to eat in Columbus to help you plan the perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in Columbus

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Columbus has a rich history and is home to several museums and historical sites that provide a glimpse into the region’s past. The following are a few must-visit cultural attractions in Columbus:

  • Ohio Statehouse: Built in 1861, the Ohio Statehouse is a stunning architectural masterpiece that serves as the state’s legislative body. Tours are available, and visitors can explore the building’s beautiful rotunda, library, and senate and house chambers.
  • Columbus Museum of Art: Featuring an impressive collection of contemporary and traditional artwork, the Columbus Museum of Art is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
  • National Veterans Memorial and Museum: This new museum honors the contributions and sacrifices of American veterans. The exhibits highlight the personal stories of veterans from all branches of the military and from different conflicts.

Natural Attractions of Columbus: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Columbus has plenty of outdoor activities to offer, with numerous parks and trail systems for hiking, biking, and more. Be sure to check out the following natural attractions on your trip:

  • Scioto Mile: A vibrant urban park that runs along the Scioto River, the Scioto Mile features walking and cycling paths, fountains, and public art installations. It’s a great spot for a picnic or evening stroll.
  • Hocking Hills State Park: A 60-minute drive from Columbus, Hocking Hills State Park is a stunning natural area that’s perfect for hiking, camping, and outdoor recreation. The park is home to waterfalls, stunning rock formations, and a variety of wildlife.
  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Home to a vast collection of plants from around the world, as well as stunning gardens and exhibits, the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a must-see for nature lovers.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Columbus

Columbus is home to several beautiful trail systems that are perfect for hiking and biking. Some of the top routes to check out include:

  • Olentangy Trail: This 18-mile paved trail runs along the Olentangy River and connects several parks and neighborhoods throughout Columbus.
  • Alum Creek Trail: A 22-mile trail that follows the picturesque Alum Creek and features scenic views and opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing.
  • Scioto Greenways: This network of trail systems connects a variety of urban parks and green spaces throughout downtown Columbus and offers stunning views of the city’s skyline.

Best Things to Do in Columbus: Activities and Tours

Columbus offers a range of activities and tours that are perfect for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the top things to do in Columbus include:

  • Columbus Food Tour: This guided tour takes visitors to several popular restaurants and cafes throughout Columbus, where they can sample some of the city’s best cuisine and learn about the local food scene.
  • Ohio State University Tour: Take a tour of Ohio State University and learn about the school’s storied history, unique traditions, and impressive academics and athletics programs.
  • Columbus Brewery Tour: Beer enthusiasts will love this tour, which takes visitors to several of the city’s top breweries and brewpubs for samples and insights into the brewing process.

Week-Long Itinerary for Columbus

To help you make the most of your time in Columbus, here’s a suggested week-long itinerary:

  • Day 1: Explore downtown Columbus, including the Ohio Statehouse and the Columbus Museum of Art.
  • Day 2: Take a guided tour of Ohio State University and explore campus.
  • Day 3: Visit the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and enjoy a picnic in nearby Franklin Park.
  • Day 4: Spend the day hiking or biking one of Columbus’s top trail systems.
  • Day 5: Visit the National Veterans Memorial and Museum and other historical sites in the area.
  • Day 6: Take a food tour of Columbus and sample some of the city’s best cuisine.
  • Day 7: Relax and enjoy the Scioto Mile, or take in a show or concert at one of Columbus’s many theaters and performance venues.

Food and Drink Scene of Columbus

Columbus has a thriving food and drink scene that features a range of local and international cuisine. Some must-try dishes and beverages include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Buckeye Candy: A sweet and creamy confection made from peanut butter and chocolate.
  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: This local ice cream shop is famous for its creative and delicious flavors, like Sweet Potato with Torched Marshmallows and Brambleberry Crisp.
  • Thurman Burger: A Columbus classic, the Thurman Burger is a massive burger piled high with toppings like cheese, bacon, mushrooms, and more.

Local Beverages

  • Barrel-aged Spirits: Columbus is home to several distilleries that specialize in barrel-aged spirits like whiskey and bourbon.
  • Local Microbrews: Columbus has a thriving craft beer scene, with several breweries and brewpubs serving up unique and delicious brews.

Where to Stay in Columbus: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Columbus offers plenty of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Some of the top places to stay in Columbus include:

  • Le Meridien Columbus, The Joseph: This luxurious hotel features beautifully appointed rooms, a rooftop lounge, and a prime location in downtown Columbus.
  • The Wayfaring Buckeye Hostel: A cozy and affordable hostel that’s perfect for budget-conscious travelers.
  • German Village Guesthouse: Located in one of Columbus’s historic neighborhoods, this charming guesthouse features beautifully appointed rooms and easy access to the city’s top attractions.

What to Buy in Columbus: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Columbus has plenty of unique souvenirs and local products that make great gifts or keepsakes. A few top items to consider include:

  • Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Bring home a pint (or two) of Jeni’s famous ice cream to enjoy long after your Columbus trip has ended.
  • Honey from The Honey House: This local honey shop sells a variety of honey and honey-based products, like beeswax candles and lip balm.
  • Columbus-themed T-Shirts and Apparel: Several local shops and online retailers sell Columbus-themed clothing and accessories, like “614” T-shirts and hats.

Local Culture and Customs of Columbus

Columbus is a welcoming and friendly city, with a laid-back culture and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors to Columbus should be prepared for warm weather in the summer months and chilly temperatures in the winter.

Best Time to Visit Columbus

The best time to visit Columbus is during the summer months when the weather is warm and outdoor activities and events are plentiful. However, spring and fall are also great times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Columbus

Do:

  • Explore the city’s world-class museums and historical sites.
  • Sample the local cuisine and craft beer scene.
  • Take advantage of Columbus’s many outdoor activities and green spaces.

Don’t:

  • Neglect to dress in layers during the winter months.
  • Miss out on the opportunity to explore nearby attractions like Hocking Hills State Park.

Safety and Health

Safety in Columbus

Columbus is a safe city for travelers, with low rates of violent crime and property crime. However, visitors should still take normal precautions to ensure their safety, like staying in well-lit areas at night and keeping valuables secure.

Health in Columbus

Columbus has several top-rated hospitals and medical facilities. Visitors should ensure they have adequate health insurance coverage before traveling to the city.

Getting to Columbus: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Columbus

The John Glenn Columbus International Airport is located just 10 minutes from downtown Columbus and offers a range of flights from major national and international carriers.

Bus Stations Near Columbus

The Greyhound Bus Station and the Megabus Station are both located in downtown Columbus and offer daily bus service to cities throughout the region.

Other Options

Amtrak does not run trains to Columbus, but there are several other transportation options available, including rental cars and taxis.

How to Get Around in Columbus

Columbus has several transportation options for getting around the city, including a bus system, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and bike rentals.

Where to Go Next from Columbus: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Columbus is conveniently located near several popular destinations and attractions, making it a great home base for day trips and excursions. Some nearby destinations to consider include:

  • Hocking Hills State Park: This stunning natural area is home to waterfalls, rock formations, and several hiking trails, and is just a 60-minute drive from Columbus.
  • Cincinnati: This larger city is located about two hours south of Columbus and is home to several museums, parks, and attractions.
  • Cleveland: Located about two hours north of Columbus, Cleveland is a bustling metropolis that’s packed with things to do and see, including the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and several museums and galleries.

Conclusion

Columbus is a vibrant and welcoming city that offers a range of activities and attractions to travelers. Whether you’re interested in history, outdoor recreation, food and drink, or something else entirely, you’re sure to find something to love about this beautiful city. Use this guide to plan your next trip to Columbus and make the most of your time in this fascinating destination.

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