Why Go to Columbus, OH
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Columbus is one of the Midwest's pleasant surprises. Ohio's capital is affordable, friendly and full of culture, with new parks, growing museums, a lively food scene and plenty of things to do for every kind of traveler.
Art lovers can explore the Columbus Museum of Art, and foodies will love grazing through the North Market and the city's diverse restaurants. Sports fans can catch a minor league baseball game at Huntington Park or join more than 100,000 fans cheering on the Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Each summer, hundreds of thousands of people head to the Ohio State Fair for concerts, rides and fair food, and families love the excellent Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Columbus is also a college town, home to Ohio State University and its massive campus north of downtown, with plenty of casual spots nearby. For something more polished, head to Easton Town Center or wander the brick streets of German Village, a reminder of the German immigrants who helped settle the city in the 1800s. I'll plan a weekend around a game day, the fair or the city's food and arts scene.
BEST FOR
Families, foodies, art lovers and city-break travelers
BEST MONTHS
April–June and September–October
EXPLORE
The Short North has galleries and restaurants; German Village has brick streets; downtown includes Scioto Mile parks; the University District lies north of center.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Columbus, OH
North America › Midwest › USA › Ohio
Creative neighborhoods, riverside parks and engaging museums
University
Art
Shopping
Parks
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Group downtown riverfront sights together, then visit the conservatory or zoo on a separate excursion.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Check rotating exhibits and seasonal garden hours.
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Explore indoor plant collections, art installations and outdoor gardens east of downtown.
Reserve timed programs or special exhibitions when offered.
COSI
Visit a major hands-on science museum with interactive galleries and family programming.
Wear comfortable shoes for uneven brick sidewalks.
German Village
Wander brick streets among restored homes, independent shops and neighborhood cafés.
Arrive before peak mealtimes for easier seating.
North Market Downtown
Sample dishes from a variety of food vendors in a historic public market.
Enjoy skyline views around sunset.
Scioto Mile
Walk riverfront paths, plazas and parkland connecting central Columbus attractions.
An elegant boutique hotel in the historic LeVeque Tower near riverfront parks.
Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection
Downtown / Scioto Mile
City · Boutique
A modern upscale hotel close to the convention center and Short North galleries.
Hilton Columbus Downtown
Short North / Convention Center
City
An art-focused luxury hotel among boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Columbus
Short North Arts District
City
A colorful boutique-style property convenient for shopping and nightlife.
Graduate by Hilton Columbus
Short North
Value · City
A full-service downtown hotel convenient for the statehouse, restaurants and business district.
Renaissance Columbus Downtown Hotel
Downtown Columbus
City
An outdoorsy boutique hotel with a lively lobby and rooftop.
Junto
Downtown / Arena District
Boutique · City
A modern hotel in the Short North arts district.
Canopy by Hilton Columbus Downtown Short North
Short North
City
A large hotel connected to the convention center, good for families.
Hyatt Regency Columbus
Downtown
City · Family
A historic downtown hotel with a theater.
The Westin Great Southern Columbus
Downtown
City
A good-value hotel with free breakfast and snacks.
Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Convention Center
Downtown
Value · Family
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Columbus, OH
High 52°F · Low 35°F · Rain 3.2 in
Wildlights begins at the Columbus Zoo, and the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry closes the season.
Late spring through autumn is pleasant for parks and walking; winters can be cold.
Best Times to Visit Columbus, OH
WHEN TO GO
06
Event Parking
Arena District and Ohio State events can affect traffic and parking. Confirm event-day road closures.
05
Bike and River Trails
The Scioto Mile and selected greenways offer walking and cycling; follow shared-use guidance.
04
Rental Cars
A vehicle helps reach the zoo, regional parks and suburban attractions.
03
Short North Walking
The Short North Arts District and nearby downtown streets are good for walking and gallery hopping.
02
COTA Buses
The Central Ohio Transit Authority operates city buses. Check current service and whether the route stops near your hotel.
01
John Glenn Airport
CMH serves the region; use a prearranged taxi, rideshare or rental car to your destination.
COTA buses serve the city, while walking works well within individual districts; a car or rideshare helps connect neighborhoods.
Getting Around Columbus, OH
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
You Might Also Like