TOP-20 best things to do in Columbus, Ohio
Ohio's vibrant and bustling capital, with its thriving art scene, renowned sports teams, beautiful parks, and one of the largest university campuses in the United States, is a fantastic place for discovery. Check out this list of the best things to do in Columbus to get the most out of your next trip.
Columbus Museum of Art
What is it?
An art museum in downtown Columbus specializing in American and European modern and contemporary art.
Why should you go?
This relatively small museum in the heart of the city is one of the best attractions in Columbus, Ohio, to visit on the weekend, thanks to free admission every Sunday. Art fans will be amazed by works by Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Edward Hopper, and other famous artists. Families will be happy to see their kids having fun trying out hands-on activities in the experimental Wonder Room gallery.
Specialization
Art & Design
Perfect for
Art lovers, families
An art museum in downtown Columbus specializing in American and European modern and contemporary art.
Why should you go?
This relatively small museum in the heart of the city is one of the best attractions in Columbus, Ohio, to visit on the weekend, thanks to free admission every Sunday. Art fans will be amazed by works by Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Edward Hopper, and other famous artists. Families will be happy to see their kids having fun trying out hands-on activities in the experimental Wonder Room gallery.
Specialization
Art & Design
Perfect for
Art lovers, families
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
What is it?
Central Ohio's premier botanical garden, housing a historic palm house and showcasing an exotic plant collection.
Why should you go?
Located just two miles from downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a delightful spot to take a pleasant stroll and admire more than 400 species of flowers, trees, and shrubs from around the world. The garden is also home to the iconic Victorian-style John F. Wolfe Palm House, dating back to 1995, and houses an impressive collection of glass works by renowned American artist Dale Chihuly.
Specialization
Nature & Art
Perfect for
Nature lovers, art lovers, families
Central Ohio's premier botanical garden, housing a historic palm house and showcasing an exotic plant collection.
Why should you go?
Located just two miles from downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a delightful spot to take a pleasant stroll and admire more than 400 species of flowers, trees, and shrubs from around the world. The garden is also home to the iconic Victorian-style John F. Wolfe Palm House, dating back to 1995, and houses an impressive collection of glass works by renowned American artist Dale Chihuly.
Specialization
Nature & Art
Perfect for
Nature lovers, art lovers, families
@fpconservatory
Center of Science and Industry
What is it?
A science museum featuring over 300 interactive exhibits throughout various themed exhibition areas.
Why should you go?
A visit to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is one of the most fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio, for kids and adults alike. This large 320,000-square-foot facility provides education through entertainment and brings science to life through interactive experiences, explosive live shows, and world-class exhibitions. Get there to explore the physical nature of water, get up close to dinosaurs, and fly beneath the rings of Saturn in the Planetarium.
Specialization
Science & Technology
Perfect for
Families, science geeks
A science museum featuring over 300 interactive exhibits throughout various themed exhibition areas.
Why should you go?
A visit to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) is one of the most fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio, for kids and adults alike. This large 320,000-square-foot facility provides education through entertainment and brings science to life through interactive experiences, explosive live shows, and world-class exhibitions. Get there to explore the physical nature of water, get up close to dinosaurs, and fly beneath the rings of Saturn in the Planetarium.
Specialization
Science & Technology
Perfect for
Families, science geeks
@evensojoy
Scioto Mile
What is it?
A 175-acres urban park and a recreational area stretching along the Scioto River for over one mile.
Why should you go?
The Scioto Mile, offering stunning views and various outdoor activities in Columbus, Ohio, is a great destination for a sunny day. This urban oasis comprises several parks, boulevards, and beautifully maintained trails. You can enjoy walking, cycling, or kayaking, admire numerous public art installations, and marvel at the stunning 15,000-square-foot Scioto Mile Fountain, enhanced by unique lightning and fog effects at night.
Specialization
Sightseeing & Recreation
Perfect for
Everyone
A 175-acres urban park and a recreational area stretching along the Scioto River for over one mile.
Why should you go?
The Scioto Mile, offering stunning views and various outdoor activities in Columbus, Ohio, is a great destination for a sunny day. This urban oasis comprises several parks, boulevards, and beautifully maintained trails. You can enjoy walking, cycling, or kayaking, admire numerous public art installations, and marvel at the stunning 15,000-square-foot Scioto Mile Fountain, enhanced by unique lightning and fog effects at night.
Specialization
Sightseeing & Recreation
Perfect for
Everyone
@sarahtht
North Market
What is it?
A historic public market and food hall that has been offering fresh produce from local farmers for nearly 150 years.
Why should you go?
Shopping, eating, and people-watching at the vibrant and colorful North Market are among the most fun and cool things to do in Columbus, Ohio. Packed with endless stands and stalls, the market offers some of the finest cheeses, meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, and artisanal products, such as hand-made jewelry. This bustling hub also houses several restaurants and hosts various events, from cooking classes to live music performances.
Specialization
Shopping & Dining
Perfect for
Food enthusiasts and anyone who wants to experience the vibrant culture of Columbus
A historic public market and food hall that has been offering fresh produce from local farmers for nearly 150 years.
Why should you go?
Shopping, eating, and people-watching at the vibrant and colorful North Market are among the most fun and cool things to do in Columbus, Ohio. Packed with endless stands and stalls, the market offers some of the finest cheeses, meats, fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods, and artisanal products, such as hand-made jewelry. This bustling hub also houses several restaurants and hosts various events, from cooking classes to live music performances.
Specialization
Shopping & Dining
Perfect for
Food enthusiasts and anyone who wants to experience the vibrant culture of Columbus
@ross4prague
Short North Arts District
What is it?
A vibrant neighborhood with numerous art galleries, specialty shops, nightclubs, restaurants, and colorful murals.
Why should you go?
Situated just north of downtown, this offbeat and trendy part of the city is whimsically known as the 'art and soul of Columbus.' Tightly packed brick buildings, standing there since the beginning of the 20th century, boasts brightly painted murals, and coll art galleries wait for you around every corner. You can easily catch the show of street performers, come across some of the city's best restaurants, and find a treasure at one of the cool vintage shops.
Specialization
Entertainment
Perfect for
Art lovers, food enthusiasts, couples
A vibrant neighborhood with numerous art galleries, specialty shops, nightclubs, restaurants, and colorful murals.
Why should you go?
Situated just north of downtown, this offbeat and trendy part of the city is whimsically known as the 'art and soul of Columbus.' Tightly packed brick buildings, standing there since the beginning of the 20th century, boasts brightly painted murals, and coll art galleries wait for you around every corner. You can easily catch the show of street performers, come across some of the city's best restaurants, and find a treasure at one of the cool vintage shops.
Specialization
Entertainment
Perfect for
Art lovers, food enthusiasts, couples
@cmrcolumbus
Easton Town Center
What is it?
One of the country's leading urban retail centers, covering 1.7-million square feet and looking like an old-fashioned town.
Why should you go?
Easton Town Center is one of the coolest places to go shopping in the Midwest, and spending a day at this mall is a popular stuff to do in Columbus, Ohio, with locals and tourists alike. It provides a diverse shopping experience, featuring high-end and more affordable stores as well as unique local boutiques, and offers a variety of entertainment options, from a movie theater and comedy club to the Legoland Discovery Center for little ones.
Specialization
Shopping & Entertainment
Perfect for
Families, couples, groups of friends
One of the country's leading urban retail centers, covering 1.7-million square feet and looking like an old-fashioned town.
Why should you go?
Easton Town Center is one of the coolest places to go shopping in the Midwest, and spending a day at this mall is a popular stuff to do in Columbus, Ohio, with locals and tourists alike. It provides a diverse shopping experience, featuring high-end and more affordable stores as well as unique local boutiques, and offers a variety of entertainment options, from a movie theater and comedy club to the Legoland Discovery Center for little ones.
Specialization
Shopping & Entertainment
Perfect for
Families, couples, groups of friends
Park of Roses
What is it?
One of the largest municipal rose gardens in the US, with over 12,000 rose bushes and free admission.
Why should you go?
A stroll through the blooming Park of Roses is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Columbus, Ohio. This big public garden is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy nature, and immerse yourself in the dreamy world of beautiful flowers and sweet fragrances. Get there to look at over 350 various types of roses, blooming every year from around May to September.
Specialization
Nature & Recreation
Perfect for
Couples, families, nature lovers
One of the largest municipal rose gardens in the US, with over 12,000 rose bushes and free admission.
Why should you go?
A stroll through the blooming Park of Roses is one of the most unforgettable things to do in Columbus, Ohio. This big public garden is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoy nature, and immerse yourself in the dreamy world of beautiful flowers and sweet fragrances. Get there to look at over 350 various types of roses, blooming every year from around May to September.
Specialization
Nature & Recreation
Perfect for
Couples, families, nature lovers
German Village
What is it?
A charming historic neighborhood originally settled by German immigrants in the mid-19th century.
Why should you go?
A trip to Europe without leaving America is one of the unique things to do in Columbus, Ohio. German Village, located just south of downtown, is the right place to learn all about the city's rich German heritage, admire beautiful houses and picturesque streets, and enjoy a traditional German meal in one of the numerous restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to the gorgeous Schiller Park, featuring a statue of the German poet.
Specialization
Architecture & Culture
Perfect for
History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone with a deep interest in German culture
A charming historic neighborhood originally settled by German immigrants in the mid-19th century.
Why should you go?
A trip to Europe without leaving America is one of the unique things to do in Columbus, Ohio. German Village, located just south of downtown, is the right place to learn all about the city's rich German heritage, admire beautiful houses and picturesque streets, and enjoy a traditional German meal in one of the numerous restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to the gorgeous Schiller Park, featuring a statue of the German poet.
Specialization
Architecture & Culture
Perfect for
History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone with a deep interest in German culture
@occasionally.in.ohio
Topiary Park
What is it?
A small public park and garden with topiary sculptures depicting scenes from George Seurat's famous painting.
Why should you go?
Topiary Park is a unique place where you can step inside a painting. The evergreen garden is an artistic recreation of Georges Seurat's Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, made entirely of plants. Bringing together botany and creativity, it features 54 topiary sculptures, including larger-than-life human figures, boats, a dog, a monkey, and a cat. Best of all, this attraction is free to visit.
Specialization
Art & Nature
Perfect for
Art lovers, nature lovers, families
A small public park and garden with topiary sculptures depicting scenes from George Seurat's famous painting.
Why should you go?
Topiary Park is a unique place where you can step inside a painting. The evergreen garden is an artistic recreation of Georges Seurat's Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, made entirely of plants. Bringing together botany and creativity, it features 54 topiary sculptures, including larger-than-life human figures, boats, a dog, a monkey, and a cat. Best of all, this attraction is free to visit.
Specialization
Art & Nature
Perfect for
Art lovers, nature lovers, families
@leezeltanglao
Ohio Statehouse
What is it?
The state capitol building, functioning both as the seat of government for Ohio and as a museum.
Why should you go?
The Ohio Statehouse, towering above the streets with its Greek Revival-style facade, is one of the most important and impressive things to see in Columbus. This stunning building, with its charming cupola and colonnade, was built between 1836 and 1861 and now remains one of the oldest working statehouses in the US. You can visit it with a guided tour, glimpse a legislative session, and explore the museum showcasing Ohio's history.
Specialization
Architecture & History
Perfect for
Architecture lovers, history buffs
The state capitol building, functioning both as the seat of government for Ohio and as a museum.
Why should you go?
The Ohio Statehouse, towering above the streets with its Greek Revival-style facade, is one of the most important and impressive things to see in Columbus. This stunning building, with its charming cupola and colonnade, was built between 1836 and 1861 and now remains one of the oldest working statehouses in the US. You can visit it with a guided tour, glimpse a legislative session, and explore the museum showcasing Ohio's history.
Specialization
Architecture & History
Perfect for
Architecture lovers, history buffs
Ohio Stadium
What is it?
The third-largest stadium in the US and one of the most iconic and historic venues in all of college football.
Why should you go?
The home stadium of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, also known as 'the Horseshoe' due to its distinctive architectural shape, is an absolute must-visit for enthusiastic football fans and anyone who wants to experience the unique atmosphere of pre- and post-game parties. If you are not a sports enthusiast, this stadium, with a seating capacity of over 100,000, may interest you as a concert venue, giving you a chance to catch a one-of-a-lifetime show.
Specialization
Sports & Entertainment
Perfect for
Football fans, music buffs
The third-largest stadium in the US and one of the most iconic and historic venues in all of college football.
Why should you go?
The home stadium of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, also known as 'the Horseshoe' due to its distinctive architectural shape, is an absolute must-visit for enthusiastic football fans and anyone who wants to experience the unique atmosphere of pre- and post-game parties. If you are not a sports enthusiast, this stadium, with a seating capacity of over 100,000, may interest you as a concert venue, giving you a chance to catch a one-of-a-lifetime show.
Specialization
Sports & Entertainment
Perfect for
Football fans, music buffs
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
What is it?
One of the biggest and most popular zoos in the country, which contains 10,000 animals representing over 600 species.
Why should you go?
Choosing what to do in Columbus, Ohio, with kids, be sure to include the zoo in your itinerary. This family-friendly place, located on the northern outskirts of the city, offers 580 acres to explore. You will discover animals from all around the globe, including African lions, Asian elephants, Bornean orangutans, Amur tigers, whose stripes are unique, like fingerprints, and polar bears, living in some of the coldest climates in the world.
Specialization
Animals
Perfect for
Families, animal lovers
One of the biggest and most popular zoos in the country, which contains 10,000 animals representing over 600 species.
Why should you go?
Choosing what to do in Columbus, Ohio, with kids, be sure to include the zoo in your itinerary. This family-friendly place, located on the northern outskirts of the city, offers 580 acres to explore. You will discover animals from all around the globe, including African lions, Asian elephants, Bornean orangutans, Amur tigers, whose stripes are unique, like fingerprints, and polar bears, living in some of the coldest climates in the world.
Specialization
Animals
Perfect for
Families, animal lovers
Ohio Theatre
What is it?
A historic performing arts venue built in 1928 and renowned for its stunning architecture and interior design.
Why should you go?
The Ohio Theatre is a place where you can enjoy Broadway shows, classic operas, modern dances, or symphony orchestra performances in a breathtaking setting. This former movie palace turned into a performing arts center is a great example of Spanish-Baroque architecture and is worth visiting if only to admire its gorgeous interior. The theater boasts ornate plasterwork, intricate murals, a fabulous 21-foot-high chandelier, and a ceiling painted to resemble a night sky.
Specialization
Architecture & Entertainment
Perfect for
Theater enthusiasts, architecture lovers
A historic performing arts venue built in 1928 and renowned for its stunning architecture and interior design.
Why should you go?
The Ohio Theatre is a place where you can enjoy Broadway shows, classic operas, modern dances, or symphony orchestra performances in a breathtaking setting. This former movie palace turned into a performing arts center is a great example of Spanish-Baroque architecture and is worth visiting if only to admire its gorgeous interior. The theater boasts ornate plasterwork, intricate murals, a fabulous 21-foot-high chandelier, and a ceiling painted to resemble a night sky.
Specialization
Architecture & Entertainment
Perfect for
Theater enthusiasts, architecture lovers
Huntington Park
What is it?
A ballpark considered one of the best minor league baseball stadiums in the country.
Why should you go?
Catching a game at Huntington Park is one of the most fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio, not only for enthusiastic baseball fans but also for families with kids. The stadium where the Columbus Clippers, the local baseball team, plays is situated in the vibrant Arena District and offers plenty of on-site food and drinks, a wonderful rooftop bar, and an expansive area for families on the lawn with benches and picnic tables.
Specialization
Sports & Entertainment
Perfect for
Baseball fans, families
A ballpark considered one of the best minor league baseball stadiums in the country.
Why should you go?
Catching a game at Huntington Park is one of the most fun things to do in Columbus, Ohio, not only for enthusiastic baseball fans but also for families with kids. The stadium where the Columbus Clippers, the local baseball team, plays is situated in the vibrant Arena District and offers plenty of on-site food and drinks, a wonderful rooftop bar, and an expansive area for families on the lawn with benches and picnic tables.
Specialization
Sports & Entertainment
Perfect for
Baseball fans, families
@nickwiget
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
What is it?
A library and museum housing the world's largest collection of materials related to cartoons and comics.
Why should you go?
The museum, named after the Ohio cartoonist Billy Ireland, is a must-visit for comic geeks and aspirin cartoonists and a great destination for families who want to give children a glimpse into the power of creativity. You will see an almost endless array of popular and underground comic books, graphic novels, newspaper comic strip pages, Japanese comics known as manga, and original works by famous American comic artists.
Specialization
Art & Books
Perfect for
Comic geeks, art lovers, book lovers, families
A library and museum housing the world's largest collection of materials related to cartoons and comics.
Why should you go?
The museum, named after the Ohio cartoonist Billy Ireland, is a must-visit for comic geeks and aspirin cartoonists and a great destination for families who want to give children a glimpse into the power of creativity. You will see an almost endless array of popular and underground comic books, graphic novels, newspaper comic strip pages, Japanese comics known as manga, and original works by famous American comic artists.
Specialization
Art & Books
Perfect for
Comic geeks, art lovers, book lovers, families
@nicolevlado
Nationwide Arena
What is it?
A state-of-the-art indoor arena and home to the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets.
Why should you go?
Located next door to Huntington Park, the Nationwide Arena has been hosting NHL games since 2000 and promises an unforgettable experience for hockey fans. The stadium offers guided tours for those who want to go behind the scene and check out the locker rooms. If sports is not your thing, check the arena's calendar for other upcoming events and try to catch one of the famous ice performances or big-name concerts.
Specialization
Sports & Entertainment
Perfect for
Hockey fans
A state-of-the-art indoor arena and home to the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets.
Why should you go?
Located next door to Huntington Park, the Nationwide Arena has been hosting NHL games since 2000 and promises an unforgettable experience for hockey fans. The stadium offers guided tours for those who want to go behind the scene and check out the locker rooms. If sports is not your thing, check the arena's calendar for other upcoming events and try to catch one of the famous ice performances or big-name concerts.
Specialization
Sports & Entertainment
Perfect for
Hockey fans
@emileechinnphoto
Otherworld
What is it?
The city's largest interactive art installation, combining elements of immersive theater and escape room.
Why should you go?
The Otherworld offers unique entertainment in Columbus, Ohio, and invites you to get an unusual experience. This 32,000-square-foot space consisted of 47 rooms, each designed to be like a science-fiction fantasy world, where you can interact with surreal artworks and marvel at light shows and animation. Get there to walk through a neon forest, explore the room filled with glowing jellyfish, and even create your own visual reality landscapes.
Specialization
Art & Entertainment
Perfect for
Art lovers, families, groups of friends
The city's largest interactive art installation, combining elements of immersive theater and escape room.
Why should you go?
The Otherworld offers unique entertainment in Columbus, Ohio, and invites you to get an unusual experience. This 32,000-square-foot space consisted of 47 rooms, each designed to be like a science-fiction fantasy world, where you can interact with surreal artworks and marvel at light shows and animation. Get there to walk through a neon forest, explore the room filled with glowing jellyfish, and even create your own visual reality landscapes.
Specialization
Art & Entertainment
Perfect for
Art lovers, families, groups of friends
Kelton House Museum & Garden
What is it?
A historic house museum focusing on local history, decorative arts, and the story of the Underground Railroad.
Why should you go?
One of the best things to do in Columbus, the Kelton House Museum is a place where you can go back to the mid-19th century and learn a lot about the past. This Greek Revival and Italianate-style mansion was a station on the Underground Railroad, used by many fugitive slaves seeking freedom. Walking through the museum and gardens, you will immerse yourself in the Victorian era, marvel at original furniture and landscape flora, and learn the story of enslaved people and abolitionists in Ohio.
Specialization
History & Heritage
Perfect for
History buffs
A historic house museum focusing on local history, decorative arts, and the story of the Underground Railroad.
Why should you go?
One of the best things to do in Columbus, the Kelton House Museum is a place where you can go back to the mid-19th century and learn a lot about the past. This Greek Revival and Italianate-style mansion was a station on the Underground Railroad, used by many fugitive slaves seeking freedom. Walking through the museum and gardens, you will immerse yourself in the Victorian era, marvel at original furniture and landscape flora, and learn the story of enslaved people and abolitionists in Ohio.
Specialization
History & Heritage
Perfect for
History buffs
@exploringseasons
Shadowbox Live
What is it?
The nation's largest resident theater company, famous for its original mix of sketch comedy, dance, and live music.
Why should you go?
Shadowbox Live is a perfect place to get a unique and engaging cultural experience, have fun with friends, or spend a fantastic date night. This venue offers a diverse range of original productions, combining theater, music, dance, comedy, and multimedia elements. In addition to live performances, Shadowbox Live operates a full-service bar and restaurant, providing everything you need for a perfect night out.
Specialization
Performing Arts & Entertainment
Perfect for
Couples, groups of friends, theater enthusiasts
The nation's largest resident theater company, famous for its original mix of sketch comedy, dance, and live music.
Why should you go?
Shadowbox Live is a perfect place to get a unique and engaging cultural experience, have fun with friends, or spend a fantastic date night. This venue offers a diverse range of original productions, combining theater, music, dance, comedy, and multimedia elements. In addition to live performances, Shadowbox Live operates a full-service bar and restaurant, providing everything you need for a perfect night out.
Specialization
Performing Arts & Entertainment
Perfect for
Couples, groups of friends, theater enthusiasts
@onlyincbus
FAQ
- 1How to get to Columbus, Ohio?Depending on your starting location and transportation preferences, you can get to Columbus by plane, bus, or car. Columbus is located at the intersection of several major highways, including I-70, I-71, and I-270, and the John Glenn Columbus International Airport is situated just 10 minutes east of downtown Columbus.
- 2Where to stay in Columbus?To feel the true spirit of Columbus and easily explore what the city has to offer, choose from these areas:
- Downtown
- Short North Art District
- University District
- Easton
- 3What unique things to do in Columbus?
- Otherworld
- Shadowbox Live
- Topiary Park
- German Village
- 4What are the best outdoor activities in Columbus?
- Scioto Mile
- Park of Roses
- Columbus Zoo
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- 5What are the most fun activities to do in Dubai with kids?Totally, especially if you're into:
- Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
- Wild Wadi Waterpark
- The Dubai Fountain
- KidZania, Dubai Mall
- IMG Worlds of Adventure
Attractions near Columbus
Columbus offers easy access to many popular attractions in Ohio, such as:
- Hocking Hills State Park
- National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton
- Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky
- Kings Island Amusement Park and Soak City Water Park near Cincinnati
If you have enough time, be sure to make a trip to Cleveland to visit the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, explore the Cleveland Museum of Art, and get a glimpse of Cleveland's history and urban architecture with your private in-app audio tour.
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