Updated: May 09, 2025
Columbus, the capital of Ohio, is centrally-located and best-known as the home of The Ohio State University, the Columbus Zoo and interesting restored neighborhoods like German Village and the Short North.
This travel guide to Columbus will tell you what you need to know to get the most out of your visit to Ohio's capital. Whether you're looking for an exciting weekend or a quiet, relaxing visit, the "C-bus" has plenty to offer.
Columbus offers a variety of transportation options, from renting a vehicle to taking advantage of Columbus' bikeshare program. Below is what you need to know to get around Ohio's capital city.
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) operates a full schedule of buses and rapid transit trains throughout Columbus and the surrounding suburbs. The rapid transit trains connect downtown with the Polaris area in Westerville to the north. There's also a free downtown loop bus and a zoo bus that provides express transportation from downtown and other key areas to the zoo during the zoo season (May through October).
Rental Cars
Renting a car makes it easy to get to areas outside of the city center and to be able to take day trips out of town. All the major car rental outlets are represented at John Glenn Columbus International Airport. You can also rent a car downtown or have one delivered to your hotel throughout the city.
Walkability
While the downtown area and certain neighborhoods like German Village are very walkable, the city as a whole is not. Downtown Columbus has a "very-walkable" score, however, the city as a whole is car-dependent for most errands.
Rideshares
Uber and Lyft are popular transportation options in and around Columbus, and drivers are generally readily available. Keep in mind when planning rideshares that "surge pricing" can raise the price substantially during bad weather or peak demand periods (like after an Ohio State sporting event or during Ohio State Fair season).
Bike Rentals
CoGo is the major bike share company in Columbus. There are dozens of their bike kiosks throughout downtown, the university area and other popular neighborhoods. To use the system, you have to first download their app. Then go to a bike location, key in your access code and unload the bike. CoGo has both classic and e-bikes. You can pay for a single, 30-minute ride or opt for a day, weekly or monthly pass.
While there's really no bad time to visit Columbus, most people prefer to avoid the winter months--January, February and March, when the temperatures can dip in the teens and 20s, and the snow can fly. While central Ohio doesn't get as snowy as some parts of the state, winter can still be cold and slushy, and not very conducive for outdoor activities.
The average high temperature in Columbus in July is 85 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low temperature in January is 22 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some annual events you might want to plan your trip around include Ohio State Football games, which happen on Saturdays between the last week in August and the first week in December; the Ohio State Fair, which takes place over two weeks in mid-August; the Memorial Golf Tournament, which happens over Memorial Day weekend; and Columbus Oktoberfest, which takes place at the Ohio Fairgrounds in late September. Just south of town, the Circleville Pumpkin Festival is a fall highlight.
Columbus has a lot to see and do. You could easily spend a week in Ohio's capital city without seeing everything there is to see. From one of the country's best zoos to fascinating ethnic neighborhoods, Columbus has something to appeal to all ages.
Located in Powell, a northeast suburb of Columbus, the 406-acre Columbus Zoo is one of the most important zoos in the United States. Founded in 1927, the zoo is home to more than 7,000 animals. Several travel publications have named it the best zoo in the country. Key exhibits include Discovery Reef, an 88,000-gallon aquarium, and Polar Frontier. Adjacent to the zoo is Zoombezi water park and the Safari Golf Club.
German Village, located just south of downtown, has been a city historic district since 1960. The 328-acre neighborhood features brick streets, unique shops, the very walkable Schiller Park and some of the city's best eateries. Highlights include Schmidt's Sausage Haus restaurant, Franklin Art Glass Studios and the Loft Bookstore.
The Columbus Museum of Art, located just east of downtown on Broad Street, specializes in works by late 19th century and 20th century artists, as well as artists with ties to central Ohio. Highlights include works by Van Dyck, Picasso, Winslow Homer and John Singer Sargent. The museum also has an extensive collection of artworks by Columbus artists, including George Bellows, Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson and Elijah Pierce. Admission to the museum is free on Sundays. The museum is closed on Mondays.
The Ohio Statehouse, located in the center of downtown Columbus, is the seat of government in the Buckeye State. The Greek Revival Building was constructed between 1836 and 1861 and houses not only the ceremonial governor's and lieutenant governor's offices, but the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives. Tours are offered at no charge to the public and feature the rotunda, the houses of legislature and paintings of former Ohio governors and favorite sons, including Neil Armstrong, William McKinley and Thomas Edison.
Ohio Stadium is THE place to be in Columbus on Saturday afternoons in autumn. However, tickets to watch the usually-well-ranked OSU Buckeyes play can be difficult to secure. Football isn't the only sport at which the Buckeyes excel. Ohio State basketball--both men's and women's, track and field, and even soccer are also exciting to watch.
Finding a place to stay in Columbus that is near where you want to spend most of your time and that fits within your budget isn't difficult. The city offers a variety of hotels and suites in all price ranges and with a myriad of amenities. Below are some of our favorite Columbus, Ohio hotels.
Located adjacent to the Columbus Convention Center, the Hampton Inn and Suites Downtown is within walking distance of the Short North art district, North Market and Huntington Ball Park. All rooms and suites at this pet-friendly hotel include a 42" television set, mini-refrigerator and iron and ironing board. Get your workout in at the indoor swimming pool or fitness center.
The Courtyard by Marriott Columbus OSU is connected to the Grand Event Center, just a short walk from the OSU campus and Nationwide Arena. The smoke-free hotel offers free self parking, free Wi-Fi, a pool and a fitness center.
Located in the iconic LeVeque Tower on the Scioto River in the heart of downtown Columbus, the Hotel LeVeque features luxury accommodations that pay homage to the glamorous age of the 1930s and 1940s. Some rooms have views of the Scioto River. Small dogs are permitted in guest rooms -call for details. Facilities include a fitness room, a barber/beauty salon, a Starbucks coffee shop and a full-service restaurant and bar.
Another downtown hotel, the Residence Inn Downtown offers larger accommodations, ideal for longer stays or for families. Located in an historic, 1927-circa former bank building, this hotel features studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, all with full kitchens or kitchenettes and work areas. Facilities include a work-out room and a restaurant. Two pets are permitted per suite -call for details.
Located in the popular Polaris area, on the north side of Columbus, the Cambria Hotel and Suites Columbus/Polaris features modern rooms and suites, all with mini-fridges, two television sets and complimentary WiFi. Some rooms have in-suite whirlpool tubs. Facilities at the Cambria Polaris include a fitness room, an indoor pool and a restaurant.
Dining is one of the joys of visiting Columbus. The city just has so many delicious choices. Below are a few of our favorites, from classic French to ethnic and hearty German cuisine.
The Refectory is a classic French restaurant located on the north side of Columbus. Situated in a restored church building, the four-diamond Refectory has been wowing Columbus residents and visitors for more than 40 years. Highlights on the ever-changing menu include rack of lamb and roast duck. The Refectory is open for dinner only Wednesdays through Saturdays.
Lindey's, located in the heart of German Village, could easily be mistaken for a upper-east-side New York restaurant. The dining room is sleek and elegant and the food is hearty enough for the restaurant's Midwestern clientele, but innovative enough to bring food enthusiasts back time and again. Lindey's is open for lunch Monday through Friday, dinner daily and brunch Saturday and Sunday.
Located in German Village, Schmidt's Sausage Haus has been a Columbus tradition since 1967. The restaurant serves a full menu of German favorites, such as sausage sandwiches and German potato salad. Their Bavarian cream puffs are like none you've ever had. Schmidt's has live German music on weekend evenings. Schmidt's is open for lunch and dinner daily.
One of the city's most popular eateries, Mitchell's Steakhouse has locations both in downtown Columbus and in the Polaris area north of town. The dining room is classic with upholstered booths, dark wood wainscoting and mood lighting. The menu features a variety of steaks, as you would expect, plus lobster tails, salmon and even sushi. Mitchell's Steakhouse is open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner daily.
Vacation photos are just part of a successful vacation. Save them on your phone, print them or post them on Instagram. Your photos will be outstanding if you use one of these photo spots as your background.
The iconic horseshoe stadium, the home field of the OSU Buckeye football team is, arguably, the best photo spot in Columbus. You don't have to have tickets, the exterior of the stadium is almost as exciting as the playing field.
One of the symbols of the State of Ohio makes a great, classic backdrop for your Columbus vacation photos. The exterior of the building has great lines or go inside and snap the rotunda.
The brick streets, pocket gardens, brick houses and ornate, iron fences in German Village offer a myriad of photo settings.
Located east of downtown, Franklin Park Conservatory is a classic botanical garden with more than 400 plant species, an extensive rose garden and a classic Victorian-style greenhouse. It's a popular spot for wedding--and vacation--photos.
Located just east of downtown Columbus is a unique park that recreates the painting "Saturday Afternoon on the Island of Grande Jette" by Georges Seurat with figures made from carefully-sculpted topiary trees and bushes. The 9.2-acre, one-of-a-kind park is a great backdrop for your vacation photos.
No trip to Columbus would be complete without spending a day or two exploring the many interesting places to visit within a short drive of Ohio's capital city. From scenic parks to an Amish enclave to the birthplace of aviation, central Ohio has something for everyone.
Hocking Hills, a popular getaway spot, located southeast of Columbus, is well-known for its hiking trails, its natural caves and rock formations, and its many charming bed and breakfast inns. The area encompasses Hocking Hills State Park (home to Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave), Lake Logan State Park and Conkle's Hollow State Nature Preserve. You can rent a yurt, a treehouse, a cabin or a more conventional accommodation. There's something for everyone.
Buckeye Lake, just 30 minutes from downtown Columbus, is a residential resort community, built around a 3,100-acre lake and a state park by the same name. You can fish, kayak, hike and/or play a round of golf there. You can also enjoy one or more of the many lakefront eateries or just relax on the beach.
Holmes County, Ohio, located mid-way between Columbus and Cleveland, is the heart of Ohio's Amish Country. The rolling hills, quaint historic towns and country lanes are ideal for a getaway from the city. The population in Holmes County is nearly 50 percent Amish, making it the largest concentration of Amish people in the world. You'll see many horse-drawn buggies (just be careful), shops with hand-crafted items and restaurants with hearty fare like chicken and dumplings and slow-roasted pork. Remember to be respectful. The Amish are friendly, but much more reserved than most Americans. They don't appreciate having their picture taken, and their religion does not approve of alcoholic beverages.
Dayton, located a little over an hour from Columbus by car, is home to a myriad of fun things to do for all ages. You can tour the Dayton Aviation Heritage Park and learn about the Wright Brothers and their journey from bicycle shopkeepers to the fathers of aviation. You can also visit the home of noted poet and novelist, Paul Laurence Dunbar, and the National Museum of the US Air Force.
Mohican State Park, located northeast of Columbus, is a 1,100-acre state park with miles of hiking and biking trails, cabins and a recreational lake. The Mohican River runs through the park and canoeing is a favorite thing to do there. The river and lake are also popular fishing spots.
Taking a trip to Columbus doesn't have to break your travel budget. There are plenty of things to do in Columbus that don't cost a dime. Below are our favorite suggestions for saving money when you travel to Columbus.
Columbus offers a number of fun and interesting attractions that don't cost a dime. For example, the Columbus Museum of Art is free on Sundays. Some attractions, such as the Ohio Statehouse and the Wexner Center for the Arts, are free every day.
Several companies offer free walking tours, mostly of the downtown, German Village and Ohio State University areas. All you have to do is tip the guide if you think he or she provided a good experience.
Being a member of AAA comes with a myriad of perks. Among these are car rental discounts, discounts on admission tickets and hotel discounts. Make sure to ask your travel consultant about these valuable membership perks when planning your trip to Columbus.
Many Ohio restaurants offer discounts to kids and seniors. Ohio seniors can save at dozens of eateries, including Applebee's, Wendy's, Waffle House, and Arby's, using their Golden Buckeye Card (sent to each Ohio resident when they turn 60). Kids eat free in Columbus at International House of Pancakes (everyday), Texas Roadhouse (Mondays), and Max & Erma's (Tuesdays).
You can get a pass that qualifies you for half fare if you are at least 65 years or older, a qualified veteran, a disabled person, a student of a Columbus college or university, and/or a recipient of a qualifying Ohio public assistance program, such as SNAP and Medicaid.
Traveling to Columbus doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream trip to Columbus Ohio on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options. It's that easy.
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