The Top 10 Things To See And Do In Columbus, Ohio

Updated: 9 February 2017

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Columbus, Ohio is much more than a college town. Its historic neighborhoods and markets, museums, zoo, beautiful parks and nature trails are just some of the reasons why every traveler coming through the city should stay a while. Here’s our guide to 10 of the best activities to try in Columbus.

Book Loft, German Village, Columbus, Ohio | © VasenkaPhotography/Flickr

Walk around the German Village

Just south of the Columbus downtown lies the German Village, a historic neighborhood spanning 233 beautiful acres. The German Village is a great place to shop, dine and to just take a stroll to enjoy the brick buildings and cobblestone streets.

German Village, Columbus OH, USA

Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

A trip to Columbus wouldn’t be nearly as fun without going to the zoo. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium happens to be one of the best in the nation, with over 7,000 animals in its various exhibitions. Particular highlights are the polar exhibit with polar bears and arctic foxes, and an African exhibit with lions and cheetahs.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 4850 W Powell Rd, Powell OH, USA, +1 614-645-3400

See a show at the Columbus Civic Theater

The Columbus Civic Theater is a wonderfully small, local theater. The house seats just 50 guests and has a new show every month; stop by here on a trip through Columbus for an intimate entertainment experience. Be sure to head to Weiland’s Market down the road too to pick up your own bottle of wine to drink at the theater.

Columbus Civic Theater, 3837 Indianola Ave, Columbus OH, USA, +1 614-447-

North Market deli counter | © stu_spivack/Flickr

Grab a bite to eat at the North Market

Market, American

Grab a bite to eat at the North Market

Since its beginning in 1876, Columbus’s North Market has served citizens with the freshest produce, meat and cheeses local artisans and international vendors have to offer. Today, this indoor market has over 30 merchants selling a variety of products, which extends to furniture, flowers and jewels. Be sure to stop here to pick up a fresh snack before further adventures in Columbus.

North Market, 59 Spruce St, Columbus OH, USA, +1 614-463-9664

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59 Spruce Street, Short North Arts District, Columbus, Ohio, 43215, USA

+16144639664

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Take the Lazarus Building’s rooftop garden tour

As a part of the OSU Urban Arts Space tour, which provides a knowledgeable guide to explain the details of the current exhibitions of the gallery, this walk hits the Lazarus Building’s rooftop garden. The rooftop was recently cultivated into a beautiful garden; a picture of sustainability amidst the city.

Lazarus Building, 141 S High St, Columbus OH, USA, +1 614-220-9105

Go to Villa Nova’s Happy Hour

This family-style, Italian-American restaurant knows how to attract customers. While offering a full dinner and lunch menu, Villa Nova also offers the best Happy Hour in the city. Enjoy heavily discounted taps and rail drinks while snacking on free wings, pizza, subs and other bar staples, but be prompt because this Columbus deal goes fast and gets busy!

Villa Nova Ristorante, 5545 N High St, Columbus OH, USA, +1 614-846-5777

Smell the roses at the Franklin Park Conservatory

After the construction of its greenhouse in 1895, and frequent additions over the years, all 88 acres of the Franklin Park Conservatory are still in tact and remarkably well kept, with a variety of worthwhile exhibitions to check out. The conservatory is one of the best places to catch some holiday cheer during wintertime, and offers many beautiful floral exhibits throughout the summer months.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 1777 E Broad St, Columbus OH, USA, +1 614-715-8000

Bike the Olentangy Greenway Trail

For a more hands-on tour of the city, consider going by bike. The Olentangy Greenway Trail is a nice segment of trail with a popular starting point in Antrim Park, on the northwest side of Columbus. Head south and pass through the downtown, Ohio Stadium: there are several scenic stops and parks along the way.

Antrim Park, 5800 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus OH, USA, +1 614-645-3337

Attend a game at Ohio Stadium

Football is big in Columbus, all because of the winning tradition of the Ohio State University Buckeyes. If traveling through this college town in the late summer and autumn months, be sure to stop for a home game. As a part of the Big Ten college football division, games are always exhilarating here, no matter the weather!

Ohio Stadium, 411 Woody Hayes Dr, Columbus OH, USA, +1 614-292-6330

Visit the Wexner Center for the Arts

The Wexner Center for the Arts is a great place to round off a trip to Columbus. Its many types of exhibitions, including art, film, and music and theater performances, make it an accessible stop for any tourist. Centrally located on the campus of Ohio State University, many travelers stumble upon this unique structure.

Wexner Center for the Arts, 1871 N High St, Columbus OH, USA, +1 614-292-3535

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