airport_transferbarbathtubbusiness_facilitieschild_activitieschildcareconnecting_roomcribsfree_wifigymhot_tubinternetkitchennon_smokingpetpoolresturantski_in_outski_shuttleski_storagesmoking_areaspastar
Wishlists

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

Picture of Benjamin M. Smith
Benjamin M. Smith
Updated: 9 February 2017
Save to wishlist
Save to Wishlist
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

Aquarium, Zoo
Save to wishlist
Save
Share with others
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Copy link
Share
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.
More Info
Open In Google Maps
Sun:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mon:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat:
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

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
Save to wishlist
Save
Share with others
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Copy link
Share
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.
More Info
Open In Google Maps
Sun:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mon:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue:
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Wed:
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thu:
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Fri:
9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Sat:
9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Take the Lazarus Building’s rooftop garden tour

Building
Save to wishlist
Save
Share with others
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Copy link
Share
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.
More Info
Open In Google Maps

Go to Villa Nova’s Happy Hour

Restaurant, Family style, Italian, American, $$$
Save to wishlist
Save
Share with others
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Copy link
Share
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!
More Info
Open In Google Maps
Sun:
11:00 am - 12:00 am
Mon:
11:00 am - 12:00 am
Tue:
11:00 am - 12:00 am
Wed:
11:00 am - 12:00 am
Thu:
11:00 am - 12:00 am
Fri - Sat:
11:00 am - 1:00 am
Sat - Sun:
11:00 am - 1:00 am

Smell the roses at the Franklin Park Conservatory

Botanical Garden, Park
Save to wishlist
Save
Share with others
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Email
Copy link
Share
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.
More Info
Open In Google Maps
Sun:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Mon:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tue:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wed:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thu:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Fri:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat:
10:00 am - 5:00 pm

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

Gray Flags, Ohio Stadium
© laffy4k/Flickr

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

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

More Info
Open In Google Maps
Save to wishlist
Save to Wishlist