Travel Guide to Columbus, Ohio

If you’re on a budget, traveling to Columbus is one of the most affordable ways to entertain yourself or spend your holidays. It’s also safe and convenient as long as you follow common safety precautions like roaming at night and exploring nearby cities. Columbus is famous for a lot of things, from its huge North Market to its nationally renowned breweries and its Buckeye football team. It is the capital city of Ohio, activities and venues honor the state’s farmlands, as well as local areas inhabited by hundreds of tribes that built their first homes in America.

Columbus is a weekend getaway because of its diverse location which recharges and makes you comfortable. The best thing about Columbus, it is not far from major US Cities like Atlanta, New York, Austin and Chicago. But there’s so much more to discover in The Biggest Small Town in America.

About Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, the most populous and vibrant city of Ohio. Tourists can see diversity, culture and innovation in one city, and it is famous for its tech industry and art work. City’s vibrant art career and one of the largest college enrollments in the country support its ambitious youthful outlook. In addition to world-class museums and famous zoos, there are exciting sporting events and tasty food options. You can find all things in the city because there are supermarkets and specialty shops. City has three urban districts which means people have lots of varieties for shopping, exploring and food. German Village, north of downtown is a lively local entertainment district, you can purchase a variety of antiques, shops and restaurants in the winery district and you can visit Northern suburbs like Worthington, Westerville and Grove City Because they have their own attractions.

The city is home to multiple universities as well as a world class public library system. McKinley Memorial and Camp Chase Federal Cemetery are famous landmarks of the local area. COSI, the Science and Industry College, is one of the most alluring universities in the nation. A performing arts center and an art museum are also supported by the city. Tourists can learn or watch many things after visiting those palaces.

You can visit a conservation area and botanical garden in the east direction of the town, while local reservoirs (including Griggs, O'Shaughnessy and Hoover) offer recreational opportunities and the Columbus Zoo is a famous wildlife preserve in the world.

Airlines Flying to Columbus, Ohio

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• Breeze Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• Sun Country Airlines
• United Airlines
• Air Canada
• Lufthansa
• British Airways

How to Reach Columbus?

Enjoy Columbus's thriving arts and culture scene, historical sites, state-of-the-art sports stadiums and friendly residents make it a one of the hotspots for travelers. Due to its universities surrounding the nearby area full of young energy.

There is an international airport named John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), which is 11 miles or seven kilometers away from the city centre, and it offers direct flights to several destinations across the United States and Canada. If you want to do a bus journey from nearby cities then you have an option. Visitors can also explore Columbus by bus, rideshare and electric scooters. If you don't have a car, taxis are available throughout the city.

Flying to Columbus can be convenient and easy, but there are many to save money on airfare. Tourists should search for deals like Festival or Unpublished, and choosing a flight with stops or booking flight tickets in advance can help you score a cheap flight ticket. Also, if you can be flexible with your travel dates, you'll have more options when it comes to scoring lowest flight tickets to Columbus.

There are several lanes and trails for bikes, or you can enjoy the city by walking and roaming the city on foot is easy. COTA, the Central Ohio Transit Authority, operates an efficient bus system that connects different neighborhoods and attractions. There is a rent bike system and Visitors can rent bikes like CoGo, which has 365 bikes at 30 stations in Columbus city for one day pass starting with $8. Bird, Spin and Lime companies offer electric scooters on rent for $0.15 a minute. Or, if you'd prefer to sit back and relax, you can hire a pedicab for as little as $1 per minute. So, tourists have many options to make themselves convenient while roaming the city.

Top Places to Visit in Columbus

Columbus has plenty of things to do and enjoy. This city has something for everyone, whether you enjoy hiking the many miles of trails, watching Major League Baseball or Major League Soccer, discovering new rooftop bars, or taking in some amazing street art. Columbus is also the location of family activities, kid-friendly attractions, and internationally recognized museums. The interactive displays at COSI (Center of Science and Industry) are sure to delight children. This large museum has many things to learn about the world around them. It features everything from the ocean and space to electronic devices and optical illusions, it means you have plenty of things to experience and explore.

Culturally, a trip to Columbus wouldn’t be complete without attending one of the many shows at the storied Ohio Theatre. This arts and entertainment center has everything from opera and ballet to symphony orchestras.

Exploring North Market, the city’s classic shopping district, is another wonderful cultural experience. With a selection of Italian, Indian, Vietnamese, pizza, German, and sushi spread over two floors, you can sample dozens of local vendors here. You'll also find high-end restaurants here, like the husband-and-wife-run Fox in the Snow, best known for its breakfast sandwiches and impressive coffee program.

• Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
• North Market Farmers Market
• Ohio Stadium to watch a game
• Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• Center of Science and Industry
• The Escape Game
• Scioto Mile
• Brewery District
• Columbus Park of Roses
• Columbus Museum of Art
• Watch game at Nationwide Arena

Where to Stay in Columbus?

Home to Ohio State University, this bustling capital city surprises visitors with a seriously impressive food and culture scene. It also has some pretty cool attractions and festivals, and it’s the place to go for college football games and other heart-pumping sporting events. It’s worth planning out your itinerary ahead of time to get the best deals on hotels and flights to Columbus.

For instance, if you want to stay in the short north arts district, book a room at Moxy Columbus Short North, which has rooms that are anything but average. Your stay here includes a drink token that you can use at the hotel bar, and your smart rooms feature fold-out desks and clever ways to hang your clothes. The neighborhood is filled with funky street art murals and vintage shops, and you can grab a New York-style pizza slice or a plant-based burger at eateries like Adriatico’s and Jack & Benny’s.

The University District is another great option for accommodation in Columbus, thanks to its lively student atmosphere. You can stay in one of the major universities’ hotels, which offer discounts to students and visiting families, or opt for a smaller boutique inn.

Where to Eat in Columbus?

Columbus has gained national acclaim for its culinary scene in recent years. The city is home to top-ranked chefs, a rich farm-to-table movement, and one-of-a-kind restaurants. From snazzy jazz bars and panoramic rooftop haunts to historic food halls and Euro-chic cafes, Columbus has something for every palate. The city’s most acclaimed dining establishment is Lindey’s, a classy eatery that offers elegance on a plate. From the Georges Bank cod paired with sweet corn puree to the brined duroc pork topped with caramelized pear and apple chutney, the restaurant’s dishes are the kind of dish that you will tell your friends about in hushed tones.

Another must-visit is Amul India, which celebrates the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine. You can sample everything from traditional favorites to regional specialties such as the savory handmade Nepalese-style dumplings called momos. Amul also serves an array of traditional Indian beverages such as lassi and masala tea.

Nightlife in Columbus

From divey holes in the wall to trendy bars and swanky rooftop hangouts, this friendly Midwestern metropolis invites everyone to stay up late and play. Take your pick of boozy beverages and nosh on local foods.

The city has a thriving beer scene, with 46 breweries on the Route 33 Brew Trail. Sample sour ales at Seventh Son in the Brewery District or sip on a cocktail at Denmark on High, which serves up one-of-a-kind drinks with downtown views.

Alternatively, hit Easton Town Center, the Midwest's premier shopping and entertainment destination with over 30 million visitors annually. Shop at more than 200 best-in-class retailers, then check out the fun at Ohio's largest movie theater or a world-class comedy club. If the shopping and culture have worn you out, head to Grange Insurance Audubon Center for a peaceful escape along scenic woodland trails and picturesque lakes.

Top Things to Do in Columbus

• If you are a sports fan then you must watch game of Columbus Blue Jackets hockey team and the Columbus Crew SC professional soccer club.
• If you are a music lover then head to the Short North Arts District for a night of bar-hopping and gig-going. You can have a fantastic evening here.
• The Ohio State fair is a great event in July to enjoy. This fair is full of fun including educational activities, competitions and shopping.
• Huge Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a great place to escape the bustle of downtown Columbus and enjoy a bit of peace in this gorgeous setting.
• Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, cross-country skiing, canoeing, kayaking at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
• To know the history of the city, you must go to the Ohio History center and learn US first world war participation.
• Must taste delicious chocolate-peanut butter candy and spicy smoked sausage.