Things to do & places to visit in Columbus, Ohio, United States

Ohio’s capital city is full of beautiful neighborhoods, a critically acclaimed food scene and top-ranked attractions. This creative-minded destination offers something for everyone. Families will enjoy COSI, the nationally known science center, as well as the Columbus zoo and its neighboring water park. Art lovers will savor the collections at the Columbus Museum of Art and revel in Gallery Hop, a monthly celebration in the Short North Art District. Columbus is a city that invites exploration.

Columbus city in Ohio, United States. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 19:08.

Top things to do (21)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 The Escape Room USA - Columbus (2.194 reviews)
- Morgan’s Raid on Your Pocket Book
Saturday: 8:30 AM - 12:30 AM Spent 1-2 hours Escape Games

The Escape Room USA – Columbus offers a NEW, fun, and interactive adventure game designed for everyone. The concept: You and your team are locked in a themed room where you have 60 minutes to find clues, solve puzzles, and discover keys and combinations to escape the room before your time is up! The Escape Room USA is fun with your family, friends, and co-workers! See more..
5.0 Ohio Theater (508 reviews)
- Wicked is unbelievable!!
Theaters

Broadway shows are performed in this historic theater. See more..
5.0 Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum (179 reviews)
- Great auto museum in Columbus Ohio
Spent < 1 hour Speciality Museums

We do not have regular hours. We do tours by appointment only. Due to my employment situation we do tours in the evenings and weekends. See more..
5.0 The Museum of Catholic Art and History (126 reviews)
- Absolutely worth finding… great museum.
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Museum of Catholic Art and History houses the largest diversified collection of Catholic Art in the United States. The collection includes Historic manuscripts ,oil paintings, pipe organs, statuary, historic vestments from the Holy Land and many other treasures of our Catholic heritage. See more..
4.5 Easton Town Center (3.292 reviews)
- A great shopping,dining and entertainment experience
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

In stark contrast to the old-country aura of German Village, Easton is the most modern neighborhood in the city, its architecturally contemporary town center drawing shoppers and tourists to an array of nationally and regionally known stores, plentiful restaurants and varied entertainment. See more..
4.5 Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (1.658 reviews)
- Magical holiday lights
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Galleries • Historic Sites • Gardens

A botanical landmark just two miles east of downtown Columbus, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens features exotic plant collections and displays, seasonal exhibitions, outdoor gardens (including community and culinary gardens) and a variety of educational programming. All set within the 88-acre Franklin Park. Inspired by horticulture, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens elevates quality of life and connects the community through educational, cultural and social experiences. All ages can partake in a variety of special events and activities throughout the year. A full menu of classes, workshops and camps are offered in gardening, cooking, fine art and wellness. With its natural surroundings, both indoors and out, the Conservatory serves as a premier venue for special events and corporate gatherings. See more..
4.5 COSI Center of Science and Industry (1.463 reviews)
- WOW!
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Science Museums

COSI, the #1 Science Museum in the Country as voted by USA Today’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio, with all things science for 58 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics and delivering our experiential, "hands-on fun" brand of learning. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our community, engaging more than one million people annually through onsite, offsite and online experiences. See more..
4.5 German Village (1.165 reviews)
- Adorable
Historic Sites • Neighborhoods • Historic Walking Areas

A highway bridge over Interstate 70 is all that separates the German Village Historic District from downtown Columbus, but as one looks east from the interstate, the difference between old and new is glaring. A 20 story structure sits just north of the interstate bridge, and just south, in German Village, no structure is higher than three stories. Five blocks south, the spire of St. Mary Church stands 197’ off the sidewalk and towers over everything around it. Structures and sidewalks are orange masonry, and many streets (about half) are still brick pavers. German Village does not have a recreated sense of history or kitschy Bavarian feel ~ rather, it is a neighborhood with architecture dating from the 1840s-1890s that has been preserved, and its use as a shared residential and commercial neighborhood has been maintained. People walk to their destinations, park on the street due to the overwhelming absence of driveways, and live life at a very pedestrian level. The neighborhood is extremely dense ~ very often only inches separate neighboring structures, and many structures were built for multi-family use. German Village is notably different because its appearance has changed so little. See more..
4.5 Ohio Stadium (972 reviews)
- The Ohio State University at Ohio Stadium
Arenas & Stadiums

Just went here to The Game between Michigan and Ohio State… wow was it electric. 108,000 People in the stands, it was loud, it was passionate, and boy was it fun. Our seats in sec 14C were great, could see the whole field… still $700 though which is the only downfall of college sporting events, expensive! Don’t wait to buy tickets. Regardless, its a awesome stadium and good experience! See more..
4.5 North Market Farmer's Market (824 reviews)
- A welcome sensory overload
Flea & Street Markets

Central Ohio's only public market has been serving the community since 1876. See more..
4.5 Short North Arts District (624 reviews)
- I love this neighborhood
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Columbus's version of New York's artsy Soho district, this historic urban neighborhood is filled with boutiques, art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants and theaters. See more..
4.5 Nationwide Arena (605 reviews)
- Good venue, typical for an arena
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Arenas & Stadiums

The new home of the Columbus Blue Jackets ice hockey team. See more..
4.5 Columbus Museum of Art (484 reviews)
- Excellent Contemporary Art Exhibits
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

This was a lovely way to spend some time in the city. The contemporary gallery was small but excellent. The entire museum is quite small, but we really liked the current special exhibits (there's an entire LEGO room right now until 8/20) as well as the Wonder Room. My teen especially liked the interactive spots where you can make your own art to be displayed and respond to prompts with sticky notes. The gift shop was excellent with lots of fun reasonably priced options, and if you buy something then parking is free. I'll be watching the exhibit schedule to see when to return. Currently, you still need to reserve a specific time slot before coming to the museum as a crowd control measure. See more..
4.5 Ohio Statehouse (459 reviews)
- Very worthwhile visit
Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Architectural Buildings

Capitol building of Ohio. See more..
4.5 Ohio State University (439 reviews)
- A beautiful campus
Educational sites

The campus here is really beautiful...the pond with the ducks is really lovely. I can imagine when the weather is warmer, sitting there soaking up the sun. The stadium is really magnificent, after all it is the 3rd largest in the US. The area by the campus is full of shops and restaurants too! See more..
4.5 The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair (418 reviews)
- Chinese Light Festival
Saturday: Convention Centers

The 360-acre Ohio Expo Center is one of the most dynamic event venues in the Midwest. Located in the heart of Columbus, its 20-building complex provides more than one million square feet of event space under multiple roofs, complemented with parking for 14,000 vehicles. The Ohio Expo Center has been home to the famed Ohio State Fair since 1886. See more..
4.5 Scioto Mile (372 reviews)
- Magnificent views
Parks

Loved strolling this area. Chose the street level path which had nice benches, foliage, excellent views of the river and downtown. There was also a lower path that followed the river. The joggers and bikers seemed to prefer that path. Not sure if the views are as good down there. See more..
4.5 Huntington Park (354 reviews)
- Almost perfect
Sports Complexes

Huntington Park is almost perfect. Plenty of nearby parking including exceptional handicapped parking. Beautiful park with great sightlines. Great promotions. Good prices. Fantastic concession selection. I say almost perfect because the ticket office is located in an awful place down the rightfield line. Lots of steps. I couldn't find an elevator for my wheelchair and ramps were a long way from the box office. If you do not have mobility issues, this is a great park. One other note: Advanced ticket purchases on line come with hefty service charges. You save a lot of money on walk up tickets. See more..
4.5 Whetstone Park / Park of Roses (285 reviews)
- Rose Lovers Heaven - or A Nice Walk in a Park
Gardens

One of the largest municipal rose gardens in the U.S., this 13-acre park features more than 11,000 gorgeous rose bushes and specialized gardens for herbs, daffodils and perennials. See more..
4.5 Shadowbox Live (269 reviews)
- Highly Recommended
Saturday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Theaters

Shadowbox Live (SBX) is the nation’s largest resident theater ensemble, employing over 50 full-time professionally-trained metaperformers and arts professionals. Located in Columbus Ohio, this independent, artist-operated theater company produces an average of 12 original productions across 250 performances annually. SBX garners consistent critical acclaim for its body of bold, devised works. The company’s art form is a constant exploration of shifting genres and conventions, to tell stories that move audiences beyond experience and into a shared expression of joy. Visceral and vulnerable, authentic and organic, Shadowbox Live envisions a world made more courageously humane through the power of art. See more..
4.5 Ohio History Center (246 reviews)
- Nice museum
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM History Museums

The history of Ohio from the Ice Age to the present is chronicled inside this architecturally interesting concrete and glass structure, housing a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits on everything from ancient Indian cultures to industrial progress and archives documenting early settlers' daily lives. Current Exhibits Ohio–Champion of Sports 1950s: Building the American Dream Ohio Through Time World War I Era Display The Great Collections Experiment Follow the Flag Following in Ancient Footsteps Buildings, Places & Spaces The Nature of Ohio See more..
4.5 Otherworld (228 reviews)
- Weirdness Forever
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Art Museums

Married couple with no kids. A very neat place to explore and enjoy the weird. Got "lost" for 2 hours. Definitely had some dark corners to get sucked into. Highly recommend for those who just wanna be and exist. My recommendations for this place for improvement: 1) Have employees flush out excessive lingering persons from certain areas so that everyone can have a chance to experience each nook-and-cranny (the monster-mouth area had a large group of stubborn teenagers who vocalized their irritation at other kids wishing to explore) 2) Continuous flow of refilling/rechecking hand sanitation stations as many were out, and 3) employees making sure children aren't running at an unsafe speed and pushing others out of the way. See more..
4.5 Arena District (226 reviews)
- Fun Area When Sporting Event is Happening
Neighborhoods

Festive area of town especially before a Bluejacket game or when the Columbus Crew are playing at Lower.com Field. I was here twice this past year to watch World Cup Qualifying games. Whistle and Keg is worth checking out as is Betty's Bar for a totally different yet fun experience. See more..
4.5 Polaris Fashion Place (219 reviews)
- Went for first time
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 9:30 PM Shopping Malls

Have some huge bargains at this place we ended up shopping more than what we intended to buy for the same price See more..
4.5 Schiller Park (190 reviews)
- Calming Respite from the City
Parks

This is a lovely park in German Village. There was ample parking, the area was clean, some gorgeous sculptures, a fountain, a little bridge over a large pond, and a play was being performed here free on the evening we visited. I would definitely return the next time I'm in the area. See more..
4.5 Kelton House Museum & Garden (83 reviews)
- Great stop
Saturday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Gardens

Experience urban life and the decorative arts, as they existed in the second half of the 19th century, through the collection of the Sophia and Fernando Cortez Kelton family. Learn about the Underground Railroad and the people that bring the history to life. See more..
4.0 Greater Columbus Convention Center (321 reviews)
- Great Event Center
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Convention Centers

The Greater Columbus Convention Center is center of Ohio, the center of Columbus. It's surrounded by restaurants, shops, hotels and entertainment venues. Inside, the Convention Center has 1.8 million square feet of flexible, customizable space. Located in the 14th largest city in the United States in the midst of a vibrant entertainment district, the GCCC offers you an array of amenities to exceed your expectations. #CBusConventions See more..
4.0 Topiary Garden (300 reviews)
- Love Seurat? Then enjoy this hidden gem!!
Parks • Gardens

Georges Seurat's "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" is recreated in a sculptured evergreen garden featuring larger-than-life human figures, animals and boats. See more..
4.0 Downtown Columbus (262 reviews)
- city with great atmosphere and beautiful architecture
Neighborhoods

Columbus is a busy but nice place to visit. We have two daughters living here so we come often. It has bot ha bigger city feel as well as a friendly feel. It is cleaner than many big cities and people are friendlier. The architecture of all the government building is beautiful. See more..
3.5 Hollywood Casino Columbus (688 reviews)
- Great job during pandemic
Casinos

Husband and I have visited several times during this Pandemic. I feel that Hollywood & staff are going above & beyond to keep everyone healthy. Requiring masks and setting up cleaning stations is just the start. Bathrooms are extremely clean, employees cleaning machines, and turning off every other machine to help with social distancing. I read a sign that says from the hours of 7-9 in the a.m. is reserved for people who want to get out but need to be away from crowds. The staff at the OH bar is always super friendly and we seem to always leave with money. We will definitely be back soon! Thanks for giving us some excitement during these crazy times. Keep up the good work. See more..