Location: Columbus
Top Things to do in Columbus
10 Things to Do in Columbus That You Shouldn't Miss
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.
Restaurants in Columbus
1. Ohio Theater
Overall Ratings
5 based on 455 reviews
Broadway shows are performed in this historic theater.
Reviewed By trico40 - Ohio
Took family to see the Nutcracker on Christmas Eve. Beautiful theater, kind and pleasant staff, terrific acoustics, easy parking (I actually parked on a close flat lot which was free on Sundays rather than under the Statehouse). The show was terrific! This might become a new family tradition.
2. Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 114 reviews
We do not have regular hours. We do tours by appointment only.
Reviewed By DocHarrisHHI - Hilton Head, South Carolina
We found this on trip advisor and made arrangements with Steve to visit... In a nondescript part of German Village in a residential neighborhood sits this garage building with about a dozen 50's cars and other auto collectibles that the owner chooses to find and display... We spent about 30 minutes talking with him about the history of his collection and then headed to dinner... A truly small gem, both the collection and the individual...
3. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a premier botanical landmark and attraction featuring exceptional plant collections, indoor and outdoor gardens, seasonal art and nature-based exhibitions, and a dynamic array of events for visitors of all ages.
Reviewed By virginiagirl2018 - Christiansburg, Virginia
The Conservatory was fairly busy on this chilly Saturday. We began with the butterfly garden in the Pacific Island Water Garden. It was very crowded, as an employee was releasing new butterflies & explaining their life cycle. It made it difficult to navigate the exhibit. We only saw about 6 different types of butterflies, but those were fairly abundant. The North Conservatory with its Himalayan Mountains, Tropical Rain Forest, and Desert areas had a nice selection of plants. We also enjoyed the Chihuly glass exhibits in the various exhibit areas. We stopped for a snack in the Garden Cafe (chicken salad + greens), which was pretty good. It was very windy when we finished in the visitors center so we didn’t go to the outdoor areas. I look forward to seeing those if we visit in warmer weather.
4. Huntington Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
Reviewed By Dede R
We were driving through Columbus on our way back to Michigan. We weren't able to make it to a game but the staff was still very accommodating to our family. Looks like a great place for anyone to have a good time.
5. North Market Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 628 reviews
Central Ohio's only public market has been serving the community since 1876.
Reviewed By T W - New Albany, Ohio
Located just south of Short North, this farmer's market is a great place to grab lunch. Several different restaurants inside so you will be sure to find something delicious to eat. Plus a couple of desserts shops which made some sweet savory desserts. It's a busy place so if you don't mind walking, park in the nearby garages. Parking is expensive though 12 dollars for three hours.
6. Ohio Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 835 reviews
Reviewed By Randburg - Randburg, South Africa
This stadium houses around 105 000 people for American football matches at a college level. Unfortunately we visited Columbus outside of football season, but the whole town is mad about the sport and you could still sense the support for their local team. Please contact the stadium management if you wish to conduct a tour of the facility as it did not appear to be open for ad-hoc visits when I was there on a weekday.
7. Scioto Mile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 270 reviews
Reviewed By jkzoo - Mansfield, Ohio
If it werent for anytihing but the standing deer sculptures alone I would give this a top rating but they have done so much more - the fountains, the performance areas, its all just great.
8. Easton Town Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Scott T - Marietta, Ohio, United States
Whether you're from a more remote area of the state, surrounding area or from another state or country, Easton Town Center is one spot you should visit if you want to get a feel for the state of shopping in America. From Jeni's Ice Cream to a variety of pilot stores from brand names you may know or may not, it's the best variety, experience and environment the city has to offer. Much of the shopping experience does involve outdoor walking on city-like sidewalks, so be prepared for that. "Town Center" means exactly what it says-- it has a feel of a small town with shops. There is a center/central hub that you can also enjoy should the weather not be so inviting.
There is ample parking both on the street, in small lots tucked away and in rather well disguised parking garages.
Don't forget to search your map for surrounding shopping opportunities that aren't exactly within walking distance of Town Center but are within viewing distance around the facility. This is always my preferred shopping experience in Columbus.
9. Whetstone Park / Park of Roses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 248 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Pat R - Fishers, Indiana
Out-of-towners on a garden tour of Columbus. Mid-August is not the best time to see the Roses, but we were pleasantly surprised how many were still blooming, although many bushes were not. Free and free parking. Need to come back earlier in the year
10. Ohio Statehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 391 reviews
Capitol building of Ohio.
Reviewed By Dmarkwind - Kansas City, Missouri
This capital is a little different than others I’ve been to. It doesn’t have an exterior dome, and it’s smaller than those of many other states. As a result, the governor’s office and other departments are housed elsewhere rather than in the statehouse. It does have a very nice manicured grounds, with underground parking beneath. Plus, there’s a museum in the basement. I had never spent time in Columbus before, and had a little bit of time after wandering around Germantown, so we decided to take the tour. Our tour guide was long-winded and a little on the dry side. I was surprised this capital didn’t have near as much wall art as others I’ve visited, and I was most impressed with the patterned rotunda floor, which is under the interior dome. It was pretty amazing to me that they figured out all the geometry for a complex alternating pattern without computers. I also liked the floor outside the statehouse gift shop where they showed all the counties of Ohio in different colors of polished stone. Glad we stopped, but if I had it to do again, I’m not sure I wouldn’t have opted for the museum rather than the tour.
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