Location: Columbus
Top Things to do in Columbus
What to do and see in Columbus, Ohio (OH): The Best Sights & Landmarks
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. Supreme Court of Ohio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
This historic 1930s building has been home to the Supreme Court of Ohio since reopening in 2004 after a meticulous four-year renovation. The doors are open to all and the public is encouraged to visit and admire firsthand the beautiful Art Deco building and its array of murals, bronze sculptures, mosaics, and symbols that adorn the interior.
Reviewed By alwaysmoretosee2015 - Dublin, United States
Anyone can arrange a free tour of the Ohio Supreme Court building thrugh their Civic Education department and my friends and I highly recommend doing so. It is full of amazing art works- murals, mosaics, sculptures, carvings and even a Chihuly! Our guide Mason was very knowledgeable and friendly. He told us stories about the building and explained how the court works in addition to pointing our amazing details in the ceilings, hallways and library.
2. Pontifical College Josephinum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By bongrno - Columbus, United States
The Josephinum is a Roman Catholic college for men who are entering in to the priesthood and under the influence of the Vatican not necessarily of the diocese of Columbus. Often priests from the Josephinum assist the local parishes with Sunday services as well as other duties needed by the parish pastors. The location is in the far North end of Columbus in the city of Worthington, Ohio. An easy off/on I-270 and Ohio route 23 north. One exit west of I-71. Several hotels and convention centers in the area as well as restaurants and shopping.
3. Ohio Statehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 450 reviews
Capitol building of Ohio.
Reviewed By Gerry963 - Schroon Lake, United States
We like to visit state capitols in our travels—they are always visitor-friendly and reveal a great deal about a state’s history, economy and culture in a short time. The Ohio Statehouse is no exception. Somewhat understated for a capitol on the outside, it is beautiful and grand on the inside. Our knowledgeable guide, Elaine, brought Ohio and the Statehouse to life in her ~45 minute tour (a crash course in all things Ohio that is well worth the time). It was an enjoyable and informative time. A suggestion to visitors: take careful notes about your path from your vehicle to the start of the tour—or leave a trail of bread crumbs—as the building and connected subterranean parking garage are rather confusing to navigate and not terribly well signed. The friendly Ohioans who work in the capitol know the place is a labyrinth and are approachable and helpful in getting you redirected.
4. Short North Arts District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
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.
Reviewed By CDM116 - Whippany, United States
After visiting Columbus several times in the last few years we have found the short north to be a wonderful area of the city for so many different reasons. Come enjoy this fantastic area
5. German Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,140 reviews
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.
Reviewed By CMHBeth - Columbus, United States
German Village is a quaint neighborhood to the immediate south of downtown Columbus. It’s historic buildings, houses and brick streets make for a lovely stroll all times of the year. The streets are lined with houses dating back to the late 1800s-early 1900s. There are restaurants, bars and coffee stops and shops sprinkled throughout could not be more diverse and charming. Schiller Park in the heart of the village should not be missed.
6. Nationwide Arena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 592 reviews
The new home of the Columbus Blue Jackets ice hockey team.
Reviewed By 216TimG - Cleveland, United States
We go every January for a CBJ game, last year did the CBJ-Bob Seger double. An easy facility to navigate & a super staff all around.
7. Easton Town Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,266 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 chinabeech
Easton is a great place to visit to shop, dine in any number of excellent resturants, our favorites are Brios, Bon Vie, McCormicks and Schmicks, Ocean Club and others. Shopping and theater are very nice.
8. Arena District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 226 reviews
Reviewed By KimB995 - Seminole, United States
We had the opportunity to experience the arena firsthand for our ASAE networking event! Bonus that it was a private John Legend concert. Great job!
9. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,607 reviews
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.
Reviewed By 612BarbaraH612 - Worcester, United States
The botanical garden is a small portion of Franklin Park, so you have the opportunity to wander the grounds outside the botanical garden in addition to enjoying the outside gardens and indoor exhibits of the botanical garden itself. There's a very nice children's garden, a small formal garden area with a beautiful sculpture, an area devoted to community garden education, a conservatory with a variety of exhibits, a glass blowing demonstration, an excellent gift shop and a cafe. June 1, 2019 marked the start of a Chihuly exhibit that will be throughout the garden areas until the end of March, 2020. We just missed the Chihuly exhibit, but we will return to see it!
10. Martin Luther King Performing and Cultural Arts Complex
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Cultural institution dedicated to exploring the African-American experience through theatrical productions, visual arts exhibitions and educational activities.
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