Location: Columbus
Top Things to do in Columbus
What to do and see in Columbus, Ohio (OH): The Best Things to do
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
5.0 based on 504 reviews
Broadway shows are performed in this historic theater.
Reviewed By rs49ss47 - Germantown, United States
Do you like seeing great performances? Do you enjoy visiting older, historic buildings? You can satisfy both desires by coming to this beautiful building in downtown Columbus. My family and I have attended many great events at this theatre over many years. Seating capacity is in excess of 2,500 but for particularly popular events the tickets go quickly. I remember as a child being particularly excited to see the wonderful organ which is still in use today. So many big name stars have performed here that it would be impossible to name them all. Much of the beautiful interior is close to its' original grandeur. Among the big draws are the Columbus Symphony, ( really worth seeing ) and BalletMet. One of our favorites was The Nutcracker when our children were young. No matter what the event is a trip here is one you will not regret. Underground parking is available across the street.
2. Center of Science and Industry (COSI)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,427 reviews
The Center of Science and Industry (COSI), located in Columbus, Ohio, is a dynamic, hands-on science center with more than 55 years of award-winning expertise in providing engaging, inspiring, and transforming learning experiences. From hands-on interactive exhibits in themed exhibition areas, and state-of-the-art planetarium, to traveling and education outreach programs, COSI delivers science and science educational experiences both in its building and far beyond its walls. With unprecedented and one-of-a-kind partnerships, including with the New York City-based American Museum of Natural History (AMNH), COSI has positioned itself as a national powerhouse museum with content and experiences for people of all ages. Located in Central Ohio, COSI stands as a leading cultural institution and destination attraction for regional, national, and international audiences. For more information on COSI's reopening and COVID-19 policies, please visit cosi.org.
Reviewed By JackieM125 - Toronto, Canada
COSI is definitely a place you have to visit, we were so impressed with how much there is to do and we could have easily spent a few days there. I loved how well laid out the center is so that you can easily go from exhibit to exhibit without getting lost in a maze. We loved the Dinosaur Gallery with awesome replicas, real and cast fossils. We entered Lost Egypt with its stunning artifacts including a real mummy and sarcophagus! The Oceans area is visually stunning, one side was like being on board an interactive submarine and the other side was a totally hands on Neptune themed water play area. It has to be seen to believed with all the watery, cavernous detail that kids and adults will love. A really cool area was Progress which depicted a life like reconstruction of a typical street corner during the turn of the 20th century. Then you turn the corner and the exact same street corner is updated to the 1950s. It was so interesting to experience how transportation, communication and technology have changed over the past century. Gadgets is a terrific hands on area with tonnes of experiments and simple machines. There are experiment labs that are first come first serve which book up quickly, so I recommend checking that out earlier in the visit. There is also Planetarium on the upper level showing spectacular films inside the 60 foot dome. It is a great place to take a mid visit break and check out any of the eye-catching, cinematic gems. There are some great outdoor areas to see too like the courtyard with any larger kid-friendly experiments and a beautiful, new playground just outside the main entrance. The amenities like the Atomic Cafe had tasty, healthy food options for all ages that were very reasonably priced and the huge gift shop had fun and educational mementos. Needless to say COSI does not disappoint and would definitely consider the annual membership as it is a great visit anytime of the year, rain or shine. Thanks COSI
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. North Market Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 792 reviews
Central Ohio's only public market has been serving the community since 1876.
Reviewed By Sinatralis - Rocky River, United States
This is a nice little farmers market very close to the convention center and they do have parking you can get your parking validated so you only pay a dollar if you purchase something. Great place for lunch as there are several choices from Indian Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese.. but they also have produce they have meats and they have a cute little bar that you could get a beer or a mixed cocktail and walk through the market it’s not very big but it is just the perfect size but great for a casual lunch as they have seating upstairs and outside picnic tables. Worth a stop for sure as it’s not super big but it is a nice little market.
7. Columbus Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 460 reviews
Reviewed By sabinebaby - Detroit, United States
First whomever is suggesting 2-3 hours, it’s far too short, especially if you do the special exhibits and have lunch at the delightful cafe. The special exhibit currently is Alice Shille, who was from Columbus but lived worldwide with friends like Gertrude Stein. Her watercolors varied with the area she was in and were so well done. Some looked more like oils then watercolors and they have various notes on her thought process on drawing and personal letters. The rest of the museum was much larger than I thought and filled with a huge variety of different pieces from the masters to a textile room that had knitted blankets being used as art. Tons of interactive activities also. The cafe had delicious food, super friendly helpful staff and a beautiful courtyard to eat in if the weather is nice with a water /sculpture feature. Everyone at the museum was wonderful and I can’t wait to visit again next time I’m in Columbus
8. Ohio Stadium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 958 reviews
Reviewed By mikesgbear1 - Coral Springs, United States
This was a stop in my bucket list and definitely worth seeing. I love the buckeyes. And the surrounding town was also very cool
9. Scioto Mile
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 361 reviews
Reviewed By stephaniephilly - Philadelphia, United States
Awesome views and a beautiful place to walk around or sit outside in nice weather. Very walkable area.
10. Otherworld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 176 reviews
Reviewed By LynnOverstreet - Pittsburgh, United States
This was an amazing interactive (TOUCH THE WALLS!!) immersive art experience that our entire family enjoyed. Highly suggest you get there right at opening because it gets busy quick and there are long lines! Be sure to check out the bathrooms as there is some pretty cool art in there too! Keep your eyes open for hidden little rooms and crawl spaces that make the place even more enjoyable!
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