Top Things to Do in Columbus

Columbus, United States

About the City

Columbus, the capital city of Ohio, unfurls its Midwestern charm with a dash of cosmopolitan flair. Welcoming visitors with open arms, the city boasts a vibrant arts scene, a thumping lineup of sports events, and green spaces galore. The iconic Ohio State University pulses at the city's heart, a beacon of academia and football frenzy. Downtown Columbus impresses with its towering skyline, while the Short North arts district dazzles with galleries, murals, and boutiques. Food lovers rejoice in the cornucopia of culinary delights, from sizzling street food to gourmet experiences. Festivals pepper the calendar, ensuring there's never a dull moment in this bustling hub. Yet, not all that glitters is gold. The city wrestles with traffic snarls that could challenge the patience of a saint, and weather that swings from scorching summers to frosty winters, demanding a wardrobe as versatile as the city's happenings. Despite these quirks, Columbus is a tableau of Midwestern hospitality peppered with a zest for life, making it a delightful conundrum of the good, the not-so-good, and the irresistibly quirky.

Things to Do in Columbus

Dive into the Savory World of Bahama Mamas

Food & Drink

Ready for a taste adventure? Try out Bahama Mamas in Columbus! This smoky, spicy sausage, with deep German roots, has made quite a culinary splash! The blend of beef and pork embodies local flair and ...

Explore the Wilds at Battelle Darby Creek

Outdoors

Adventure seekers, your next stop is Battelle Darby Creek! This is not your average park, folks. It's home to majestic, roaming bison, and you can see them chilling out in the fields. Take a stroll al...

Explore an Unassuming Art House

The Unexpected

Tucked away in Columbus is an inconspicuous building housing a treasure trove of art. Step beyond its deceiving exterior to discover galleries filled with astonishing local and international art creat...

Ride a Vintage Carousel

The Unexpected

Feeling nostalgic? Recapture your sense of wonder as you hop onto a beautifully restored vintage carousel. The intricate details of the carved animals and the classic tunes bring back childhood memori...

Unwind in a Secret Speakeasy

The Unexpected

Who would expect to find an elusive speakeasy down the alleyways of Columbus? Step into a bygone era where jazz notes float through the air and velvet couches are aplenty. Enter through unmarked doors...

Embark on a Ghostly Adventure at The Barnett Building

The Unexpected

Are you a thrill seeker with a penchant for the paranormal? Channel your inner ghost hunter at The Barnett Building in Columbus! This historic building, with nearly a century of whispered tales, offer...

Conquer the O'Shaughnessy Dam Obstacle Course

Outdoors

Get ready to test your mettle at the O’Shaughnessy Dam! This obstacle course is not just about physical prowess; it’s about mental grit and strategy, too. Tackle various challenges like the high ropes...

Cycle the Ohio to Erie Trail

Outdoors

Get ready to pedal your way through Ohio's heart on the Ohio to Erie Trail! This epic biking trail stretches from the banks of the Ohio River to the shores of Lake Erie. Along the way, you'll pass cha...

Birdwatch at Grange Insurance Audubon Center

Outdoors

Calling all birdwatchers and nature lovers! If you're up for a relaxing day of birdwatching, head over to the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. Nestled on the edge of the Scioto River, this spot is a s...

Catch the Sunset at Hoover Reservoir Park

Outdoors

Cap off your Columbus adventure with a mesmerizing sunset at Hoover Reservoir Park. Spread out a blanket, sit back, and watch as the sky transforms into a canvas of pastel hues. It’s a perfect close t...

Taste the Authentic Columbus Tacos

Food & Drink

Columbus proves to be a melting pot for flavors, and its taco scene is no exception! Dive into taco artistry where traditional Mexican flavors meet contemporary techniques in a unique fusion experienc...

Celebrate Science at the Orton Geological Museum

Sights

Step into a world where science rocks, literally! The Orton Geological Museum is a hidden gem for those curious souls who love learning. Get up close and personal with fascinating fossils, minerals th...

Observe Columbus from the LeVeque Tower

Sights

Ascend to the skies at the LeVeque Tower Observation Deck! One of Columbus’s iconic skyscrapers, this art deco masterpiece isn’t just an architectural gem; it provides breathtaking panoramic views of ...

Embark on a Story at Topiary Park

Sights

Step into a three-dimensional painting at the Topiary Park, a living sculpture masterpiece inspired by Georges Seurat’s famous painting, 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.' Here, bu...

Discover the Secrets of the Ohio Statehouse

Sights

Dive into the rich history of Ohio at the Ohio Statehouse. This grand and imposing building is more than just the hub of Ohio’s government; it’s a key that unlocks fascinating insights into the state’...

Connect with Nature at Scioto Audubon Metro Park

Sights

Scioto Audubon Metro Park is where nature meets adventure in the heart of Columbus! This urban oasis offers a sprawling 120-acre playground for wildlife enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Whether y...

Try Delicious Independently Brewed Kombucha

Food & Drink

For those in search of a refreshing and slightly adventurous beverage, Columbus offers an exciting array of locally brewed kombucha. This fizzy, fermented tea comes in a spectrum of flavors, from tang...

Taste the Authenticity of Shawarma

Food & Drink

In the mood for something savory and exotic? Columbus's shawarma scene is a must-try! Imagine thinly sliced seasoned meats, marinated to perfection and slowly cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Whether ...

Dig Into a Gyro at the North Market

Food & Drink

Step into the heart of Columbus's culinary scene at the North Market, where you can sink your teeth into a mouth-watering gyro. Juicy, spiced meat wrapped in soft pita bread, topped with tangy tzatzik...

Unearth History at the Poindexter Village Museum

The Unexpected

Venture into Poindexter Village, one of the first public housing projects in the United States, and uncover its rich history. At the museum, learn about the stories of resilience and community spirit ...