Complete Guide To The Capital City Of The Buckeye State

Nestled virtually smack dab in the course of the state, Columbus is the most important metropolis in Ohio and the capital. It will get its title from the well-known explorer, Christopher Columbus, given by the primary everlasting white settlers who moved to the Midwest within the 1700s. Beginning out as a modest neighborhood of mound builders, Columbus has undergone centuries of progress to be a buzzing metropolis with a hip vibe and booming tech business.

The capital is dwelling to a handful of the best pastimes in the state, providing first-timers a rigorously curated concoction of state-of-the-art stadiums, thriving arts and tradition scenes, quaint museums and iconic landmarks, and vibrant dwell leisure venues. Nonetheless, this barely scratches the floor concerning what lies in retailer for holidaymakers in Columbus.

Whether or not a sports activities fanatic, nature fanatic, historical past buff, or artwork connoisseur, here is what makes Columbus such a unique city worth visiting and the highest issues to do within the capital of the Buckeye State.

UPDATE: 2023/07/23 11:06 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Extra Issues To Do In Columbus: Full Information To The Capital Metropolis Of The Buckeye State

There’s much more to do in Columbus, Ohio, with this newest journey information replace. From historic sights to sporting occasions, here is what to see and do in Columbus.

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Prime Issues To Do In Columbus

There is not any scarcity of enjoyable issues to do for vacationers coming to Ohio’s capital. From exploring its historic websites and ranging over its charming, walkable neighborhoods to attending electrifying sports activities spectacles in world-class arenas, vacationers can sit up for an action-packed itinerary.

These are the highest actions to indulge within the metropolis of Columbus.

1 Spend A Day At Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

Set on a sprawling 582-acre property and housing greater than 10,000 animals representing 600 species, that is simply one of many largest zoos in America and among the many most spectacular on this planet.

The Columbus Zoo gives refuge to a few of the most endangered animals on this planet, such because the Amur tigers and pink pandas.

The power boasts a number of unique habitats, most notably the Coronary heart of Africa, which options majestic beasts from the African savanna, together with lions, giraffes, and wildebeests. Visitors can even examine different habitats and animals from Asia and North America.

• Admission
  : Adults $24.99, Seniors & Youngsters $18.99, Ages 3 and below Free

• Hours
  : Open each day, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Be sure you take a look at The Journey Cove, a powerful marine habitat with a 100,000-gallon tank and delightful coral reef. Guests can even marvel on the most intensive reptile assortment within the nation.

2 Uncover The State’s Historical past At The Ohio Statehouse

The Ohio Statehouse is a historic landmark within the metropolis’s coronary heart that dazzles guests with its spectacular Greek Revival-style structure and lovely gardens.

Accomplished within the 1800s, firstly of the American Civil Warfare, it’s among the many oldest functioning state capitols in the country and continues to function the seat of state authorities.

Contained in the imposing constructing, visitors can uncover a treasure trove of Ohio’s wealthy historical past from a broad assortment of historic artifacts, portraits, and different memorabilia, together with Abraham Lincoln’s marble bust. The statehouse organizes informative guided excursions the place vacationers can examine its chambers, halls, and rotunda.

Afterward, sit down for a refreshing cup of espresso and a fast snack on the Capitol Café.

• Admission
  : Free

• Tour hours
  : 10 am to three pm (from midday on weekends),

3 Pattern The Metropolis’s Artwork Scene At The Columbus Museum Of Artwork

Artwork fans can fulfill their coronary heart’s wishes on the spectacular Columbus Museum of Artwork. The power homes an impressive assortment of intimate artwork from all over the world. This ranges from early to fashionable European and American work, Cubist artwork, Impressionist works, and pictures to glassworks.

A number of the highlights of visiting the Columbus Museum of Artwork embody the “Still Life with Compote and Glass” piece by Picasso, the “Morning Solar” by Edward Hopper, and “The Mediterranean” by Monet. Additionally, the power’s gardens host some spectacular sculptures value viewing.

• Admission
  : Adults $18, Seniors (60+) $9, College students (18+) $9, Youngsters (4–17) $9, Youngsters (0–3) free, Thursdays (5–9 pm) $5,

• Hours
  : Tuesday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday from 10 am – 5 pm, Thursday from 10 am – 9 pm (closed on Mondays)

Whereas inspecting the museum’s paintings, hold the younger ones busy on the Chase Middle or Marvel Room with entertaining actions, together with hands-on drawing and enjoyable video games.

4 Store For Contemporary Produce At North Market Farmers’ Market

Since 1876, the North Market Farmers’ Market has hosted farmers and distributors hawking contemporary farm produce, baked items, and different artisanal merchandise to town residents. As we speak, it stands proud as a historic landmark in Columbus, filled with stalls and stands the place vacationers come to discover and purchase varied objects.

The market sells contemporary produce from native growers, together with flowers, fruits, greens, spices, and fragrant herbs. In addition to being a colourful and chaotic scene within the metropolis value trying out, visitors can even style native delicacies on the totally different stalls promoting selfmade pastries and different meals picks.

Though the North Market is open year-round, it solely hosts the favored farmers’ market on Saturday mornings from June to October.

5 Get Up Shut With Nature At The Franklin Park Conservatory And Botanical Gardens

Lovers of inexperienced and calm areas will really feel at dwelling touring this glorious facility. Situated on the jap facet of Columbus, the Franklin Park and Botanical Gardens is dwelling to fascinating flower beds, lovely botanical gardens, and lovely greenhouses. There are over 400 plant species, starting from bushes and shrubs to flowers from throughout the globe.

Established in 1895, the gardens have grown exponentially to incorporate indigenous and native flora, with tropical, desert, and island plant species represented.

The picturesque paths, lush lawns, and interesting ambiance culminate within the good setting for a leisurely afternoon stroll that guests to Columbus can make the most of.

• Admission
  : Adults $22, Seniors $19, Youngsters $15, Ages 2 and below Free

• Hours
  : Open each day, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Remember to take a look at the awe-inspiring Victorian-style structure of the Palm Home or admire the huge assortment of glassworks by Dale Chihuly.

The Ohio trustworthy take their sports activities significantly, and there is no higher method to expertise this than attending a school soccer sport on the Ohio Stadium.

Constructed in 1922 and with a capability of at the least 104,000, the stadium, popularly often called “The Horseshoe,” is a historic metropolis landmark included on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and one of many largest sports stadia in America.

Throughout Ohio State Buckeyes soccer workforce’s dwelling video games, the stadium will get packed to the rafters, and the ambiance is one to behold.

The thundering roar from probably the most passionate faculty soccer fanbases reverberating across the area simply eclipses a typical NFL sport expertise—no want to say that it may be a nightmare for opposing groups.

In addition to internet hosting soccer video games, the stadium can also be a well-known live performance venue the place big-name bands like The Rolling Stones and Metallica have had large performances.

• Hours and tickets:
  Test the web site for scheduled video games and ticket costs

The stadium will get packed, so arrive early for the very best seats and benefit from the thrilling tailgate motion.

7 Step Into A Realm Of Fantasy And Science Fiction At Otherworld

Otherworld is a modern-day surprise and the weird brainchild of at the least 40 artists. Unfold throughout roughly 32,000 ft, it contains dozens of rooms and installations housing artwork exhibitions, interactive playgrounds, and digital actuality universes. Getting into Otherworld transports visitors into a brand new dimension stuffed with enjoyable and laughter.

Ideally suited for youths and adults alike, it affords a wonderful alternative to get misplaced in another immersive actuality and benefit from a uncommon type of leisure.

• Admission
  : Adults $22, Youngsters $18, Seniors & Navy $20, Ages 3 and below Free

• Hours
  : Open Wednesday via Monday, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

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8 Get Curious At Topiary Park

Topiary Park is among the most eccentric sights in Columbus. Situated in downtown’s Discovery District, this isn’t a typical public park, and its creative impression of A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Goerges Seurat leaves many in awe.

The artwork was the brainchild of James T. Mason, who labored together with his spouse to recreate the long-lasting post-impressionist portray.

There’s lots to marvel at, together with the park’s pond which mirrors the Seine River within the portray. Visitors can examine at the least 50 intricately human figures unfold throughout the 9.2-acre park when not enjoyable within the laid-back ambiance of Topiary Park.

• Admission
  : Free

• Hours
  : Open each day, 7 am – 11 pm

9 Pattern The Metropolis’s Craft Brewery Scene Alongside The Columbus Ale Path

Columbus has a thriving craft brewery tradition and that is evidenced by the over 50 craft breweries within the metropolis. Thankfully, the Columbus Ale Path affords booze lovers a uncommon alternative to find these breweries in an unforgettable journey. There are 35 taking part breweries, every with a singular vibe and contemporary expertise.

• Vacationers can get a Columbus Path Passport at any of the breweries on the path in Franklin County to obtain a stamp each time they make a purchase order.

After amassing the 35 stamps, current the stamped passport to the Ohio Taproom and obtain a restricted version t-shirt as a worthy memento of the expertise.

10 Take pleasure in Retail Remedy At Easton City Middle

Easton City Middle is town’s procuring Mecca about 10 miles from downtown. However procuring is not the one attraction right here, the advanced was designed to resemble a mid-Twentieth century city, which wows guests with calm streets, inexperienced parks, and red-brick city squares.

The mall attracts about 30 million guests yearly, who come to buy varied merchandise in 150+ shops within the advanced, together with famend manufacturers like Louis Vuitton, Macy’s, and Gucci.

After procuring, calm down on the 30-screen AMC Theater to look at the most recent flicks in Hollywood or catch a rib-cracking comedy efficiency on the Columbus Humorous Bone.

• Hours
  : Monday to Friday, 10 am – 9 pm, Sunday midday – 6 pm

11 Be taught Fascinating Info At The Middle Of Science And Business

A must-visit for vacationing households, the Middle of Science and Business (COSI) is a captivating facility that guarantees to curiosity youngsters and adults alike. It’s the good alternative to spark an curiosity in science in younger souls via hands-on and interactive reveals.

As kids get their fingers soiled fidgeting with the shows, adults will get pleasure from a historical past lesson on the Dinosaur Gallery and uncover how power comes about on the Vitality Explorer exhibit.

The Middle of Science and Business additionally homes the state’s largest planetarium, the place guests can step right into a 60-foot dome for an engrossing journey into the galaxy or human physique.

• Admission
  : Grownup – $20, Youngster – $15

• Hours
  : Open each day, 10 am – 5 pm

Be careful for enjoyable dwell reveals on the Rat Basketball and The Electrical energy Present, which all the time show to be a success with the whole household.

12 Finest Time To Go to Columbus

The local weather in Columbus alternates between humid continental and humid subtropical, leading to very changeable climate that includes gentle to intense precipitation across the yr.

That being stated, the very best time to go to is from mid-June to Mid-September, when town enjoys the longest stretch of temperate climate with little cloud cowl and rainfall.

The situations are nice for having fun with its outside sights, and the skies are clear with loads of pure mild.

Spring climate might be erratic

The climate sample throughout springtime is changeable, beginning chilly, cloudy, and wet earlier than switching to extra comfy situations in the direction of the tip of the season.

Stunning climate can happen in Might, with a mixture of sunny situations and enchanting bursts of bloom, ideally suited for exploring the southeast Ohio hills.

The height season is summer time

Summer time welcomes the very best variety of vacationers to Ohio’s capital, eager to benefit from the nice and cozy, sunny days within the metropolis. Though the occasional heatwaves might be uncomfortable and humidity stifling, the climate is mostly tolerable, and outside actions like concert events and festivals dominate town.

Columbus’s hip nightlife and intense craft beer scene additionally come to life throughout summer time.

Lodging, flight, and repair costs take a major hike in July and August; vacationers are suggested to e book months upfront to keep away from excessive costs.

Fall is a well-liked shoulder season

Fall welcomes pleasantly gentle situations that, mixed with the thinner crowds and unbelievable fall foliage, make it top-of-the-line occasions to tour town.

With occasional bursts of heat climate, this is a superb alternative to get out and benefit from the tranquil ambiance of town’s a number of parks and inexperienced areas.

Keep away from Columbus winters

These afraid of the chilly ought to give winter a large berth. Though short-lived, the situations are freezing, particularly in January and February, and snowstorms can strike town, albeit not often. On the intense facet, that is the very best time to make the most of lodging reductions.

Not like many Midwestern cities, Columbus appears proof against the intense climate situations that habitually hit the area. Most main storms incessantly transfer to the south or north of town.

13 Finest Methods To Get Round Columbus

Columbus is a really navigable metropolis; vacationers can select from varied technique of getting round and exploring its main sights.

Bus

The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) is the regional public transit system that operates a fleet of buses traversing each nook of Columbus. This options the CBUS, a free shuttle service circling downtown Columbus between Brief North Arts District and Brewery District.

It’s good for surveying the downtown space and its cute neighborhoods, with stops at well-known sights just like the German Village, Pistacia Vera Macaron, and Columbus Brewing Firm.

• Bust fares
  : $2 for single rides, $4.50 for a day cross, $25 for a 7-day cross, free transfers

• Hours
  : Monday to Thursday (7 am-9 pm), Friday (7 am-midnight), Saturday (9 am-midnight), Sunday (10:30 am-6 pm)

Bike

Ohio’s capital metropolis can also be value viewing on two wheels. Those that like to include some train throughout their tour of Columbus can make the most of town’s CoGo Bike Share Program.

With a community of 300+ bikes spanning 30 stations within the downtown area, visitors could have no points discovering a set of wheels.

The bicycles can be found for rent any time of the day, and guests can verify the CoGo Bike program web site to seek out the closest station.

• Bike leases:
  $6 for a 24-hour cross

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Automobile

Though Columbus is not an enormous metropolis, there isn’t any hurt in driving a automobile. This generally is a handy possibility for visiting extra distant sights exterior town middle. Contemplating the central location of the capital within the state, vacationers can take the possibility to visit other charming towns in Ohio.

A number of automobile rental firms, resembling Funds and Enterprise, have areas unfold all through town, together with the purpose of entry at Port Columbus Worldwide Airport.

• Automobile leases
  : Begin at $37 per day

Test town map to view parking areas and use pre-paid parking to seek out the right parking area downtown when planning to tour the world.

Alternatively, use the greater than 500 taxi cabs in Columbus to get across the metropolis. The biggest operator is Yellow Cab.

14 The place To Eat In Columbus

The Buckeye State capital boasts an eclectic eating scene with quite a few eating places and eateries competing to depart a mark on a various culinary market. Because of a beneficiant availability of farm-fresh produce and components from town’s farmer’s markets, eating places serve wholesome and healthful dishes.

On the identical time, the younger faculty inhabitants ensures a bustling evening scene with varied watering holes.

For breakfast:

Fox in the Snow Café

This cute breakfast joint, nestled within the coronary heart of the nice German Village restaurant, is the right place to have the day’s first meal. The bakery and café provide tasty treats that visitors with a candy tooth will recognize. Essentially the most requested dishes embody sticky pecan buns, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate chip cookies.

• Handle
  : 1031 N 4th St, Columbus, OH 43201-3629

• Hours
  : Monday to Friday (7 am – 3 pm), Saturday & Sunday (8 am – 3 pm)

For lunch and dinner:

Cap City Fine Diner and Bar

Cap Metropolis is an unimaginable joint with a transformative décor that places a up to date twist to the previous. It options indoor and outside eating areas, in addition to a full bar serving varied alcoholic drinks. The dishes are scrumptious, comprising a various menu, from milkshakes and blue cheese chips to pecan-crusted pork chops.

• Handle
  : 1299 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43212-3135

• Hours
  : Monday to Thursday (11:30 am – 9 pm), Friday (11:30 – 10 pm), Saturday (11 am – 10 pm), Sunday (11 am – 9 pm)

Barcelona Restaurant and Bar

Vacationers craving genuine Spanish delicacies can discover this laid-back joint contained in the Columbus Museum of Artwork. The restaurant, which additionally doubles as a bar, affords a killer combo of nice meals and refreshing drinks. Its dimly lit inside oozes a classy vibe, ideally suited for a romantic night dinner.

• Handle
  : 263 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43206-2323

• Hours
  : Tuesday to Thursday (4 pm – 9 pm), Friday & Saturday (4 pm – 10 pm), Sunday (4 pm – 9 pm)

Order the Paella Barcelona for a burst of flavors and an unforgettable meal.

For drinks:

Watershed Distillery

There is not any higher place to expertise Ohio’s distinctive distillery-restaurant scene than Watershed Distillery. This well-liked hangout is a go-to for these trying to expertise the native nightlife, having grown from distilling gins and vodkas to incorporating apple brandy, bourbon, and specialty spirits.

• Handle
  :
  
  1145 Chesapeake Ave, Columbus, OH 43212, United States

• Hours
  : Monday to Wednesday (11 am – 5 pm), Thursday to Saturday (11 am – 11 pm), Sunday (11 am – 9 pm)

15 The place To Keep In Columbus

Downtown Columbus skyline, Ohio.

Ohio’s state capital boasts a number of distinct neighborhoods, every with a singular persona and near totally different sights. Vacationers considering a secure and charming space for his or her lodging ought to take into account the next:

Downtown

For first-timers in Columbus, downtown is the best place to remain. It comes with the comfort of being simply 10 minutes from the John Glenn Columbus Worldwide Airport and inside strolling distance of varied factors of curiosity within the metropolis middle. It’s also a part of town’s historic district and has a vibrant ambiance that includes eating places, boutiques, bars, and lodges.

College District

Situated amid town’s a number of increased schooling establishments, this neighborhood contains a dense youthful inhabitants of scholars and a cluster of companies dominated by vibrant bars, pubs, and eating places. It is a good alternative for funds vacationers who can all the time path the scholars to find all of the inexpensive locations.

Polaris

Polaris is a stylish neighborhood with a peaceful ambiance ideally suited for these trying to escape town noise. It boats the Polaris Trend Police, one of many metropolis’s largest malls, internet hosting many eating places, attire shops, film theaters, and cafes. It is a superb possibility for visitors craving retail remedy.

Brief North & Italian Village

To the north of downtown Columbus is that this quaint neighborhood that will get its title from Italian immigrants who settled there.

As anticipated, the Italian Village is a hotbed of tradition with a number of espresso outlets and eating places serving luxurious Italian delicacies and fabulous artwork venues, making it probably the most most popular areas to remain.

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16 Prime Resorts In Columbus

Columbus statue on the south facet of Metropolis Corridor, Columbus, Ohio

Vacationers needn’t fear about discovering a comfy spot to lie down and rejuvenate after a tedious journey to the capital metropolis of Ohio. Columbus is filled with lodge choices catering to high-end vacationers with deep pockets to funds vacationers extra occupied with sampling its prime customer spots.

Luxurious possibility:

Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection

• Handle
  :
  50 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215

• Charge per evening:
  Begins at $399 for two visitors

• Facilities
  : Health middle, Enterprise middle, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Tea/espresso maker, Restaurant, Espresso machine, Espresso store, Free Wi-Fi, Valet parking

Mid-range possibility:

Staybridge Suites – University Area Osu

• Handle
  :
  3125 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43202

• Charge per evening:
  Begins at $188 for two visitors

• Facilities
  : Cable or satellite tv for pc TV, Indoor pool, Free toiletries, Free Wi-Fi, Espresso machine, Free parking, Enterprise middle, Health middle, Wi-Fi accessible in all areas, Flat-screen TV,

Funds possibility:

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Polaris

• Handle
  :
  8535 Lyra Drive, Columbus, OH 43240

• Charge per evening
  : Begins at $126 for two visitors

• Facilities
  : Enterprise middle, Free parking, Health middle, Bar/Lounge, Room service, Free Wi-Fi, Indoor pool, Restaurant, Tea/espresso maker, Espresso machine

17 Prime Saving Suggestions When Visiting Columbus

Downtown Columbus cityscape, Ohio.

Columbus is an thrilling vacationer vacation spot with a raft of thrilling actions to maintain everybody glad. The most effective half is that vacationers do not want deep pockets to style what Buckeye State’s capital affords. Listed below are useful suggestions first-timers can use to not blow their budgets:

Whereas most vacationers rush to hire a automobile, hiring a motorbike is one of the simplest ways to stay frugal when touring town. The CoGo Bike Share program affords fast entry to 2 wheels, enabling visitors to traverse the most important sights and sounds within the city, particularly the downtown district.

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There are a number of enjoyable actions and sights within the metropolis. Vacationers ought to make the most of the free pastimes to go simple on the pocket. Fortunately, Columbus affords loads of them with out taking away from expertise.

From touring the beautiful German Village neighborhood and exploring the colourful North Market to exploring the Ohio Statehouse and window procuring at Polaris Trend Police, visitors will not spend a dime.

Lastly, keep on the heels of the big faculty crowd in Columbus to find all of the inexpensive locations within the metropolis. The Ohio State College college students know all a budget joints to eat, low-cost transportation modes, and sights that do not cost admission charges.

18 How To Spend The Good Day In Columbus

Historic Inexperienced Garden Cemetery in Columbus, Ohio.

After a hearty breakfast at Fox within the Snow, begin the day’s itinerary in the course of town by taking a free tour of the superior Ohio Statehouse. Take a look at the Capital Sq. Complicated earlier than stopping by the statehouse museum present store for a cute memento.

Head to the Nationwide Veterans Memorial and Museum to pay homage to fallen heroes, then stroll to Foremost Road Bridge, heralded among the many most snap-worthy landmarks in Ohio. Keep in mind to take a number of photos to doc the go to.

Earlier than a savory Spanish lunch at Barcelona restaurant, cross by the historic North Market to scout the contemporary produce on sale and work together with native distributors. Spend the early hours of the afternoon admiring the unique species of animals, birds, and reptiles on the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium.

Later, hop on two wheels and trip all the way down to Scioto Mile, soaking within the scenic views of the riverfront. Lastly, end the day at Otherworld for a once-in-a-lifetime expertise earlier than catching up with locals at Watershed Distillery until the closing of enterprise.

FAQ

Q: Is Columbus value visiting?

Ohio’s capital is a bustling trip vacation spot, boasting a few of the most enjoyable actions in the whole state. It has a number of historic landmarks, world-class sports activities stadiums, energetic leisure venues, and charming neighborhoods value visiting.

Q: Why do individuals like Columbus?

Many individuals love Columbus for its various and pleasant neighborhood and the ample enjoyable pastimes that it affords. It’s also proximally situated within the state, making it simple to take a weekend journey to the less-known yet delightful towns around Ohio.

Q: What makes Columbus stand out from different Ohio cities?

Other than being the capital and internet hosting one of many oldest functioning state capitols within the nation, Columbus boasts arguably essentially the most electrifying faculty soccer stadium in America. It’s also home to the first craft beer hotel in the world.