Columbus

Columbus is a city in the midst of growth, offering a rich cultural landscape with numerous museums, parks, and theaters. The presence of Ohio State University brings an energetic vibe to the city, which is reflected in its ever-evolving food scene, music venues, and arts programs. Known for its eclectic mix of modern and historical attractions, Columbus also draws visitors with its diverse green spaces, bike-friendly streets, and dynamic local events. Whether visiting for business or leisure, the city offers something for everyone.

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Currency

US Dollar (USD) $

Best Time

Spring, autumn

Population

905,000

Weather ยฐC

4-28ยฐC

"Explore Columbus, a dynamic city where modern innovation and artistic expression collide."

Off the beaten path places in

Columbus

"Discover Columbus, a city at the forefront of innovation, culture, and creativity."

Academic

progressive art scene, cultural diversity, and youthful energy shaping the future of the Midwest.

Home to Ohio State University, major business hub

Columbus, Ohio, is a bustling metropolis that blends business, education, and culture. As the state capital, it is home to Ohio State University, one of the largest public universities in the U.S., and boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene. The city is rapidly growing with a focus on tech and innovation, making it a major hub for businesses. Columbus offers a unique mix of vibrant nightlife, historic sites, parks, and museums, attracting tourists for both leisure and work.

Columbus boasts one of the top-rated zoos in the U.S. and a major research university that contributes to the cityโ€™s progressive spirit. It is also known for its thriving craft beer scene.

State

Ohio

Year

1812

Airport

John Glenn Int.

Cost of Living (10)

Moderate

Places to See

1777 E Broad St, Columbus, OH
4.7
$$
10 AM - 5 PM
A botanical garden with diverse plant collections
Vibe:
Nature
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Outdoor Enthusiasts
A serene escape in the city.
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COSI
Museum
333 W Broad St, Columbus, OH
4.8
$$
10 AM - 5 PM
Hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits
Vibe:
Interactive
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Family Friendly
Fun for all ages.
๐ŸŽจ
Columbus Museum of Art
Cultural Center
480 E Broad St, Columbus, OH
4.6
Free
10 AM - 5 PM
Houses impressive collections of American and European art
Vibe:
Artistic
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Art Lovers
A cultural gem in the city.
Must Visit:

Art exhibitions, university culture

Places to Eat

๐Ÿ•
Brewsky's Food Truck Park
Food Hall
1127 N High St, Columbus, OH
4.5
$$
11 AM - 10 PM
A food truck park with rotating vendors
Vibe:
Lively
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Foodies
A foodie paradise with rotating options.
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The Pearl
Restaurant
641 N High St, Columbus, OH
4.5
$$
4 PM - 10 PM (M-Th)
Seafood restaurant with a nautical theme
Vibe:
Cozy
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Food Lovers
A seafood lover's paradise.
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Schmidt's Sausage Haus
Restaurant
240 E Whittier St, Columbus, OH
4.7
$$
11 AM - 9 PM
Famous for its authentic German sausage and cream puffs
Vibe:
Cozy
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Local Cuisine
A must-visit for food lovers.
๐Ÿšš
Dinin' Hall
Food Truck
293 E 3rd Ave, Columbus, OH
4.6
$$
11 AM - 9 PM
A food hall featuring various food vendors
Vibe:
Casual
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Quick Bites
A culinary hub for food lovers.
Must Try:

Local craft beers, Midwestern cuisine, chili. Columbus is known for its local craft beers, hearty Midwestern cuisine like chili and fried chicken, and diverse culinary scene.

Places to Drink

424 W Town St, Columbus, OH
4.8
$$
4 PM - 10 PM (M-F)
Known for its creative craft beers and taproom experience
Vibe:
Chill
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Beer Enthusiasts
A favorite local brewery.
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Middle West Spirits
Distillery
1230 Courtland Ave, Columbus, OH
4.7
$$
1 PM - 6 PM (Th-Su)
Known for artisanal spirits and distilling tours
Vibe:
Trendy
Get To:
Yes, bus access
Tip:
Craft Spirits
A local distillery with great products.
๐Ÿธ
16 Bit Bar + Arcade
Cocktail Bar
16 Bit Bar + Arcade, Columbus, OH
4.6
$$
5 PM - 2 AM
A bar with retro arcade games and craft cocktails
Vibe:
Chic
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Nightlife Seekers
Nostalgia and fun in one place.
Music / Dance:

Local bands, orchestras, jazz, indie music scenes. Columbus has a lively music scene that caters to all tastes, from indie and rock to classical orchestras and jazz clubs.

Places to Network

We'll be updating more places soon!
Key Industries:

Education, finance, insurance

Places to Shop

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Columbus Commons Market
Artisan Market
160 S High St, Columbus, OH
4.5
Free
10 AM - 2 PM (Sat)
Open-air market with local vendors
Vibe:
Creative
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Local Goods
A vibrant market with local artisans.
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North Market
Shopping
59 Spruce St, Columbus, OH
4.5
Free
10 AM - 5 PM
An indoor market featuring local vendors and eateries
Vibe:
Quirky
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Unique Finds
A hub of local culture and flavors.
๐Ÿ‘—
The Goodie Shop
Boutique
2176 N High St, Columbus, OH
4.8
$$
11 AM - 6 PM (T-Sat)
Vintage and handmade goods from local artisans
Vibe:
Eclectic
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Fashion Enthusiasts
A treasure trove of unique finds.
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Columbus Flea
Market
Varies by event
4.5
$$
Check Website
A monthly flea market with local vendors
Vibe:
Vibrant
Get To:
Yes, nearby
Tip:
Artisan Products
A treasure trove for vintage lovers.

Luxury

For More Places Visit

Watch Out

Watchย out for Crowded Areas
Skip Super Touristic Places

Transportation

Bus services, airport, major highways

City Overview

Columbus, Ohio's capital, is known for its diverse culture, vibrant arts scene, and thriving culinary landscape. It's a hub for innovation and creativity.

3 Day City Itinerary Guide

- Day 1: Morning: Visit the Columbus Museum of Art. Afternoon: Explore the Short North Arts District. Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. - Day 2: Morning: Visit the Columbus Zoo. Afternoon: Explore German Village. Evening: Attend a local theater performance. - Day 3: Morning: Explore the Franklin Park Conservatory. Afternoon: Discover local breweries. Evening: Enjoy a night out in the Short North.

Current Trends

- Culinary trends: Growth of the local food movement. - Arts and culture: Rising interest in local artists and creative spaces. - Tech innovations: Use of

Local Events Guide

- Columbus Arts Festival (June): Celebrating local artists and musicians. - Ohio State Fair (July/August): Showcasing local culture and agriculture. - Columbus Food Truck Festival (August): Featuring a variety of local food trucks.

Local Insider Tips

- Explore the Short North Arts District for local galleries and shops. - Visit the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. - Discover the city's culinary scene with food tours.

Sustainable Travel

- Sustainable initiatives: Focus on supporting local businesses and artists. - Community engagement: Programs promoting local culture and creativity. - Eco-friendly practices: Increasing emphasis on green spaces and urban parks.

Explore the Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences:
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Ready to see through a localโ€™s eyes? Our curated guide unveils top hidden gems, secret spots, and local favorites that you wonโ€™t find in typical travel guides. Whether itโ€™s a cozy cafรฉ tucked away in a historic neighborhood, a scenic trail only known to insiders, or unique cultural sites, has so much more to offer beyond the tourist hotspots. Dive into our off-the-beaten-path guide and discover the true heart โ€”perfect for adventurous travellers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for an authentic journey

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Unlock the Hidden Side:
โ€
Each spot in our City guide is handpicked to help you experience the city like a local, avoiding the crowds and discovering the best-kept secrets. From charming local eateries and breathtaking viewpoints to tucked-away art galleries and vibrant local markets, this guide lets you explore beyond the surface. Follow our recommendations for an unforgettable adventure and see why these places stand out as favorites among locals. For more unique experiences like these, explore our full collection of off-the-beaten-path city guides and make every trip a journey of discovery.