The biggest city in Ohio and the state capital too, Columbus plays home to around 900,000 people, making it one of the biggest cities in the Midwest region. It’s the cultural and economic hub of Ohio, home to all sorts of growing industries and fascinating sites of interest, so it’s no wonder that over 40 million people visit ‘The Biggest Small Town in America’ each and every year.
There’s a lot to love about this city, from its reasonably low crime rates compared to other big cities to its wide range of cultural hotspots and touristic landmarks. It’s home to everything from museums and galleries to gardens, a zoo, beautiful buildings, historic sites of interest, world-class eateries, and plenty more. Here are some top tips for anyone planning a trip to Columbus, OH.
The Best Time to Visit
Like a lot of big cities across America, Columbus sees its touristic peaks in the summer months of June, July, and August. There are a lot of live events at this time of year and plenty of warm temperatures too, so it’s only natural that many people visit Columbus during the summer.
However, if you’d like to avoid the crowds, head to Columbus in the fall instead. The trees are simply beautiful all across the city’s parks as the leaves begin to change color, and Columbus is a big sports town, so you’ll be just in time to catch a game.
Getting Around Columbus
Getting around in Columbus is surprisingly easy, even on foot. You can walk all over downtown pretty simply enjoying easy access to a lot of big sights and attractions, and the city has a really good bus network too, with plenty of affordable routes crisscrossing all over Columbus and taking you wherever you need to go.
Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft are big in Columbus too, making transport super simple, and the city even has its own bike-share program called CoGo which offers a simple, healthy, and eco-friendly option.
The Best Neighborhoods
Columbus may be described as the Biggest Small Town in America, but it’s still pretty big, with various districts and neighborhoods to check out. If you’re not sure where to start, the aforementioned German Village is home to some of the finest eateries, bars, and most beautiful buildings too.
The North Arts District is also a great spot to check out, filled with galleries and street performers to enjoy and admire. The Arena District is where you can check out Ohio’s sports scene, and Downtown is a must-see, home to some of Columbus’ most-visited attractions and sites of interest.
The Top Sights
There’s a lot to see and do in Columbus, and the attractions you visit first will depend on your own likes and dislikes. However, here are just a few of the highlights. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is hugely popular with families, in particular, home to all kinds of exotic animals from across the globe.
The Center of Science and Industry is one of the most interesting and accessible science museums in America, and if you like nature and gardening, you’ll adore the beautiful flowers of the Franklin Park Conservatory or Inniswood Metro Gardens. Popular parks include Highbanks and Scioto Audubon, while the Ohio Statehouse is a must-see for first-time visitors especially.
Dining
Columbus is home to an exceptional range of exquisite eateries and family-friendly restaurants too. You can find all kinds of cuisine here, from Asian fusions and sushi bars to classic American cooking.
It’s well worth making the most of your trip to Columbus to chow down on some of the city’s best eats, and the Brewery District will hold a special kind of appeal for beer lovers. For something a little different, visit the German District for traditional snacks and street food delights.
Conclusion
There’s a lot to love about Columbus, from its diverse, welcoming locals to its wide range of interesting attractions. It’s a great place to visit for pretty much anyone, from families looking for fun and adventure to groups of friends in search of a good time and couples looking for a memorable weekend getaway.
With these top tips, you can make the most of every single second you spend in Columbus, guaranteed to want to come back time and time again. Just be sure to do some research before you visit, planning out the main sights you want to see, as the sheer variety of attractions and opportunities in this Ohio city might quickly overwhelm you!
