Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Columbus, Ohio

Perched within the heartland of Ohio, Columbus is an epic city to visit in the US. Not only that, there’s a heap of the best things to do in Columbus dotted all across the city. With gorgeous spots like the Museum of Art, cool little bars, and an epic downtown area, Columbus has a little something for every type of visitor.

You’re going to have a great time, regardless of whether you’re staying for a day or a long weekend trip to Columbus. It’s so much fun and easy to visit as part of a wider road trip around the state.

So, to make your trip nice and easy, I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Columbus that I love! This way, you can focus on the all-important task of having fun!

Take a look below at some of the top places in Columbus. Have an amazing trip!

1.) North Market

First founded way back in the 1800s, North Market is locally thought of as one of the best markets in the state. It’s totally amazing! Filled with everything from freshly baked pastries, hand-cut flowers, and local cheeses, it makes it the perfect place to stop for a stroll and a yummy lunch.

Now, North Market isn’t the biggest in the world, but don’t let its size put you off. It’s got a heap of stalls that have some yummy cuisines that’ll suit most tastes. Make sure to stop at Black Radish Creamery and Fox’s for their delicious bagels.

One thing to note, North Market can get busy, especially on weekends. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, arrive early in the morning or just before closing. We love it.

2.) German Village

One of the best aspects of exploring any city is wandering through its different neighborhoods. Columbus is no exception! Our favorite neighborhood is German Village, not just because of the beautiful Schiller Park. In German Village, you get to stroll through the Germanic roots of Columbus which is perfect for a few hours of exploration.

Once here, check out Schmidt’s Restaurant and Sausage Haus for tasty bratwurst, cream puffs, and schnitzel. Oh my gosh, the schnitzel is everything.

If you time your visit well, you’ll get to experience the German Village Oktoberfest or the Haus and Garden Tour. These events are held annually, so consider this when planning your itinerary or your trip in general.

Oh, and don’t forget about The Book Loft; it’s a destination in its own right! There are many rooms, and while it can feel overwhelming if you’re looking for something specific, it’s a total gem.

3.) Huntington Park

If you’ve had enough of strolling the streets, then head over to one of the biggest sports parks in Columbus called Huntington Park. It’s one of the best spots to watch a game and can hold thousands of enthusiastic fans inside.

Home to the Clippers, it’s a great place to grab a ticket and make an evening out of it. Don’t forget to pop over to Wario’s Beef and Pork for their delicious sandwiches. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Columbus when you’re hungry; trust me, you’ll leave stuffed.

4.) Ohio Theatre

The Ohio Theater is not just beautiful but also hosts some of the best events and music in the state. It’s an excellent choice among the best things to do in Columbus, with everything from live theater productions to classic films, ballet performances, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Founded around 100 years ago, the Ohio Theatre stands as one of the most famous structures in Columbus. Trust me, it’s beautiful.

5.) Columbus Museum of Art

If you love museums or galleries, then you’ll definitely enjoy the Columbus Museum of Art. This venue is among the most visited places and one of the best things to do in Columbus, particularly for art enthusiasts.

Featuring permanent exhibitions and art pieces, collections, and exhibits, it’s a space where you can spend hours exploring.

Visiting with the family? Check out the Wonder Room which is incredibly fun for kids, featuring numerous interactive exhibits that ensure a fantastic day.

Afterwards, pop into the café near the museum called Schokko Art Café for a delightful bite. It’s well worth it.

To make your visit even easier, grab this Columbus Attractions Pass that offers discounts for many attractions in Columbus. It’s a great way to save money during your trip.

6.) Wexner Center for the Arts

The Wexner Center for the Arts is a public gallery that encourages creative expression, making it a delightful destination to explore.

Inside, it offers unique experiences across various art forms and is a fantastic place to visit. Moreover, the Wexner Center serves as a venue for visitors to embrace films, exhibitions, art, and events, making it a lovely spot for an hour’s visit. They also offer a notable artist residency program with multiple exhibits to see.

Additionally, don’t forget that on Thursdays, after 4 PM, entry is entirely free.

7.) Easton Town Center

Love a good shopping spree? If so, you’ll want to head over to Easton Town Center. It’s one of the best things to do in Columbus if you want to shop the day away.

From popular brands to local stores, Easton Town Center features them all. Best of all, it’s an open-air shopping district where you can explore various restaurants and enjoy sitting outside on a sunny day.

Although it’s outside of the city center, it’s really easy to visit by cab or rental car. Furthermore, nearby, you have Blendon Woods Metro Park, which is perfect for a relaxing stroll.

8.) Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Fancy a relaxing time in the city? Then head over to the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, which is one of the best things to do in Columbus.

With over 400 species of plants within the conservatory, it’s a perfect place to unwind and explore some of the city’s natural collections. Moreover, certain exhibitions are held yearly here, with themes like Origami in the Gardens and Blooms and Butterflies. We love it.

And don’t forget to grab some fish and chips from the Old Bag of Nails close by.

9.) Ohio Stadium

Ohio Stadium is perfect for football lovers, especially since it is the home of the Buckeyes in Columbus. For both visitors and locals, heading to the stadium to soak up the atmosphere while watching a weekend game with the Ohio State Buckeyes is a must.

The vibe is electric and makes for a great experience… even if you don’t know the rules of football itself.

Afterwards, make sure to visit Cazuelas Mexican Cantina. It’s a relaxed and chill spot, but their dishes are incredible. Plus, they serve a totally delicious margarita.

10.) Pizzuti Collection

If you haven’t had enough of art in Columbus, visit the Pizzuti Collection, which is one of the best things to do in Columbus while exploring the area surrounding Goodale Park.

Part of the Columbus Museum of Art, it is relatively small compared to its larger counterpart, but its three floors are remarkable to see.

The museum has a beautiful garden outside too, so if you need a break from exploring inside, you can enjoy the fresh air outside. The museum is closed on Mondays, so if you wish to check this place out, make sure to visit on other days of the week.

Moreover, if you have a CMA membership or visit on Sundays, the entry is free of charge.