Top reasons to visit Columbus
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Columbus features a variety of educational and fun attractions perfect for families, including science museums and urban parks.
- Vibrant Shopping Scene: The city boasts bustling malls and charming holiday markets, offering unique gifts and festive experiences.
- Beautiful Botanical Gardens: Explore stunning botanical gardens that provide a serene escape in the heart of the city.
- Diverse Accommodations: Columbus offers a range of hotels, from luxury stays to budget-friendly options, catering to all travelers.
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Experience a friendly, inviting vibe across neighborhoods, making it a great destination for urban explorers.
Find great hotels in Columbus
Discover a diverse array of hotel accommodations in Columbus, Ohio, designed to meet various traveler needs. Whether you seek a luxurious stay at the Hilton Columbus Downtown or budget-friendly options, you'll find an abundance of choices. The city boasts pet-friendly and LGBTQIA-welcoming hotels, perfect for business travelers and vacationers alike. Experience comfort and convenience in a vibrant city that has something for everyone.
- WoodSpring Suites Columbus West - Hilliard: Ideal for budget-conscious travelers, WoodSpring Suites Columbus West - Hilliard offers a comfortable and functional stay. This hotel is perfect for business trips or those traveling with pets, allowing certain pets on-site with specific policies. Amenities include spacious rooms equipped with kitchen facilities, making it easy to prepare your meals during your stay. The hotel's pet-friendly policy ensures that you can bring your furry companion along, with restrictions on size and a few fees applicable.
- Wyndham Columbus: As a 4-star hotel, Wyndham Columbus combines comfort and style for both business and leisure travelers. Located in the heart of Columbus, it embraces a pet-friendly atmosphere, allowing pets with certain restrictions and variable fees. Guests can enjoy a range of amenities, including a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and spacious rooms designed for relaxation after a day of exploring. An added bonus is the waived fee for service animals, making it a welcoming choice for all pet lovers.
- Olentangy Motor Inn: With a guest rating of 9.0 out of 10, Olentangy Motor Inn stands out as a budget-friendly option with a strong focus on guest satisfaction. This hotel is also pet-friendly, welcoming dogs and cats with specific guidelines in place. The comfortable accommodations provide a cozy retreat after a day of sightseeing, and the convenient location makes it easy to access local attractions. Guests appreciate the attentive service and the welcoming environment that Olentangy Motor Inn offers.
Where to stay in Columbus
Columbus, Ohio, is a vibrant metropolis perfect for family vacations, business trips, and urban explorations. From luxury accommodations to scenic city views, you’ll find a mix of friendly neighborhoods and peaceful getaways. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the lively campus facilities and experience the welcoming atmosphere that makes Columbus a unique destination. Whether you're seeking urban excitement or a tranquil retreat, Columbus offers something for every traveler.
- Downtown Columbus: The vibrant heart of Columbus, Downtown is where urban energy meets cultural richness. This area is buzzing with families and business travelers alike, especially from March to April and during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, from shopping at local boutiques to attending events at the convention center and sports stadium. Notable landmarks include the Greater Columbus Convention Center and the Nationwide Arena, making it a hub for entertainment and education.
- North Columbus: A family-friendly area known for its shopping and educational institutions, North Columbus sees a spike in travelers during May and the summer months. This neighborhood offers a mix of bustling shopping malls and historic colleges, providing a unique blend of modern and traditional experiences. Highlights include access to local sports facilities and various event venues, perfect for both leisure and business visitors seeking a city-themed adventure.
- East Columbus: Known for its seasonal appeal, East Columbus attracts families and business visitors, with peak times in the spring and summer. This neighborhood boasts a variety of shopping centers and an arena for entertainment. Additionally, visitors can explore urban parks and historic colleges, making it a delightful spot for those looking to blend nature with city life. Highlights include easy access to event spaces and a welcoming atmosphere for all types of travelers.
Things to do in Columbus
Shopping
In the heart of Columbus, Easton Town Center offers a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. For unique finds, explore the historic Short North Arts District, where local boutiques and art galleries provide a distinctive shopping experience that reflects the city's creative spirit.
Recreation
In Columbus, the Woodhouse Day Spa offers a serene atmosphere with a variety of massages and skincare treatments. Nearby, the Kohler Waters Spa features hydrotherapy experiences and wellness therapies designed to rejuvenate your body and mind, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation.
Adventure
Explore the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, where you can see a diverse range of wildlife and engage in interactive exhibits. For a thrill, head to Zoombezi Bay, a water park with exciting slides and wave pools, perfect for a fun-filled day under the sun.
Nightlife
In Columbus, the Short North Arts District features vibrant bars and galleries, ideal for art enthusiasts. The Arena District boasts lively sports bars and music venues, while Easton Town Center offers upscale dining and nightlife options, creating a diverse atmosphere for an exciting evening out.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Columbus
Columbus offers several ways to save money during your visit. Enjoy free attractions like Bridge Park, Genoa Park, and the Wexner Center for the Arts. For transportation, consider using buses or rideshare services. The cheapest months to visit are December to February, with Mondays being the least expensive days to stay. Utilize Expedia to find the best deals by sorting prices and considering package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities. Look for eco-certified hotels for additional savings and sustainability.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Columbus are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Columbus is Monday. The most expensive day to stay in Columbus is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Columbus with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
Find the best attractions in Columbus
Columbus, Ohio, offers a delightful mix of attractions suitable for families, business travelers, and city explorers alike. Visitors can enjoy urban parks, science museums, and beautiful botanical gardens, making it an ideal destination for outdoor and cultural experiences. Whether you're seeking a fun family outing or an engaging city adventure, Columbus has something for everyone to enjoy.
- Bridge Park: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Bridge Park, an urban park in Columbus that combines family-friendly outdoor spaces with stunning city views. Enjoy recreational activities, dining options, and community events in a picturesque setting.
- Ohio Governor's Residence and Heritage Garden: Explore the Ohio Governor's Residence, a historic building that reflects the state's culture and heritage. The adjoining Heritage Garden features beautiful landscapes and showcases various plant species, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
- National Barber Museum: Discover the rich history of barbering at the National Barber Museum, where exhibits celebrate the art and craft of barbers. This museum features unique artifacts and memorabilia, providing insights into the cultural significance of barbering throughout the years.
Best time to go to Columbus
The best time to visit Columbus is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Columbus
Flying into Columbus, Ohio is convenient with the main airport being Columbus, OH (CMH-John Glenn Columbus Intl.), situated 11km from downtown. Excellent hotel options nearby include the 4.5-star Hotel LeVeque and the 4-star Sonesta Columbus Downtown, both within 11km of the airport. Alternatively, you can fly into Dayton, OH (DAY-James M. Cox Dayton Intl.), which is 105km away, with nearby hotels like the 3.5-star Wingate by Wyndham Dayton North. Lastly, Akron, OH (CAK-Akron-Canton) is 169km from Columbus, offering the 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown among its accommodations. All these airports provide accessible transportation options to their respective hotels.