Downtown Columbus
Columbus, OH
A hub of sights, parks, cultural venues, and restaurants, Downtown Columbus is the city’s vibrant heart. Many of the top attractions are clustered here—including the Center of Science and Industry (COSI), the Columbus Art Museum, and the Columbus Metropolitan Library—with plenty of spots to satisfy art and architecture buffs, foodies, and even lovers of the great outdoors.
The basics
Walking and cycling tours of Columbus generally focus on the downtown area, where most of the city’s premier attractions are located. In addition to museums and historical landmarks like the Ohio Statehouse and Ohio Theater, this Columbus neighborhood is home to excellent city parks—the Columbus Commons, Topiary Park, and riverfront Scioto Mile are all downtown green spaces. Downtown Columbus is also known for its dining and imbibing scene, and restaurants and food trucks plus coffehouses and breweries attract local and visiting gourmands.
Things to know before you go
- Downtown Columbus is the most attraction-heavy area of the city and a good base for visitors who want to cover the sights and parks.
- With options ranging from food trucks to fine-dining restaurants, the neighborhood also offers nightlife with local bars and breweries open till late.
- Families will find plenty to do in Downtown Columbus, from kid-friendly museums and cultural spaces to open-air parks and playgrounds.
- The area is flat and well-equipped with paved sidewalks and ramps, making it easy to navigate with a stroller or wheelchair.
How to get there
Columbus is the capital of Ohio, and many visitors fly into the John Glenn Columbus International Airport. From the airport, take a taxi or rideshare or opt for the public bus. Parking can be tricky downtown, so plan to get around by public transportation or taxi service between the sights and attractions.
When to get there
Downtown Columbus is liveliest in the summer months, when a number of outdoor festivals and concerts are held on the streets and in the parks. Visit in June to catch the Columbus Arts Festival, July for Independence Day events and the Jazz & Ribs Fest, and August for the Columbus Air Show.
Highlights of the Downtown Columbus food scene
Downtown is the city’s buzzy dining center, and there are options for all tastes and budgets. Each summer, food trucks serve international and American specialties in parks like the Columbus Commons and the Scioto Mile, while breweries like Seventh Son, Wolf Ridge, and Elevator showcase the city’s craft beers year-round. The neighborhood is also known for its independent coffee houses, old-school diners, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (founded here), with a stand in the Columbus Commons.
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