Columbus holidays
Columbus has always been something of a quiet achiever. But with a recent spike in population and an uptick in diversity, Ohio’s once-sleepy capital has reached full bloom. Holidays to Columbus find the city alive with nurtured green spaces and energetic new neighbourhoods, home to the next generation of artists, chefs and entrepreneurs. Come say hello to the Midwest’s hottest city.
Columbus holiday highlights
Columbus
Top museums
Columbus has arguably the best science centre in the country. The interactive Center of Science and Industry has more than 300 experiences, including a Mars rover simulator, an outdoor science park and a feathered Yutyrannus dinosaur. Other cultural institutions include the Columbus Museum of Art, which regularly champions local talent. And don’t miss the National Veterans Memorial and Museum for the stories of war veterans.
Neighbourhood tours
The city’s neighbourhoods are ripe for exploring during your holiday to Columbus. Short North is the city’s hallowed art district, packed with galleries, shops and public art. Its edgy counterpart is the Franklinton Arts District, with artist studios and industrial breweries. The brick-lined German Village has historic buildings dating back to the early 1800s influx of German immigrants — you can still find beer and bratwurst here.
Where to stay
Downtown is a great location for first-time visitors to the city. It’s walkable and filled with attractions, and there’s a wide range of hotels on offer, from luxury to budget. For a trendy neighbourhood stay, both Short North and Italian Village have good mid-range hotels, plus great dining scenes. To soak in the nightlife and score cheaper rates, try the University District.
Columbus: Know before you go
Language
English
Currency
United States dollar ($)
Time zone
UTC-5 (EST) and UTC-4 (EDT)
High season
February and June – July
Low season
September – October
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Things to do in Columbus
Columbus
Shopping
Boutique shopping is big here, thanks in part to Columbus having the third-highest concentration of fashion designers in the country. To find locally designed threads, head to Short North and Eastern Town Center. For Ohio memorabilia, Homage stocks vintage and deadstock sporting jerseys. If you’re a keen reader, The Book Loft of German Village, and its 32 rooms, is a must.
Places to eat
Taste your way through Columbus’ grassroots dining scene at North Market. You’ll find farm fresh produce, Bavarian pretzels, Somali goat wraps and Himalayan dumplings. Coffee and bakeries are best in German Village, while fine dining shines in both Short North and Downtown. And if you’re chasing something sweet, Buckeye Donuts and Jeni’s Ice Creams are hometown favourites.
Free things to do
If the sun is shining, head outdoors to the Scioto Mile. This is a 70-hectare expanse of nine manicured parks, all hugging the pretty Scioto River in Downtown. It’s the perfect spot for a bike ride with the kids or a morning jog. To see flora imitate post-impressionist art, head to Topiary Park. Clever gardeners have brought to life the characters from one of George Seurat’s paintings.
FAQs about Columbus holidays
January delivers the coolest conditions for a Columbus holiday. Book your trip sometime then and you'll experience lows of -11ºC (12ºF).
From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse, this city knows how to impress. Start the countdown to your next adventure by making a list of the best things to do in Columbus.
The locals here mainly speak English. Every city has its own unique lingo, so it's worth picking up a few common expressions to use during your city break in Columbus.
The ideal length of a trip to Columbus varies based on your departure point and travel plans. Don't have far to travel? Three to five days is perfect if you want a break from your routine. If you're arriving from farther afield, consider staying for a week or longer. This will give you enough time to visit places outside the city or just explore at a more leisurely pace.
Your city break in Columbus can vary in price based on anything from your chosen hotel to trip length. To land the best deals on Columbus flights and hotels, try to have flexible departure dates and look out for early bird offers and promotions.
The official currency in Columbus is the United States dollar (USD). It's helpful to have some cash with you during your trip to Columbus, but cards and digital payments are generally accepted.
The hottest month in Columbus is July, when temperatures reach a maximum of 30ºC (86ºF).
Columbus is a reasonably safe city. Neighbourhoods like German Village, Italian Village and Short North are highly-trafficked areas with good safety, even at night. Take common-sense precautions — avoid walking alone at night through quieter pockets in Downtown and the University District, and be mindful of your surroundings.
With an average rainfall of 14 cm, April is the rainiest month to go on a Columbus holiday. When the weather turns, head indoors and make the most of the city's restaurants, shops, museums and more.
There’s no better time to walk the pretty parks along the Scioto River than in spring. The cooler autumn days are also spectacular here. Flights and hotels to Columbus in these shoulder seasons are often cheaper. Though muggy, summer does have its rewards — its calendar is packed with music, arts and food festivals.
As Ohio’s state capital, Columbus is packed with activities to fill a weekend. There’s well-anchored independent art and fashion scenes, plus an exciting dining scene thanks to strong international immigration. Flights and hotels to Columbus are often more affordable in comparison to the more frequented midwestern cities.
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