Top Columbus Attractions: An Insider’s Guide to Ohio’s Vibrant Capital

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore the top attractions in Columbus, Ohio, ensuring seamless communication while discovering the city’s vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and exciting activities.

Columbus. Ohio’s buzzing capital pulses with energy. Home to nearly 1 million, the Arch City surprises with world-class art, global cuisine, and rich history – minus big-city attitude. Midwestern spirit meets cosmopolitan cool here. The huge columbus museum of art spans Picasso to folk art. Bright murals colour hip Short North. And yes: Ohio State football is near-religion. Dive into our ultimate list of columbus tourist attractions and fun things to do in columbus ohio. Let’s uncover this gem’s shine.

 

1. Columbus Museum of Art: Modern Masters Meets Americana

 

Columbus attractions start with art. The downtown columbus museum of art is a must. Why? Two words: Picasso. Monet.

 

This 1931 icon houses treasures:

 

• Monet’s shimmering “Weeping Willow”

• Picasso’s lively “Still Life with Compote and Glass”

• Folk art galore in the beloved Sirak Collection

• Rotating cutting-edge exhibits by rising stars

 

Tips: Visit Thursdays for FREE entry 5pm-9pm. Or get a $5 general admission ticket Fridays 5pm-9pm.

 

2. North Market: Foodie Heaven in 30+ Stalls

 

Hungry? Historic North Market is a must among columbus ohio stuff to do. Since 1876, this indoor smorgasbord has showcased Ohio’s best bites under one roof:

 

Stall	Specialty	Must-Try
Flavors of India	Authentic Indian curries	Spicy chicken tikka masala
Hubert’s Polish Kitchen	Old-world Polish dishes	Hearty kielbasa sausage
Dos Hermanos	Mexican street food	Piping-hot tamales
Pistacia Vera	French-style pastries	Signature macarons

 

Tips: Grab lunch here between 11:30am-1:30pm for primo people-watching. The second floor has extra seating.

 

3. German Village: Charming History Enclave

 

Guten tag from German Village! This 1840s immigrant enclave is among the most picturesque columbus tourist attractions. Think: brick-lined streets, wrought-iron fences, renovated cottages. It’s a trip to Old World Deutschland minutes from downtown.

 

Must-see stops:

 

1. The Book Loft – 32 winding rooms of books in a pre-Civil War building

2. Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus – Mitteleuropean comfort food since 1886

3. Schiller Park – 23 leafy acres with an 1891 bronze Schiller statue

 

Get pleasantly lost for an afternoon here. Wander the streets, grab a cream puff at Schmidt’s, browse The Book Loft’s stacks. Herzlich willkommen!

 

4. Short North Arts District: Bold Murals Meet Boutiques

 

Short North tops lists of artsy columbus attractions. This mile-long stretch of High Street pops with color:

 

• Vivid murals splashed on over 100 facades

• 300+ creative businesses, from galleries to boutiques

• Monthly Gallery Hop on the first Saturday evening

 

Start at the huge “Journey” mural. Then grab an oat-milk latte at One Line Coffee. Shop North Market outposts and funky vintage stores. End with contemporary paintings at Hammond Harkins Galleries.

 

5. Center of Science and Industry (COSI): Hands-On Discovery

 

For families seeking educational fun things to do in columbus ohio, COSI is a frontrunner. This riverfront science center packs 300+ interactive exhibits into a huge 1999 building:

 

• Walk through a giant human heart

• Ride in a space capsule

• Stand in the eye of a tornado

• Play virtual hoops in the “Sports” area

 

Tips: Admission is $25 for adults, $20 for kids 2-12. Visit on Wednesdays 5pm-9pm for discounted $12 entry.

 

6. Aab India Restaurant: Top Columbus Indian Restaurant

 

Spice lovers, rejoice. Aab India is the best columbus indian restaurant. Since 2009, this University District gem has dished out fragrant North and South Indian fare:

 

• Creamy chicken korma from the north

• Fiery vegetable biryani from the south

• Fluffy naan bread from the tandoor oven

• Refreshing mango lassi yogurt shakes

 

Born in Mumbai, Chef Iqbal Nagori uses time-tested family recipes. Prices are student-friendly: $10-15 mains, under $5 starters. Loyal locals pack the warm saffron-colored dining room.

 

7. Franklin Park Conservatory: Exotic Greenery Year-Round

 

Franklin Park Conservatory is a lush oasis among columbus ohio stuff to do. Highlights of the 88-acre complex:

 

House	Features
Palm House	Towering 43-foot palms, sultry 80°F air
Bonsai Courtyard	40+ miniature Japanese trees, some 100+ years old
Pacific Island Water Garden	Bright lotus, rice paddies, koi fish
John F. Wolfe Palm House	90+ species of exotic palms, soaring glass roof

 

Don’t miss special exhibits in the 1895 Palm House, Ohio’s horticultural crown jewel. Leave ample time to explore the sculpture-dotted outdoor gardens.

 

Tips: Adult admission is $19; seniors $16. Visit Sundays for free 30-minute guided tours at 1pm and 3pm. The annual Blooms & Butterflies exhibit in March-May is magical.

 

8. Easton Town Center: Shopping & Entertainment Utopia

 

Retail therapy meets experiential fun at Easton Town Center. More than a mall, this sprawling 90-acre complex is among the top columbus attractions. It offers:

 

• 240+ shops, from Apple to Zara

• 40+ dining options, including Northstar Café and Cooper’s Hawk

• Free events, from outdoor movies to holiday fests

• Comedy club, 30-screen cinema, LEGOLAND Discovery

 

This open-air mecca draws 30 million+ visitors yearly. It has a shoppable town square vibe, complete with miniature train.

 

Pro tip: Visit on the first Friday of the month for Easton Unplugged, a live music series under twinkling lights. Pure magic.

 

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