From world-class art to a top-ranked zoo, Columbus has a multitude of can't-miss places to explore this season and beyond. Celebrate everything in Columbus at our marquee events, uncover the uniqueness of our downtown neighborhoods, and savor a culinary scene that's at the top of the food chain.
Get started with our list of these 26 things to do in Columbus.
Columbus Arts Festival, happening June 6-8, 2025. Source: Greater Columbus Arts Council.
A: Access unlimited art experiences, from the Columbus Museum of Art to the Columbus Arts Festival–not to mention stunning public art throughout the city.
B: Get busy at one of our many independent bookstores (like The Book Loft, a 32-room bookstore) and book-themed events. Columbus is home to 23 branches of the Columbus Metro Library, including our expansive main branch location that hosts a large (and free) Book Festival every summer!
C: Check out COSI, our Center of Science and Industry, recognized as the #1 ‘Best Science Museum’ in the country by USA Today for five years in a row.
Agni, a concept from James Beard Award Semi-Finalist Avishar Barua. Source: Agni.
D: Dine at one of our diverse, nationally recognized restaurants, some of which boast James Beard Awards semi finalist chefs. In 2024, Columbus ranked number 8 on Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Food Cities in the U.S. prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards.
E: Experience one of our city’s exciting community events, including a summer festival schedule highlighting various cultures, arts, gaming, food, and more!
F: The Franklin Park Conservatory is a relaxing way to learn about horticulture, exotic plants, and butterflies–all while also visiting fun indoor and outdoor play areas for children.
German Village is one of the most idyllic neighborhoods in the city. Source: Experience Columbus.
G: Go to German Village, Columbus’ premier downtown neighborhood and historic district. Walk the brick sidewalks, shop, dine, or take in a free outdoor show this summer in German Village’s Schiller Park, presented by the Actors’ Theatre of Columbus.
H: Head downtown to experience a live musical, play, or touring production at one of our many historic or contemporary theaters.
I: Immerse yourself in Ohio’s past at the Ohio History Center and the outdoor Ohio Village living history museum.
The Columbus Crew play in the heart of downtown at Lower.com Field. Source: The Columbus Crew.
J: Jump and cheer for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, the Columbus Fury (professional volleyball), the MLS’s Columbus Crew, the MiLB’s Columbus Clippers (Triple-A affiliate to the Cleveland Guardians), and the Ohio State Buckeyes!
K: Kick back with a relaxing picnic at Topiary Gardens A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, the world’s only topiary recreation of a painting.
L: Let your imagination soar at The Ohio State University’s free museums, including the Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum, the Orton Geological Museum, and the Wexner Center for the Arts Gallery (free during regular business hours).
M: Make a reservation at our 1,000-room hotel, the Hilton Columbus Downtown, connected to the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
North Market boasts 30+ vendors. Source: Market Blooms.
N: Navigate through the North Market, Columbus’ 149-year-old public covered market featuring multiple vendors selling global cuisine, produce, flowers, and a variety of crafted merchandise.
O: Observe Otherworld, an immersive art installation museum that lets guests of all ages play and explore.
P: Put some air in your tires and hit the Columbus Metro Bike Map or Central Ohio Greenway Trails for a ride. Also, visit one of our 20 Columbus Metro Parks that include over 230 miles of trails, playgrounds, nature centers, and more throughout central Ohio.
Seventh Son Brewing has been a local favorite for 10+ years. Source: Experience Columbus.
Q: Quench your thirst at one of Columbus’ craft breweries, where we are ranked as a ‘top 5 best beer city’ in the nation by USA Today 10Best.
R: Get ready for rock climbing at the largest free outdoor climbing wall in the country at Scioto Audubon Metro Park! If indoor rock climbing is more your style, try Vertical Adventures or Bloc Garden.
S: Seek out CBUS Soul®, honoring Black culture in Columbus. CBUS Soul amplifies the ways that Black culture makes Columbus vibrant, from food to music, people, and Black-owned businesses.
T: Try The Thurman Cafe, featured on The Food Network and famous for their giant burgers! If you’re feeling bold, take on the Thurmanator challenge, highlighted on “Man v. Food” on the Travel Channel.
U: Uncover your love for all things Legos at LEGOLAND Discovery Center, the ultimate indoor Lego playground featuring rides, games, a virtual reality experience, and more.
National Veterans Memorial and Museum. Source NVMM.
V: View our National Veterans Memorial and Museum, the only museum in the United States that honors all veterans.
W: Wander through our many shopping and retail districts, like the Short North Art District, to take in public art, galleries, boutiques, and a variety of restaurants and bars. Make your way over to the east side of town to experience the Easton Town Center destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, or park and walk through Clintonville, the top neighborhood for thrifting and vintage treasures.
X: Book your tee time at X-Golf Columbus, the world’s most accurate golf simulator.
Y: Say “yes!” to getting some fresh air at one of the top 10 aerial adventure parks in the nation, ZipZone Outdoor Adventures! If you yearn for water instead, check out canoeing and kayaking around the city.
Z: Zoom on over to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, which has been named the ‘number one zoo in America’ by USA Travel Guide. While you’re there, cool off and zig-zag down a water slide at neighboring Zoombezi Bay, Ohio’s largest waterpark.
