Location: Columbus
Top Things to do in Columbus
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Top 10 Free Things to do in Columbus, Ohio (OH)
Ohio’s capital city is full of beautiful neighborhoods, a critically acclaimed food scene and top-ranked attractions. This creative-minded destination offers something for everyone. Families will enjoy COSI, the nationally known science center, as well as the Columbus zoo and its neighboring water park. Art lovers will savor the collections at the Columbus Museum of Art and revel in Gallery Hop, a monthly celebration in the Short North Art District. Columbus is a city that invites exploration.
Restaurants in Columbus
1. Supreme Court of Ohio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
This historic 1930s building has been home to the Supreme Court of Ohio since reopening in 2004 after a meticulous four-year renovation. The doors are open to all and the public is encouraged to visit and admire firsthand the beautiful Art Deco building and its array of murals, bronze sculptures, mosaics, and symbols that adorn the interior.
Reviewed By alwaysmoretosee2015 - Dublin, United States
Anyone can arrange a free tour of the Ohio Supreme Court building thrugh their Civic Education department and my friends and I highly recommend doing so. It is full of amazing art works- murals, mosaics, sculptures, carvings and even a Chihuly! Our guide Mason was very knowledgeable and friendly. He told us stories about the building and explained how the court works in addition to pointing our amazing details in the ceilings, hallways and library.
2. Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 170 reviews
We do not have regular hours. We do tours by appointment only. Due to my employment situation we do tours in the evenings and weekends.
Reviewed By gerasimp2019
Steve is a wonderful person! I’ve come all the way from Bulgaria and so far I’ve enjoyed his museum the most in Columbus. The collection is really nice and the combination of his classic american cars from the 50-60s, his very rare license plates, signs and items is a perfect combo and creates an unforgettable experience. He knows his stuff and he will be glad to give you a tour.
3. Scioto Audubon Metro Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By cynthiasV2985WO
It was a cold/windy day and was able to have a great time with my 5 year old grandchild. The GeoCache Tour that is in the park is also fantastic and well worth the challenge. The only thing that would have made this better is to have the volunteer/employee who was working at the reception of the nature center to be more knowledgeable about the Park and the GeoCache. We figured it out and had a great time but the receptionist wasn't much help with information.
4. Ohio Statehouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 450 reviews
Capitol building of Ohio.
Reviewed By Gerry963 - Schroon Lake, United States
We like to visit state capitols in our travels—they are always visitor-friendly and reveal a great deal about a state’s history, economy and culture in a short time. The Ohio Statehouse is no exception. Somewhat understated for a capitol on the outside, it is beautiful and grand on the inside. Our knowledgeable guide, Elaine, brought Ohio and the Statehouse to life in her ~45 minute tour (a crash course in all things Ohio that is well worth the time). It was an enjoyable and informative time. A suggestion to visitors: take careful notes about your path from your vehicle to the start of the tour—or leave a trail of bread crumbs—as the building and connected subterranean parking garage are rather confusing to navigate and not terribly well signed. The friendly Ohioans who work in the capitol know the place is a labyrinth and are approachable and helpful in getting you redirected.
5. Sharon Woods Metro Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
A rolling, 3.8-mile loop for runners.
Reviewed By Toyota1994 - Chicago, United States
Sharon Woods Metro Park in Westerville is a wonderful place to walk or bike. There are several interconnecting trails through beautiful woods to enjoy the peacefulness of nature. The asphalt paved bike trail (one-way) goes around the outer perimeter of the park and has a couple of tough hills; the trail is about 4-miles long. Though my visit was in December when there was some snow on the ground, I enjoyed my walk on the bike trail. The short trail along the lake is especially beautiful. There is also a sledding hill in the park. I highly recommend a visit to Sharon woods any time of the year; it is park packed with a variety of recreational options.
6. German Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,140 reviews
A highway bridge over Interstate 70 is all that separates the German Village Historic District from downtown Columbus, but as one looks east from the interstate, the difference between old and new is glaring. A 20+ story structure sits just north of the interstate bridge, and just south, in German Village, no structure is higher than three stories. Five blocks south, the spire of St. Mary Church stands 197’ off the sidewalk and towers over everything around it. Structures and sidewalks are orange masonry, and many streets (about half) are still brick pavers. German Village does not have a recreated sense of history or kitschy Bavarian feel ~ rather, it is a neighborhood with architecture dating from the 1840s-1890s that has been preserved, and its use as a shared residential and commercial neighborhood has been maintained. People walk to their destinations, park on the street due to the overwhelming absence of driveways, and live life at a very pedestrian level. The neighborhood is extremely dense ~ very often only inches separate neighboring structures, and many structures were built for multi-family use. German Village is notably different because its appearance has changed so little.
Reviewed By CMHBeth - Columbus, United States
German Village is a quaint neighborhood to the immediate south of downtown Columbus. It’s historic buildings, houses and brick streets make for a lovely stroll all times of the year. The streets are lined with houses dating back to the late 1800s-early 1900s. There are restaurants, bars and coffee stops and shops sprinkled throughout could not be more diverse and charming. Schiller Park in the heart of the village should not be missed.
7. Olentangy Bike Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Trail along the river for bikers and runners.
Reviewed By K2128BIjanetb
Bike path through Columbus, that seems very safe. It is very clean! Beautiful views of nature and the city! Olentangy river runs along this trail. Beautiful!
8. Short North Arts District
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 615 reviews
Columbus's version of New York's artsy Soho district, this historic urban neighborhood is filled with boutiques, art galleries, coffee houses, restaurants and theaters.
Reviewed By CDM116 - Whippany, United States
After visiting Columbus several times in the last few years we have found the short north to be a wonderful area of the city for so many different reasons. Come enjoy this fantastic area
9. Easton Town Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,266 reviews
In stark contrast to the old-country aura of German Village, Easton is the most modern neighborhood in the city, its architecturally contemporary town center drawing shoppers and tourists to an array of nationally and regionally known stores, plentiful restaurants and varied entertainment.
Reviewed By chinabeech
Easton is a great place to visit to shop, dine in any number of excellent resturants, our favorites are Brios, Bon Vie, McCormicks and Schmicks, Ocean Club and others. Shopping and theater are very nice.
10. Whetstone Park / Park of Roses
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 279 reviews
One of the largest municipal rose gardens in the U.S., this 13-acre park features more than 11,000 gorgeous rose bushes and specialized gardens for herbs, daffodils and perennials.
Reviewed By lovelylainey - Columbus, United States
Beautiful park which includes trails, a lovely rose garden, open fields, playgrounds, a community center with rec room and a very well-stocked and well-staffed library.
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