Visit Columbus

Experience the magic of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and discover why Columbus is Ohio's vibrant Capital City

Ohio State University
Columbus Museum of Art
Ohio Cuisine

Welcome to Columbus

Columbus is Ohio's capital city and largest metropolis located in the heart of the Buckeye State, known for its vibrant arts scene, excellent universities, and diverse cultural offerings. This dynamic city is known for its academic excellence, cultural diversity, and unique "Capital City" personality that has shaped the Midwest for generations.

From the iconic Ohio State University and Columbus Museum of Art to the beautiful German Village and Short North Arts District, Columbus offers visitors a perfect blend of cultural institutions, academic excellence, and Midwestern hospitality. The city also boasts Franklin Conservatory, Scioto Mile, and some of the best Ohio cuisine in America.

898,553 Population
902 ft Elevation
178 Sunny Days

📊 Travel Information & Statistics

Essential travel data to help you plan your perfect Columbus adventure

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March-May) Baseball season, outdoor activities, perfect weather
Fall (September-November) Comfortable temperatures, outdoor recreation, cultural events
Peak Season March-May, September-November (Spring and Fall tourism)

Average Temperature

Jan 22°F / 34°F
Apr 45°F / 58°F
Jul 68°F / 84°F
Oct 48°F / 62°F

Humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters

Airports

John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH)

Main airport, 6 miles from downtown Columbus

  • Major airlines: American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue
  • Direct flights to major US cities
  • Rental car services available

Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)

Alternative airport, 10 miles from downtown Columbus

  • Cargo and charter flights
  • Military operations
  • Shuttle services to Columbus

Travel Statistics

Annual Visitors 25+ million
Hotel Rooms 20,000+
Restaurants 3,000+
Cultural Attractions 150+
Average Hotel Price $170/night
Public Transit COTA bus system

Flight Statistics

Daily Flights 2,500+
Direct Destinations 200+ cities
Average Flight Price $350
Peak Travel Months Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Major Airlines 10+ carriers
On-time Performance 85%

Airport Operations

Terminals 1
Gates 200+
Parking Spaces 50,000+
Rental Car Companies 15
Distance to Downtown 17 miles
Ground Transportation Shuttle, Taxi, Bus

Local Transportation

Rail Lines 8 lines
Bus Frequency 5-15 min
Fare $2.50
Operating Hours 4AM-1AM
Bike Share Stations 600+
Ride Share Uber, Lyft

Cultural & Entertainment

Cultural Attractions 200+
Sports Venues 15+
Entertainment Districts 20+
Movie Theaters 25
Museums 60+
Annual Events 400+

Outdoor Recreation

Lake Michigan Water recreation
Bike Paths 200+ miles
Golf Courses 25
Millennium Park Urban recreation
Parks 600+
Weather Year-round activities

Popular Destinations & Demographics

Top Domestic Origin New York
Top International Origin Canada
Popular Airlines American, United
Average Age 35 years
Financial Industry 30%
Average Stay 3.2 days

Shopping & Retail

Cultural Attractions 200+
Sports Venues 15+
Average Spending $450/person
Financial Industry $15B annually
Tax Rate 10.25%
Popular Items Deep-Dish Pizza, Architecture, Culture

Safety & Health

Crime Rate Low
Hospitals 15 major
Urgent Care Centers 50+
Pharmacies 100+
Emergency Services 24/7
Tourist Safety Excellent

🚗 Rent a Car in Columbus

Explore Columbus and the beautiful Ohio capital city at your own pace with a rental car

🌟 Top Attractions in Columbus

Discover the must-see destinations and experiences in Ohio's Capital City

Ohio State University

Ohio State University

Experience Columbus' iconic Ohio State University featuring historic campus buildings, Buckeye football games, academic excellence, and the spirit of one of America's largest and most prestigious universities.

Year-round 2-6 hours University District
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Columbus Museum of Art

Columbus Museum of Art

Discover the Columbus Museum of Art featuring world-class art collections, special exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural experiences that make it one of Columbus' most popular cultural attractions and a premier art institution.

Year-round 2-4 hours Downtown Columbus
Get Tickets Admission required Read More
Ohio Cuisine

Ohio Cuisine

Experience Columbus' diverse Ohio cuisine featuring Buckeye candies, Cincinnati chili, pierogies, and other traditional dishes that have made this region's food a symbol of Columbus' culinary heritage and Midwestern culture.

Year-round 1-3 hours Throughout Columbus
Explore Various prices Read More
German Village

German Village

Explore German Village featuring historic brick streets, charming architecture, authentic German restaurants, and cultural experiences that make it one of Columbus' most picturesque and historic neighborhoods.

Year-round 2-4 hours South Columbus
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Short North Arts District

Short North Arts District

Visit the Short North Arts District featuring art galleries, trendy restaurants, boutique shops, and cultural experiences that showcase Columbus' vibrant arts scene and creative community.

Year-round 2-4 hours North Columbus
Visit Free Free admission Read More
Franklin Conservatory

Franklin Conservatory

Experience Franklin Conservatory featuring beautiful botanical gardens, glasshouses, seasonal exhibits, and educational programs that showcase Columbus' natural beauty and horticultural excellence.

Year-round 2-4 hours East Columbus
Get Tickets Admission required Read More

🍽️ Columbus' Ohio Cuisine & Buckeye Flavors

Savor the flavors of Ohio's culinary heritage with Columbus' diverse dining scene

Ohio Cuisine & Buckeye Flavors

Experience Columbus' diverse Ohio cuisine featuring Buckeye candies, Cincinnati chili, pierogies, traditional Columbus-style dishes, and innovative culinary experiences that showcase the region's rich food culture and Buckeye heritage.

Top Ohio Cuisine Restaurants:

  • Schmidt's Sausage Haus
  • Thurman Cafe
  • North Market
Read More About Ohio Cuisine & Buckeye Flavors

Columbus Cuisine & Local Flavors

Discover Columbus' diverse food culture featuring Ohio cuisine restaurants, fine dining, and innovative culinary experiences influenced by the city's academic excellence and Midwestern hospitality.

Must-Try Local Spots:

  • Ohio Cuisine Restaurants
  • North Market
  • Short North Eateries
Read More About Columbus' Food Scene

🏨 Where to Stay in Columbus

Find the perfect accommodation for your Columbus adventure

✈️ Find Flights to Columbus

Search for the best flight deals to John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) or Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK)

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