Are you thinking about visiting Columbus, Ohio? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Columbus worth visiting?
This city is a good place to visit for one to two days. Columbus is is the capital of Ohio. It has a number of museums and nice parks around town. There are also interesting neighborhodos such as the German Village, which dates back to the 1800s. While many travelers overlook the city, it actually offers some fun and interesting activities.
Columbus, Ohio
Reasons to Visit Columbus
Museums
Popular museums around town include the Center of Science and Technology, the Franklin Park Conservatory, the Columbus Museum of Art, and the Ohio History Center.
Nightlife
The live music scene is growing. There are also a growing number of breweries around town.
Shopping
In addition to the standard shopping malls and retail outlets, there are some interesting shops in the Short North Arts District, German Village, and Easton Town Center.
Authenticity
Columbus has an authentic vibe where you can experience local culture, cuisine, and activities without the large tourist crowds of other popular destinations.
Is Columbus worth visiting in the Summer?
The high season for travel in Columbus is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. Even though this destination is not very touristy, in the high season it's busier than usual because this is when most visitors come here.
The weather in Columbus is fairly warm during summer, and stays around 25°C (77°F). But it can get as warm as 30°C (87°F) at times, too. It's also quite rainy during this season, so be prepared.
During this season it's fun to experience the museums and landmarks and the nightlife.
Summer Weather in Columbus
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| August | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| September | 20°C (69°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
Is Columbus worth visiting in the Autumn?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 14°C (57°F).
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Columbus, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
This is a great time of year to wander through the museums.
Autumn Weather in Columbus
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 14°C (57°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| November | 8°C (47°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| December | 2°C (35°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
Is Columbus worth visiting in the Winter?
Winter is the low season for travel in Columbus. This destination is not very touristy, so in the low season it can become fairly quiet.
The weather in Columbus can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -1°C (30°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to browse through museums and dance the night away.
Winter Weather in Columbus
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -1°C (30°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| February | 1°C (33°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
| March | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
Is Columbus worth visiting in the Spring?
This is the shoulder season for travel in Columbus. This destination is not very touristy, and in the shoulder season it can become fairly quiet.
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F).
During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the famous sights and museums, and the nightlife scene.
Spring Weather in Columbus
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 12°C (54°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| May | 18°C (65°F) | 105 mm (4.1 in) |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
Things to Consider Before Visiting Columbus
Food: Columbus doesn't top the list for most foodies. Hearty and heavy comfort food is the mainstay in this town. There's pizza, casseroles, sausage, and milkshakes around town.
Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.
The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Columbus might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Columbus here or see if Columbus is expensive here.
Related
What is Columbus most famous for?
Columbus is most famous for its youthful energy and its growing arts scene. People visit this impressive city for its great museums, nightlife, and shopping. It is often described as authentic, friendly, welcoming, and down-to-earth.
What is the most famous sight in Columbus?
The most popular sight in Columbus is the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Columbus on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and other attractions here.
How touristy is Columbus? Is it a popular city to visit?
Columbus is an off-the-beaten-path city that many travelers overlook. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Trolley Pub Holiday Lights Tour in Columbus: $45
- Columbus Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $21
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus Ticket: $28
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Columbus by Crazy Dash: $10
- Experience the season with a scavenger hunt in Columbus with Holly Jolly Hunt: $20
- 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative: $41
- Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure: $44
How long should I spend in Columbus?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Columbus is one to two days. Since Columbus has activities such as museums, nightlife, and shopping, most people visit for up to two days.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Columbus? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Columbus?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.