• Best Ways to Travel to Columbus
• Best Places to Stay in Columbus
• 6 Fun Facts About Columbus
• 9 Popular Attractions in Columbus
• Fuel Your Trip With Giordano’s Pizza

Welcome to Columbus, where big-city energy meets Midwestern charm. Nestled in the heart of Ohio, this city offers a vibrant mix of arts, culture, food and sports. Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for the next great bite, a nature lover ready to explore lush parks or a sports fan cheering for the Buckeyes, Columbus has something to make your visit unforgettable.

From the trendy vibes of the Short North Arts District to the Columbus Museum of Art, every corner of this city has a story — and it’s yours to discover.

1. Best Ways to Travel to Columbus

Getting to Columbus is a breeze, thanks to the airport and the city’s central location within driving distance of major Midwest cities. Once you’re here, ride-share apps, Central Ohio Transit Authority buses and bike-friendly streets make it easy to get around. As you plan your trip to Columbus, consider all the different ways to get into the city and which one is most convenient and cost-effective:

• Flying: If you’re traveling from far away, flying might be the easiest way to reach Columbus. Book your flight into the John Glenn Columbus International Airport, located just 6 miles east of the downtown area, for convenience and ease of access.
• Bus: Columbus has a large and convenient Greyhound Bus station not far from downtown. Traveling by bus usually takes longer than traveling by plane, but it is also usually less expensive.
• Car: You should never count out the option of a good old-fashioned American road trip. Whether you’re traveling from across the county or just across the state, you can always reach Columbus in the safety and comfort of your own vehicle.

2. Best Places to Stay in Columbus

Now that you’ve decided how you will reach the city, your next task is to figure out where you will stay during your time here. Columbus is home to many beautiful and convenient hotels and other forms of lodging, so no matter what your trip looks like, you’ll be able to find a place to stay that’s right for you.

As you look into booking your lodgings during your stay in Columbus, pay special attention to where in the city you’re booking them. If you’re traveling into the city via the airport, you may want to hunt down lodgings nearby. If you’re coming in by bus, look for hotels close to the bus station.

Hotels

Columbus offers a wide range of accommodations, from downtown hotels to cozy homestays in charming neighborhoods. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, you’ll find the perfect place to rest your head. A few of the quality hotels you can expect to find conveniently located near the airport in Columbus are:

• Days Inn: Guests at Days Inn get much more than a room. They can also take advantage of complimentary shuttle rides to and from the airport, a free breakfast item, a fitness center and a business center.
• Staybridge Suites: Staybridge Suites features modern suites that offer comforts like in-room kitchens and living room spaces. Other amenities include a breakfast buffet, an indoor pool, evening socials Monday through Wednesday and internet access. Pets are also welcome here!
• Fairfield Inn & Suites: If you’re looking for a hotel near the Columbus airport, look no further than Fairfield Inn & Suites. Here, you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, patio seating and more.
• Homewood Suites: At Homewood Suites, you can choose between one- and two-room suites, both of which include a kitchen and Wi-Fi access. Mornings include a hot breakfast, and during the day, you can take a dip in the indoor pool.

Home Renting

If hotels aren’t your style, or if you’re looking for something a little homier, another option for finding lodgings is to look into renting an apartment or home for the duration of your stay. Organizations like Airbnb make this easy, and Columbus has no shortage of locations that you can rent during your stay.

3. 6 Fun Facts About Columbus

Of course, traveling to a new city requires more than just hopping on a plane, booking a hotel and showing up. To truly get the most out of your Columbus visit, you’ll want to know a little bit about the city, its history and the forces that have shaped it. Here are some of our top interesting facts about Columbus you may be interested in learning:

1. It’s the 14^th largest city in the country: Columbus might often get buried in lists that include more famous cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, but you may be surprised to know that Columbus is an impressive city in its own right. As of July 2022, it was the 14^th largest city in the country, with a population of more than 907 million. This ranks it above other more talked-about cities like Seattle, Denver, Boston and San Franciso.
2. It’s younger than the state of Ohio: Ohio was granted statehood in the year 1803 before Columbus had even been built. Columbus wasn’t founded until 1812, at which point it was named the state capital, replacing the city of Chillicothe. This means that Ohio is nine years older than its capital. Unlike many other state capitals, which were chosen as the capital based on their population or importance, Columbus was founded to become the new capital.
3. It almost had a different name: When Columbus was founded, different alternatives were discussed for its name. Although Columbus eventually won, Ohio City was also strongly considered.
4. It witnessed the world’s first cargo flight: We’ve all heard about the Wright brothers and their famous first flight, but did you know that the first cargo flight in the entire world landed in Columbus? The plane was a Wright Model B airplane, and it was flown by pilot Phillip Parmalee, who brought 200 pounds of silk across the state from Dayton to Columbus.
5. It’s home to the country’s first junior high school: The first junior high school in the United States opened in Columbus in 1909. This school was Indianola Junior High and is still in operation today, although it’s now a charter school called Graham Elementary and Middle School.
6. It’s produced its fair share of famous people: Celebrity chef Guy Fieri is from Columbus! So is R.L. Stine, author of the bestselling children’s book series “Goosebumps.” And have you ever watched “How I Met Your Mother?” Josh Radnor was born and raised in Columbus. Simone Biles, a seven-time gold medal-winning Olympic gymnast, was also born in Columbus. Rascal Flatts members Gary LeVox and Jay DeMarcus are from Columbus, and alternative music group Twenty One Pilots also formed in Columbus.

4. 9 Popular Attractions in Columbus

Are you excited to visit Columbus yet? Here are some of the landmarks and attractions you won’t want to miss. From the vibrant Short North Arts District to the sprawling Franklin Park Conservatory and Scioto Mile, Columbus brims with attractions for every interest. Sports fans, foodies and culture buffs will find endless ways to explore and enjoy the city.

1. Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

This attraction is of particular interest to gardeners and plant lovers of all types, but everyone will be astonished by the sheer amount of natural beauty found in this 88-acre landmark. The Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens feature indoor gardens filled with exotic and beautiful plant life and stunning artwork. The outside gardens sprawl across the surrounding area and include multiple trails that you can walk along as you take in all the fascinating plants and gorgeous art sculptures around you.

You can browse the Conservatory at your own pace or participate in one of the regular educational or social events hosted in the gardens.

2. Downtown Columbus

Technically, this attraction is many attractions wrapped into one, but there are so many things to mention that we’re lumping them all together. Wherever else you’re interested in visiting during your tour of the city, the downtown area is not to be missed. You’ll find markets, the Columbus Commons, live concerts, theater, sand volleyball and so much more here.

3. The Scioto Mile

Few out-of-town visitors realize it, but Columbus is built along the banks of the beautiful Scioto River. New York City might have Central Park, but Columbus is home to the beautiful Scioto Mile. This stretch of beautiful greenery along the river forms a gorgeous place to relax in nature, even while still in the heart of the bustling city.

You’ll find parks filled with lush grass and trees, bike paths, pedestrian walking trails, a 15,000-square-foot fountain, the country’s largest free outdoor climbing wall, and so much more. Even if your trip to Columbus is short, this is one destination you won’t want to skip.

4. Columbus Museum of Art

A visit to the Colombus Museum of Art is a feast for the senses and the soul. Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, the museum is home to an inspiring collection that spans modern masterpieces, classic works and local treasures. Wander through galleries filled with everything from delicate paintings to bold contemporary installations.

The museum has an outdoor sculpture garden and provides engaging hands-on experiences at the Center for Creativity, which is perfect for visitors of all ages.

5. Center of Science and Industry

The Center of Science and Industry is an excellent place to visit, especially if you have kids. It’s also fun for a party of adults! Everyone will have a blast here, no matter how old or young.

This museum celebrates everything related to science, technology and industry. Enjoy exhibits on dinosaurs, the ocean depths, gadgets, outer space and more. Don’t forget to visit the stunning planetarium, and consider coordinating your visit with one of the many special events, such as COSI After Dark.

6. Short North Arts District

If you’re a fan of vibrant city life with a heavy emphasis on arts, culture and experience, you’ll want to be sure to visit Columbus’s Short North Arts District. Until the 1980s, this district was mostly home to empty buildings and boarded-up windows. Thanks to revitalization efforts, however, it is now a booming neighborhood focused on cultivating arts and creativity.

When you visit this neighborhood, you can enjoy fantastic dining, nightlife, artwork, fashion, gifts and home decor unlike anything else you’ll come across. If you plan your visit for the evening, you’ll also get a stunning view of the district’s 17 lighted steel arches that extend across the streets overhead.

7. Ohio Theatre

For those who are interested in live performances of every type, a visit to the Ohio Theatre is certainly in order. This historic space opened in 1928 and was originally a movie house. Since then, it’s transformed into Columbus’s premiere space for live performances and entertainment arts. Here, you can see plays, ballets, live musical performances and more, including the Columbus Symphony Orchestra.

Best of all, you can appreciate the unique and beautiful Spanish-Baroque architecture of the theater while also enjoying the performance onstage. The theater features phenomenal acoustics, top-of-the-line stage facilities and a breathtaking 21-foot high chandelier.

8. Ohio Stadium

For the sports fans out there, a trip to Columbus wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Ohio Stadium, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the entire sports world since its creation in 1922. This enormous horseshoe-shaped stadium can accommodate 102,780 screaming fans, leading to an exciting spectacle and ceremony atmosphere. Catch an Ohio State football game here, and you’ll find that it’s an event you keep talking about for years to come.

9. Giordano’s

After a long day of sightseeing and tourism, you’ll be hungry for some delicious cuisine. Giordano’s makes a delicious Chicago-style stuffed pizza — it’s a tasty crust topped with your preferred toppings, cheese, another thin layer of crust and sauce that’s evolved over 200 years. You can also take your pick of salads, sandwiches, classic Italian meals, desserts and a full kids’ menu if you’ve brought the whole family!

5. Fuel Your Trip With Giordano’s Pizza

Whether you’re following our visitor’s guide to the city of Columbus or winging it — you’ll need fuel to stay energized. We’d like to invite you to stop in for a taste of our famous stuffed deep-dish pizza here at Giordano’s. Enjoy a pizza made with our signature pizza sauce or another of our other delicious dishes. You can eat in at our Columbus location or bring your pizza back to your hotel for a casual movie night!

Check out our full menu today, and be sure to pencil a visit to Giordano’s into your upcoming trip to Columbus.