Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you plan a Columbus vacation. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to see in the city of Columbus Ohio, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do on your trip to Columbus, Ohio.
Don’t Underestimate Columbus
A lot of people think Columbus is Ohio’s third city, behind Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is actually the capital city of Ohio, and one of the largest metropolitan areas in the Midwest. There are actually a ton of cool things to do in Columbus. Just because they don’t have an NFL team or a Major League Baseball team doesn’t mean Columbus is not a cool city. (Besides, Columbus has the Ohio State Buckeyes, which are probably the best football team in the state anyway!)
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Don’t Wear Yellow & Blue
Columbus is home to THE Ohio State University, a major rival of the University of Michigan Wolverines. Scarlet and Gray are the colors of The Ohio State University, so unless you want to be heckled, don’t wear yellow and blue in Columbus!
Don’t Miss Out on a Game at the Horseshoe
The Ohio State Buckeyes play their football games at Ohio Stadium, also known as the Horseshoe. In a testament to the quality football teams that play here, the stadium holds nearly 105,000 people and the Buckeyes frequently fill the seats! Even if you’re rooting for the visiting team, it’s a great time to watch a game here. And the tailgate parties are pretty fun, too!
And if you’re visiting Columbus on game day, don’t even bother trying to fight traffic around town. Stick to the attractions close to your hotel, or join the crowds at the Horseshoe.
Don’t Miss the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Another Columbus attraction that we highly recommend is the Columbus Zoo & Aquarium. It is consistently ranked as one of the best zoos in the United States. Besides some really great attractions and exhibits, they also have some really fun seasonal events including an amazing Christmas lights display in December.
Don’t Miss the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
If you love plants and nature, you won’t want to miss the Franklin Park Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, and the Victorian-era glasshouse is a great place to spend a rainy afternoon. Seasonal exhibits include Chihuly Glass installations, holiday lights, and Pumpkins Aglow in the fall.
Don’t Miss COSI
Columbus’ Center of Science and Industry is another great Ohio museum that you should really check out when you visit Columbus. It’s one of the best science & industry museums in the United States. There are tons of interactive exhibits that you and your kids can take part in.
Don’t Miss Out on Ohio Ice Cream
Columbus has some fantastic ice cream shops. Don’t bother with the chain stores that you have back home. Make a detour to have Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream, or Graeter’s Ice Cream, both local favorites with tons of delicious flavors, including ice cream buckeyes, of course.
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Don’t Skip the North Market
Columbus’ North Market is nearly 150 years old and well worth a visit on your trip to Columbus. Every Saturday, the vendor stalls fill up with local merchants selling fresh food, flowers, crafts, and gifts. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and soak up some of the local culture.
Don’t Forget to Explore Outside Columbus
Downtown Columbus is great, but there are also cool things to see near Columbus.
- Upper Arlington is a nice suburban area with beautiful homes just outside of the city center.
- The Short North Art District is also super fun, especially if you visit on the first Saturday of the month for a Gallery Hop. No matter when you visit, you’ll find amazing art, food, nightlife, and shopping.
- The German Village is another unique Columbus neighborhood to explore. It’s also known as the Brewery District, so you know you’ll have a fun time here!
Don’t Miss Columbus Ohio Downtown
The downtown area of Columbus is really vibrant, with theaters, bars, restaurants, and parks. The Scioto River runs right through the middle of Columbus, and there’s a nice riverwalk with an amphitheater hosting summer concerts. Summer weekends are the best, with markets, festivals, and parades happening all the time.
Don’t Forget Your Travel Smarts
While we do love Columbus and it’s absolutely worth visiting, there is a higher-than-average crime rate in Columbus when compared to the rest of Ohio. Like any city you visit, keep your wits about you. Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your car, don’t wander down dark streets alone, etc. Just because you are in the Midwest doesn’t mean bad things can’t happen. Enjoy your Columbus vacation, but be smart about your surrounding.
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Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with the city of Columbus, Ohio! Between the food, the people, the architecture and the nature, it’s a great city to visit! We were pleasantly surprised by how much we loved our Columbus vacation. Want more Midwest US travel tips? Check out some of our other blog posts: