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Columbus

United States · City · USD · 39.961200, -82.998800
Family friendly 4.2/10 · Rank 2434 of 2 709
Best season: May-September

Best for

Columbus is an ideal place for urban culture, shopping and family holidays. It is recommended for families, couples and solo travellers. Least suitable for beach lovers.

Best season

May-September

Daily budget
$172.00 (≈ 14 434 ₽)
For 7 days
$1 204.00 (≈ 101 040 ₽)
Columbus is the capital of Ohio, a dynamic university city with a rich cultural life and a thriving arts scene. It is home to a renowned zoo, an art museum, and numerous parks, as well as lively neighborhoods with restaurants and shops. Columbus attracts visitors with its blend of innovation and provincial charm.
Summer
29.0°C
Winter
-5.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

moderate

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Columbus residents are friendly and open people, proud of their city. The atmosphere in the city is calm and family-oriented.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Excellent zoo and aquarium
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Many restaurants and breweries
  • Affordable prices
  • Good shopping
  • Family entertainment

Cons

  • No beach
  • Cold winters
  • Limited nightlife
  • Infrastructure is poorly developed
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
23.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
28.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
29.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
-1.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
3.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
-5.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
March-May
Attractions

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

A beautiful botanical garden with greenhouses and exhibitions.

Columbus Museum of Art

A museum with a collection of American and European art.

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium

One of the best zoos in the US with over 600 species.

North Market

A historic market with over 30 restaurants and stalls.

COSI

An interactive science centre for the whole family.

Short North

A trendy area with galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

Best areas

Downtown

The city centre with museums, restaurants and an arena.

Short North

A trendy area with galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

German Village

A historic German area with restaurants and pubs.

Clintonville

An area with a farmers' market and cafes.

Must-try food

Columbus-style pizza

Thick-crust pizza cut into squares.

Jeni's Ice Cream

Famous craft ice cream from Columbus.

Schmidt's Sausage Haus

German sausages and giant cream puffs.

Barbecue

Slow-smoked meat with sauce.

Craft beer

Over 50 breweries in the city.

Where to go next

Cincinnati

A city with museums and restaurants. 1.5 hours away.

Cleveland

A city with museums and a lake. 2 hours away.

Dayton

A city with an aviation museum. 1 hour away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
moderate
Getting there
Nearest airports
John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required (ESTA for visa-waiver countries)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
May-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$110.00
≈ 9 231 ₽
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$170.00
≈ 14 266 ₽
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$250.00
≈ 20 980 ₽
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$38.00
≈ 3 189 ₽
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$5.50
≈ 462 ₽
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$14.00
≈ 1 175 ₽
Burger
Average price for a burger
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$9.00
≈ 755 ₽
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$2.00
≈ 168 ₽
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$18.00
≈ 1 511 ₽
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽
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Frequently asked questions
Columbus: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is May-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Columbus: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +29.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Columbus: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +-5.0°C, during the day — up to +3.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Columbus: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on March-May. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Columbus: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $172.00 (≈ 14 434 ₽) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Columbus: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $30.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $110.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $170.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $250.00 per night, an apartment — $120.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Columbus: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $18.00, dinner at a restaurant — $38.00, a cup of cappuccino — $4.00, a 0.5L beer — $5.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Columbus: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $30.00, a single public transport ticket — $2.00, a short taxi ride — $10.00, car rental — $50.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Columbus: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens — A beautiful botanical garden with greenhouses and exhibitions.; Columbus Museum of Art — A museum with a collection of American and European art.; Columbus Zoo and Aquarium — One of the best zoos in the US with over 600 species.; North Market — A historic market with over 30 restaurants and stalls.; COSI — An interactive science centre for the whole family.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Columbus: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Columbus-style pizza — Thick-crust pizza cut into squares.; Jeni's Ice Cream — Famous craft ice cream from Columbus.; Schmidt's Sausage Haus — German sausages and giant cream puffs.; Barbecue — Slow-smoked meat with sauce.; Craft beer — Over 50 breweries in the city.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Columbus: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Downtown — The city centre with museums, restaurants and an arena.; Short North — A trendy area with galleries, boutiques and restaurants.; German Village — A historic German area with restaurants and pubs.; Clintonville — An area with a farmers' market and cafes.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Columbus: is a visa required?
Visa: required (ESTA for visa-waiver countries). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Columbus: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — John Glenn Columbus International Airport (code CMH). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $30.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Columbus: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — USD. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $172.00 (≈ 14 434 ₽). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Columbus: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Columbus: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as moderate. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Columbus: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Cincinnati — A city with museums and restaurants. 1.5 hours away.; Cleveland — A city with museums and a lake. 2 hours away.; Dayton — A city with an aviation museum. 1 hour away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

4.2/10
Overall rank: 2434 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 1064

Best season

May-September

Useful information

Currency: USD
Coordinates: 39.961200, -82.998800