Start with the Scioto Mile, North Market, the Short North galleries, Schiller Park in German Village and the Columbus Park of Roses. The table lists verified facts and conditions for each.
Things to do in Columbus
What to do in Columbus, with verified facts, conditions and limits.
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Top things to do — verified facts
| Attraction | Key facts | Conditions and limits | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scioto Mile | About 175 acres of downtown riverfront parkland with trails and fountains | Confirm event dates | Scioto Mile |
| North Market Downtown | 59 Spruce St; Sun–Mon 10–5, Tue–Sat 9–7 | Hours change; parking in the Vine Street Garage | North Market |
| Short North Gallery Hop | First Saturday of every month; next Nov 7 | Check each gallery's hours | Short North Arts District |
| Schiller Park | 23.601 acres at 1069 Jaeger St; open 7 a.m.–11 p.m.; 0.8-mile paved path | Confirm events | Columbus Recreation and Parks |
| Columbus Park of Roses | 13-acre rose garden in Whetstone Park; best bloom mid-June to mid-September | Seasonal | Columbus Recreation and Parks; Columbus Park of Roses |
| Wildlights | Nov 20, 2026–Jan 3, 2027; Sun–Thu 12–9 p.m., Fri–Sat 12–10 p.m. | Check tickets with the zoo | Columbus Zoo and Aquarium |
How to plan it
- Two days: follow the weekend itinerary.
- Weather: see the climate table.
- Tours and tickets: the Booking.com link below is an affiliate link; we have not tested those tours.
Explore by interest
Something for every kind of day.
Go further
Beyond the center.
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Search tours and attractions in Columbus. The Booking.com link is an affiliate link; we have not tested those tours.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the must-do things in Columbus?
The Scioto Mile, North Market, the Short North, Schiller Park and the Columbus Park of Roses.
When is Gallery Hop?
The first Saturday of every month.
When are Wildlights?
November 20, 2026 through January 3, 2027.
Are tours worth booking in advance?
For busy dates, booking ahead reduces sell-out risk; we have not tested particular tours.
Sources
Facts on this page were read from the sources below on October 16, 2026. Hours, fares, prices and event dates change — confirm with the source before you travel. How we research and update.
- Visit The Scioto Mile — Scioto Mile
- North Market — North Market
- Short North Gallery Hop — Short North Arts District
- Schiller Park — Columbus Recreation and Parks Department
- Whetstone Park and Columbus Park of Roses — Columbus Recreation and Parks Department
- Columbus Park of Roses — Columbus Park of Roses
- Wildlights 2026 — Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
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