Downtown Columbus, Ohio, truly offers something for everyone. The area features fabulous shopping opportunities, several restaurants and a happening bar scene in the Arena District, interactive museums such as the Center of Science and Industry, local farmer’s markets, and numerous secluded downtown parks.
Located in the heart of downtown Columbus, the Arena District offers fabulous restaurants, plenty of shopping options and a vibrant nightlife. Experience live entertainment at A & R Music Bar on Neil Avenue, catch a hockey game at the Nationwide Arena, home of the National Hockey League's Columbus Blue Jackets, or see a movie at the Arena Grand Movie Theater.
Open from May through October, and located on Pearl Alley just one block away from the Ohio Statehouse, Pearl Market offers an array of locally grown produce finds, fresh baked goods, jewelry and craft items, and much more. Enjoy a morning stroll through the open-air market and grab a bite to eat from one of the friendly locals. The market is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The scenic 23.5-acre Schiller Park, Columbus’ second oldest, was erected as City Park in 1867 and renamed after the famous German poet, Friedrich von Schiller, in 1891. The park is nestled in the middle of the bustling Columbus downtown area, and features a walking trail, picnic areas, a fishing pond, floral gardens and a kids’ playground.
Discover the history of downtown Columbus while riding on an i2 Segway. SegAway Tours of Columbus offers two-hour-long guided tours of the historic downtown area, encompassing miles of parkland on the Scioto River, the exciting Short North Arts District and the Arena District, the city’s premier arts and entertainment district. Tours run four times daily from March to November.
The Center of Science and Industry is a hands-on science center for kids and adults alike, and a popular downtown Columbus tourist attraction. Explore the center’s numerous exhibits, including the space exhibit, the interactive ocean exhibit, and the Big Science Park. The center also houses the Extreme Screen, the largest screen in Ohio, where you can travel into space, explore the ocean and scale mountains all without leaving your seat. The center is open Wednesday through Sunday.
