When I first booked my trip to Columbus, Ohio, I honestly didn’t expect to fall in love with the city the way I did. I thought, “It’s just another Midwestern city, right?” Oh, how wrong I was. Columbus has layers — from its bustling food scene and vibrant arts districts to its calm riverside parks and quirky street festivals. If you’ve never been before, there are certain things I really wish I had known ahead of time.
I’m going to give you the kind of insider advice you’d only get from someone who’s been there, learned a few lessons the hard way, and wants you to enjoy your trip without the rookie mistakes I made.
We’ll cover everything: what to pack, what to wear, how to budget, navigating transportation, where to find delicious (and safe) street food, getting a local SIM card, a 5-day sample itinerary, and even which travel insurance I personally use when exploring Columbus.
Packing Essentials for Columbus
When it comes to packing for Columbus, the trick is balancing comfort with flexibility. The weather here can be… unpredictable. I’ve stepped out into sunshine only to be caught in an unexpected rain shower 15 minutes later.
What I always bring now:
- Lightweight waterproof jacket – I swear by my Columbia Watertight II; it’s packable and has saved me more than once from sudden showers.
- Comfortable walking shoes – Downtown Columbus is very walkable, and I’ve easily clocked 10,000+ steps in a day exploring German Village, the Short North Arts District, and Scioto Mile.
- Layering options – A light sweater or cardigan is great because restaurants and museums can be overly air-conditioned in summer.
- Compact umbrella – Fits in my daypack and doesn’t add much weight.
- Reusable water bottle – Saves money, reduces waste, and you’ll find water fountains in many public parks.
- Portable charger – Especially handy if you’re using your phone for maps, photography, and public transport apps all day.
What to Wear in Columbus
Columbus is pretty casual overall. Even in nicer restaurants, you’ll see a mix of smart casual and relaxed attire.
- Spring & Summer (April–August): Light fabrics, breathable tops, shorts, and dresses. Always bring a light jacket for evenings.
- Fall (September–October): Sweaters, jeans, light scarves — think “cozy layers.”
- Winter (November–March): A warm coat is essential. It can dip below freezing, especially in January and February. Gloves and a beanie will keep you comfortable when walking outdoors.
Locals are not overly fashion-obsessed, but Columbus has a strong arts scene, so don’t be surprised to see creative streetwear in neighborhoods like Short North.
Understanding Columbus Weather
Weather in Columbus can change quickly. Summer days might start at 65°F (18°C) and end at 90°F (32°C). Winter can bring both sunny cold days and heavy snowstorms.
The best months to visit in my opinion? Late May through early October — pleasant temperatures, lots of outdoor events, and lush greenery.
Local Culture & Vibes
Columbus is friendly. People here greet strangers in the park, and shopkeepers often ask about your day. There’s also a strong sense of community pride. You’ll notice a lot of local businesses — from coffee roasters to boutique stores — and people genuinely support them.
Sports culture is huge, thanks to Ohio State University. If you visit during football season, expect to see a sea of scarlet and gray.
Currency & Budget Tips
Columbus uses the US dollar (USD). If you’re visiting from abroad, I recommend:
- Withdrawing cash from ATMs rather than exchanging at airports, which often have worse rates.
- Most places accept cards — Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely used.
- I budget \$120–\$150 per day for mid-range travel, including accommodation, food, and activities. You could go lower if you choose budget eats and free attractions.
Getting Around Columbus
Here’s the thing: Columbus doesn’t have a subway system like NYC or Chicago. Public transit is primarily buses operated by COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority). But it’s reliable for major areas.
Options include:
- COTA Buses: Covers most neighborhoods and downtown.
- Fare: \$2 per ride, or \$4.50 for a day pass.
- You can buy tickets via the Transit app or at vending machines in some central locations.
- Scooters & Bikes: Lime and Bird scooters are everywhere; CoGo Bike Share offers both classic and e-bikes.
- Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are widely available.
- Car Rental: Useful if you plan day trips outside Columbus.
Street Food & Safety Tips
Columbus has an underrated street food scene. My personal favorites:
- Schmidt’s Sausage Truck: Incredible bratwurst and cream puffs (yes, cream puffs from a truck).
- Los Potosinos: Famous for their spicy Mexican chicken.
- The Cheesy Truck: Gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches — comfort food heaven.
Safety tips:
- Always check that the vendor has a visible permit.
- Watch the food being cooked — if it’s pre-made and sitting in the sun, skip it.
- In summer, avoid mayonnaise-heavy dishes from street stalls unless they’re clearly kept cool.
Getting a Local SIM Card
If you need local data, you can get a prepaid SIM card at:
- T-Mobile or AT\&T stores downtown — plans start around \$40/month.
- Walmart or Best Buy — offers prepaid options from multiple carriers.
5-Day Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Explore downtown & Scioto Mile, dinner in Short North.
Day 2: Visit Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, evening in German Village.
Day 3: Day trip to Hocking Hills State Park.
Day 4: Shop at North Market, explore Ohio State campus, catch a local sports game.
Day 5: Morning coffee crawl, last-minute shopping, and riverside walk before departure.
Travel Insurance I Recommend
I always use Allianz Global Assistance Travel Insurance for domestic trips like Columbus. Their “OneTrip Prime Plan” covers:
- Trip cancellation up to 100% of trip cost
- Emergency medical
- Trip interruption
- Lost baggage
For me, the peace of mind is worth it.
Why Columbus Stays With Me Long After I’ve Left
Every time I travel, there’s a moment when I realize a city has stopped being just a destination and started becoming a memory I want to revisit. In Columbus, that moment hit me as I was sitting on a bench along the Scioto Mile at sunset, watching the water shimmer gold while joggers, families, and couples passed by. The skyline wasn’t as imposing as New York or Chicago, but it had a warmth to it — a sense of scale that made me feel part of the city rather than lost in it.
What I love most about Columbus is its balance. You can spend your mornings in bustling urban neighborhoods like the Short North, surrounded by colorful murals and independent boutiques, and your afternoons in quiet green spaces like Franklin Park Conservatory or Schiller Park in German Village. There’s a rhythm here — a slower, more intentional pace — that reminds you to breathe, look around, and actually be in the moment.
I also left with a newfound respect for how welcoming and genuine people are here. Strangers strike up conversations at coffee shops, street food vendors remember your order if you come back twice, and even bus drivers will give you tips on the best times to visit certain neighborhoods. In big, fast-moving cities, those small acts of kindness can feel rare. In Columbus, they feel natural.
If you’re visiting for the first time, here’s my closing advice:
- Leave some space in your schedule. Columbus rewards wandering. Some of my best discoveries — a jazz night in a hidden bar, an incredible vegan taco truck — came from unplanned detours.
- Eat locally whenever you can. From the international food stalls at North Market to the old-school pastries at Pistacia Vera, the city’s culinary scene is deeply tied to its identity.
- Talk to locals. They know where the real magic is happening — whether that’s a pop-up art show, a community festival, or a quiet park you’d never find on Google Maps.
- Don’t underestimate the seasons. Summer has vibrant street life, but fall in Columbus — with its explosion of orange and red leaves — is breathtaking. Winter has its charm too, especially around the holiday markets.
When I think back on my trip, it’s not just the big attractions that stand out. It’s the scent of fresh bread drifting from a German Village bakery on a chilly morning. It’s the sight of college students sprawled across the Oval at Ohio State, reading in the sunshine. It’s the sound of live music spilling into the streets during a festival night.
Columbus might not shout for your attention, but if you listen closely, it tells you a story — one of community, creativity, and quiet beauty. And once you’ve heard it, you’ll want to come back to hear more.
