Travel to Columbus

Travel to Columbus

The capital of Ohio, Columbus offers some world-class sites and entertainment. The city is dominated by the huge Ohio State University, and it has a vibrant and lively feel to it. There is a good range of cultural attractions, museums, interesting architecture and art collections.

Transportation to Columbus

Most foreign visitors arrive by air at Port Columbus International Airport. It is used by 23 different airlines and has routes to many large cities around the world. Buses and taxis are available for the short connection to the city centre. America has a good long-distance bus network and there are services to hundreds of destinations throughout the country. Surprisingly, for its size, Columbus does not have a train station; it is however possible to arrive at one of the other cities in the state and then take a bus for the final part of the journey.

What to see

There's no shortage of sights and cultural attractions in Columbus. There are many statues of historical figures in the centre of the city, particularly that of its namesake, Christopher Columbus. A replica of the Santa Maria, the ship in which Columbus travelled to America, can be found on the Scioto River, near the downtown area. The Ohio Statehouse is a good example of Greek Revival civic architecture, and is one of the oldest working statehouses in the United States. The Columbus Museum of Art has an extensive collection of modern art including major works by Monet, Matisse, Picasso and Renoir. Another worthwhile museum is the Ohio Historical Centre, which offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Ohios past.

Daytrips

Columbus' location in the heart of Ohio makes it an ideal base for exploring the area. There are many other attractions to be seen, and the extensive road network makes it easy to get around. Ashtabula is located on Lake Erie and is home to a variety of cultures. It has a rich shipping heritage and there are some good museums and shopping.

If you need to keep the kids amused then try the Cedar Point Amusement Park. With a tropical Caribbean theme, visitors at this lush indoor water park will feel like they have just landed on an island paradise. The Lagoon Deer Park in Sandusky offers you the chance to hand feed over 200 animals as you stroll through the park. You can enjoy fishing in the stocked ponds for rainbow trout, white bass and carp.

Activities and leisure

Columbus is home to a number of good parks that are ideal for leisure and recreational activities. Blendon Woods Metro Park has activities year-round such as cross-country skiing, disk golf, hiking trails and a nature centre. Clear Creek is the most remote and primitive of the citys parks, and it also has some good trails. Wyandot Lake is Ohio's premiere family water and amusement park, with a choice of various rides, slides and attractions on offer here.

Safety issues

Although the level of crime is generally higher here than in most European cities, you should be able to avoid any serious problems as long as you are sensible and take adequate precautions. The city is safe to walk around during the day; however, it's best not to walk the streets alone at night, especially away from the main entertainment areas. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family when visiting Columbus.