Columbus, Ohio, may not appear on every traveler’s bucket list the way New York or Los Angeles might, but I can honestly say that my first trip there opened my eyes to the richness of Midwestern culture, the friendliness of the people, and the sheer diversity of experiences tucked into a city that feels both welcomingly small and surprisingly cosmopolitan.
I want to be clear from the start: this is a long, deep-dive exploration. You’ll find packing tips, what to wear in different seasons, cultural insights, budget hacks, transport advice, food recommendations (including street food safety), how to get a local SIM card, and even a 5-day sample itinerary. I’ll also touch on insurance — with concrete names and explanations — because I’ve learned the hard way that travel coverage is not optional.
Part 1 — Preparing for Columbus: What to Pack and How to Dress
The first time I went to Columbus, I underestimated how quickly the weather can swing in Ohio.
• Seasonal clothing:
o Winter (Dec–Feb): Bring a heavy coat, gloves, scarf, and sturdy boots. The wind cuts sharp across open spaces like the Scioto Mile.
o Spring (Mar–May): Layers are your best friend. A light rain jacket is essential.
o Summer (Jun–Aug): Think breathable fabrics. Shorts, T-shirts, and a hat for the sun. But keep a light cardigan for cool evenings.
o Autumn (Sep–Nov): My favorite season — sweaters, light jackets, and scarves.
• Travel essentials I always carry in Columbus:
o A refillable water bottle (many public places have fountains).
o Power bank for my phone (useful for maps and rideshare apps).
o Comfortable walking shoes — the Short North and German Village are best explored on foot.
o A compact umbrella (spring showers come suddenly).
Pro tip from me: Don’t overdress. Columbus is laid-back and casual. Even upscale restaurants often allow smart casual attire.
Part 2 — Understanding the Weather
When I landed in July, the humidity wrapped around me like a blanket. The city can get hot, with summer highs in the 80s–90s °F (27–35 °C). Winters are the opposite extreme, dipping below freezing. The most unpredictable months are spring and fall, with warm sunshine one day and chilly rain the next.
I learned to check the forecast daily. My personal tip: always pack one outfit for the opposite season (a light sweater in summer or a T-shirt in winter), because Ohio weather loves surprises.
Part 3 — Columbus Culture: The Heart of the Midwest
What struck me most was how friendly people were. Strangers held doors, cashiers asked me where I was from, and even bus drivers greeted me with a smile. Columbus is a college town at its core — home to The Ohio State University — which gives it a youthful, diverse energy.
A few cultural notes I picked up:
• Sports are huge. If you’re in town during football season, you’ll hear “Go Bucks!” everywhere.
• Art thrives here: the Short North Arts District showcases murals, galleries, and quirky boutiques.
• German Village feels like a slice of old Europe, with cobblestone streets and brick homes.
Part 4 — Currency and Budgeting
The official currency is the U.S. dollar (USD). Since I’m based abroad part of the year, I often deal with currency exchange. Here’s what worked for me:
• I avoid airport exchange counters (bad rates). Instead, I use ATMs in Columbus for the best exchange rate.
• Many places are card-friendly — even food trucks accept cards now.
• For budgeting, Columbus is friendlier on the wallet compared to New York or Chicago.
My personal budget example for a 5-day trip:
• Flights (round-trip domestic): $180–$250
• Hotel (mid-range): $120 per night × 4 = $480
• Food & drink: $40 per day × 5 = $200
• Transport (buses, occasional Uber): $80
• Attractions/entertainment: $100
Total: about $1,060 for 5 days (without shopping splurges).
Part 5 — Public Transportation in Columbus
Here’s the catch: Columbus has no subway or metro system. That surprised me because I expected at least a light rail. Instead, the city relies on buses, rideshares, and bikes.
• COTA Buses (Central Ohio Transit Authority):
o This is the backbone of public transit. Routes run across the city, and buses are generally clean and reliable.
o Tickets: $2 per ride, or you can buy day passes. I got mine through the Transit app, which lets you buy and scan digital tickets.
• No Metro vs Metro Cities:
o Compared to New York or Washington, D.C., Columbus feels car-centric. I missed the convenience of hopping on a metro, but the bus system covers main attractions.
o On the plus side, Columbus avoids the confusing multiple-lines-and-delays chaos I’ve experienced in other cities.
• Other transport:
o Scooters: Lime and Bird scooters are everywhere downtown.
o Biking: CoGo Bike Share is fun for short rides.
o Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are widely available.
Tip from me: Download both the Transit and COTA Bus apps before arriving. It saved me stress.
Part 6 — Street Food and Eating Tips
One of my joys in Columbus was exploring its casual food scene.
• Must-try street eats:
o Hot chicken sandwiches from food trucks in the Short North.
o Pierogis in German Village.
o Street tacos near Ohio State’s campus.
• Street food safety (from my own cautious habits):
o I check whether the vendor has gloves and whether the food is served hot (not lukewarm).
o Avoid seafood on hot summer days unless it’s from a reputable stall.
o Stick to busy food trucks — high turnover means fresher food.
Part 7 — Getting a Local SIM Card
The first time I came, I made the mistake of using roaming. My bill was eye-watering. Now I always buy a U.S. SIM card.
Options I used:
• T-Mobile prepaid SIM — $40 for unlimited data (great coverage in Columbus).
• AT&T prepaid — Slightly more expensive, but reliable.
• eSIMs — Apps like Airalo let you activate a U.S. data plan instantly without hunting for a physical SIM.
Tip: I buy mine at Walmart or Target upon arrival — both sell prepaid SIM kits.
Part 8 — A 5-Day Mini Itinerary
Here’s what I personally recommend for a first-timer:
• Day 1: Downtown & Short North
o Explore Scioto Mile, Columbus Commons.
o Dinner in the Short North.
• Day 2: German Village
o Stroll brick streets, visit The Book Loft (32-room bookstore).
o Try authentic pastries at Schmidt’s.
• Day 3: Museum Day
o COSI (science museum).
o Columbus Museum of Art.
• Day 4: Outdoor Adventures
o Franklin Park Conservatory.
o Bike ride along Olentangy Trail.
• Day 5: Ohio State University & Foodie Tour
o Visit OSU campus.
o Wrap up with a brewery crawl (Columbus has over 50 craft breweries).
Part 9 — One-Day Trips from Columbus
When I had extra time, I ventured out:
• Hocking Hills State Park — Stunning hiking trails and caves, 1.5 hours away.
• Dayton Aviation Heritage National Park — A must for history buffs.
• Cleveland (2 hours) — For Rock & Roll Hall of Fame lovers.
Part 10 — Insurance (Don’t Skip This!)
I never travel without insurance anymore. On one trip years ago, a delayed flight and lost baggage cost me hundreds.
For Columbus trips, I’ve personally used:
• World Nomads Explorer Plan — Covers trip cancellations, baggage loss, and emergency medical.
• Allianz Global Assistance Classic Plan — Good balance of affordability and coverage.
• Travel Guard Preferred — Solid for U.S. domestic trips; includes trip delay and interruption coverage.
For example, World Nomads cost me about $80 for a 7-day trip, but it gave me peace of mind knowing I had $100,000 in emergency medical coverage.
Part 11 — Adjusting Your Budget
I learned Columbus can be as cheap or as indulgent as you make it.
• Budget trip: Stay in hostels or Airbnbs, eat at food trucks, use COTA buses. $70–$90/day.
• Mid-range trip: Boutique hotels, mix of street eats and restaurants, Uber for late nights. $150–$200/day.
• Luxury trip: High-end hotels like Hotel LeVeque, fine dining, private tours. $300+/day.
Part 12 — My Honest Personal Impressions
What I loved most about Columbus wasn’t just the attractions — it was the feeling of ease. Unlike big, overwhelming cities, Columbus let me breathe. I didn’t feel rushed. The locals were approachable, the food scene impressed me, and the balance between nature and city life was refreshing.
I won’t lie: I missed the convenience of a metro, and sometimes waiting for a bus tested my patience. But once I adjusted my pace, I realized that Columbus rewards those who slow down and look around.
If you’re a first-time visitor, Columbus will surprise you with its warmth, affordability, and character. Come prepared with the right clothes, set a flexible budget, download the right transport apps, and allow yourself to wander — especially through German Village and the Short North.
After traveling the world, I can honestly say: Columbus may not shout the loudest, but it whispers with genuine charm, and for me, that was unforgettable.
