Where to Stay in Columbus: 6 Best Areas & Safety

In this post, I will be looking at where to stay in Columbus, the best areas to stay in Columbus (include a map), best hotels in Columbus for all budgets, and safest areas to stay in Columbus.

Settled in 1812, Columbus is the state capital of Ohio and the 14th most populous city in the United States. it is also one of the top cities to live in the United States. It is home to the Ohio State University, and also hosts legendary state fair.

Ohio is overall safe city for tourist, but as you travel to any city, you should stay alert and practice common sense. Downtown, Easton, and Polaris are some of the safest neighborhoods in Columbus to book your accommodations.

Where to stay in Columbus Ohio?

The best areas to stay in Columbus are Downtown Columbus, University District, Polaris, Short North And Italian Village, Dublin/Bridge Park, and Easton. These are popular and safe neighborhoods that offers a wide variety of attractions and amenities.

Downtown is the overall best area to stay in Columbus for first-timers due to its central locations and its wide range of attractions and amenities. Staying here allows you to be located within walking distance to many famous attractions as well as restaurants, bars, and shops.

If you want to stay in a more modern district, then perhaps consider Polaris. This area has a residential feel, a quieter atmosphere, and a unique range of attractions.

The Short North and Italian Village neighborhoods features the most prominent Italian, arts, and LGBT communities in the city, you will always have something new to discover.

💖 Best Area for First-Timers:	Downtown Columbus
💎 Best luxury hotel:	Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection
💰 Best mid-range hotel:	Hyatt Regency Columbus
💰 Best budget hotel:	Hampton Inn & Suites

Map of best areas and neighborhoods in Columbus:

Map of the best areas to stay in Columbus

6 Best areas to stay in Columbus for tourists are:

1. Downtown Columbus

Downtown, best area to stay in Columbus for the first time tourists — Columbus downtown

Downtown is the best area in Columbo for first-timers to book their hotels. It offers central location, within walking distance to many sights, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Downtown is walkable and safe for visitors but as you travel to other cities, you should be aware of your surrouding and avoid walking at night in unfamiliar areas.

Also known as the Central Business District and cultural hub of Columbus, Downtown is the built-up section at the heart of the city and features many of its tallest buildings.

Downtown has plenty of entertainment options. You can find many bars, breweries, clubs, shops, restaurants, and hotels, catering to customers with all manner of tastes and budgets.

Columbus is home to more than 30 microbreweries including Hoof Hearted, North High, Wolf’s Ridge, Seventh Son, and the Elevator. The Columbus Ale Trail is a great way to explore beer in Columbus.

If you like gin, head to Watershed Distillery; vodka and whiskeys in Middle West Spirits; and craft cocktails at M downtown and Denmark in the Short North.

Then you have events such as concerts, professional sports, and theatre performances, held at famous venues like the Ohio Theatre, Capitol Theatre, Nationwide Arena.

Downtown is close to The Arena District, the home of the Columbus Blue Jacket. In here, you will find the North Market Farmer’s Market, the oldest public market; and Park Street which offers a great nightlife scene with many bars and clubs; the baseball stadium Huntington Park;

Around the Discovery District, you will find the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus State Community College, Franklin University, Capital University Law School, and Columbus College of Art and Design.

Legendary buildings and locations like the Ohio State Capitol, Ohio Statehouse, Capitol Square, Main Street Bridge, Grant Medical Center give visitors plenty of places to learn about the city’s past and witness the beauty of its changing architecture through the years.

Ohio Statehouse is the state capitol building and seat of Ohio’s government, located near the intersects of High Street and Broad Street. Check out Peanut Shoppe nearby for hot roasted nuts from an original peanut roaster.

On top of all that, you then have what is known as the Scioto Mile. A collection of 9 parks include North Bank Park, Bicentennial Park, and Battelle Riverfront Park. You enjoy one of the many walking trails, where you can experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the region.

The trail from Bicentennial Plaza to Scioto Audubon Metro Park is the birding area and the biggest free climbing wall in the nation. You can rent a bike at CoGo Bike stations, or rent a kayak and paddle along the river.

On the west of the park, you will find the Center of Science and Industry, a science museum, great for a fun day out for families with kids. Nearby lies the National Veterans Museum and Memorial, the first national memorial dedicated to honoring all United States veterans.

Next to the museum, you will find the arty Franklinton, Central Ohio’s first settlement, with a mix of revitalized industrial buildings and residential streets.

Another important park in Downtown is the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a premier botanical landmark and cultural attraction featuring world-class horticulture, art and nature-based exhibitions, educational opportunities, and special events for all ages.

If you traveling with children, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, about 20 miles drive north of downtown is a must-see. Home to 10,000 furry and friendly animals, Zoombezi Bay water park, and 18-hole Safari Golf Course.

To the south of downtown, you will find German Village & Brewery District. German Village offers a European feel with many coffee shops, groceries, and restaurants along the narrow streets cobblestones streets.

Stay in Downtown Columbus if this is your first visit; you travel without a car; you want to stay in a safe area; you want a wide range of accommodation and amenities.

Best places to stay in Columbus Downtown:

Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection This 4-star hotel offers pet-friendly accommodation with an on-site bar, free wifi, and on-site private parking. It’s within walking distance from Capitol Square and Ohio Theater, and 10km away from Port Columbus International Airport.

Hyatt Regency Columbus This 3-star hotel is located in central Columbus, a 3-minute walk from the Convention Center via a connected walkway and a 5-minute walk from Nationwide Arena.

Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus-Downtown, Ohio is within walking distance to many popular area attractions, including the campus of Ohio State University, the Convention Center, the Arena Grand Theatre. it offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities.

MORE HOTELS IN COLUMBUS DOWNTOWN

2. University District

University District, home to the Ohio State University’s

The University District is an area covering less than three square miles, located immediately to the north of Downtown Columbus, and is the most densely populated neighborhood in the entire city.

As you might expect given its name, it is the location of a number of prominent establishments of higher education, including Ohio State University, the Battelle Institute, the Wexner Medical Center, and the Chemical Abstracts and Honda.

With more than 650 businesses in the area, it is a location where you will find a diverse range of things on offer in the stores and bars. While the bars and restaurants serving all manner of drinks and cuisines from around the world will suit people of all tastes, there are plenty of more unusual offerings as well.

Boutiques and a wide range of retail stores are available for you to browse through and purchase essentials and souvenirs to take home with you, while there are several prominent tattoo studios if you are interested in getting a more permanent reminder of your trip.

There are even churches, a park, and the Gateway Film Center, so they have you covered whether you want to attend a service, go for a stroll or catch a movie.

On the campus of The Ohio State University, you also find the Ohio Stadium (known as the Shoe), home to Ohio State Buckeyes football team; and The 18,000-seat Schottenstein Center, home to Ohio State men’s and women’s basketball and ice hockey, as well as concerts, drawing regular crowds from around the country.

There is also The Wexner Center Film/Video Theater, The Wexner Center for the Arts, Billy Ireland Cartoon Museum, Gateway Film Center, and Jack Nicklaus Museum for golf fans.

To the north of the campus is the lovely residential neighborhood of Clintonville which is a nice and safe area around OSU. You can find gastropubs, indie shops, laid-back cafes, Clintonville Farmers Market in the summer months, Columbus Park of Roses, Olentangy River, and several art venues such as Wild Goose Creative and Studio 35.

Perhaps two of the most important things to mention though, are traits that are often found in locations dominated by students. For starters, it generates a distinctly youthful, bohemian atmosphere, ideal for when you want to unwind in an understated, unpretentious manner.

Then, there are the prices. With students usually not being the most well-off members of society, local businesses often set their prices accordingly to cater to the locals. This means you will likely be able to find a good deal here, whether you are looking for food, goods, or a place to stay.

Stay in University District if you are travelling on a budget; you are, or are visiting, a student that studies here; you want a great range of shops, bars, and amenities; you are happy staying in a densely populated area.

Best places to stay in Columbus University District:

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Columbus OSU This 4-star hotel is located adjacent to Ohio State University and the Battelle Memorial Institute, this hotel offers a daily breakfast buffet, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and business facilities.

Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus University Area This 4-star hotel is 5 km from Ohio Historical Center, it features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking.

Staybridge Suites – University Area OSU, an IHG Hotel This 3-star hotel is situated in Columbus. It offers a complimentary full breakfast, a 24-hour front desk, a fitness center, and a business center. It offers rooms with free wifi and a flat-screen TV with cable channels.

MORE HOTELS IN UNIVERSITY DISTRICT

3. Polaris

Polaris, where to stay in Columbus for shopping — Polaris Fashion Place

Located along I-71 between I-270 and U.S. Route 36, The Polaris Centers Of Commerce is a real estate development on the northern edge of Columbus, covering more than 1200 acres and made up of a number or prominent establishments and projects.

For starters, there is the Polaris Fashion Place, which is a two-level shopping mall and retail plaza, located outside the Columbus city limits on Polaris Parkway. Featuring numerous high-end outlets and department stores, it is a popular destination for anyone interested in buying fashion products.

You have the Polaris Founders Park, a 1.5-acre pocket park, dedicated to Robert C Echele, who was instrumental in the development of the area. With a 35ft high wind sculpture, gazebo, Japanese-style gardens, waterfalls, and a pond, it is a fabulous place to relax and get out of the city for a while.

There is even the McCoy Centre, which at 2-million square feet has the same internal space as the Empire State Building and is the second-largest single occupant building in the entire United States, second only to The Pentagon.

While predominantly an office complex, it also features a Starbucks, gift shop, shipping center, car rental desk, nurses’ station, health and wellness center, 2 cafeterias, a bistro, and numerous banking services.

This gives it plenty of value for anyone who wants to stop by and see a unique building, while also offering plenty to keep them fed and entertained while they are there.

All this is surrounded largely by residential developments, making it one of the most modern parts of the city. While not immediately the most obvious destination for tourists, there is still plenty on offer here for anyone who prefers to stay in a more residential, less tourist-focused area while in town.

Other places of interest are the family-friendly amusement park the Magic Mountain Fun Center, and The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with an 18-hole safari golf club, and Zoombezi Bay Water Park.

Stay in Polaris if you prefer to stay in a more residential part of the city; you want to shop at a designer store; you want to visit one of the most unique buildings in the country; you want to explore a beautiful, uniquely styled park.

Best places to stay in Columbus in Polaris:

Hilton Garden Inn Columbus/Polaris offers free shuttle services within an 8 km radius and is 19.3 km from Ohio State University. It features an indoor pool, a hot tub, a gym, an on-site restaurant, a gift shop, and laundry facilities.

Drury Inn & Suites Columbus Polaris is situated conveniently in the Polaris district of Columbus, 10 km from Anheuser-Busch Co, 18 km from Ohio Historical Center, and 19 km from Natural Resources Park.

Hampton Inn & Suites Columbus Polaris features comfortable guestrooms, furnished with free wireless internet, and is a 16-minute drive from Columbus city center. You can easily access Ohio State University, the Columbus Zoo, and the Ohio State Fairgrounds.

MORE HOTELS IN POLARIS

4. Short North And Italian Village

Short North And Italian Village, trendy district in Columbus

The Short North Arts District and Italian Village is actually two neighboring districts, located immediately to the north of Downtown Columbus, that are routinely lumped together, both due to their proximity and their many similarities.

That said, both do offer their own unique selling points as well which, when combined together, make the area an incredibly diverse destination.

The Short North is an area filled with art galleries, murals, specialist shops, pubs, nightclubs, and coffee houses, which has led to it developing a very lively, bohemian atmosphere.

Regularly quite crowded on a weekend, with many taking the opportunity to relax and enjoy its establishments, it becomes even more so during the monthly “Gallery Hop” events hosted by the local businesses.

Buildings feature traditional style storefronts with brightly painted murals on their sides, while 17 lighted metal archways have been installed in the High Street, reminiscent of similar structures that stood in their place years prior.

It is also a neighborhood known to be very friendly to the LGBT community, with many gay bars and nightclubs located in the area, as well as it hosted the city’s annual pride parade.

The Short North borders with Italian Village to the right and Victorian Village to the west. In the Italian Village, things take a slightly more cultured turn, as this is a designated historic district.

Historic buildings and parks display a heavily Italian influence in their design and architecture, while also boasting some of the highest real estate prices in the city.

With everything from preserved historic homes and the St. John The Baptist Italian Catholic Church to the Italian Village Park and numerous uniquely styled industrial buildings, this part of the city provides an atmosphere that differs to anything else in Columbus and is perhaps the most authentic “little Italy” experience you will find anywhere in America.

The Victorian Village stretches along Neil Avenue from northwest of downtown Columbus to south of The Ohio State University. It is famous for its Victorian houses such as Sells Mansion (Circus House) and Cocoa Mansion.

In the heart of Victorian Village, you will find Goodale Park, the annual site of the Comfest music festival.

You combine these two areas together and you truly get a larger district that offers an unreal level of diversity, attractions, and entertainment.

Stay in Short North And Italian Village if you are attending the city’s pride parade or want to visit the city’s largest LGBT community; you want to experience an area with a traditional Italian feel; you like a vibrant atmosphere, particularly on the weekends; you are a fan of art.

Best places to stay in Columbus in Short North:

MORE HOTELS IN SHORT NORTH

5. Dublin and Bridge Park

Established in 1802, Dublin is named after John Sells‘s birthplace of Dublin, Ireland. It was transformed into a suburban business center, due to the development of the Muirfield Village Golf Club and residential community during the 1970s.

The city hosts the Memorial Tournament, a PGA Tour event. There are annual events such as a St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Fourth of July music event, and the Dublin Irish Festival in August, the largest three-day Irish Festival in the United States.

Located just 15 minutes northwest of downtown, Bridge Park is a brand-new development in Dublin that has upscale residential living bursting with dining and entertainment options. Meanwhile, Historic Dublin still offers cozy restaurants and charming shops.

Historic Downtown Dublin connects with the Bridge Park Dublin by the pedestrian bridge, Dublin Link. With a 760-foot long S-shaped, it is the largest suspension bridge in the world.

On the east side of the bridge lies the new Riverside Crossing Park, a beautiful green space along the Scioto River. Bridge Park is also home to the AC Marriott and The Exchange Events Center.

The 30,000 square foot space of North Market Bridge Park, a new public market features shop smalls, fresh groceries, prepared foods, and gifts. There are Saturday farmer’s markets in summer.

Dublin neighborhood is also close to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium with over 6,000 species from across the globe, a great place for family day trips.

Dublin is home to 60 parks and more than 100 miles of bike trails, waterfalls, and public art installations like the Field of Corn, Jack Nicklaus Statue, Dave Thomas Statue, Chief Leatherlips, and the Dancing Hares.

Accommodations in Dublin are budget-friendly, mostly 3-star hotels such as:

Check out my virtual tour about the best places to stay in Columbus:

6. Easton

Located 15 minutes east of downtown Columbus, Easton is the premier retail center in Ohio with more than 240 shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It is one of the safest shopping centers in the country.

The biggest draw in Easton is the Easton Town Center, which is an indoor and outdoor shopping complex. It is home to more than 300 retail shops, restaurants, and businesses. It also hosts numerous outdoor concerts, holidays events during the year.

Here you can find Funny Bone Comedy Club’s Easton, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and the AMC’s Dine-In Theaters.

There are also plenty of things to do in the city of Gahanna nearby. You can check out The Barn at Rocky Fork for food, Cap City for retro dining, Laser Kraze laser tag for fun, or visit Creekside Park for picnicking, paddle boating, and fishing.

Accommodations around Easton are three-star hotels such as:

Where Should I Stay In Columbus Ohio?

Downtown Columbus is the best area to stay in Columbus. And the Hotel LeVeque, Autograph Collection is ideal. A superb, mi-range hotel with amazing style and incredible reviews, you can enjoy spending your entire stay in luxury, surrounded by all of the city’s most popular attractions and an abundance of amenities.

Is Columbus Ohio Worth Visiting?

Determining if Columbus is worth visiting or not depends largely on what you’re hoping to get out of your visit, as it’s not a city like New York or Vegas that is filled with iconic locations or wild attractions.

However, if you’re interested in the history of the capital of Ohio, one of the most important cities in the Midwest, and want to visit a place that is filled with its own unique attractions, then there is plenty on offer to make it worth a visit, especially if you happen to be in the area anyway.

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In conclusion, Downtown, University District, Polaris, Short North, Italian Village, Dublin, Bridge Park, and Easton are some of the best places to stay in Columbus Ohio. They offer a wide range of accommodations for all budget travelers.

Overall, Downtown is the best area to stay in Columbus for first-timers due to its prime location. If you book a hotel here, you will be located in the middle of action, within walking distance to many tourist attractions, as well as shopping, dining, and nightlife venues.