Downtown Columbia Travel Guide
Columbia
Visit Downtown Columbia
Popular places to visit
South Carolina State House
Inspect the many monuments and political symbols that decorate the grounds and majestic mansion of the state’s most important structure.
Columbia Museum of Art
Bring kids to this fun gallery with a focus on medieval, Renaissance and Baroque art and fascinating traveling exhibits.
Three Rivers Greenway
Explore the great outdoors at Three Rivers Greenway, a lovely green space in Downtown Columbia. While in this walkable area, you can savour the lively bars.
Finlay Park
Play sports with your kids in this scenic park, wander along the woodland paths and see the extraordinary fountain and cascades.
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Marvel at the stunning architecture and stained glass and examine the Civil War graves in this remarkable sanctuary in Columbia.
Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens
Tour the premises and learn about the aristocratic residents who lived in this impressive mansion with a restored landscape garden.
Things to do
Top hotels in Downtown Columbia
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
Friendly staff. Good signage for parking
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista
Nice clean room. Spacious
Reviewed on 2 May 2026
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
The location was great for the event I was attending. The room was very clean.
Reviewed on 3 May 2026
Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC
Cute place! Clean and very nice staff.
Reviewed on 4 May 2026
The Lantern Columbia
My recent stay at the Lantern Hotel in Columbus, South Carolina was truly exceptional. From the moment I arrived, the manager and his team made me feel welcomed, supported, and genuinely cared for. Their kindness and professionalism set the tone for the entire experience. What makes this hotel even ...
Reviewed on 2 May 2026
Marriott Columbia
The staff was very welcoming and joyful. Check-in and check-out were easy. They do not offer complimentary breakfast, but it is centrally located downtown and within walking distance of many restaurants, bistros, clubs, and bars. The rooms are clean, updated, and they have good water pressure. The ...
Reviewed on 1 May 2026
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Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Columbia
The Vista
The Vista is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Colonial Life Arena and Koger Center for the Arts while in the area.
Arsenal Hill
Unique features of Arsenal Hill include the restaurants and live music. Make a stop by Governor's Mansion or Richard Samuel Roberts House while you're exploring the area.
University Hill
Visitors to University Hill appreciate its restaurants. A visit to South Carolina State House and Township Auditorium might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.
Five Points
The bars and live music are a few reasons travellers visit Five Points. Want to see more of the surrounding area? Township Auditorium and South Carolina State House are a few top sights nearby.
Waverly
Though Waverly may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Township Auditorium and Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
Lyon Street
While Lyon Street isn't home to many top sights, Charlie W. Johnson Stadium and Township Auditorium are some notable places to visit nearby.
