Downtown Columbus Travel Guide

Columbus

Beautiful churches all over south.
Beautiful churches all over south.
The Central of Georgia Railroad's Station, designed by Bruce and Morgan of Atlanta, GA, was erected in 1901. Featuring massive granite arches, it served as the transportation hub of the city for over 70 years. Threatened with demolition in 1984, this landmark, on the eastern perimeter of the Original City, was saved through the leadership of the Historic Columbus Foundation and the generosity of the Southern Railway System and the Consolidated Government of Columbus and its citizens. The property was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
This one-story Victorian Gothic structure dates back to 1870. The cornerstone of the church indicates that the building was constructed in 1870 with the basement added in 1890. This suggests that the original wooden church was raised, a basement added, and then the entire structure bricked in. St. John AME Church was originally named St. John Chapel and its congregation descended from that of St. James AME church in Columbus. The congregation was forced to move to a new site when the historic structure was severely damaged by a tornado. The Faith Tabernacle Full Gospel Outreach Church bought the St. John AME Church in 1993, committed to its restoration.
St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1863. The present church is built on land granted by act of the Georgia Legislature in 1873. It was erected in 1876 under the pastorate of Rev. Wesley J. Gaines, at a cost of $20,000. Rev. Gaines was the first pastor on record of the church. The graceful central tower and flanking turrets were added in 1886 during the ministry of Rev. L.L. Thomas. St. James AME Church ranks as the second oldest church of the domination in Georgia. Erected by the Historic Chattahoochee Commission, St. James AME Church, Mrs. Carlton B. Franklin and Fred D. Franklin, Jr., Families 1985.

Popular places to visit

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Columbus Civic Center

Catch an event at Columbus Civic Center during your trip to Columbus. Experience the entertainment venues and theatre scene in this walkable area.

Columbus Civic Center
P33BH4 RiverCenter for the Performing Arts is a modern performance venue and home of the Columbus Symphony Orchestra in Columbus, Georgia.

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts

Get tickets for a show at RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, a theatre with a story to tell in Columbus. Experience the entertainment venues and theatre scene in this walkable area.

RiverCenter for the Performing Arts
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Coca-Cola Space Science Center

You can browse the exhibits at Coca-Cola Space Science Center, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Columbus. Experience the entertainment venues and theatre scene in this walkable area.

Coca-Cola Space Science Center
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Springer Opera House

Enjoy a show at Springer Opera House, a theatre with a story to tell in Columbus. Experience the entertainment venues and theatre scene in this walkable area.

Springer Opera House
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South Commons Sports Complex

Catch an event at South Commons Sports Complex during your trip to Columbus. Experience the museums and entertainment venues in this walkable area.

South Commons Sports Complex
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Hughston Clinic

If Hughston Clinic is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Columbus.

Hughston Clinic

Top hotels in Downtown Columbus

Hotel Indigo Columbus at Riverfront Place by IHG

Hotel Indigo Columbus at Riverfront Place by IHG

3.5 out of 5
21 WEST 14TH STREET Columbus GA
The price is ฿4,840 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿4,840
฿5,818 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (534 reviews)
Room was clean, Valet was great, staff was super friendly. Definitely will return next time in Columbus. Doubt I’ll stay anywhere else, highly recommend. Also the view of the river is worth it alone.

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2026

Hotel Indigo Columbus at Riverfront Place by IHG
Hampton Inn Columbus Downtown, GA

Hampton Inn Columbus Downtown, GA

2.5 out of 5
1201 BROADWAY AVENUE Columbus GA
The price is ฿4,299 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿4,299
฿5,185 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (288 reviews)
Yes

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Hampton Inn Columbus Downtown, GA
Columbus Marriott

Columbus Marriott

3.5 out of 5
800 Front Ave Columbus GA
The price is ฿5,274 per night from 1 Feb to 2 Feb
฿5,274
฿6,326 total
1 Feb - 2 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (659 reviews)
Great staff! Very nice hotel!

Reviewed on 4 Jan 2026

Columbus Marriott
AC Hotel by Marriott Columbus Downtown

AC Hotel by Marriott Columbus Downtown

2.5 out of 5
1225 BROADWAY Columbus GA
The price is ฿4,623 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿4,623
฿5,564 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (282 reviews)
Room spotless, great customer service!

Reviewed on 4 Nov 2025

AC Hotel by Marriott Columbus Downtown
Motel 6 Columbus, GA - Downtown

Motel 6 Columbus, GA - Downtown

2 out of 5
1325 Veterans Pkwy Columbus GA
The price is ฿1,706 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿1,706
฿2,151 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly motel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
6.2/10 (976 reviews)
Everything, Staff was

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2025

Motel 6 Columbus, GA - Downtown
SureStay Hotel by Best Western Columbus Downtown

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Columbus Downtown

2.5 out of 5
1024-1034 Veterans Parkway Columbus GA
The price is ฿2,164 per night from 28 Jan to 29 Jan
฿2,164
฿2,687 total
28 Jan - 29 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Springer Opera House and Ma Rainey House ...
6.2/10 (454 reviews)
Room spotless

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

SureStay Hotel by Best Western Columbus Downtown
See all 529 properties in Downtown Columbus
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Columbus

A shaft of white marble erected in 1879 by the Ladies Memorial Association is dedicated to the Columbus soldiers who fought in the War Between the States. It differs from most monuments of the period in that it is topped with a simple Grecian urn rather that the usual statuary. Originally it had a fence with a turnstile around it to keep the cattle out. The park area surrounding it, known as Salisbury Park, was named for Major William Salisbury whose home formerly faced the park. The monument holds special significance because the last major land battle of the War Between the States took place in Columbus. Union soldiers led by General James Wilson managed crossing the Chattahoochee River by bridge into Columbus. General Wilson was only 28 years old and was often referred to as “the boy wonder.” After arriving in Columbus, Union troops were ordered to burn any industry that could contribute to the war effort. In actuality, Lee had surrendered to Grant two weeks prior, but the news had not yet reached this far south.

Downtown Historic District

If you're spending some time in Downtown Historic District, Coca-Cola Space Science Center and Columbus Historic District are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Historic District
The Rankin House: James A. Rankin came to Columbus from Ayrshire, Scotland and in 1839 married Agnes Affleck. Mr. Rankin was a planter and owner of the Rankin Hotel and Rankin Realty Co. This high style Italianate mansion was built between 1860 and 1870. In 1898, the Rankin House, valued at $18,500, was the finest home in Columbus. After the Civil War, Mr. Rankin returned to Scotland and turned the home over to his eldest child.

High Uptown Historic District

While High Uptown Historic District isn't home to many top sights, Springer Opera House and RiverCenter for the Performing Arts are some notable places to visit nearby.

High Uptown Historic District
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Dinglewood Historic District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Dinglewood Historic District and surrounding area, you can visit Columbus Museum and Smith-McCullers House.

Dinglewood Historic District
The Wynn House was built in 1839 when the city of Columbus was 11 years old. Greek Revival in style, the house has doric columns on three sides and is topped with a cupolo. Originally named “Oakview,” the house was built by Colonel William Wynn, for whom the Wynnton area of Columbus is named. In 1852 Henry Hurt purchased the home from Colonel Wynn, but sold it in 1855 having never lived in it. The next owner, Mr. Hines Holt, was a prominent Georgia congressman and attorney. During the Civil War, his ownership saved the home from the Union Army captain sent to burn the homes in this area. The home remained in the Holt family for 50 years. In 1905, Mr. J. T.

Wynns Hill Overlook

If you're spending some time in Wynns Hill Overlook, Columbus Museum and Bradley Museum are top sights worth seeing.

Wynns Hill Overlook
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East Highlands

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in East Highlands and surrounding area, you can visit Springer Opera House and RiverCenter for the Performing Arts.

East Highlands
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Wynnton Village Historic District

While there might not be top attractions in Wynnton Village Historic District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Smith-McCullers House and Columbus Museum.

Wynnton Village Historic District

Downtown Columbus Travel Guide