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.
Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Explore the great outdoors at Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, a lovely green space in Columbia. Experience the area's acclaimed theatre scene or attend a sporting event.
Finlay Park
Play sports with your kids in this scenic park, wander along the woodland paths and see the extraordinary fountain and cascades.
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.
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Marvel at the stunning architecture and stained glass and examine the Civil War graves in this remarkable sanctuary in Columbia.
Things to do
Bucharest Small Group Beers, Bites & Markets Walking Tour
Top hotels in Downtown Columbia
Cambria Hotel Columbia Downtown The Vista
Yes and yes!
Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025
Tru By Hilton Columbia Downtown
The clean room, delicious breakfast and friendly staff at checked out
Reviewed on 10 Dec 2025
Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC
Room was not only beautiful but very clean. Staff was gracious - it was a perfect stay.
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025
Courtyard by Marriott Columbia Downtown at USC
It was so brief, couldn’t tell you
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025
Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista
Bed area clean but bathroom needs to be updated. Also more parking would be nice. But night shift host/frontdesk were amazing and very nice.
Reviewed on 14 Dec 2025
Marriott Columbia
Stayed for a quick night of a concert. Everything was clean and easily accessible. Overall great experience.
Reviewed on 9 Dec 2025
Check Downtown Columbia hotel availability
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 Matthew J. Perry, Jr. U.S. Courthouse 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 Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens.
Lyon Street
While Lyon Street isn't home to many top sights, Township Auditorium and Charlie W. Johnson Stadium are some notable places to visit nearby.
