Near East Side Travel Guide

Columbus

This is such peaceful and beautiful place to shoot. #conservatory #lifeatexpedia #sky #details
This is such peaceful and beautiful place to shoot. #conservatory #lifeatexpedia #sky #details
Right now at the Franklin Park Conservatory, spring is in FULL bloom with over 100,000 bulbs and many other spring flowering trees and shrubs putting on quite a spectacular display!
A collection of orchids remain from the orchid show earlier this year at the Franklin Park Conservatory. Spending time studying the flower morphology reveals layers and layers of complexity and character to an already interesting bloom. A membership to the conservatory and some new photo gadgets as holiday gifts leads to some fun plant photo ops.
The John F. Wolfe Palm House lit up in holiday red and green. The palm house opened to the public in 1895. The light display was installed in 2008 by artist James Turrell, consisting of approximately 7,000 small, computer-controlled LED light sources.

Popular places to visit

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens showing interior views

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Botanical wonders from around the world are exhibited alongside captivating contemporary artwork in this spacious and peaceful garden getaway.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Great, intimate venue for a concert.

Lincoln Theatre

You can get tickets for a performance at Lincoln Theatre during your stay in Columbus. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Lincoln Theatre
This is such peaceful and beautiful place to shoot. #conservatory #lifeatexpedia #sky #details

Franklin Park

Franklin Park is just one of the places to see in Columbus, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels?

Franklin Park
The second oldest building remaining on The Ohio State University campus, Orton Hall was opened in 1893. It is named after Dr Edward Orton, Sr. who served as Ohio State's first president, OSU Professor of Geology from 1873 to 1899, and Ohio's State Geologist from 1882 until his death in 1899. Orton Hall is built of 40 different Ohio building stones. In the outside walls, these stones are laid in stratigraphic order according to their relative positions in Ohio's bedrock. The only non-indigenous to Ohio stone used is Indiana Limestone to build the front steps. It was chosen because of its high concentration of embedded fossils. The bell tower was dedicated in 1915 and contains 25,000 pounds of bells that can be heard regularly tolling across campus. Encircling the top of the tower are 24 columns with gargoyle-like figures which are restorations of fossil animals.

Ohio State University

Explore the campus of Ohio State University, a top university in Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Ohio State University
A view of the new pedestrian skywalk connecting the convention center to the new downtown Hilton.

Greater Columbus Convention Center

During your trip, find out what's happening in Greater Columbus Convention Center, a top convention centre in Columbus. Experience the area's great live music or attend a sporting event.

Greater Columbus Convention Center
Ohio Stadium

Ohio Stadium

Catch an event at Ohio Stadium during your trip to Columbus. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.

Ohio Stadium

Things to do

Special Ops: Mysterious Market

The Escape Game at Easton Town Center in Columbus

฿1,318
per adult
The Escape Game at Easton Town Center in Columbus
Columbus: 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative

Columbus: 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative

฿1,318
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Columbus: 1-Hour Themed Escape Room Adventure & Narrative
See all activities in Columbus

Top hotels in Near East Side

Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin

Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin

3.5 out of 5
5100 Upper Metro Pl Dublin OH
The price is ฿3,725 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
฿3,725
฿4,396 total
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Dublin. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,012 reviews)
Nice hotel. Dog friendly. Good neighborhood to walk the dog.

Reviewed on 13 Jan 2026

Embassy Suites by Hilton Columbus Dublin
The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center

The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center

4 out of 5
2110 Tuttle Park Pl Columbus OH
Stay at this luxury hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,335 reviews)
Everything about the Blackwell is top notch!!

Reviewed on 18 Jan 2026

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The Blackwell Inn and Pfahl Conference Center
The Junto

The Junto

4 out of 5
77 Belle St Columbus OH
The price is ฿5,201 per night from 7 Feb to 8 Feb
฿5,201
฿7,190 total
7 Feb - 8 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this family-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (796 reviews)
It being located just across the COSI was a big bonus. We were able to use their parking for a couple of dollars cheaper than the hotel.and it was easily accesible. It’s so close to downtown but has the peace and quiet of the suburbs. The hotel is also just adjacent to the police station which made ...

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

The Junto
Hilton Columbus Downtown

Hilton Columbus Downtown

4 out of 5
402 North High Street Columbus OH
The price is ฿4,972 per night from 8 Feb to 9 Feb
฿4,972
฿5,867 total
8 Feb - 9 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,461 reviews)
Clean room and staff was courteous

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2026

Hilton Columbus Downtown
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus Airport

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus Airport

2.5 out of 5
4300 International Gateway Columbus OH
The price is ฿3,427 per night from 25 Jan to 26 Jan
฿3,427
฿4,044 total
25 Jan - 26 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Was spotless , but you now have to pay to keep your car there to fly if your a member fyi .

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2026

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus Airport
La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area

3 out of 5
2447 Brice Rd Columbus OH
The price is ฿2,244 per night from 30 Jan to 31 Jan
฿2,244
฿2,648 total
30 Jan - 31 Jan
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Columbus. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,719 reviews)
Room was clean and staff was good

Reviewed on 17 Jan 2026

La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Columbus Airport Area
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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 Near East Side

Obligatory pic of the holiday lights at the Columbus Commons.

Uptown District

If you're spending some time in Uptown District, Palace Theatre and Capitol Square are top sights worth seeing.

Uptown District
Schiller Park showing a pond, autumn leaves and a park

German Village

You'll enjoy the restaurants and churches in German Village. You might want to make time for a stop at Schwartz Castle or Muse Gallery.

German Village
Italian Village

Italian Village

Visitors to Italian Village like its restaurants and architecture, and Jazz Arts Group is a sight worth a stop.

Italian Village
Santa Maria which includes heritage elements and a bay or harbour

Downtown Columbus

4.5/5(4 area reviews)

The ample dining options and great live music are top of the list for many visitors to Downtown Columbus. A stop by Nationwide Arena or North Market might round out your trip.

Downtown Columbus
This arch is all that remains of Columbus Grand Union Station, the city's third and final train station. Built in 1897 and designed by Daniel H. Burnham and Company of Chicago, the train station was located in the current footprint of the Greater Columbus Convention Center. On October 22, 1976, demolition began despite having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places two years earlier. A restraining order federal judge George Smith halted demolition, but it was too late and only one arch of the ornate structure was saved. In 1999, the arch in its entirety was slowing inched over several blocks to its current location at Dimon McPherson Commons in the Arena District. #architecture

Arena District

Arena District is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Nationwide Arena and KEMBA Live! while you're in town.

Arena District
The Short North Arches taken near the Cap.

Short North

Short North is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by North Market and Jazz Arts Group while in the area.

Short North

Near East Side Travel Guide