Columbus
Ohio's capital is known for its neighborhoods, large museums, a major zoo and conservatory, and festivals on the Scioto riverfront.
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Columbus is the capital and largest city of Ohio, in the Midwest, and the seat of Franklin County. It sits where the Scioto and Olentangy rivers meet and is named after Christopher Columbus. The city is often called a city of neighborhoods. German Village is known for its annual Oktoberfest at the end of September, the Short North for monthly Gallery Hop nights when galleries stay open late, and Franklinton, the first European settlement in the area, is now a neighborhood.
Downtown, the Ohio Statehouse on Capitol Square and the Columbus Museum of Art are two of the main sights. COSI, the Franklin Park Conservatory and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium suit a family day. Ohio State University adds a large campus and the Wexner Center for the Arts, and summer brings festivals on the downtown riverfront. Winters are cold and dry, with light snowfall, so late spring through early fall is the best window for outdoor time.
Columbus in five
- Time the balloon fiestaThe Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta runs in early October and books rooms months ahead. Reserve early or choose another week if you want quiet.Balloon Fiesta
- Ride the Sandia Peak Tramway at clear hoursThe tram climbs the mountain east of the city, with city views and trails at the top. Check operating hours and weather before you go, since high winds can close it.Sandia Peak Tramway
- Eat green chileNew Mexico chile, red or green, appears on many menus. Ask for "Christmas" to try both on one plate.
- Plan for the altitude and dry airThe city sits at about 5,300 feet (1,620 m). Drink water, use sunscreen and take it easy on the first day.
- Check entry rules before you book into the SunportVisa Waiver Program passports need an approved ESTA before boarding, and other passports need a visa. Confirm which applies to you before you buy a fare.Visa checker
Need to know
- Airport
- Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), about 10 min to downtown by car
- Getting there
- Fly into ABQ; drive from Santa Fe in about 1 hour
- Getting around
- Car or rideshare; the ABQ RIDE bus network
- Best base
- Old Town, downtown or Nob Hill
- Time needed
- 2 days; 3 to 4 with Santa Fe
Weather by month
- Best
- JanuaryCold, sun
- FebruaryCool, dry
- MarchWindy, spring
- AprilMild, spring
- MayWarm, dry
- JuneHot, dry
- JulyHot, monsoon
- AugustHot, monsoon
- SeptemberWarm, clear
- OctoberBalloon Fiesta
- NovemberCool, clear
- DecemberCold, luminarias
Right now in Columbus
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
12
- Feels like
- 10°
- Humidity
- 91%
- Wind
- 15 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 21%
Columbus
03:36 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today16°13°21%Monday: Cloudy. High 16°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 21%.
- Tue23°12°5%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Wed19°15°86%Wednesday: Rain. High 19°, Low 15°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Thu17°12°79%Thursday: Drizzle. High 17°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 79%.
- Fri14°8°12%Friday: Drizzle. High 14°, Low 8°. Chance of rain 12%.
- Sat11°5°6%Saturday: Cloudy. High 11°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 6%.
- Sun11°6°13%Sunday: Drizzle. High 11°, Low 6°. Chance of rain 13%.
Updated 01:04 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Santa Feabout 1 hour by carAdobe plaza, museums and galleries; the Rail Runner also runs on its current schedule.Read the guide
- Taosabout 2.5 to 3 hours by carA high-desert town with a historic pueblo and art galleries.Read the guide
- Acoma Puebloabout 1 hour by carA mesa-top Native community; tours run on set schedules.
Before you go to Columbus
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Rules for Columbus, checked
- Visitors from visa-waiver countries need an ESTA before flying to the US. Check eligibility on the official site, esta.cbp.dhs.gov.Source
- Other nationals need a visa. Check requirements on the US State Department travel site, travel.state.gov, before you book.Source
- Tipping is customary in US restaurants, bars and taxis. Check the bill for a service charge before you add a tip.
- Call 911 for police, fire or an ambulance in Columbus.
Plan around Columbus
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideFlagstaffA mountain town and Grand Canyon gateway, west on I-40
Read the guideEl PasoA border city on the road south
Read the guideBryce CanyonHoodoos in Utah, a long drive but a classic stop
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideColumbus FAQ
How many days do you need in Albuquerque?
Two days cover Old Town, the Sandia tram and a green chile meal. Add a day for Santa Fe or Acoma Pueblo. During the balloon fiesta, plan an early morning at the launch field.
Is Albuquerque worth visiting?
Yes, if you like Southwest food, mountain views and Route 66. It works best as a base for Santa Fe, pueblos and the Sandias rather than as a long-stay city.
When is the best time to visit Albuquerque?
April to May and September to October. Early October brings the balloon fiesta and crowds; July and August are hot with monsoon storms.
Do you need a car in Albuquerque?
Yes for most trips. The city is spread out, and day trips to Santa Fe, Taos and pueblos are easier by car. Old Town and Nob Hill are walkable once you are there.
Is Albuquerque safe for tourists?
Visitors usually stick to Old Town, downtown and Nob Hill. Like any big city, stay alert at night and avoid leaving valuables in a parked car.