Columbus is Ohio's capital and largest city: home to The Ohio State University and its football culture, a booming arts and food scene, and a friendly Midwestern feel. It's known for the Short North Arts District, historic German Village, a growing craft-beer and restaurant scene and some of the best ice cream in the country (Jeni's started here).

Come for the neighborhoods, the food and the college-town energy, and plan around game days. It's less touristy than bigger cities, which makes it easy and affordable.

Spring (April to May) is mild and green, with blooming parks and occasional severe storms.

Summer (June to August) is warm and humid, with festivals, the Ohio State Fair (July to August) and outdoor dining. The Columbus Zoo is busiest.

Fall (September to November) is crisp and colorful, with football season. Excellent weather but crowded on home-game weekends.

Winter (December to February) is cold and gray, with snow and ice. Holiday lights and indoor arts are the draw, and prices are low.

Check the events calendar. Ohio State home games, graduation weekends and major concerts fill hotels.

2 days covers the Short North, German Village and a museum.

3 days (recommended) adds the Columbus Zoo or a nature outing.

4 days adds Hocking Hills State Park (about an hour southeast) or a day at the Brewery District.

Day 1, downtown and the Short North: morning at the Ohio Statehouse and the Scioto Mile. Afternoon at the Columbus Museum of Art or COSI (Center of Science and Industry). Evening in the Short North Arts District for galleries, restaurants and bars.

Day 2, German Village and neighborhoods: morning in German Village for brick streets, bakeries and Schiller Park. Afternoon at the Brewery District or Franklinton for coffee, breweries and murals. Evening at a Columbus Crew or Blue Jackets game, or a show.

Day 3, choose your own: the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Powell (about 20 miles north), or the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Garden. Or hike at Hocking Hills for waterfalls and cliffs (check conditions and crowds).

Downtown suits first-timers: close to the Statehouse, the riverfront and the arena district.

The Short North suits restaurants, galleries and nightlife, with a lively, walkable feel.

German Village suits quiet, historic streets and boutique stays.

The Arena District and Brewery District suit sports and breweries.

Easton and Polaris suit shopping and suburban convenience.

Downtown, the Short North and German Village are walkable, and bikes and scooters are available. COTA runs buses, and downtown circulator and rideshare options are common. Check current fares and service.

A car is the easiest way to reach the zoo, Hocking Hills and outlying neighborhoods. Parking is generally cheap and plentiful, though game days and festivals fill lots.

From CMH, rideshare and taxis reach downtown in 15 to 25 minutes, and a bus connects as well.

Football: Ohio State games bring huge crowds to the Horseshoe and surrounding areas. Book hotels and parking early, and expect road closures.

Food: Jeni's ice cream, Schmidt's sausages and cream puffs in German Village, North Market's food stalls, buckeye candies and a strong craft-beer scene.

Hocking Hills: popular trails can be crowded on weekends and closed after storms; check conditions.

Last call is 2:30 a.m. Tipping 18 to 20% is standard.

Columbus is generally friendly and easy for visitors. Keep valuables out of sight, and use normal precautions at night in busy entertainment districts. Some blocks outside the main visitor areas are quiet after dark; use rideshare if you're unsure.

Winter ice and cold are the main hazards, along with spring thunderstorms and tornado watches. Watch weather alerts.

Emergencies: dial 911. Columbus has major hospital systems, including a large academic medical center, and many urgent-care clinics and pharmacies. If you take prescription medications, bring a buffer supply.

Layers, comfortable walking shoes, a rain jacket, a warm coat, hat and gloves in winter, and scarlet and gray if you're going to a game.