Columbus Circle Tours

Columbus Circle showing a city, street scenes and food
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In the middle of thistraffic circle is an iconic monument that celebrates the great explorer andmarks the transition from the city to the relaxing atmosphere of Central Park.

Columbus Circle is aroundabout at the southwest entry point to Central Park. Within this grandmemorial space are places to sit, unwind and watch the passing rhythms of this“city that never sleeps.”

Columbus Circle isone of four individual plazas that act as a gateway between the city andCentral Park. The open, circular area was originally a turning place forhorse-drawn vehicles. The monument at the center was created by Sicilian artistGaetano Russo and in 1892, on the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’sarrival in the Americas, it was donated to the City of New York by theItalian-American community.

Stroll around thesculpture and admire the Carrara marble figure of Christopher Columbus. Hestands atop a foundation of water fountains that are modeled on the waterfeatures in Rome. Notice on the base the allegorical Genius of Discovery aswell as the bronze reliefs showing images of Columbus’s travels, a lotus crestand a bald-headed eagle. On the granite column see the bows of ships andanchors.

Take a seat near themonument, people-watch and admire the buildings and the open views. Listen tothe sounds of the water fountain, watch street performers and pick up anItalian snack at one of the surrounding cafés. Visit at night to see themonument illuminated by lights.

Explore the buildingssurrounding Columbus Circle. Check out the Time Warner Center and the Museum ofArts and Design. Surrounding the monument is a great selection of shops,including men’s and ladies’ fashion, homewares and beauty stores. During theChristmas season, shop at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Afterwards, headto Central Park for a relaxing stroll amongst nature.

ColumbusCircle is located at the intersection between 59th street, Eighth Avenue and Broadway,and sits atop a subway station by the same name.

Plan a trip to see Columbus Circle

The Westin New York Grand Central
The William Vale
Hotel Riu Plaza New York Times Square
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Columbus Circle

4.3
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
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4 - Good
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 18, 2020

MAD Museum (Museum of Art & Design) has been killin' it with great exhibitions (Punk Graphics, Anny Sui, Vera, Roger Brown) and it has a killer dining / hang out spot upstairs!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 16, 2020

The food court is excellent but needs a public rest room.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Oct 30, 2019

Indoor shopping if rainy day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 17, 2019

I’m used to taking the subway, but the bus is also very convenient. I googled food spots and it gave me the ETA of the bus!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 8, 2019

Was nice only freezing

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 3, 2019

Go into the Time Warner Center. There is a market on the basement level, and several other restaurants and shops. Visit the upscale restaurant on the 35th floor of the Mandarin Oriental which has great views of Central Park.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Columbus Circle

Hyatt Grand Central New York
Hyatt Grand Central New York
4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street, at Grand Central Terminal, New York, NY
Hyatt Grand Central New York
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel
Park Central Hotel New York
Park Central Hotel New York
4 out of 5
870 7th Ave, New York, NY
Park Central Hotel New York
Paramount Times Square
Paramount Times Square
4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount Times Square
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave., New York, NY
The New Yorker A Wyndham Hotel
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, an IHG Hotel
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, an IHG Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1605 Broadway, New York, NY
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, an IHG Hotel
Hotel Edison Times Square
Hotel Edison Times Square
4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square
Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square
4 out of 5
1568 Broadway, New York, NY
Tempo by Hilton New York Times Square
Empire Hotel
Empire Hotel
4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Empire Hotel
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.