Columbus Circle Tours and Activities

Columbus Circle showing a monument and a statue or sculpture
Columbus Circle
Columbus Circle
Columbus Circle showing modern architecture, a monument and street scenes
Columbus Circle showing a city and street scenes


In the middle of this traffic circle is an iconic monument that celebrates the great explorer and marks the transition from the city to the relaxing atmosphere of Central Park.

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

Columbus Circle is one of four individual plazas that act as a gateway between the city and Central Park. The open, circular area was originally a turning place for horse-drawn vehicles. The monument at the center was created by Sicilian artist Gaetano Russo and in 1892, on the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, it was donated to the City of New York by the Italian-American community.

Stroll around the sculpture and admire the Carrara marble figure of Christopher Columbus. He stands atop a foundation of water fountains that are modeled on the water features in Rome. Notice on the base the allegorical Genius of Discovery as well as the bronze reliefs showing images of Columbus’s travels, a lotus crest and a bald-headed eagle. On the granite column see the bows of ships and anchors.

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

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

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

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Best Lodging Options Near Columbus Circle

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Empire Hotel
The Manhattan at Times Square

The Manhattan at Times Square

4 out of 5
790 7th Ave, New York, NY
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Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
Park Central Hotel New York

Park Central Hotel New York

4 out of 5
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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
Hard Rock Hotel New York

Hard Rock Hotel New York

4.5 out of 5
159 W 48th St, New York, NY
Hard Rock Hotel New York
Paramount Times Square

Paramount Times Square

4 out of 5
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Paramount Times Square
6 Columbus Central Park Hotel

6 Columbus Central Park Hotel

4.5 out of 5
308 W 58th Street, New York, NY
6 Columbus Central Park 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.

Things to do near Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle boasts a vibrant array of activities, from the dazzling Broadway lights to charming local bookstores. Visitors can enjoy area sightseeing, embark on a Circle Line cruise, or hop on a bus tour to explore the city's iconic landmarks. This bustling hub of entertainment and culture makes for an unforgettable experience in New York City.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Columbus Circle, visit Macy's, just 1.6km away, and Tiffany & Co., only 966m from the circle. Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market, also 1.6km away, offers unique finds in a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, explore more shopping options further out.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Carnegie Hall, only 322m away, where you can enjoy world-class performances. For relaxation, head to SoJo Spa Club, located 6.4km away, offering rejuvenating body treatments. If you're seeking adventure, glide across the ice at Rink at Rockefeller Center, just 1.1km away.

Adventure

At DreamWorks Water Park, located 8.0km from Columbus Circle, experience thrilling water slides and wave pools for a fantastic family adventure. For a serene outdoor escape, visit Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 4.8km away, where you can enjoy nature. ExtraVertical Climbing Center, only 322m away, offers exhilarating climbing challenges.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Columbus Circle! Catch a romantic flick at Broadway Theatre, only 483m away, or enjoy a cultural performance at Gershwin Theater, 644m from the circle. For some family fun, venture to Bowlmor Lanes, situated 1.3km away for an exciting arcade adventure!

Find the best attractions near Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle in New York City offers a vibrant mix of attractions for every type of traveler. From the lush urban park and impressive skyscrapers to renowned art museums, there's something for everyone seeking a cultural or family experience. Don’t miss the Shops at Columbus Circle, where you can indulge in shopping and dining while soaking in the lively atmosphere of this iconic location.

  • Times Square: Experience the electrifying energy of Times Square, a bustling hub filled with neon lights, massive billboards, and a vibrant atmosphere. Located 1.3km from Columbus Circle, it’s the perfect spot for people-watching and soaking in the city's iconic vibes.
  • Central Park: A serene escape from the urban hustle, Central Park is a sprawling green oasis situated 1.6km away. With family-friendly activities, scenic walking paths, and picturesque landscapes, it offers a perfect blend of nature and city life.
  • Broadway: Just 966m from Columbus Circle, Broadway is synonymous with world-class theatre. Catch a live performance in this historic area, known for its captivating shows and vibrant cultural scene, providing an unforgettable experience.

Best time to go to Columbus Circle

Visitor numbers around Columbus Circle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Columbus Circle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Columbus Circle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Columbus Circle falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle provides free entry and is close to other no-cost attractions like Times Square and Central Park. For budget-friendly accommodation, consider visiting between January and March when hotel rates drop. Booking one month in advance or checking Expedia for last-minute deals can also lead to savings. Mondays typically offer the best rates, while Fridays are the priciest. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by price and eco-friendly options. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities through an Expedia package can further enhance your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Columbus Circle are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Columbus Circle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Columbus Circle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Columbus Circle is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search feature enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Columbus Circle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.