The Top 8 Spots at Columbus Circle New York

Columbus Circle is a small green space in the middle of a multi-lane roundabout located at the southwest corner of Central Park. Several roads meet here: 59th Street, 8th Avenue, Broadway, and Central Park West meaning there is always a lot going on!

Why does it bear the name of the discoverer of America? To celebrate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America, Christopher Columbus was honored here with a monument that measures 20 meters high. What I find really interesting: the monument in the center of Columbus Circle serves as a measuring point from which various distances to and from New York City are calculated!


You can find everything you can do at and around Columbus Circle here. Below are the 8 top spots near Columbus Circle!

1. Shopping at Columbus Circle in New York

Columbus Circle From Above

Columbus Circle has a mall nearby (Times Warner Center), that features many nice stores. It was here that I got a killer deal on my favorite Hugo Boss leather jacket so I can only recommend a visit. You can also find brands like A|X Armani Exchange, bebe, Bose, BOSS Hugo Boss, Davidoff of Geneva, J.Crew, L’Occitane en Provence, New York Running Company, and Swarovski are just all beckoning you to shop near Columbus Circle!

Find a complete list of stores nearby here.

2. Off to Central Park

Central Park, New York

Central Park is less than 20 meters away from Columbus Circle and is worth a visit anytime of the year. Whether during the spring or summer when everything turns green, or in the autumn when the trees in the park turn beautifully orange and brown, the park is always a spectacular sight. In autumn, the Central Park Zoo is not only of interest for families with children but for others as well. You can also opt to row across the lake or rent bikes to explore the largest park in New York. In winter, enjoy ice skating on one of the many rinks available here.

There is a lot to discover in Central Park – the green oasis in the middle of Manhattan. Click here to find out about our best spots in Central Park!

3. A Meal with a View

Old Homestead Filet Steak

This will be a tough choice: from sensational sushi to steaks, French or Italian cuisine — you will be sure to find something to your taste at Columbus Circle. The mall nearby features 8 delicious restaurants. One even has 3 Michelin stars.

4. Hotels with a view at Columbus Circle

While many of the hotels that claim to offer great views are located around Times Square, there are also very nice hotels with a view at Columbus Circle. Both the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (5 stars) and the Trump International Hotel and Tower (5 stars) offer tremendous views onto Central Park from their guest rooms.

Our 16 Top Hotels with a View in all of New York can be found here!

 

5. Sipping a Cocktail on a Rooftop Bar

Of course, some of our beloved rooftop bars in New York are also near Columbus Circle (you can find a list of the best rooftop bars in the city here). “The Empire Rooftop Bar & Lounge” in “The Empire Hotel” near 63rd Street and the rooftop bar “The Roof” near 57th Street are my recommendations for this area.

6. Visit the Museum of Arts and Design Store

For all design enthusiasts, the Museum of Arts and Design Store at Columbus Circle is a great destination. Not only can you buy wonderful things in the museum store, but also visit the museum with its regularly changing exhibits.

Address: 2 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019   |   Website: madmuseum.org

7. Jazz Concerts at Lincoln Center

At Columbus Circle you can also find the famous “Jazz at Lincoln Center”, which is 100% dedicated to jazz. You can sign up for classes and of course, see concerts live. Further information about the event calendar and tickets can be found on the official website or you can buy tickets at the box office nearby. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office is located on the first floor of the Time Warner Center.

Address: 3 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019

Jazz at Lincoln Center

8. Riverside Park on the Hudson River

Just 1 mile away (1.6 km) you will find yourself in the beautiful Riverside Park along the Hudson River. You have many options here: sit on the water’s edge, kayak on the river, or enjoy a snack in one of the many cafés along the park as you watch the boats and ships sail by. It is wonderfully relaxing! Riverside Park runs from 72nd Street to 158th Street and is relatively narrow. The park runs like a ribbon along the contours of the river – a must visit!

Sunset on Hudson river

 

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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