Things to do nearColumbus Circle
Columbus Circle is a landmark plaza in New York City where Central Park, Midtown, and the Upper West Side converge around a storied monument and world-class cultural destinations.
Columbus Circle has been a defining feature of Manhattan's geography since the late nineteenth century. The central monument, dedicated in 1892 to mark the four hundredth anniversary of Christopher Columbus's voyage, was designed by sculptor Gaetano Russo and remains one of the city's most enduring public artworks.
The plaza sits at the intersection of Broadway, Eighth Avenue, and Central Park South, making it one of the busiest crossroads in New York. Visitors gather around the fountain, take in the monument, and use the circle as a gateway to Central Park's southern trails and meadows.
The Time Warner Center, which curves along the southern edge of the plaza, houses upscale shops, restaurants, and Jazz at Lincoln Center, a major performing arts venue with stages overlooking the park. The nearby Museum of Arts and Design adds a creative dimension to the area.
Columbus Circle rewards a leisurely visit at any time of year, offering a rare point in Manhattan where civic history, green space, and contemporary culture meet in a single, walkable location.
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Tips for visiting Columbus Circle
Visit during the holiday season to browse the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, which fills the plaza with artisan vendors and seasonal food stalls.
Arrive in the morning on weekdays to enjoy the fountain and monument with fewer crowds before the midday rush builds.
Take the elevator to the top floors of the Time Warner Center for sweeping views over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.
Walk east into Central Park from the plaza to reach Strawberry Fields and the Bethesda Fountain within a short stroll.
Try lunch at one of the food vendors in the Time Warner Center's lower level, which offers a range of cuisines in a central location.
Top tours & experiences near Columbus Circle
Private Pedicab Tour of Central Park & NYC
A private, customizable pedicab ride with photo stops and NYC storytelling
Guided Horse Carriage Ride Through Central Park
See Central Park landmarks from a private horse-drawn carriage
Central Park Pedicab Tour of South & Mid Park in NYC
Ride through Central Park’s south and mid sections with optional landmark stops
Guided Central Park Bike Tour
Pedal Central Park’s scenic paths with a guide and Dutch bike
Central Park Pedicab Tour to Strawberry Fields
See Central Park from south to north with stories and photo stops
Private New York City Guided Walking Tour
Explore New York City with a native guide on a private walk tailored to your interests
2.5-Mile Central Park Horse Carriage Ride
40-minute horse-drawn carriage ride past Central Park landmarks
Explore Central Park on a 1-Hour Pedicab Tour
Ride a pedicab through Central Park with optional stops from 58th to 72nd Street
NYC TV & Movie Locations Bus Tour with Actor Guides
See Manhattan's screen landmarks with a local actor guide
Central Park 1-Hour Horse Carriage Tour
Ride through Central Park by horse-drawn carriage with views from the Reservoir to Strawberry Fields
Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour of Central Park
See Central Park and nearby Manhattan landmarks from a horse-drawn carriage
Central Park Guided Bike Tour of Iconic Landmarks
Explore Central Park's landmarks with a guide who knows its history
Harlem Renaissance Walking Tour of Sugar Hill, NYC
Explore uptown Manhattan’s layered history with a guide who calls Harlem home
Central Park Movie Locations Pedicab Tour
See Central Park film sites and celebrity landmarks by pedicab
Ride a Horse-Drawn Carriage Through Central Park
1-hour VIP carriage ride with photo stops at Bethesda Fountain and Cherry Hill
Private NYC Pedicab Tour of Times Square & Central Park
Explore Times Square, Fifth Avenue and Central Park by private pedicab
Private Classic Movie Locations Bus Tour in New York City
Trace classic movie history at more than 60 Manhattan filming locations
45-Minute Central Park Horse Carriage Tour
See Central Park landmarks from a classic horse-drawn carriage
50-Minute Central Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
Ride a horse-drawn carriage through Central Park with photo stops and key landmarks
Central Park 1.5-Hour Pedicab Tour
Relax on a pedicab ride through Central Park’s lower and mid-loop landmarks
Manhattan TV & Movie Locations Tour
Follow the film and TV landmarks of Uptown Manhattan by indoor bus
Central Park 40-Minute Pedicab Tour
See Central Park's landmarks from a pedicab when time is short
Central Park E-Bike & E-Scooter Landmarks Tour
Discover the stories behind Central Park's landmarks with a licensed guide
Private Midtown Manhattan & Times Square Walking Tour
Explore New York's screen-famous streets with a private local guide