Columbus Circle

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


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 centre 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 modelled 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 Centre 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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Things to do near Columbus Circle

At Columbus Circle, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including free daily tours, Circle Line sightseeing cruises, and bus tours to explore the area. This vibrant hub is perfect for theatre, art, and entertainment enthusiasts, making it an ideal starting point for discovering the cultural richness of New York City.

Shopping

In Columbus Circle, you can shop at Macy's, a vibrant shopping centre just 621m away, and Tiffany & Co., located 373m away. Don't miss Grand Central Market, also 621m from Columbus Circle, offering a unique blend of local flavours and city vibes.

Recreation

At Carnegie Hall, enjoy an inspiring music concert, just 124m from Columbus Circle, immersing yourself in vibrant entertainment. SoJo Spa Club, located 2.5km away, offers rejuvenating body treatments in a serene atmosphere. Alternatively, skate at the Rink at Rockefeller Center, 435m away, for a thrilling adventure.

Adventure

Experience the thrills at DreamWorks Water Park, a vibrant waterpark 3.1km from Columbus Circle, perfect for family fun. For outdoor enthusiasts, the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, located 124m away, offers climbing adventures. Additionally, enjoy a match at the Central Park Tennis Center, situated 1.2km from the circle.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Columbus Circle by catching a film at the Broadway Theatre, just 186m away, or immerse yourself in culture at the Gershwin Theater, 249m distant. For a touch of romance, visit the Richard Rodgers Theatre, only 435m from the circle.

Find the best attractions near Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle offers a delightful mix of urban parks, art museums, and iconic skyscrapers, making it an ideal destination for cultural, family, and city experiences. You can explore Central Park, search for hotels near Columbus Circle, or discover nearby attractions and landmarks. With its vibrant atmosphere, this area provides a wealth of activities to ensure an enjoyable visit to New York City.

  • Times Square: A vibrant hub of activity, Times Square is renowned for its dazzling lights, bustling crowds, and endless entertainment options. It's a must-see for its iconic atmosphere and the electric city vibes that make New York City truly unique.
  • Central Park: An expansive oasis in the heart of the city, Central Park offers picturesque landscapes, tranquil lakes, and recreational areas perfect for families. It's the ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, picnic, or outdoor activities, all while soaking in the urban backdrop.
  • Broadway: Famous for its world-class theatre productions, Broadway is a street that embodies the spirit of New York's cultural scene. Catching a show here is an unforgettable experience, showcasing the best in performing arts amid the city's vibrant energy.

Best time to go to Columbus Circle

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

To save money on your visit to Columbus Circle, consider travelling between January and March when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on Expedia. Sundays typically offer the best rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s filters to find budget-friendly options and consider package deals that combine flights and activities for additional savings. Additionally, walking around the area is a cost-effective way to explore, as it's compact and easily navigable.

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Columbus Circle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Columbus Circle is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Columbus Circle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options according to your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To uncover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Columbus Circle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.