Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle featuring a statue or sculpture and a monument
Columbus Circle
Columbus Circle
Columbus Circle which includes a city, 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 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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Visit Dizzy's Jazz Club, which is part of the Lincoln Centre but located in Columbus Circle

Popular places to visit


Top Columbus Circle Hotel Deals

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
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square

4 out of 5
145 W 44th St, New York, NY
Millennium Hotel Broadway Times Square
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St, New York, NY
Hotel Edison Times Square
Lotte New York Palace

Lotte New York Palace

4.5 out of 5
455 Madison Ave, New York, NY
Lotte New York Palace
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

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

Paramount Times Square

4 out of 5
235 West 46th Street, New York, NY
Paramount Times Square
Arlo Midtown

Arlo Midtown

4 out of 5
351 West 38th Street, New York, NY
Arlo Midtown
Hotel St. James

Hotel St. James

2.5 out of 5
109 W. 45TH ST., New York, NY
Hotel St. James
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
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 offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, including free daily tours that showcase the area's rich history. Visitors can enjoy the local theatre and art scene while exploring various shops at Columbus Circle, making it a perfect spot for shopping and entertainment. This bustling hub is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere of New York City.

Shopping

In Columbus Circle, you can shop at Macy's, just 1.6km away, for a wide selection of gifts. Tiffany & Co., located 966m away, offers exquisite jewellery. Don’t miss Grand Central Market, also 1.6km away, for unique local products and a vibrant atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the magic of Carnegie Hall, just 322m away, for a captivating music concert that fills the air with entertainment vibes. For relaxation, unwind at SoJo Spa Club, 6.4km distant, offering luxurious body treatments. Alternatively, enjoy ice skating at the Rink at Rockefeller Center, 1.1km away, for thrilling adventure.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the ExtraVertical Climbing Center, located 322m from Columbus Circle, where you can conquer challenging climbing walls amidst a vibrant atmosphere. For a unique family day out, visit DreamWorks Water Park, located 8.0km away, offering exhilarating water rides and fun for all ages.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Columbus Circle is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a romantic evening at the Broadway Theatre, just 483m away, or immerse yourself in the cultural offerings at the Minskoff and Al Hirschfeld Theatres, both 1.1km away, perfect for families and entertainment seekers alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle offers a vibrant mix of urban parks, art museums, and iconic skyscrapers, making it an ideal destination for culture enthusiasts and families alike. You can explore the grandeur of Central Park, attend performances at Lincoln Center, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere around Columbus Circle itself. This area is perfect for travellers seeking a rich city experience filled with art and nature.

  • Times Square: Immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of Times Square, a bustling hub of entertainment and commerce. Known as The Crossroads of the World, its bright lights and vibrant street performances create a unique city vibe that captivates visitors.
  • Central Park: Escape the urban hustle in Central Park, an expansive green oasis ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts. With its picturesque landscapes, tranquil lakes, and recreational activities, it offers a refreshing retreat within the city.
  • Broadway: Experience the magic of live theatre on Broadway, a renowned street that hosts some of the world's most famous productions. The lively city vibes around this iconic area enhance the excitement of catching a show.

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 during your visit to Columbus Circle, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance or look for last-minute deals on sites like Expedia, particularly on Sundays for the best prices. Utilise public transport, which is affordable and efficient, or explore on foot since the area is pedestrian-friendly. Additionally, consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for greater savings. Always check for instant savings and great rates to maximise your budget.

  • 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 Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Columbus Circle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you can refine your options by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation near Columbus Circle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.