Columbus Circle

The Basics

Located at the verdant southwestern corner of Central Park, Columbus Circle—named for its monument of Christopher Columbus—is a stop on most New York City hop-on hop-off bus tours, thematic walking tours, and Central Park scavenger hunts. If you’re there in winter, browse the artisan-crafted wares at the festive Columbus Circle Holiday Market.

Things to Know Before You Go

• A bike tour of Central Park and Columbus Circle is an appealing option for active visitors.

• A helicopter tour is an exciting way to see Columbus Circle and the New York skyline.

• Design enthusiasts appreciate the Museum of Arts and Design, one of New York’s premier arts spaces, located off Columbus Circle.

How to Get There

Columbus Circle is well served by public transit. Take the A, B, C, D, or 1 subway train to the 59th Street–Columbus Circle station, or the N, Q, R, or W train to the 57th Street stop. Several bus lines also run along Broadway and Central Park West.

When to Get There

A heavily trafficked area of New York City, Columbus Circle is busiest during peak weekday commuting hours. Stores and restaurants are bustling on weekends. For fewer crowds, go in the middle of the day on a weekday.

Where to Find New York’s Best Shopping

Looking for a luxurious evening of shopping and dining? Follow a stroll through Central Park with a stop at the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle. You’ll find Michelin-starred restaurants and dozens of high-end boutiques, as well as a hotel and deluxe residences.

Ways to explore

It only takes a few minutes to walk around Columbus Circle—the outer circle hums with a constant stream of traffic, while the inner circle is for pedestrians. The circle marks one of the main entrances to Central Park; an information kiosk is located at the park’s West 59th Street entrance. Plan for more time if you plan to visit the high-end shops at Columbus Circle, which sell a wide range of items, from clothing and shoes to luggage. The mall’s restaurants range from quick burger stops to Michelin-starred fancy spots. You’re also near Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Museum of Art and Design, and Carnegie Hall.

Accessibility

Columbus Circle is accessible to wheelchairs, and Central Park has accessible pathways and wheelchair rentals.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, guidebook, cash for small purchases

What to wear

Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Jaywalking, flying drones, defacing the Christopher Columbus statue

Amenities

Shopping and restaurants

Address

Columbus Circle is located on the southwest corner of Central Park. With such a well-connected spot, you’ll find plenty of ways to get here.

Driving

While it’s possible to reach Columbus Circle by car, driving in Manhattan is not recommended, and garage parking is often very expensive. It is better to come by taxi or rideshare.

Public transportation

Take the A, C, B, D, or 1 train to 59th St-Colombus Circle. You can also take buses M7 or M5, but the subway is usually the fastest way to get around Manhattan.

Best times to visit

Avoid rush hour, as you’ll find the heaviest traffic then. For a quieter experience, consider coming in the early morning, when Central Park is filled with joggers and dog walkers. That’s also the best time for photography.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are generally quieter, outside of commuting times.

Best months to visit

Aim for the shoulder seasons of spring and fall when planning a trip to New York City, especially if you plan on visiting Central Park (the foliage is lovely in fall). Nearby Carnegie Hall runs performances from October through June.

Special events

Don’t miss the Columbus Circle Holiday Market, which runs from after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Located just inside Central Park, the outdoor marketplace features a range of local vendors selling handcrafted items, plus a selection of top-notch eats from around the city.