I lived one block away from here for two years, and it was my main shopping, and my second favourite eating area. It has pretty much everything - Time Warner Centre covers Whole Foods, loads of beautiful shops, Jazz and some fantastic restaurants such as Massa and Porterhouse. The other side of the circle houses a great liquor store (Halle Berry once held the door open for me there!) and a very sweet cafe. It's on the corner of the park, there is often public art in the middle (life sized elephants holding apples for example), and the design museum, which included the restaurant 'Robert' is also on the circle. There are always plenty of cabs outside of Time Warner and the ABCD and 1 subway lines all stop there. It's just a brilliant place to live near! read more

It's ok. When the weather gets warm homeless people like to relax here, and it's literally in the shadow of Trump Towers. Central Park is literally across the street. Just go there instead. The air is cooler than the average air as a result of the water fountains that make a ring around the area. There is plenty of seating even in the afternoons during the week. read more

Excellent people watching before a relaxing quiet afternoon in Central Park. Romance Factor: 6 Hobnob Potential: 5 Destination Rating: 9 Strong Suggestion: Don't stay too long... read more

To the tourists: It's a circle. Most are used to "squares" as Plazas, but it's a circle. No less. No more. Standing there taking pictures and blocking the way, won't make it any less of a circle (no matter how many times you change angles). But I digress, you are the one's that help keep this area in business. The TW Center is what really makes this place shine IMO. It attracts the large crowds that shop the many retail and other store fronts in the TW Center, and it is the jewel on this neighborhood's crown. It also helps that there's a major subway hub right here. I used to love going more to the Equinox that's on the side of the TW Center; and the Whole Foods in the "basement" allows you to get so much done without having to traverse multiple neighborhoods. ========Pro-Tip======== Go to this "landmark" at night. Trust me. You'll enjoy it *that* much more. Especially on a stroll with a date. ========Pro-Tip======== read more

I don't have a problem with Columbus Cicle itself, but all the stuff going on around it makes me sad and angry at the same time. CC used to be my favorite place to enter Central Park. It was a very zen spot to watch the traffic go around, the people walk by, and enjoy the summer sun. But corporate evil is sucking the soul out of the Circle (as well as some of the sunlight). I still can't believe the City allowed the horrible Time Warner Center to go up. Do we really need more luxury condos? More high-end stores? More rent so high only corporate book stores like Borders can afford it while great institutions like Coliseum are forced to leave? No, we don't. All of the character of Columbus Circle is being devoured by soulless business interests. It's now one of my least favorite places. read more

A great monument and a must see for anyone visiting! Perfect access to the park from here as well!

I have to agree with earlier yelps, how can you not like this place. Named after Christopher Columbus, this circle was completed in 1905 and just a few years ago underwent some major renovations. Some NYC attractions that are steps from this famed circle include: Central Park Time Warner Center, the world headquarters of the Time Warner corporation. The Shops at Columbus Circle (see Yelp #875). Jazz at Lincoln Center. New York City studio headquarters of CNN. The Trump International Hotel and Tower. Fordham University New York Institute of Technology It is located at the intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, Central Park South (59th Street), and Eighth Avenue, at the southwest corner of Central Park. ...and for you people that love useless trivia, Columbus Circle appeared in the movie Ghostbusters as the site where the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man begins his trip towards 55 Central Park West. read more

My beloved Columbus Circle. I stop by and visit you at least 5 times a week, and you're always a pleasant sight to see. Whether or not it's to go to the gym every day after work at Equinox, to buy some clothes at J Crew, or to do my weekly grocery shopping at Whole Foods, Columbus Circle is my one stop shop. Columbus Circle is just a great landmark by itself. With a grand monument, surrounded by a nice circle of fountains, Columbus Circle is something that you absolutely cannot miss. On top of that, it's a great welcome to entering Central Park. If you're coming here, you'll probably stop by the Time Warner building for some shopping or food. For tourists, it's a great place to get your macaroon fix at Bouchon, and some sandwiches/salads for a picnic in Central Park. Sure, most people would enter Central Park through the Southeast entrance on 5th Ave, but there's just something nice about coming in through Hell's Kitchen. There aren't as many tourists, and it is just a little less chaotic. It's also quite easy to get to considering the 59th Street-Columbus Circle subway stop is right here. You'll find a bunch of lines (A,C,B,D,1) here so whether or not you're going north or south, you can stop off at Columbus Circle. If you want a nice view of the circle itself, then go to the 2nd floor in the shops, and it'll give you a nice shot of everything that Columbus Circle has to offer. Columbus Circle, you provide everything that I need in life, and I love you for that! read more

One of the prettier circles in NYC. There's a lot of promotions going on in this area, so be careful to look around rather than quickly strolling by. Back in 2011 I used to work a few blocks away, always had to cross here and got to see some really interesting things. First time experiencing a tiny puppy in the cup of a big coffee robot, good thing they didn't turn it on. read more

What is there not to love about this place? It's a circle flanked by Central Park, the Time Warner building and the new art museum. There are statues, stairs, and fountains. The entire thing is wrapped up with fast-moving cars and pretty people. It's my favorite place to think/read/catch up with friends. When I worked closer (or had a job that allowed a little something called a "lunch break") I used to pick up lunch at Whole Foods (shut it, the lines aren't THAT bad) and have a nice little semi-"picnic" on those nice, wide sloping wooden benches with my co-workers. Obviously it's ideal on a perfect, sunny NY day. Don't try to properly judge it otherwise! read more

Classic NYC. Love this spot. Something so nostalgic and romantic about it. A NYC must. read more

Nice area to people watch, enjoy the flowers and the cars going around them, along with a couple good food carts in front of the shops. read more

Columbus Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

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This used to be my favorite spot in the city sadly. So many late summer nights were spent gossiping, man-hating, and couple-hating on these benches while we listened to the soft, yet raucous splash of the gorgeously lit-up fountains. It was unendingly romantic, beautiful, and peaceful. Every once in a while, a child would wade in against the wishes of his/her mother. Perfect. BUT... then reality struck! And, as a stark reminder of the desperate state of the economy, the spot has now been overrrun by bums. Even in the light of day, it is impossible to mistake the stains along the stairs or the benches. If that isn't disheartening enough, there is the blare of traffic and never ending circus of bushy-eyed tourists. Either way, it is just sad. read more

Right now there is a Tatzu Nishi art installation in Columbus Circle called, wait for it wait for it, Discovering Columbus. Tickets are free, the passes are available online from the Public Art Fund. The times are staggered and there is an occupancy limit of 50 so expect a short wait. Once you get to the top of the 6 flights of stairs you will find yourself in a room built around a 13 foot tall statue of Christopher Columbus. You have seen this statue before, we all have, as it's the same one that rests on a pillar above Columbus Circle. But now you get to stand right next to the familiar yet oft-ignored monument in the more familiar context of a contemporary living room. Take note of the salmon-pink wallpaper, Nishi designed it. Marilyn Monroe, hot dogs, Malcolm X, McDonalds. America. The more snobbish you are regarding contemporary art or the more dissatisfied you are with it, the easier it will be for you to skip Nishi's newest. But instead of focusing on the arguable lack of profundity or the inarguable manipulation of a NY icon well over 100 years old, let's discuss the top ten reasons you should ignore the Bloomingdales sponsorship and visit anyway: 1: There is something to be said about accessibility. Many people, dare I say most people, find contemporary art to be intimidatingly abstract. And I would also say that too many of the wealthier individuals in our society gravitate towards contemporary art for exactly that reason, its inaccessibility. Installations like this one help bridge the gap. 2: Unless you die and are reincarnated as a pigeon, you will never see Mr. Columbus or his gigantic nostrils this close ever again. EVER. 3 through 10: It's free. read more

Pack a lunch, take in the surrounding view, and enjoy your meal. Even though you're smack dab in the middle of one of the city's major transportation hubs, sometimes the world seems to slow down, just a little bit. read more

I pass through here going to Fordham, and I get what some other Yelpers say about the corporate feel-- but a) I'm not familiar with it pre-Time Warner Center and b) it's a nice open space and sitting on the Central Park side the people watching is great. So that's fine. What I do have a problem with is I don't get how this place continues to be called Columbus Circle. What is with the worship of this dude? Get rid of that statue and just leave the circle. Then it'll look like a big donut, which will not offend anyone. Everyone love donuts! Well, I do anyway. read more

Really love this part of the city - near so many great places such as Time Warner shops, Mandarin Hotel, Trump Tower with Nougatine :-) Fountains in the center offer a nice area to sit and relax - though with warm weather it gets a bit packed with tourists AND those annoying people trying to sell bike rides. Regardless, definitely an area to enjoy especially when visiting from out of town. read more

I remember the Coliseum. I remember the days when you did not walk around Columbus Circle without stepping over bodies (usually alive ones) and when walking down ninth ave was to say the least a bit risky. So while I miss the 65 cent slices of pizza and 50 cent hotdog vendors, the metamorphosis has been breathtaking! Columbus Circle has been reborn as one of the prettiest areas in Manhattan. So while I now can't afford to live there, it is a nice place to visit! read more

Nice place to check out in the summer or spring. I work right next to it. Do not head over too often, but when I have, it's a very good place to sit and have a smoke or lunch. Scenery is great, perfect for people watching, and, who knows, might catch a celeb or two strolling by. Interesting point, Columbus Circle is the largest roundabout in NYC. For all you UK people, we do not have many of them here like you do over there, but this is the biggest one. read more

My old favorite landmark hangout used to be Union Square, but since I moved uptown it's transferred to Columbus Circle - and I love it here! Whether you're with friends or alone, it's a nice place to come and sit and relax near the fountains, watch NY revolve around you - then go to the mall for a little shopping or a few blocks up and catch a movie or over to the park. So beautiful, day or night. read more

Say, "Columbus Circle." Think, "Columbus Circus!" Some places require lots of descriptives to make them real to the mind's eye. Others transcend and are so iconic or quintessential as to be able to capture your imagination with just a few words. New York has many pumping hearts keeping it vibrantly alive. Columbus Circus! is one of the best. read more

Although the steel and glass monoliths that soar skyward above it hardly suggest the Old World, there's still a very European feel about the area, possibly due to the gilded figures that top the monument at the southwest corner of Central Park. There's no doubt the traffic rivals that which circles the Arch of Triumph in Paris. Kudos to the wiser heads that prevailed and stunningly preserved rather than demolished this gateway to the Upper West Side. read more

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I think of Columbus Circle as the far less crowded and much more manageable version of ritzy Times Square. I also like it a hell of a lot more because it's more a residents' nook instead of a place for tourists to hoard our streets and blind our eyes in camera flash. I once wished I could live here (it's a pretty dollar or two), but am now very glad that I chose to live on the UWS instead - it's a little more residential and out of the chaos, if that's even possible in NY. So 5 STARS for being cooler than Times Square (from the resident's perspective) and for having some of my fav shops - Borders and Whole Foods. Both are always hustling and bustling with people, even at 10PM at night...I have no idea how, but still not as crazy as Macy's at 34th or Toys 'R Us in Times Square. Location is also very key. Right at the Southwest corner of Central Park, right next to all those horse and carriage buggies (...although is that a good thing? They tend to trail a scent of manure wherever they go) and great in-the-middle-of-everything fountain where you can sit and take a break and pull out your novel or people watch. The Circle also has a very cool display of lights during the holidays - def a check point if you're a visitor (or you live here and haven't seen them yet!). read more

Columbus Circle is a magnificent, and spectacular square between Upper West Side and Midtown. Columbus Circle shows an epitome of cosmopolitan world class optimistic version of globalization. There is avant garde modern high rise architecture around Columbus Circle, and amazing area to take in wonderful visual scenery of architecture. I especially like how Verdi Square around 10 blocks away shows representation of historic classic meticulous intricate details of building design. Columbus Circle shows an extremely different and equally impressive collection of unique modern versions of Architecture. Columbus Circle feels very pleasant, and relaxing for a major megalopolis city park. read more

The chances are pretty good that you'll get hit by a car here. If you don't, consider it a good day.

Love this part of West side. The centerpiece fountain adds a wonderful flavor to this area surrounded by high rise buildings, posh restaurants, shopping center and media offices. The inequalities inherent in a capitalist society (am not attributing good//bad, it is what it is) are not lost on you as you see homeless folks loitering around the fountain surrounded by an ocean of wealth and opulence. Hello America! read more

I can't quite remember if construction had already started in Columbus Circle when I first moved to NYC in 1996, but it certainly feels like the area has been covered in scaffolding that long. When I came by and saw the Circle with the construction finished I couldn't believe it. It was beautiful. You could sit, you could eat, you could watch, you could read. It's really amazing. Talk about "glass, concrete and stone." read more

Columbus Circle is awesome. Not while driving but while walking. There are tons of stores within the Time Warner Center from Boss to J. Crew as well as Cole Haan and H&M. There is also Wholefoods and Williams and Sonoma. The circle always has people performing. It is always clean and lively. There is also great security. The restaurants in the area are awesome. There are tons of subway lines (A,B,C,D,1) to go anywhere in the city. read more

Columbus Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

I just discovered today you can review places. And parks. And high schools. ?! Anyhow... this is my hood, my home, my childhood stomping grounds. I remember before the Time Warner Center moved in and knocked out the old expo center and all the little vendors that set up on the street around it. The new fountain and benches in the middle of the circle are a definite upgrade--trust me. They also make a pretty prime spot to enjoy a winter acid trip and watch the TWC light-up stars change colors... but you didn't hear it from me. read more

Very cool corner of Central Park. This is probably one of the few places I go that is past 23rd St. I'm more of a downtown kinda guy. In the summer it's nice to sit near the monument and watch the performers and kids playing near the fountain. What I usually do is pick up some food nearby and eat it there. People watch and take pics. Very relaxing. read more

Columbus Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

I don't know if it's on the "must see" list when in NYC, but it's monuments of honor and bravery are beautiful. The monuments of commerce are also astounding and tall. The sheer scale of things is mildly dizzying. Go, see, experience! read more

Columbus Circle - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - New York, New York

As a NZ'er, I noticed that America doesn't really embrace the 'round-about' as a valid method of traffic control. However, this multi-laned nightmare is something else. I am astounded that there aren't more traffic accidents as there is little use of turn signals in what is essentially a survival of the fittest competition to see who is the most aggressive driver. A NZ Highway Patrol officer would hit his weekly ticket quota in the first hour. I am glad I only watched this from the footpath (pavement) as driving in it would have been an insurance company's nightmare. read more

Columbus Circle is a stunning experience. One of my favorite places in the city, I come here often and gawk at the wonders that is to be offered in this location. You have a prime shopping center (Time Warner Center!), a gorgeous park right at your fingertips (Central Park!), and tons of beautiful people waltzing through. Lends itself easily to people watching. When you come here at night? Forget about it. Out of this world beautiful. If you're visiting the city -- highly recommended spot to come and snatch some pictures. They'll be some of your best yet. read more

For some reason this location always makes me think of London. Today was a hot day, and there were loads of people in the fountain. Being one of the first truly hot days of the year, it was nice to see everyone's smiling faces as they pranced about in the water. Yes, it's busy, and yes, there are some strange peeps walking about (hello... it's NYC), but you can't beat this location at the SW corner of Central Park. Damn, I love New York. read more

It's right by Jean Georges, a hop on/hop off bus stop, and the southwest corner of Central Park so I almost always end up here at some point or another whether I'm traveling to New York City alone or accompanying first-timers. Horse drawn carriages pass through here, giving it an extra layer of je ne sais qoui. Magic? Manure? It may depend whether you're a half full/half empty type. I always enjoy sitting here and just taking a 5 minute break from the intensive itineraries I tend to create with the interest of squeezing in as much (mostly food) as possible on my trips to one of my two favorite cities in the US. read more

's okay. Just a place en route to somewhere else. All the gilding on statues is on statues of people you've never heard of. Before renovation, homeless and vendors congregated near the old Coliseum [sic]. And women and children lined up for buses to upstate prisons, to visit loved ones. read more

I am a fan of Columbus Circle. so I don't really think it is fair to rate it. I'll just state the obvious: Lots of people Beautiful neighborhood Central Park Nice restaurants Nice shops Whole Foods Gorgeous views Lots of people Beautiful women :) read more

Columbus Circle is visually pretty from the outside in. It's a great spot to stop by before or after coming out of Central Park. The shops are the closest thing to a mall I've been to since I moved here. In the winter the holiday shopping booths are lined along the sidewalk and Winter's Eve at Lincoln Square begins right above it, leading up to Lincoln Center. It's nice to just admire and see day, but more by night because of all the pretty lighting. read more

If you're looking for a nice place for relaxation and air conditioning in the summer after a run in Central Park, this is the place to be! There isn't a lot of shops here but it's a really clean and nice place and has a really nice view of across the street when you go up to the 2nd floor. read more

Chaos all the time but it's Columbus Circle, what do you expect?! Traffic is horrendous but people still go here. I like that the Shops are here and that its a good feeling to know that if I ever need to use the restrooms that there are nice clean bathrooms located here. Great place to show friends who've never been to NYC before and so close to Central Park. The fountains are very nice and lots of things to do. There are quite a number of solicitors, tables for touristy souvenirs and more! read more