About Columbus Circle
In the middle of Manhattan in New York, you can find the Columbus Circle right outside of the main entrance of Central Park. The traffic circle is also a bustling area of shopping, dining, and entertainment for thousands of visitors as well as New Yorkers every year. The traffic circle was named Columbus Circle because of the monument of Christopher Columbus at its center. The 76-foot marble statue was created by Gaetano Russo and unveiled in 1892, 400 years after Columbus discovered America.
The circle has been used as a focal point, and the point where official highways in New York City are measured from. The five streets that radiate outward from the circle separate the neighborhoods into distinct sections. To the north, find Broadway, Central Park, and Trump Tower. To the northeast is the Merchant’s Gate and USS Maine National Monument. To the south, the Gallery of Modern Arts and Design. And to the southeast, find a modern-style apartment building, which is a landmark for New Yorkers.
Fun Fact: In 2012, the artist Tatzu Nishi built a furnished living room around the statue, making it look like it was on a coffee table.
Things to do Near Columbus Circle
While in New York visiting Columbus Circle, there are some things that you cannot miss. Whether you are there for just a few hours or the whole day, the possibilities are endless.
- Head over to the entrance of Central Park to see the U.S.S. Maine Monument, a memorial to the 258 American Navy sailors who died in Cuba when their ship blew up
- Check out the NYC IRT subway station underneath Columbus Circle
- Go underground and see The Turnstyle Underground Market, an entire block of shops and kiosks under 8th Avenue
- Dine in style at one of the fine eating establishments at the Shops at Columbus Circle
- Visit the Museum of Arts and Design at 2 Columbus Circle to tour or just browse on your own
- Enjoy some retail therapy at any one of the 50 retailers at the Shops at Columbus Circle or other stores and boutiques along the route
- See Trump Tower, which has a 30-foot globe at the base of the 583-foot building
Transit Options in Columbus Circle
- M5, M7, M10, M20 and M104 buses
- 1, 2, A, B, C, and D subway trains
- Taxi or rideshare services
Luggage Storage Near Columbus Circle
Having to take your luggage with you anywhere can be a pain, but dragging it around Columbus Circle is downright impossible at times. It can get crowded in the area no matter where you go. Bounce understands your frustration and wants to help. We've got the solution to make it easier for you to enjoy your travels. Download the Bounce app, find the nearest location, and book your bag. It's that easy.
Luggage Storage Options Near Columbus Circle
- Times Square: Everyone is familiar with Times Square. It is where they drop the ball on New Year’s Eve and has been the hub of New York City since the early 1900s. In Times Square, explore amazing places like the Ocean Odyssey National Geographic Encounter, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Museum of Modern Art, and M&M’s World.
- Statue of Liberty: Another famous landmark in New York, the Statue of Liberty is a must-see. You will have to take the ferry to get there, but that is part of the fun. See the city from Lady Liberty’s crown or the top of the pedestal, visit the two museums on Liberty and Ellis Islands, or get a guided tour. Suitcases and other bags are not allowed, so drop them off at one of our convenient locations on the way.
- Brooklyn Bridge Park: It is not just a bridge, it is a landmark, a park, several beaches, and much more. On Pier 1, take amazing selfies with the bridge in the background or relax on the granite steps. Pier 2 has a roller rink, dock, shuffleboard, and more. Pier 3 is a huge green space with interactive features to explore. Pier 4 is a beautiful beach with natural tide pools. And don't forget Piers 5 and 6.
- One World Observatory: Take the SkyPod glass elevator to the 102nd floor in just 47 seconds at One World Trade Center. Check out the See Forever Theater, an audiovisual glimpse of the New York skyline or dance atop the Sky Portal. Lighten your load and leave extra stuff with Bounce before heading here.
- Top of the Rock: Located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, this high-rise building is a fantastic place to see the city and get some amazing selfies. There are three decks, each with incredible features. No bags are allowed, so make sure you stop by Bounce on your way.
- Central Park: The park is so big and full of so many things, it is like its own world. Some of the main features include the Belvedere Castle, Bethesda Fountain, the carousel, and Central Park Zoo.
- Museum of the City of New York: Want to learn more about New York City? On Fifth Avenue and 103rd Street, you'll find the Museum of the City of New York. See some unique items like the Stettheimer Dollhouse, Timescapes film, and the New York at its Core exhibit, which has 400 years of New York City history. Learn about the big personalities of New York like Jay Z, Walt Whitman, Alexander Hamilton, and JP Morgan. Stop by Bounce on your way because bags are not allowed inside.
- Ripley’s Believe it or Not: You can find this weird and wonderful museum on West 42nd Street. Inside, you can see over 500 artifacts and displays that will blow your mind. The Smash Dash is an interactive game to test your reflexes that you cannot miss. Also, stop and check out the Black Hole. You will be a bit dazed as time and space become nonexistent. And the torture chamber has some incredibly strange torture devices used in the past. You’ll also see a real meteor, the world’s tallest man, dinosaur jaws, and shrunken heads. Be sure to leave your luggage with one of our Bounce partners on your way.