Hello, I’m David Hill from New York Habitat. After taking us to Times Square, our Video Tour “All Along Broadway” will lead us to Columbus Circle, one of the most famous spot in New York City!
Running the length of Manhattan from its southern tip known as Bowling Green to the northern part of the city, Broadway crosses many neighborhoods and creates “squares” when it crosses the streets that run east to west along the way.
This famous stretch of road has many attractions, different parks and areas along the way, but we have been dividing the road into smaller sections, beginning in the south and moving north, making it easier to gain the full perspective. Be sure to check out the other videos of the “All Along Broadway” Series that we have already posted.
Video Tour of Columbus Circus (5:12)
History
Broadway is the oldest street in the city. Originally it was a trail used by the Native Americans who lived here and later it was used by the Dutch settlers to travel to the northern forests to hunt.
Columbus Circle
Columbus Circle is formed where Broadway intersects with Central Park West and 59th Street and is the only intersection with a round shape. It is located right in between Midtown West and the Upper West Side.
There is a contrast between nature on one side of the circle, outlined by Central Park with its beautiful treesand its horses with carriages, and the modern skyscrapers on the other side.
Christopher Columbus Monument
In the middle of the circle stands a statue of Christopher Columbus, designed in 1892 by Italian sculptor Gaetano Russo, in commemoration of Columbus’ discovery of the “New World”.
Museum of Art and Design – 2 Columbus Circle
On the south side of Columbus Circle you can admire the Museum of Art and Design building. As originally constructed, the building had Venetian styles but was disliked by many. The building was redesigned in 2008 amid a fight to preserve the original design. The new design has been equally criticized. The museum offers one of the finest collections of American craft including works of clay, glass, metal, fiber and wood.
Trump International Hotel & Tower
The Trump International Hotel Tower is one of the many towers owned by business magnate Donald Trump. It stands tall over the northern corner of Columbus Circle. Part of it is occupied by upscale luxury apartments and part of it contains a five star luxury hotel. In addition, the building is known for the globe that is in front of it.
As an alternative to hotels, don’t forget that New York Habitat offers vacation rental apartments at affordable prices for you and your family anywhere in Manhattan. Not only are they cheaper than hotels, they have fully equipped kitchen to cook a meal like at home. That makes it a better deal for families and groups.
Take a look at this 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental Apartment in Midtown West (NY-14136). Located just 3 blocks from Columbus Circle, this apartment is located on the 6th floor of an elevator building with a doorman. The apartment has plentiful seating and a fully equipped kitchen in addition to its prime New York City location.
Another choice is this apartment located on Central Park South and is also a 1 Bedroom vacation rental (NY-11135). This apartment is available for 2 people and is situated on the 12th floor of a 40-story high rise building, but best of all this accommodation is located literally across the street from Central Park!
Time Warner Center
You can spend the whole day inside the Time Warner Center shopping, dining, watching great American jazz concerts or just admiring the gorgous view of Central Park.
Jazz at Lincoln Center, Rose Hall – Broadway & 60th Street
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is a complex of various theaters located a few blocks up from Columbus Circle, but the jazz portion of it is located right here at the Frederick P. Rose Hall inside the Time Warner Center.
In Rose Hall you will find state-of –the art rehearsal studios, jazz instructional programs, theaters and many jazz events curated by Artistic Director and world renowned jazz trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis.
Restaurants & Shopping
Most of the shopping in Columbus Circle is found inside the Time Warner Center. There are upscale shops like A/X Armani Exchange, Swarovski and many others.
Plus the center has become known for its trendy restaurants which include:
Landmarc Restaurant – 10 Columbus Circle, 3rd Floor – French & Italian food with international wines
Bar Masa – 10 Columbus Circle, 4th Floor – Japanese
Stone Rose Lounge – 10 Columbus Circle, 4th Floor – Grand Lounge with 5000 sq. ft of seating and views of Columbus Circle
Subway Station – 59th Street & Columbus Circle
A fast way to get around New York City is to move by subway. The Columbus Circle subway station is quite large and has entrances and exits from West 57th to 61st Street. Ask for a free subway map from the worker in the station booth and catch the 1, A, B, C, D trains to other areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx.
I hope you enjoyed today’s video tour of our series “All Along Broadway” in Columbus Circle! There is a lot more to discover along and around Broadway. If you know of any fun pit stops along Broadway especially near Columbus Circle, be sure to leave a comment in the comment section below.
I always get confused when I get off of the subway at Columbus Circle because I never know which direction I am going.
How great it would be to have an apartment near Columbus Circle and Central Park! Someday I will be able to afford that 😛
I used to go to school around there. Very nice area for students. I passed many days in Columbus Circle.
The apartments near Columbus Circle can be very nice. It is not my favorite area of the city although it has good connections to everywhere with the subway and buses.
Nice video!