The Shops at Columbus Circle
The Shops at Columbus Circle, located in the impressive Deutsche Bank Center (formerly Time Warner Center), offer a luxury shopping and dining experience on one of Manhattan’s most iconic corners: the southwest entrance to Central Park. This destination combines elegance, spectacular views, and a sophisticated atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of other commercial areas. ✨
Located right on Columbus Circle, at the intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, Central Park South, and Eighth Avenue, this vertical shopping center is an essential stop for those seeking high-end fashion, world-renowned restaurants, and a modern architectural environment. Its prime location offers unparalleled views of Central Park and the vibrant circle it’s named after. 🏙️
Why Visit The Shops at Columbus Circle?
Visiting The Shops at Columbus Circle means immersing yourself in an atmosphere of exclusivity and style in the heart of New York City. It’s a place that attracts visitors with its curated selection of boutiques and restaurants, as well as its contemporary design and stunning floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the park and the city. It offers a more relaxed and luxurious shopping experience.
Its importance lies in being a benchmark of modern luxury and cosmopolitan New York life. It houses international designer stores, Michelin-starred restaurants, and the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center. Furthermore, its proximity to Central Park, Lincoln Center, and the Museum of Arts and Design makes it a key cultural and leisure hub.
The Shops at Columbus Circle represent the most sophisticated face of Manhattan. Unlike the intensity of Times Square, here you can breathe calm and elegance. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon of exclusive shopping, a memorable dinner, or simply admire the views in a unique architectural setting. 🛍️🍽️
How to Get to The Shops at Columbus Circle by Subway?
Main Stations
The main station providing direct access to The Shops at Columbus Circle is 59 St–Columbus Circle. This station is located directly beneath the complex, offering convenient and direct connection. It is a major interchange connecting several key subway lines. 🚇
Subway Lines Serving Columbus Circle
Columbus Circle is excellently connected by the New York City subway. The lines that stop directly at the 59 St–Columbus Circle station are:
- 1 (Red line)
- A, C (Blue lines)
- B, D (Orange lines) – Note: The B line does not operate late at night or on weekends.
How to Get to The Shops at Columbus Circle From:
Times Square
If you are in Times Square, you can take the 1, A, or C lines northbound (Uptown) a few stops to 59 St–Columbus Circle. It’s a very short and direct trip.
Lower Manhattan (Wall Street / World Trade Center)
From the Financial District or the World Trade Center, the most direct option is to take the A or C line northbound (Uptown) to 59 St–Columbus Circle.
Brooklyn (DUMBO / Williamsburg)
From DUMBO, you can take the A or C line directly to 59 St–Columbus Circle. From Williamsburg, take the L train towards Manhattan to 14th St–Union Sq and transfer to the N, Q, R, W lines to 57 St–7 Av (a short walk) or continue to 8th Ave and transfer to the A or C lines (Uptown) to 59 St–Columbus Circle.
Queens (Long Island City / Flushing)
From Long Island City or Flushing, you can take the 7 train to Times Sq–42 St and transfer to the 1, A, or C lines (Uptown) to 59 St–Columbus Circle. Alternatively, from certain parts of Queens, the N or W lines take you to 57 St–7 Av, a short walk away.
Harlem
From Harlem, you can take the A, B, C, D, or the 1 line southbound (Downtown) directly to 59 St–Columbus Circle.
Airports (JFK / LaGuardia / Newark)
From JFK Airport, take the AirTrain to the Howard Beach station and transfer to the A line (Uptown) to 59 St–Columbus Circle. From LaGuardia (LGA), you can take the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus (free) to Jackson Hts–Roosevelt Av and transfer to the E or F lines (Downtown), then change to the A or C at 42nd St Port Authority. From Newark (EWR), take the AirTrain Newark and then NJ Transit to Penn Station, and from there, take the A or C lines (Uptown) to 59 St–Columbus Circle.
What to Do at The Shops at Columbus Circle?
The Shops at Columbus Circle offer a multifaceted experience that goes beyond shopping. It’s a place to enjoy fine dining, world-class music, stunning architecture, and, of course, panoramic views. A perfect plan for an elegant afternoon or evening in New York.
Explore Luxury Stores and Boutiques
The center hosts a curated selection of high-end fashion stores, jewelry, technology, and wellness brands. Brands like Hugo Boss, Coach, Michael Kors, Stuart Weitzman, and Jo Malone London have a presence here. It’s ideal for window shopping or treating yourself to something exclusive. 🛍️
Enjoy the Gastronomy
Columbus Circle is a top-tier dining destination. Here you’ll find options for all tastes, from casual cafes and wine bars to Michelin-starred restaurants like Per Se and Masa. Many establishments offer spectacular views of Central Park. 🍽️🥂
Admire the Architecture and Views
The building’s design, with its large glass atrium and modern lines, is worthy of admiration. Don’t miss the stunning views of Columbus Circle, Central Park, and the Midtown skyline from the upper-floor windows. It’s a perfect spot for panoramic photos. ✨📸
Visit Jazz at Lincoln Center
Within the same complex is Jazz at Lincoln Center, one of the world’s epicenters for this musical genre. Check their schedule and enjoy a concert in one of their halls with exceptional acoustics and, often, with the skyline as a backdrop. 🎶🎷
Relax and Enjoy the Atmosphere
Unlike other shopping centers, here you breathe an atmosphere of calm and sophistication. There are common areas with seating where you can rest, have a coffee, and watch the elegant comings and goings of visitors and locals. It’s an ideal urban oasis to escape the hustle and bustle. ☕🧘
Attractions Near The Shops at Columbus Circle
The prime location of The Shops at Columbus Circle makes them an ideal starting point for exploring some of the most iconic attractions of the Upper West Side and Midtown Manhattan. Within walking distance, you’ll find renowned parks, museums, and cultural centers.
Central Park
Just across the street awaits the world’s most famous urban park. You can take a leisurely stroll, visit Strawberry Fields (the John Lennon memorial), rent a boat on The Lake, or simply relax on the grass at Sheep Meadow. 🌳🚶♀️
Columbus Circle (the monument and plaza)
The traffic circle itself is a point of interest, featuring the imposing Christopher Columbus Monument at its center and its fountains. It’s a popular spot for photos, especially with the traffic and surrounding buildings as a backdrop.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
A few minutes’ walk north, you’ll find Lincoln Center, the city’s largest cultural complex. It houses the Metropolitan Opera House, David Geffen Hall (home of the New York Philharmonic), and the David H. Koch Theater (home of the New York City Ballet). 🎭🩰
Museum of Arts and Design (MAD)
Located at 2 Columbus Circle, MAD celebrates contemporary art, craft, and design through innovative exhibitions. Its shop is also very interesting.
Carnegie Hall
A few blocks southeast lies the legendary Carnegie Hall, one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, famous for its acoustics and history. You can take a guided tour or attend a concert. 🎻🎼
Midtown Area and 5th Avenue
Walking south and east, you’ll quickly enter the heart of Midtown, with attractions like MoMA, Rockefeller Center, and the start of the luxurious Fifth Avenue with its famous stores.
Tips for Visiting The Shops at Columbus Circle
To make the most of your visit to this elegant shopping and dining center, keep in mind some practical tips that will help you plan your experience.
Best Time of Day to Go
Any time is good to visit The Shops at Columbus Circle. During the day, you can better enjoy the views of Central Park and shop in natural light. At night, the atmosphere becomes more intimate and elegant, ideal for dinner or attending a jazz concert. It is generally less crowded than other tourist spots. ☀️🌙
Combine with Other Activities
Take advantage of its excellent location to combine your visit with a walk through Central Park, a visit to the Museum of Arts and Design (right next door), or a performance at the nearby Lincoln Center. It’s easy to integrate a stop here into a day of exploring the area.
Budget
Keep in mind that this is a mostly luxury destination. The stores are high-end, and many restaurants have high prices (including some with Michelin stars). However, you can enjoy the atmosphere, the views, and window shopping without spending anything. There are more affordable food options on the lower level (like Whole Foods Market), or you can simply grab a coffee. 💰☕
Accessibility and Amenities
The building is modern, spacious, and fully accessible for people with reduced mobility, including elevators to all floors. It has clean public restrooms, rest areas, and free Wi-Fi in common areas. It’s a comfortable and pleasant place to spend time. 👍♿
