The Shops at Columbus Circle — Attraction in New York

Upscale Shopping in a Prime Location, but Pricey and Crowded

I recently visited The Shops at Columbus Circle, and while it has a lot to offer, there are also some aspects that could be improved.

Pros:

Prime Location: Located in the heart of Manhattan, right at the southwest corner of Central Park, The Shops at Columbus Circle is incredibly convenient whether you’re a tourist exploring the city or a local out for some shopping. The building itself is part of the Time Warner Center, offering easy access to other attractions and beautiful views of the park.

High-End Retailers: The mall is home to a variety of upscale brands, including names like Michael Kors, J.Crew, and Williams-Sonoma. It’s a great place if you’re looking to shop for luxury items or find something special. There’s also a Whole Foods Market on the lower level, which is convenient for grocery shopping.

Dining Options: The Shops at Columbus Circle has a great selection of dining options, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. Notable mentions include Per Se, one of the city’s top Michelin-starred restaurants, and the more casual but equally delicious Bluebird London. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a gourmet meal, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

Cons:

Expensive: As expected with such a central location and high-end retailers, prices at The Shops at Columbus Circle can be quite steep. This might not be the best spot if you’re on a budget or looking for mid-range shopping options. The upscale nature of the shops means that even dining and other services can feel overpriced.

Crowded and Touristy: Because of its location and the prestige associated with the brands housed there, The Shops at Columbus Circle can get quite crowded, especially on weekends or during peak tourist seasons. This can make the shopping experience less enjoyable if you’re not a fan of busy, bustling environments.

Limited Variety: While the mall has a good selection of high-end retailers, it lacks the diversity of stores that you might find in larger or more varied shopping centers. If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options or a broader range of shops, you might find the selection here somewhat limited.

Overall: The Shops at Columbus Circle is a convenient and upscale shopping destination with excellent dining options and a prime location in Manhattan. However, the high prices, crowded atmosphere, and limited variety might make it less appealing to those looking for a more relaxed or diverse shopping experience. If you’re in the area and ready to splurge, it’s definitely worth a visit, but for everyday shopping or bargain hunting, other locations might...

Awesome shopping experience, with outstanding high-end stores. The center piece of Columbus Circle, is the main pillar/statue of the extraordinary explorer, researcher, and one of our (historically) first scientists. Who correctly calculated, at that time, that the world was not flat, but indeed round. Although, he missed the truly magnificent enormous size the Earth. Therefore, he was off by thousands of miles of the exact size of the world. Nevertheless, it must be remembered, that this was pre-colonial times. This was the historical age of Castles, Knights and Sailing Ships. Basically, in our historical timeline to our growth as a civilization, this time was the age of the actual Renaissance. His discoveries were truly mind blowing for knowledge, at that time in history. Underneath, the centerpiece lies a truly magnificent fountain, of multiple sprinklers and lights. You must cross the street, to "the Center", to behold the full truly exceptional landscape of the fountains. A must see at nighttime. 💖🌟🌟🌟💜💙 For all the magnificent lights spectacular. Truly a sight to love Highly recommended Absolutely Like...

Between the shops and food options on the top floors (beneath the residence and office upper levels, that is) all the way to the Whole Foods on the lower level, The Shops at Columbus Circle are a sleek, glistening, festive (esp. around the holidays) place to shop or eat or if you just need a respite from the rain or cold and/or a convenient place in the area to meet friends. Not the cheapest prices, all around, but that's to be expected, given the location, I suppose. Sometimes quality over value, though, right? Nice public bathrooms, although I am not certain about accessibility since the pandemic restrictions went back into effect. I do wish there was a way to enter Whole Foods from the Turnstile Underground Market (also, four stars!) - surely there could be an access corridor linking the two spaces?), so that it wasn't necessary to climb a tall stairwell/escalator, exit the subway station, enter The Shops, and then descend an escalator inside to get to the market below. Otherwise, generally...