In the City of New York

Columbia is just the beginning. Here, the city becomes your classroom, your escape, and your favorite story to tell. Scroll below to discover free adventures, hidden gems, and the people and places that make New York City part of every Columbia experience.

Fun + Free Activities Around NYC

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Fun + Free: Iconic City Stops

Beaches & Waterfront Areas

Parks & Green Spaces

Bridges & Walks

Art, Architecture & Unique Outdoor Experiences

Hiking & Adventure


Manhattan

  • American Museum of Natural History
    Known for its vast collection, including dinosaur fossils, the giant blue whale, and exhibits on human evolution, space, and more. Don’t miss the Rose Center for Earth and Space.
  • The New-York Historical Society
    One of the city’s oldest museums, focusing on the history of New York City and the nation with exhibitions on art, history, and culture.
  • Wallach Art Gallery 
    A leading gallery for contemporary art, with an emphasis on cultural engagement and diverse artistic perspectives.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
    A global treasure trove, featuring everything from ancient artifacts to European paintings. Don't miss the rooftop garden for stunning views of Central Park.
  • Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
    Famous for its distinctive spiraling architecture by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Guggenheim houses modern and contemporary art.
  • The Jewish Museum
    Focusing on Jewish culture and history, this museum offers art exhibitions, educational programs, and special events.
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
    One of the most influential modern art museums globally, home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Warhol.
  • The Morgan Library & Museum
    A beautiful space showcasing rare manuscripts, books, and art from some of the world’s greatest creators, including literary legends.
  • The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT)
    A must-see for fashion lovers, this museum features exhibits on fashion history, design, and textiles.
  • The New Museum
    An iconic museum dedicated to contemporary art, featuring innovative exhibits from emerging artists and experimental art movements.
  • American Folk Art Museum 
    A unique collection of folk art, featuring pieces from a wide range of mediums and cultural backgrounds.
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
    A poignant space dedicated to the events of September 11, 2001, and the aftermath, offering an emotional and reflective experience.
  • The Tenement Museum
    Telling the stories of immigrants who lived in Lower East Side tenements, this museum gives insight into the history of immigration in the U.S.
  • National Museum of the American Indian
    Located in the historic U.S. Custom House, this museum showcases Native American history, culture, and contemporary art.


Brooklyn

  • Brooklyn Museum
    Featuring collections ranging from Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art, it’s one of the largest museums in the city, with a strong focus on diverse artists.
  • The Whitney Museum of American Art
    Recently relocated to a stunning building in the Meatpacking District, this museum showcases 20th- and 21st-century American art.
  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden
    While not strictly a museum, the garden offers exhibits on horticulture, nature, and sustainability, alongside beautiful green spaces to explore.


Queens

  • Museum of the Moving Image
    A great stop for film, TV, and video game enthusiasts, offering exhibits on film history, technology, and media culture.
  • Noguchi Museum
    Dedicated to the works of Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi, this museum combines art, architecture, and design.
  • Poster House
    New York’s first museum dedicated to posters, showcasing the art of graphic design and the impact of visual media.
  • Queens Museum
    Known for the New York City Panorama (a huge scale model of the city), it also hosts exhibitions on global issues, social justice, and contemporary art.


The Bronx

  • The Bronx Museum of the Arts
    A contemporary art museum with a focus on artists from the Bronx, Latin America, and the Caribbean. It frequently hosts cutting-edge exhibitions.
  • The New York Botanical Garden
    Another garden that doubles as a living museum, this expansive site features botanical exhibits, seasonal displays, and a beautiful landscape.
  • Wave Hill
    A stunning public garden and cultural center offering views of the Hudson River and exhibitions on nature, horticulture, and environmentalism.
  • Must Stops for Thrifting 
    Hit up NYC’s best thrift and consignment stores for one-of-a-kind finds and unbeatable deals! Whether you're hunting for vintage treasures or on the lookout for stylish steals, spots like Beacon’s Closet, Buffalo ExchangeHousing Works, and L Train Vintage offer an eclectic mix of clothing and accessories. With locations across the city, you’ll be sure to find something that adds a fresh twist to your style. Happy thrifting!
     
  • Shop the 77/79th Street Greenmarket
    Looking to stay on the Upper West Side this weekend? Stock up on fresh produce at the 77/79th Street Greenmarket for a home-cooked meal or simply browse for unique items. Located just behind the American Museum of Natural History, this year-round market is open every Sunday from 9 AM - 4 PM. 
     
  • Browse the Grand Bazaar NYC
    Located on the Upper West Side, the Grand Bazaar is a vibrant marketplace where vintage lovers, craft seekers, and antique enthusiasts can find hidden gems. With over 100 vendors offering everything from unique clothing and jewelry to artwork and home decor, it’s the ideal place to hunt for one-of-a-kind treasures. Open every Sunday, this eclectic bazaar is a must-visit for those looking to explore a mix of local artisans and quirky finds, all while supporting small businesses.
     
  • Explore the Essex Market
    A cornerstone of the Lower East Side for over 100 years, Essex Market features many local vendors who sell fresh produce and global specialty foods such as gourmet coffee, baked goods, artisanal cheeses, and spices. This eclectic market is open Monday through Saturday from 8 AM - 8 PM and Sunday from 10 AM - 6 PM.
     
  • Shop at the Union Square Greenmarket
    Since 1976, the Union Square Greenmarket has been bustling with energy four days a week. This market is a must-visit for food lovers and fresh produce enthusiasts and has brought together regional farmers, bakers, and artisans, offering everything from just-picked fruits and vegetables to farm-fresh dairy, handmade bread, and treats. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere and stock up on seasonal ingredients to enjoy this true New York City experience.
     
  • Find a New Book at the Strand Bookstore
    A literary landmark since 1927, the Strand Bookstore is a paradise for book lovers in the heart of NYC. With 18 miles of books, including rare finds and bestsellers, it’s the perfect place to get lost in the stacks. Whether you’re searching for a vintage edition, browsing staff picks, or hunting for a bargain in the dollar carts, the Strand offers an unforgettable experience for every reader.

Explore Student Voices

Suane Larissa Bispo dos Santos is a student at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Originally from Brazil, she came to New York City with her family in 2023 to pursue a Masters degree in Public Administration. For Women’s History Month, she spoke with us about role models who empowered her growing up, raising her son in a male dominated society, and how she hopes to inspire young girls and give back to her community.

Maggie Salinas (CC’25) studies creative writing and works as a Communications Assistant at University Life. She shares her journey to Columbia as a first-generation, Mexican-American student, the mentors and friends she’s met here, and how her family keeps her focused and pushes her to persevere.

Andrew Rust (SEAS’24) channels his passion for making tech accessible into ByteSize Learning – a company he founded to improve computer literacy for kids. While at Columbia, he has received support to grow this venture from Columbia Entrepreneurship, Innovation, & Design.

Throughout his life, Ferdinando Castro-Gonzalez, GS’24, has needed to dig deep to find motivation in the face of challenges.

Jeremy Chiu, MSPH’23, is a University Life Ambassador studying Epidemiology with a certificate in Infectious Disease. In the lead up to Commencement, we spoke with Jeremy and he reflected on his time at Columbia, his photography, and getting involved at Columbia as an introvert.

Hanyu (Alison) Ye, CSSW’23, is a University Life Ambassador who is excited to begin her career in social work. She spoke with University Life in the lead up to Commencement about why she left behind a lucrative career in China to study social work. She shared how she copes with loneliness and about her experiences working with seniors and immigrants.

Bingruo (Melanie) Xu, SPS’23, studies Applied Analytics in the School of Professional Studies. In this interview with University Life, Bingruo shares her experiences as an international student and her journey to Columbia.

Tenneh Sillah, ARTS ‘23, studies acting and works with University Life as a Communications Assistant. You may recognize Tenneh from University Life reels and her performances at Columbia. We spoke with her in the lead up to graduation about her experiences in the MFA Acting Program, the joys and challenges of being an actor, and what she's looking forward to after graduation.



To find even more fun + free events around campus, be sure to keep an eye out for our weekly Events & Opportunities newsletter, which is shared every Tuesday!

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