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
Fun + Free: Iconic City Stops
Beaches & Waterfront Areas
- Explore Coney Island – Iconic boardwalk, amusement park, and beach.
- Visit Rockaway Beach – Surfing, boardwalk, and ocean views.
- Take the Ferry to Governor’s Island – Historic sites, art installations, and bike rentals.
- Bike the Esplanade – Scenic ride along the East River.
- Pier 35 Swings – Relaxing riverside swings with city views.
Parks & Green Spaces
- Hike in Van Cortlandt Park – Wooded trails and historic sites in the Bronx.
- Explore Little Island – Floating park with gardens and performance spaces.
- Venture Along the High Line – Elevated park with art and views.
- Stroll Through Riverside Park – Hudson River views and quiet trails.
- Explore the Queens Botanical Garden – Seasonal blooms and gardens.
- Visit Poe Park – Home to Edgar Allan Poe’s historic cottage.
- Central Park – Endless trails, lakes, and hidden gems.
- Prospect Park – Brooklyn’s sprawling green oasis.
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Seasonal cherry blossoms and conservatories.
Bridges & Walks
- Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge – Classic skyline views.
- Walk Across the George Washington Bridge – Connects NYC and NJ with stunning views.
- Walk the Williamsburg Bridge – Lesser-known but great for views of Lower Manhattan.
- Brooklyn Literary Walking Tour – Explore historic literary sites.
Art, Architecture & Unique Outdoor Experiences
- See an Original Banksy Piece – Street art treasure hunt.
- Visit the Flatiron Building – Iconic triangular skyscraper.
- Admire St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Neo-Gothic masterpiece.
- Socrates Sculpture Park – Outdoor contemporary art exhibitions in Queens.
- The Met Cloisters – Medieval art in Fort Tryon Park.
Hiking & Adventure
- Storm King Art Center – Outdoor sculpture park with rolling hills.
- Palisades Interstate Park – Hiking trails along the cliffs of the Hudson.
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 Exchange, Housing 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
Maya Castronovo, CC’23, joined University Life as a freshman looking for a work-study job. Now, four years later, Maya is graduating and leaving her role at University Life. We recently sat down with Maya and asked her to reflect on her experiences at Columbia.
Shatize Pope is studying human rights at the School of General Studies. She works as Community Outreach Coordinator at Community Impact, and is a University Life Ambassador and a member of the University Life Events Council.
James Jennings, Jr. is a second-year Master’s student in the African and African American Diaspora Studies Department. He is a Double Discovery Teaching Fellow, educating high school students in popular African American protest music and literature and the poetry of the Harlem Renaissance. In this post, James reflects on his academic journey, family history, work as a teacher, and the importance of Black Studies as a discipline.
Tanya, a recipient of Columbia’s Scholarship for Displaced Students, founded a mentorship program for Ukrainian students who want to continue their education during the war. Her goal is to prepare a new generation of Ukrainians to play an integral part in their country’s post-war reconstruction.
Julian Melo is an immigrant, first generation American, United States Army veteran and a senior at the School of General Studies, where he is pursuing a degree in Political Science. He is a Social Impact Fellow with Columbia World Projects and an alumnus of the Harvard Humanities Warrior Scholars Project.
Dylan Baca & Tristan Espinoza on Commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Indigenous Youth Advocacy
Dylan Baca (CC‘25) and Tristan Espinoza (CC‘25) are both board members of the Indigenous Peoples’ Initiative (IPI), a national, non-partisan, youth-led organization creating opportunities for Indigenous people. Dylan, who founded the organization in 2019, is active in advocating for the recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the local, state and national levels. After meeting Dylan at Columbia, Tristan joined these efforts.
Johanna Martinez (CC ‘24) is studying sustainable development and was selected as one of the inaugural Social Impact Fellows at Columbia World Projects. On campus, she is the finance manager for Alianza, a Latine student group, and the academic editor for Consilience, a sustainability journal.
Abel Al-Iqbal Radian (CC '23) is co-president of the Columbia Indonesian Society, an active member the CU Society of Hip Hop, and working on an independent research project about the varying definitions of what qualifies as ‘Halal’ food. He spent his summer as a mentor to high school students in the Freedom and Citizenship college seminar.
Earlier this month, Trina Nurse graduated from the School of Social Work as part of the Class of 2022. She is now working as a Blue Ridge Fellow at the Robinhood Foundation and, in the fall, will begin as a fellow at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
William Yuen Yee said it was one email he sent to a professor that would change his future and help lead him to begin his career in foreign relations.
Chinmayi Balusu (she/her) graduated this Spring from Columbia College. Her time at Columbia has deepened her passion for neuroscience's intersections with other academic disciplines like public health and her desire to focus on patient-centered clinical research.
Tigidankay (TK) Saccoh (she/her) is a 22-year-old anti-colorism advocate, public speaker, content creator, and fourth-year student studying Psychology and Public Health at Columbia College. When she was 20 years old, TK created the Darkest Hue. She regularly curates original, thought-provoking content and publishes heartfelt testimonials from young Black women and girls about their unique experiences with colorism. TK's work has been featured in the Malala Fund, Ebony Magazine, Forbes, and NBC's The Today Show.