8/10/24

Your Ultimate Guide to Things to Do Near Columbia University

So, you’re hanging around Columbia University, either as a student, a visiting parent, or just a curious explorer in one of New York City’s most unique neighborhoods. Here’s the thing about Morningside Heights – it’s not just a college town. It’s a vibrant, historic, & totally captivating corner of Manhattan that a lot of people miss. I’ve spent a TON of time here, & trust me, there's so much to do, see, & eat. Let's dive into the real gems of the area, from iconic landmarks to the student-approved cheap eats.

Exploring the Neighborhood: It’s More Than Just a Campus

First off, let's get the lay of the land. Morningside Heights is beautifully sandwiched between two of the city's best green spaces: Riverside Park & Morningside Park. This gives the neighborhood a surprisingly tranquil feel for a place that's also buzzing with intellectual energy. It's home to a cluster of prestigious institutions, including Columbia, Barnard College, & the Manhattan School of Music, which all contribute to its unique vibe. The architecture is another standout feature, with grand pre-war apartment buildings & charming rowhouses that give the area a timeless feel.
One of the best things you can do is just walk around. You'll stumble upon independent bookstores, cozy cafes, & low-key bars that have been serving the community for years. It’s a neighborhood that rewards wandering, so put on some comfy shoes & get lost for a bit.

Must-See Landmarks & Cultural Hotspots

You can’t talk about being near Columbia without mentioning the incredible landmarks that are literally on its doorstep. These aren't just tourist traps; they're integral parts of the neighborhood's identity.

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine

Honestly, you can't miss this place. It's the world's largest Gothic cathedral, & it is absolutely breathtaking. I’m not a particularly religious person, but the sheer scale of the architecture & the beauty of the stained-glass windows are enough to make anyone feel something. They have a bunch of different tours you can take, including a "Vertical Tour" that takes you up more than 124 feet through spiral staircases to the roof for an incredible view of Manhattan. They also have a Cathedral Arts Tour that showcases their amazing collection, which includes everything from 17th-century tapestries to a triptych by the famous artist Keith Haring. It’s a must-see, for sure.

Riverside Church

Just across the street from the main Columbia campus, you'll find the imposing Riverside Church. This neo-Gothic beauty was built by the Rockefeller family in the 1930s & has a long history of social justice advocacy. It's another stunning piece of architecture, & it's worth peeking inside to see the beautiful nave.

General Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial (Grant's Tomb)

A short walk from campus into Riverside Park will bring you to Grant's Tomb, the final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant & his wife, Julia. It’s a striking monument, based on the design of the Tomb of Mausolus in Turkey, & it's a pretty cool piece of American history right in the neighborhood.

The Apollo Theater

A little further afield, but absolutely worth the trip, is the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem. This iconic venue has been a launching pad for countless music legends, from Ella Fitzgerald to James Brown. It's a cornerstone of African-American culture & a true New York City institution. Check their schedule for a show or take a tour to soak in the history.

Getting Outside: Parks & Green Spaces

One of the things that makes Morningside Heights so special is its access to amazing parks. When the city gets to be too much, you have some incredible options for a breath of fresh air.

Riverside Park

Stretching for four miles along the Hudson River, Riverside Park is a true gem. It was designed by the same guys who designed Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted & Calvert Vaux, so you know it’s good. It’s perfect for a jog, a bike ride, or just a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. There are also a ton of things to do within the park itself. You’ll find a bird sanctuary between 116th & 124th Streets, with over 200 species of birds, including a famous wild turkey named Giuliani who was first spotted in 2003. The park also has playgrounds, sports fields, & the beautiful Cherry Walk, which is covered in cherry blossoms in the spring.

Morningside Park

This 30-acre park is what separates Morningside Heights from Harlem, & it’s a really unique space. It’s set on a steep hill, which the original city planners deemed too difficult to build on, so it was turned into a park. The result is a rugged, picturesque landscape with a waterfall, a pond, & some great paths for walking or jogging. It’s a favorite spot for locals & hosts a farmers' market nine months out of the year.

Sakura Park

Tucked away near Riverside Church & Grant's Tomb, Sakura Park is a small but beautiful park known for its stunning cherry blossom trees. It's a peaceful spot to relax with a book or have a quiet conversation with a friend.

The Food Scene: From Cheap Eats to Date Night Spots

Okay, let's talk about food. The area around Columbia has a fantastic mix of cheap, student-friendly spots & more upscale restaurants perfect for a special occasion. Here are some of my personal favorites:

For a Quick & Delicious Bite:

  • Jin Ramen: This place is a go-to for a reason. They serve up delicious, soul-warming bowls of ramen in a cozy, wood-lined space. It's the perfect meal for a cold day, & their appetizers are great for sharing.
  • Absolute Bagels: There’s an ongoing debate about the best bagels in NYC, but Absolute Bagels is always in the conversation. Be prepared for a line, but it’s worth it for their fresh, chewy bagels.
  • Tom's Restaurant: You might recognize the exterior of this diner from the TV show Seinfeld, where it was the fictional Monk's Cafe. It's a classic New York diner with a huge menu, & it's a fun spot to grab a bite with friends.
  • Roti Roll: This spot serves up delicious Indian street food, specifically "frankies," which are wraps filled with all sorts of spiced goodies. It's affordable, filling, & SO flavorful.

For a Sit-Down Meal:

  • Dinosaur Bar-B-Que: If you're craving barbecue, this is the place to go. They have slow-cooked ribs, pulled pork, & all the classic sides, plus live jazz on Friday & Saturday nights.
  • Thai Market: For some of the best Thai food in Upper Manhattan, head to Thai Market. The walls are decorated with photos of Bangkok food markets, & the menu is inspired by Thai street food.
  • Melba's: A Harlem institution, Melba's serves up incredible soul food. The fried chicken is a must-try, as are the collard greens & black-eyed peas.
  • Pisticci: This subterranean Italian restaurant is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a nice meal with your parents. They have a cozy, intimate atmosphere & even grow their own organic produce at a farm north of the city.

Student Life & Hangout Spots

If you want to get a feel for the real Columbia experience, you have to check out the places where students actually hang out. These are the spots where papers are written, friendships are forged, & memories are made.

The Hungarian Pastry Shop

This place is a true Morningside Heights legend. It's been around since 1961 & has a wonderfully old-world, European cafe feel. It's a favorite spot for students, professors, & writers to camp out for hours with a coffee & a pastry. The atmosphere is conducive to studying, but it's also a great place to people-watch & soak in the neighborhood's intellectual energy. They have free coffee refills, which is a HUGE plus for students on a budget.

The Steps of Low Library

When the weather is nice, you'll find the steps of Low Memorial Library packed with students. It’s the unofficial social hub of the campus, a place to see & be seen, catch up with friends, or just relax in the sun. It's one of those quintessential Columbia experiences.

The Campus Bars

Of course, no college experience is complete without a few good bars. Near campus, you'll find a few student-approved spots:
  • Mel's Burger Bar: This is a classic college sports bar with burgers, fries, & boozy milkshakes. It's a popular spot for game days & weekend nights.
  • Amity Hall Uptown: A big, lively spot with a great beer selection & a popular happy hour. They also have a well-known "Senior Night" on Wednesdays.
  • The Lion's Head: A more traditional dive bar with cheap beer, wings, & a friendly, casual atmosphere. It's a great alternative to the more crowded student bars.

On-Campus Culture & Arts

You don’t even have to leave campus to find some great cultural experiences. Columbia has its own art gallery & theater that are open to the public & definitely worth checking out.
Located in the Lenfest Center for the Arts, the Wallach Art Gallery features exhibitions of contemporary art, often curated by graduate students in art history & archaeology. It's a great way to see work by up-and-coming artists & engage with the university's creative side.

Miller Theatre

The Miller Theatre at Columbia is a leading presenter of new music in New York City. They're known for their innovative programming & for championing the work of contemporary composers. If you're a fan of classical or experimental music, you should definitely check out their schedule.

A Quick Note on Getting Around & Parking

Now, for a little practical advice. Getting to Morningside Heights is pretty easy on the subway, with the 1 train stopping right at Columbia University. However, if you're driving, you know that parking in Manhattan can be a total nightmare. It’s expensive, hard to find, & generally a huge headache.
This is where a little insider knowledge comes in handy. There’s a pretty cool service called Prked that can be a lifesaver. It’s a platform that connects people who need parking with homeowners who are renting out their empty driveways & garages. You can find convenient & affordable parking just a short walk from campus, which is a GAME CHANGER. It’s way better than circling the block for an hour or paying a fortune for a commercial garage.
And, if you're a student who needs to store your stuff over the summer or during a semester abroad, Prked also offers a great solution for that. You can find affordable storage space in someone's garage, attic, or basement. It's a much more personal & often cheaper alternative to traditional storage units.
I hope this guide has been helpful! Morningside Heights is a truly special neighborhood with a ton to offer. Let me know what you think, & if you have any other favorite spots, I'd love to hear about them
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