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Columbia University

Columbia University: Our most recommended tours and activities

NYC: Circle Line Best of NYC Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

1. NYC: Circle Line Best of NYC Skip-The-Box-Office Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing cruise of New York Harbor and Manhattan Island as you discover the secrets of the city. You will circle Manhattan, passing 3 rivers, 7 major bridges – including the world-famous Brooklyn Bridge – 5 boroughs, and more than 101 sights in New York’s legendary skyline. Get up close to the Statue of Liberty and see Manhattan just as the great explorers would have seen it at the end of their long ocean journeys. Tour the city by water and see the outer boroughs drift by. Fun and knowledgeable tour guides will bring the city that never sleeps to life, telling fascinating stories about the breathtaking sights as you sail. See it all as you marvel at the best that New York has to offer. Cruise highlights include close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, Randall’s Island, High Bridge, Columbia University, Harlem, Gracie Mansion, South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, Yankee Stadium, The Cloisters, Grant’s Tomb, and The Little Red Lighthouse.

NYC: Big Apple Helicopter Tour

2. NYC: Big Apple Helicopter Tour

New York City isn’t called the 'Big Apple' for nothing! This very popular tour provides awe-inspiring views of the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Departing from Pier 6, you will soar above the famous Hudson River, and fly right by the magnificent Statue of Liberty, gateway to the city. From your premium vantage point, look out for Governors and Ellis Islands and see Manhattan’s Financial District before cruising past the glinting angles of the NYC skyline. On this portion of the flight you'll see the Chrysler, Woolworth, Hudson Yards, Grand Central Terminal as well as the USS Intrepid, to mention just a few. You will even catch a glimpse of the George Washington Bridge and the world-renowned Central Park. Choose the 20 minute or 30 minute option to extend your flight and soar past Central Park and up to Yankee Stadium, and see St. John the Divine Cathedral, Columbia University, and even the Palisades of New Jersey. This all-encompassing tour really is the best way to see all of New York from the sky!

4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour in New York City

3. 4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour in New York City

Experience an alternative tour of New York in this 4-hour tour of Harlem and the Upper West Side. Meet at the Sheraton New York Hotel at 08:30 AM. From here, be transported by your local guide to the church where the service is held. On the way, pass major landmarks, such as Saint John the Divine Cathedral, Columbia University, Sugar Hill, Morning side Heights, and Hamilton Terrace. Enjoy inspirational and uplifting gospel music. Characterized by its repletion, group participation, strong harmonies, and vibrant energy, the sound of a gospel choir can't fail to put you in a delightful mood. This is a unique chance to glimpse a community service and take part in an extraordinary form of celebration. After mass you will be driven back to Sheraton, where your tour will end. Continue your New York sightseeing filled with joy!

New York City: Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour

4. New York City: Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour

Take an inspiring Sunday tour of Harlem to learn the history of the neighborhood, from its origins as a rural Dutch farming community to its transformation into a summer retreat for New York's most prominent families. Hear how public transportation and real estate made Harlem a fashionable district for those fleeing congested Lower Manhattan. Learn about the arrival of African Americans from the southern states during the Great Migration, and how they formed communities to collectively address economic, political and social issues.  Pass landmarks such as Columbia University, the Cotton Club and Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, to name just a few. Discover where Duke Ellington lived on 125th Street, and then join a local congregation for their Sunday service and experience the uplifting power of gospel music.

Other Sightseeing Options in Columbia University

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What people are saying about Columbia University

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 1,787 reviews

We thoroughly enjoyed the entire tour. The church service was delightful and the singing was beautiful. The tour guide was informative and knowledgeable about the history of Harlem, Apollo Theater, local colleges, and Alexander Hamilton. We found Mahalia to be an excellent guide and would highly recommend her to others.

This should definitely be on your list of things to do! Beautiful view of the city and other iconic structures from the water. Guide was informative and entertaining. Drinks and food on board. Inside and outside seating. Really good experience.

Beautiful idea and the trip was amazing - we've been around the main island seeing all the sights, even the ones we didn't expect. Recommended for all ages and our guide Professor Dave was pleasant and engaging

The tour was very good, our guide was informative and funny. The service was moving, we enjoyed it immensely and were only sorry we had to leave before it ended. Thank you very much!

A really good tour that covers so many iconic spots! Our guide Dave was brilliant , there was plenty of time and opportunities for photos and asking questions