Columbia University Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game

New York City , United States of America

Columbia University Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We've turned Columbia University into an incredible outdoor digital adventure. Our PokemonGo style app will take you to 10 iconic places around Columbia University. At each location, you will need to solve a puzzle before advancing. It is part Scavenger Hunt and part Escape Room! You can play solo or in a group. Besides completing fun puzzles, you will learn fascinating details about different places like . You will walk around 0.7 miles as you find clues, solve puzzles and get closer to completing the adventure. You can go at your own pace, but it should take around 60 minutes to complete the adventure. Over 200,000 players have used our app to explore the world. We can't wait for you to play as well!

Available options

Columbia University Scavenger Hunt and Escape Game

What's included

Solving Amazing Puzzles around Campus

Learning more about Columbia Universities traditions and history

Self Guided so you can go at your own pace

What's not included

Gratuities

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

You can download the app at Columbia University Bookstore
. This is a SELF GUIDED adventure so you won't meet anyone from our team.

Important notes

Here are the simple instructions on how to play The Great Game! It should take about 2 minutes to download the app, create a team and start to play. If you entered your phone number, you will also get texted these instructions.

1. Gather your team of anywhere between 1-8 players. If you have more than 8 players, you can form two teams and play simultaneously.

2. Have at least 1 player on your team download The Great Game App ( https://qr1.be/317M ). Not every player needs to download the app, but if you can, we encourage you to. You can click on the link above to download the app, or you can search TheGreatGame in the Apple app store/ Google Play Store. We have a yellow and blue balloon icon.

3. When you download the app, each player should sign up with an email address. Note, you can use a made up email address if you wish and you will still be able to log in just fine. Have one team member click on the giant '+'' button in order to register for a game, and then click onColumbia University.

4. Choose a team name and password. Your teammates will do the same, but instead click 'Join Team' and put in the same team name and password.

5. Once everyone has joined your team, and is near Columbia University Bookstore click 'begin game' and start your epic adventure!

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information