Occupying more than 100 blocks, Upper Manhattan is a primarily residential neighborhood in New York City. This district of The Big Apple is bound by the Hudson River and Harlem River. Tranquil and lush, Upper Manhattan is home to some of the borough’s best public parks and recreational spaces. Whether it’s by rapid transit, bus, or car, getting to this large neighborhood in northern Manhattan should be easy.
Upper Manhattan is less visited by visitors than Midtown or Lower Manhattan. However, we should not underestimate Upper Manhattan. There are two of the city’s oldest homes here, as well as neighborhoods that commemorate the rich heritage of the African-American and Hispanic cultures. In this video, we zoom in on Manhattan’s northernmost borough, Upper Manhattan.
Attractions and Landmarks
Located in the heart of Fort Tryon Park, the Cloisters is perhaps the most visited attraction in Upper Manhattan. As the name suggests, this landmark includes original cloisters that were imported from France and Spain.
Affiliated with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Cloisters boasts an extensive collection of Medieval artwork. Canvas paintings, tapestries, sculptures, and other crafts with Christian themes dominate the galleries. The beautiful gardens and terraces at this venue have been reconstructed exactly based on the original layouts of monasteries and churches in Europe.
If you’re a history buff, then the Morris-Jumel Mansion should be a wonderful addition to your itinerary in Upper Manhattan. Originally built in the late 18th century, this elegant residence contains elements of Georgian, Federal, and Palladian architectural styles. The Morris-Jumel Mansion includes a museum that presents the early history of New York City from the perspective of a successful merchant family. In fact, this property is considered one of the oldest surviving residential structures in the entire borough.
As you explore Upper Manhattan, you can see other interesting sites that have significance in the nation’s early history. For example, Fort Washington Park is located on the site of a small military outpost that was used by the Continental Army to assault the mighty British naval fleet.
The southwestern boundary of Upper Manhattan encompasses Grant’s Tomb. Having a stunning Neoclassical design, this memorial holds the graves of the nation’s 18th president and his wife. The National Park Service is officially in charge of managing this important landmark that was dedicated in the late 1890s.
Parks and Recreation
Inwood Hill Park occupies approximately 200 acres in the northwestern tip of Manhattan. Covered in dense trees, this park is situated at the confluence of the Hudson River and Spuyten Duyvil Creek.
Situated at some of the highest elevations in the borough, the lush Fort Tryon Park also overlooks the Hudson River. Greenways and trails smoothly connect this hilltop park with Fort Washington Park, which is located directly underneath the iconic George Washington Bridge.
Some other major green spaces in Upper Manhattan include Harlem River Park and Highbridge Park. They are both located on the banks of the narrow Harlem River that forms a natural boundary between Manhattan and the Bronx.
Transportation and Directions
Upper Manhattan is served well by the New York City Subway, which is the main rapid transit network in NYC. More than a dozen total subway stops are located in this part of the borough. Unlike in Midtown and Downtown, the train stations are actually located above street level.
The A and 1 lines provide convenient access to virtually all neighborhoods in this section of Manhattan. There are also lots of bus stops that are designated specifically for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) system.
When it comes to car traffic, Broadway is one of the busiest thoroughfares in Upper Manhattan. The western side of the district is flanked by the Henry Hudson Parkway, which has exits and ramps connected to the busy George Washington Bridge. The eastern side of this major crossing over the Hudson River is also home to a major bus terminal that’s primarily served by commuter routes.