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Washington Heights, New York City — Area Guide & Where to Stay
Washington Heights runs along the high ridge of northern Manhattan, held between the Hudson River and the Harlem River, just north of Harlem.
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Where to stay in Washington Heights
Where visitors usually base themselves, and why.
Stays here divide by river. The Hudson River side around Fort Washington Presbyterian Church and the Church of Our Lady of Esperanza sits high and quiet, close to the point where Continental Army troops built the fort that named the neighborhood. Toward the Harlem River, the ground drops past Coogan's Bluff and the Morris-Jumel Mansion.
The 155th Street edge puts Harlem within a few blocks. If you are visiting for the Hispanic Society of America or the Morris-Jumel Mansion, either side works, and Dyckman Street carries you north into Inwood when the ridge runs out.
Find hotels in Washington Heights
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Fort Washington
Streets around Fort Washington Presbyterian Church and the Church of Our Lady of Esperanza hold the crest above the Hudson River.Find hotels in Fort Washingtona walk up to the Morris-Jumel MansionCoogan's Bluff
The eastern fall of the ridge toward the Harlem River, with the Morris-Jumel Mansion standing on the height above it. Beds are limited here, so book early.Find hotels in Coogan's Bluffthe Harlem boundary and the cemetery gates155th Street
The southern line of the neighborhood, beside the Chapel of the Intercession Complex and Trinity Cemetery. Beds are limited here, so book early.Find hotels in 155th StreetHotel links are affiliate links: booking through them may earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects how places are ranked. How this works
Things to do in and around New York City
Ranked by global recognition; descriptions from Wikidata (CC0).
Museums & Galleries
2- Hispanic Society of America Heritage
- Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling
Churches & Religious Sites
4- North Presbyterian Church Heritage
- Fort Washington Presbyterian Church Heritage
- Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist Heritage
- Chapel of the Intercession Complex and Trinity Cemetery Heritage
Landmarks & Notable Places
1- Morris-Jumel Mansion Heritage
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About Washington Heights
What are the main landmarks in Washington Heights?
The Morris-Jumel Mansion crowns the eastern height. The Hispanic Society of America keeps its collections nearby, and the Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling and the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center round out the neighborhood's museums. Churches carry much of the built record.
The Church of the Incarnation, Roman Catholic, St. Elizabeth's Church, North Presbyterian Church, and the Fourth Church of Christ, Scientist stand among the apartment blocks, with the Chapel of the Intercession Complex and Trinity Cemetery closing the southern end.
What is the history of Washington Heights?
The name comes from a fort. Continental Army troops raised Fort Washington at the highest natural point on Manhattan to hold the ground against British forces during the American Revolutionary War, and the neighborhood carried the name afterward. The Morris-Jumel Mansion survives from that period.
Later building left the churches and the Chapel of the Intercession Complex and Trinity Cemetery, and the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center marks a much later chapter on the same streets.
Where is Washington Heights?
Inwood lies beyond Dyckman Street to the north, Harlem across 155th Street to the south, Coogan's Bluff and the Harlem River east, the Hudson River west.
Common questions
What is the best area to stay in Washington Heights?
Fort Washington: the high Hudson River side of the ridge. Coogan's Bluff: a walk up to the Morris-Jumel Mansion. 155th Street: the Harlem boundary and the cemetery gates.
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Updated October 2026