Uptown Manhattan, also known as Upper Manhattan, is the northernmost section of the borough. Uptown is more residential and less of a major tourist center, though it is home to some of the city’s most significant cultural and historical attractions.
Key Neighborhoods
- Harlem: A world-famous hub of African-American culture and history, particularly known for the Harlem Renaissance. Major landmarks include the Apollo Theater and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
- Upper West Side: A classic, residential neighborhood known for its beautiful pre-war buildings, proximity to Central Park and Riverside Park, and cultural institutions like Lincoln Center and the American Museum of Natural History.
- Washington Heights & Inwood: The northernmost neighborhoods of Manhattan, known for their hilly topography, diverse communities, and stunning views of the Hudson River. The Cloisters, a branch of The Metropolitan Museum of Art dedicated to medieval European art, is a major attraction here.
- Morningside Heights: Home to several prominent academic institutions, including Columbia University and the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, one of the largest cathedrals in the world.
Attractions and Activities
- Museums and Culture:
- The Cloisters: A branch of The Met that specializes in medieval art and architecture, located in Fort Tryon Park.
- The Apollo Theater: An iconic and historic music hall in Harlem that has launched the careers of countless legendary artists.
- American Museum of Natural History: A sprawling museum with vast collections covering the natural world, human cultures, and the cosmos.
- General Grant National Memorial: The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Grant, in Riverside Park.
- Parks and Recreation:
- Central Park: The northern section of the park is often quieter and less crowded than the southern part. It includes attractions like the Conservatory Garden, the North Woods, and the Harlem Meer.
- Riverside Park: A scenic waterfront park along the Hudson River, stretching from 72nd Street to 158th Street, offering walking and biking paths, piers, and monuments.
- Fort Tryon Park: A beautiful public park with stunning views of the Hudson River and the Palisades, home to The Cloisters.
