The storied Washington Heights/Sugar Hill plateau overlooking upper Harlem developed around the historic 18th and 19th-century country estates. Notable figures such as Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, and Madame Eliza Jumel, socialite and second wife of former vice-president, Aaron Burr, and John James Audubon, the American ornithologist, naturalist, lived in the area and made their mark on American history.
Today, the area's topography still bears evidence of centuries past with rolling hills, wooded parks, and waterfront views, but amidst grand historic apartment houses and cultural institutions, a vibrant American-Dominican culture and street life now defines Washington Heights.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Guided tour by licensed tour guide and Harlem resident
✖ Gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure:
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Departure Point: Sugar Hill - North Harlem
Address: In front of the Washington Heights NYC Pubic Library, 1000 St Nicholas Avenue at the NE corner of W 160th Street & St Nicholas Avenue.
Directions: Take the UPTOWN C subway to W. 163th Street station. walk two blocks south almost to 160th Street.
Itinerary
1
Morris-Jumel Mansion
The Morris–Jumel Mansion or Morris House is a Federal style museum home in northern Manhattan with mid-eighteenth century roots.
Duration: 10 minutes
2
Hispanic Society of America
The Hispanic Society of America is a museum and reference library for the study of the arts and cultures of Spain and Portugal and their former colonies in Latin America, the Philippines and Portuguese India.
Duration: 10 minutes
3
Harlem One Stop Walking Tours
On this Washington Heights to Sugar Hill walking tour, your guide will take you on an informative walk through North Harlem. Learn about the development of area from rural countryside and estates, and the site of the revolutionary war, to what is now the center of New York's Dominican community.
We will pass by the Church of the Intercession & Trinity Cemetery – the resting place of some of New York City’s aristocracy and politicos who shaped the development of New York City.
Visit the Morris-Jumel Mansion and The Hispanic Society of America. View from street, the Bailey House, the castle-like residence built for James Bailey, of Barnum and Bailey Circus fame, the Audubon Ballroom - site of the assassination of Malcolm X in 1965, and former homes of some of Harlem’s notable residents associated with the Harlem Renaissance.
Leave with a new understanding of this unique New York neighborhood. This tour is led by a Harlem local and is great for all ages.
Duration: 2 hours
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• This is a walking tour. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
• This tour focuses on neighborhood history. It does not include visit to church or music.
• Tour may be moderately difficult for the physically challenged.
