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Washington Heights - Sugar Hill North Harlem Walking Tour

Washington Heights - Sugar Hill North Harlem Walking Tour

Overview

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.

City: New York City

Sun 30 Mar

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

Sun 30 Mar

Starting at $30.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Guided tour by licensed tour guide and Harlem resident

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.

What To Expect

Morris-Jumel Mansion

The Morris–Jumel Mansion or Morris House is a Federal style museum home in northern Manhattan with mid-eighteenth century roots.

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.

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.

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (11)

Rose_P

Mar 2025

Wear comfortable shoes and bring your phone/camera for photos! William was absolutely wonderful—super knowledgeable and excited to talk about Harlem—and he went above and beyond taking us inside Audubon and CUNY. Highly recommend this tour!

Mariah_R

Sep 2024

William was our guide for this incredible tour of Harlem. We loved seeing the sights, learning the history of the area, and getting the local scoop on how to order a sandwich at the local deli and where to go for lunch. 10/5 stars

berthab194

May 2024

Excellent tour given by Professor William Gibbons, a CCNY professor. I’m a native New Yorker who accompanied out of town friends and even though I lived in the area many years ago while attending medical school I learned and saw so many new things. William was smart, capable and totally perfect as a guide.