Self-Guided Tour

Self-Guided TourThe Morningside Area Alliance's namesake is a unique neighborhood in Manhattan known for its rich intellectual and cultural capital. One of the city's greenest communities, Morningside Heights is an urban oasis surrounded by expansive parks, beautiful architecture, and open skies. We have included the highlights of the area for any visitor or neighbor who wants to embark on a day of outdoor exploration, arts engagement, and architectural history. Take 3 hours to enjoy the "best-of" the beautiful featured 14 sites and gems of this safe and bustling neighborhood! TOUR ROUTE


A Guide to Student Hiring and Interns

Guide to Student Hiring and Engagement Resources for Your Organization - COMPREHENSIVE PRINT VERSION Morningside Heights is a unique community where academic institutions and nonprofit organizations learn and work together. Among our many assets…

One: 110th Street Subway Stop

The gateway to Morningside Heights by public transportation is the Red line, Number 1 subway stop of 110th Street.  Upon arrival, you will find a treasured 24-hour grocery store, Westside Market, and a bustling intersection of residential,…

Second Stop: Gargoyles and Lobbies

After starting off at a prominent building at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, you may want to take a detour to appreciate the architecture of the residence buildings in the neighborhood. If you're pressed for time, you can skip on to…

Third Stop: The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine

Starting at the 110th Street subway stop, you can begin your tour by walking east along 110th Street to Amsterdam Ave and going north to West 111th Street. You'll hit the Peace Fountain at St. John the Divine first, and by walking further…

At Cathedral of St. John the Divine: The Peace Fountain

Located next to the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, the Peace Fountain was built in 1985 by Greg Wyatt to depict the struggle of good and evil, shown by the archangel Michael vanquishing Satan.The Peace Fountain was sculpted by Cathedral…

At the Cathedral of St. John the Divine: The Ithiel Town Building

On your visit to the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine, be sure to check out the oldest building in Morningside Heights: Ithiel Town Building.Named for its designer, Ithiel Town, the Town Building is the oldest existing structure in…

Fourth Stop: Columbia University

After taking in the magnificence of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine and the buildings in the neighborhood, your next stop involves more artistic and creative appreciation. Continue north on Amsterdam Avenue until West 116th Street,…

Maison Francaise at Columbia University

Founded in 1913, the Maison Française of Columbia University is the oldest French cultural center established on an American university campus. It is a meeting place for students, scholars, business leaders, policy-makers and all persons…

Fifth Stop: Union Theological Seminary

By walking to the intersection of 120th to 122nd Streets between Claremont Avenue and Broadway, you will find yourself in front of your fifth stop: the Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York. Be sure to explore the other institutions…

Sixth Stop: International House and Sakura Park

Moving on from the academic institutions in the neighborhood, head up to Riverside Drive along West 122nd to view International House and take in the greenery of Sakura Park.International HouseSituated at 500 Riverside Drive, north…

Seventh Stop: General Grant's Tomb

Once you've explored Sakura Park, you can head over to General Grant's Tomb by crossing the street into Riverside Park. The park's entrance is located at the intersection of Riverside Drive and West 122nd Street, and you can take the steps…

Eighth Stop: The Riverside Church and the Interchurch Center

Exiting from General Grant's tomb, you cannot miss the Riverside Church, located on Riverside Drive and 120th Street where Harlem and the Upper West Side meet. Riverside Church is located right next to Sakura Park, and across the street…

Last Stop: Manhattan School of Music

Located on West 122nd Street between Claremont Avenue and Broadway, the Manhattan School of Music (MSM) is a world famous music conservatory. The school offers degrees on the bachelors, masters, and doctoral levels in the areas of classical…

What's Next?

Now that you've finished visiting the distinguished Columbia University, head to Broadway. There you'll find examples of New York's infamous food truck scene - an excellent dining option for the walking tourist! Grab a cup of coffee and a snack…

Academic Acropolis

Morningside Heights has been nicknamed the Academic Acropolis, for the vast amount of academic institutions in the area. Many of the academia in the area is founded on religious bases, especially the two giant institutions of religious leadership,…