Walking Route Upper West Side & Harlem in New York

This walking route through Harlem and the Upper West Side will help you discover a side of New York you wouldn’t normally get to see. You’ll walk past Columbia University, the Apollo Theater in Harlem and the waterfalls in Central Park, among other sights: a route brimming with culture, history and greenery, taking you through neighbourhoods that most visitors tend to miss. I mapped out and photographed the route myself. Using my Eric’s New York App, you can follow it whenever suits you, at your own pace.

Download the app and buy your walking route for New York here

Highlights of the Upper West Side & Harlem Route

During the Upper West Side & Harlem walking route, you’ll discover a surprisingly rich side of New York, brimming with culture, green spaces and history. The fact that these neighbourhoods are a little less well-known only makes them all the more fun to explore.

Among other things, you’ll pass Columbia University, one of the country’s oldest and best-known universities, with a campus that feels like a world of its own right in the heart of the city. In Morningside Heights stands one of the largest churches in the world, a building that you can only truly appreciate when seen up close.

In Harlem, you’ll stroll past the famous Apollo Theater, the venue where countless great artists made their debut. This neighbourhood has a rich history and a culture that you won’t experience anywhere else in the city.

Along the way, you’ll also come across a surprisingly green side of New York, with the Central Park waterfalls and the quintessentially New York brownstones that are so abundant in these neighbourhoods.

At each stop, I’ll tell you what there is to see and why that particular spot is well worth a visit. That way, you’ll discover a side of New York that most visitors never get to see.

The Neighbourhoods along this Harlem Route

What makes this Harlem walking tour so enjoyable are the neighbourhoods themselves. The Upper West Side and Harlem aren’t tourist areas, but places where people live and work. That means you’ll get to see the New York of the New Yorkers as you go along.

Walk in Upper West Side

The Upper West Side is one of Manhattan’s most popular residential areas. Think wide streets, stately brownstones and the tranquility of Central Park and Riverside Park just around the corner. It’s a neighbourhood with a relaxed, homey atmosphere that you’ll sense the moment you set foot there.

Walk in Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights is home to Columbia University, and that sets the tone. Students, bookshops and cafés give the neighbourhood a lively atmosphere. It is also home to one of the largest churches in the world, which is truly impressive when seen up close.

Walk in Harlem

Harlem is perhaps the most characterful neighbourhood on this route. The neighbourhood has played a significant role in New York’s cultural history, encompassing everything from music to art. You can still sense that atmosphere when walking through Harlem today. Around the famous Apollo Theater and among the brownstones, you’ll sense why Harlem is such a special place.

How’s this walking route?

This self-guided Harlem walking tour is 9 km long and takes about 3 hours. It is a challenging route, both because of the distance and the changes in altitude: you’ll be walking uphill several times along the way. You should therefore wear shoes that you’re comfortable walking in.

There are plenty of opportunities to take a break along the way, and it’s nice to have a breather after a climb. You set your own pace, and you’ll find plenty of places along the way to catch your breath.

Practical Information

• Starting point: Cathedral Pkwy (110 St) subway station
• Distance: 9 km
• Duration: approximately 3 hours
• Price: from $2 as part of a package
• Best time: This walk is lovely to do in the morning.

Pairs well with:
With the route package, you can explore very different parts of New York in just a few days. After experiencing the culture and the changes in elevation along this route, you can set off on another walk to discover a completely different part of the city.

How does the walking route work in the app?

For this walk, all you need is my Eric’s New York App. The route works offline, so even without a signal, you’ll know exactly where you’re going. It’ll be all set up in a few minutes:

1. Download the free Eric’s New York App from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Tap the ‘Routes’ icon at the bottom, or the menu button in the top right-hand corner of the home screen.
3. Select the Upper West Side & Harlem walking route.
4. Tap ‘Buy route’ and complete the payment.
5. You’ll now see the full route in the app, with all the points you’ll pass. At each point, you’ll find my stories, tips and photos.
6. On the map, tap the green figure to view the route and your own location. That way, you won’t get lost along the way.

One handy thing is that you can buy the route before you set off. That way, you can have a look at what you’ll be seeing along the way while you’re still at home, and once you’re in New York, all you have to do is follow the map in the app. You can always stop for a coffee or take a slight detour; afterwards, you can simply pick up where you left off.

If you’re on your mobile, you can open this link directly to the walking routes in the app

Tip: Budget-friendly walking routes through New York

Are you planning to follow more than one walking route during your city break? If so, opt for the package in the app. It allows you to buy several routes at once, which works out cheaper than buying them individually. That way, you can explore the most beautiful parts of New York on foot in just a few days.

View all walking routes and packages in the app