The Cloisters is the reason to come north
The Metropolitan Museum's medieval branch sits in Fort Tryon Park, assembled from parts of European monasteries shipped over in the 1930s. It is one of the most remarkable museums in America and most visitors to New York never see it. Staying here puts it fifteen minutes away on foot.
Be realistic about the journey
Allow 30 to 40 minutes to Midtown on the A train, which runs express through most of upper Manhattan. That is fine on a longer stay and a genuine cost on a three-night trip. Factor in the return journey after an evening show before you book on price alone.
The food is Dominican and it is excellent
Washington Heights has one of the largest Dominican communities anywhere outside the Caribbean, and the eating along Broadway and St Nicholas Avenue reflects it. Prices are a fraction of downtown, which changes what a week costs.
Who it suits
Is Washington Heights right for your trip?
Book here if
- Value, by a wide margin
- The Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park
- Longer stays
- Repeat visitors who already know Manhattan
Look elsewhere if
- It is a short first trip
- You want to walk to the main sights
- You dislike long subway journeys late at night
Getting around
The A train runs express from 175th and 181st Streets and reaches Columbus Circle in around 20 minutes and Midtown in 30 to 40. The 1 is the local alternative at 181st and 191st Streets but is considerably slower.
Hotels in this area
1 hotel reviewed in Washington Heights
Radio Hotel
A genuinely striking design hotel at a price no comparable Manhattan hotel can match, in exchange for being a long way north.
- Best for
- Value, design, The Cloisters, longer stays
- Subway
- 181 St on the A and the 1
Fast answers
Questions UK travellers ask about Washington Heights.
Is Washington Heights safe for visitors?
It is a busy residential neighbourhood, and the practical considerations are the same as anywhere in the city: know your route home and stick to well-used streets late at night. The main issue for visitors is distance, not safety.
How much cheaper is it?
Substantially. You can expect to pay well below Midtown rates for a larger and often newer room, which is the whole argument for staying this far north.
Sources and update notes
Last updated: 17 August 2026. Hotel rates, fees, rules and transport details can change.