Morningside Heights

Morningside Heights sits on the Upper West Side of Manhattan between Morningside Park and Riverside Park, centered around Columbia University and Barnard College. The neighborhood blends collegiate energy with historic architecture, anchored by the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Riverside Church, and nearby General Grant National Memorial, with dining and shops clustered along Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue. This mix of campuses, cultural landmarks, and parks creates a lively atmosphere that draws steady visitors year round.

Traffic concentrates on Broadway, Amsterdam Avenue, and the approaches to 110th, 116th, and 125th Streets, where through‑traffic and campus drop‑offs slow movement and make curb space scarce. Street parking is limited and governed by New York City’s Alternate Side Parking and meter rules, while garages and lots are the most reliable option near the Columbia campus core, around Broadway and Amsterdam, and along the western blocks toward Riverside Drive; the toughest spaces to snag are near 116th Street and by the Cathedral during peak hours. To make parking in Morningside Heights simple and stress free, reserve a spot in advance and confirm current regulations with official city sources before you go.