Whenever I have a tour guest ask for a recommendation of a neighborhood to visit while in NYC, I will almost always answer, “Harlem!”
Full disclosure: this is the neighborhood I have called my home for almost all of my adult life. So I am a little biased.
But I know that I am not alone in thinking that Harlem is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city, and should not be missed!
This post covers things to do in Harlem, NYC.
I will include the best things to see and do, where to eat, hear live music, and how to attend a gospel service.
It’s a bustling neighborhood rich with history, art, architecture, culture and…great food! (Come to Harlem hungry…trust me on this.)
Below I will tell you about the places I think one must visit in Harlem.
Many of these are stops on our Harlem Walking Tour.
I almost always recommend a tour for folks visiting Harlem for the first time.
It is a massive neighborhood, and there is so much to know about it.
A tour will give you the best introduction to the area.
In this video, Derrick, a tour guide with us, Tours by Foot NYC, takes you on a virtual walking tour of Central Harlem.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Harlem is a neighborhood strongly rooted in Black culture and is known throughout the world for the period called the Harlem Renaissance.
If you want to understand African-American history and culture, Harlem is a must-visit neighborhood.
It's a place where you can see historic sites and diverse architecture, hear amazing jazz and gospel, taste succulent ‘soul food’, and feel the unique vibe that Harlem offers.
Historic brownstones line the sidestreets, while along the avenues you may come across a live African-style drumming circle.
You can see innovative art and huge murals just a block away from ancient African artifacts.
I can't emphasize enough that if you have time in your itinerary, head up to Harlem.
I will sometimes hear from visitors that they perceive the neighborhood as being “far away.”
It really isn’t. If you are staying in Midtown, it will take you about as long to get to Harlem as it would to get to Lower Manhattan.
There is an express train (the A or D) that can whisk you from Columbus Circle to 125th in 7 minutes!
If you don't want to go it alone, join our Harlem Walking Tour.
If you prefer to explore on your own, you can enjoy our GPS-led audio tour, which can be taken at any time of day or night.
How to Get Here
As I mentioned before, Harlem is a large neighborhood, stretching from the Hudson River to the East River and from 110th to 155th Streets.
Take a look at the map below to see just how HUGE Harlem is.
But Harlem is made up of smaller, mini-neighborhoods, each with its own vibe.
Some streets are bustling with restaurants, bars, and shopping while others are entirely residential.
The areas most people think of in Harlem are in what we would call Central Harlem.
125th Street is like the Main Street of Central Harlem and many places I recommend you see are on and around this Street.
A good place to start your exploration is at 125th Street and Lenox Avenue.
Use this Google map to get directions from your point of departure.
By subway
- Take the A, B, C, or D trains to 125th Street
- Take the 2 or 3 trains to 125th Street
- Take the 4, 5, or 6 trains to 125th Street and then either take a taxi or a bus Westbound to 8th Avenue/Frederick Douglass Boulevard
New to NYC's subway system? See our posts on how to master the subway and tips on choosing the right MetroCard,
By bus
- M1, M7, M10, M101, M102, M103, M104, M103, M106, M116
Best Times to Visit
Harlem is at its most energetic when the weather is pleasant and locals and visitors are enjoying time outdoors.
The weekends are the liveliest, both day and night.
During the peak tourist season, you may find that restaurants, jazz clubs, museums, and historic sites are a bit more crowded than on weekdays.
Sunday is the busiest day of the week in Harlem as locals are out and about, enjoying brunch, shopping, and for many, going to church.
I think visiting on a Sunday gives you one of the best snapshots of the neighborhood, but please remember that it is also very crowded.
The streets will be full, and there will likely be wait times at restaurants, especially in the hours after church services.
IS HARLEM SAFE TO VISIT?
I get this question a lot from my tour guests on other tours who are curious about Harlem.
I understand why they ask and am never offended. The neighborhood had a reputation for not being safe at one point.
However, that time was quite a while ago.
Usually, when I am asked this question, my answer is simple: I have lived in this area for nearly two decades, and have never had a safety issue.
For those who want a more detailed answer, I recommend reading our post, Is Harlem Safe?
The reputation Harlem once had as a dangerous neighborhood is no longer the case.
If you are new to NYC, I suggest you follow these guidelines:
1) Use the same precautions you would when visiting any other New York City neighborhood. Keep your eyes on your bags and pockets as a precaution.
2) Feel free to ask locals for directions if you are lost. Most people are friendly, just like in other parts of the city.
Note that not all locals are thrilled that their neighborhood has become a tourist destination. Still, it is unlikely that you will have any negative interactions.
3) As everywhere in NYC at night, pay attention to your surroundings. Walk on well-lit, populated streets when possible.
4) I have seen people say to avoid parks in Harlem at night. You’ll hear this about many parks in NYC, including certain areas of Central Park.
I have a dog, and I walk in my local park at night. I mostly see others out doing the same.
For visitors though, you may feel more comfortable avoiding these areas very late at night. Besides, they are better to visit during the day anyway!
TOP 13 ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN HARLEM
Here is a list of what I think are the best things to do in and around Central Harlem.
Throughout the year there are some special events, so I've included those as well.
Everything on the list is family-friendly. Most are free (my favorite price) or affordable, which is just how I like it!
Click the map to open an interactive version.
Also, I've included some things you might want to check out beyond Central Harlem.
Take a Walking Tour
We offer a Harlem Walking Tour that stops at more sites than covered in this post.
You'll be entertained and educated by one of our personable and knowledgeable guides who'll tell you stories of Harlem's past and present.
If you can't join our Harlem tour and want some narration to accompany your walk around the neighborhood, try our GPS-enabled Audio Tour of Harlem.
See all our tour offerings on this calendar.
Apollo Theater
253 West 125th St bet. Frederick Douglass Blvd. and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.
If people know one thing about Harlem, it is usually the Apollo!
The world-famous Apollo Theater has been a staple in the Harlem community since 1934 and has featured giant musical entertainers for generations.
The list is endless! Performers over the decades include Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown.
Apollo's famous Amateur Night showcases emerging singers, bands, comedians, and dancers from all backgrounds.
The audience is the judge, and a contestant who wins over the crowd definitely has what it takes to make it big!
The audience does not hesitate to boo someone off the stage if they are terrible.
I always tell people that Amateur Night will probably be unlike any live show they have ever attended!
Many Amateur Night contestants have gone on to stardom, such as a 15-year-old Ella Fitzgerald.
Others whose careers were launched at Amateur Night include Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Lauryn Hill.
Amateur night is on Wednesday nights at 7:30 pm. You can also see other shows at the Apollo. (See our Nightlife section below).
Amateur Night is the ultimate Apollo experience, but if you can swing it, I also highly recommend their tours.
The tour guide is Billy Mitchell- he has only ever worked in one place in his life: The Apollo Theater!
He started as a young teenager in 1965 and has been there ever since. His stories are UNREAL.
I have a picture with him from when I was 16 years old, taking a tour with a school group.
If you have an opportunity to do this tour: take it. You will not regret it.
Read more about the Apollo Theater here.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
515 Malcolm X Blvd.
This unique public library is located in the heart of Harlem and is also where we begin our Harlem Walking Tour.
The Schomberg opened in 1925 and has become one of the world's top institutions devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.
They have over 10 million objects, artifacts, documents, recordings, art pieces, and more.
The main floor has rotating exhibitions that are always interesting and free to see. Click here for more information.
The rotating exhibitions make this a place you can return over and over.
Even if you have visited, it is worth a stop here to see what is on display at that moment.
Special events, readings, and lectures are scheduled regularly.
The topics range from Educational Injustice & the Struggle for Liberatory Education and When Sugar Hill Was Sweet: A Woman’s Work Is Never Done.
Sylvia's Restaurant
328 Malcolm X Blvd. at 127th St.
Looking for a great place to eat in Harlem? A popular yet affordable place that’s rich in culture and history?
When people think of soul food in Harlem, they usually think of Sylvia’s. For good reason- this place is iconic.
The late founder, Sylvia Wood, was known as the Queen of Soul Food.
For more details on the one and only Sylvia's, click here.
For other restaurants, see our Where to Eat section below.
Also, check out our post on Soul Food in Harlem.
National Jazz Museum
58 West 129th St. at Malcolm X Blvd.
This Smithsonian-affiliated museum is just a few streets north of Sylvia's.
It is a small museum, but for Jazz fans, you will leave feeling very satisfied.
While they have access to the Smithsonian's Jazz Collection, this museum prefers to keep jazz thriving through lectures, discussions, and live performances.
You can listen to hundreds of historical recordings of early jazz pioneers, including rare recordings not found anywhere else in the world.
I recommend you bring wired headphones to listen to the collections at the listening stations.
If you don't have your own, you can purchase earbuds at the museum.
Besides listening to early recordings of some of my favorite jazz musicians, I also liked seeing the 'artifacts' like musical instruments from jazz legends, original sheet music and posters.
Take the time to talk to the docents and you will have a richer experience.
The museum is open Thursdays-Saturdays from 12 pm to 5 pm. Admission is free, but they do ask for a suggested donation of $10.
Donations must be made through contactless payment so have a credit or debit card with you.
See their website for more information.
Abyssinian Baptist Church
132 W 138th St.
The congregation that calls this gorgeous church home was founded in 1808. The building was built in 1922–23 in the Gothic Revival and Tudor Revival styles
One of its most famous leaders was Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., one of America’s first civil rights activists.
The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a popular place for visitors to take in a gospel service- with good reason!
It is a church with a lot of history and their choir is amazing.
However, it is one of the more crowded spots, in terms of people trying to experience a gospel service.
If you aren’t up for waiting in line or dealing with crowds, you may want to consider another church.
To find other locations to witness a gospel church service, see the section below as well as our post, Where to Hear Gospel Music in New York City.
That post details some must-know etiquette to follow when visiting these churches.
Check Out Harlem's Murals
As a fan of street art and murals, I think Harlem is one of the top places to see street art in NYC.
At 229 W. 135th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Boulevards, you can see the larger-than-life jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, who made his name in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance.
We stop at many of these murals on our tours of Harlem.
Taking one is a great way to ensure that you see the highlights!
While a lot of murals are on main thoroughfares, some are a bit more tucked away, so it is helpful to have a guide!
Keep an eye out on the 125th Street subway platform on the 2 and 3 subway lines where glass mosaic murals depict Harlem legends and famous Harlem locations.
TIP: The Graffiti Hall of Fame, inside a playground at Park Avenue and E. 106 Street is pretty cool if you have the time to walk over.
Strivers’ Row
West 138th St. and West 139th St. bet. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.
I love Strivers' Row, a small, historic set of houses built in 1891. The architecture is gorgeous, and the history is fascinating!
Some of the most famous names of the Harlem Renaissance lived in these homes.
One special thing about Strivers' Row is the different styles of buildings you will see within just two blocks.
On the north side of West 138th Street and the south side of 139th St, the houses are entirely different, made of yellow brick and white limestone with terra-cotta trim.
On the south side of West 138th Street, you can find red-brick and brownstone buildings.
The north side of 139th St features dark brown, Italian Renaissance-style houses designed by the famous architect Stanford White.
Strivers’ Row was essentially a planned community, so the different styles were by design: the project hired three architects with their own preferred styles.
Something to keep an eye out for are the plots of land between some of the houses, often with ornate iron gates in front.
These were stable mews for the horses to drive carriages - there weren't cars in 1891.
This gives the homeowners today a lot more breathing room between some houses than you would see in other parts of the city.
On our Harlem Tours, you'll learn about the role these houses played in the growth of distinct socioeconomic classes among the African-American residents of Harlem.
Studio Museum
429 West 127th Street bet. Amsterdam and Convent Avenues.
This is a contemporary art museum devoted to African-American artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.
It curates work from emerging black artists and has both a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions.
Its permanent location at 125th Street is closed as they renovate and expand the museum. The work is expected to be done by Fall 2025.
Until then you can visit Studio Museum 127, a temporary programming space between Thursdays through Sundays, from 12 to 6 pm.
Check their website for schedules of exhibitions and other exciting initiatives.
Hotel Theresa
On the corner of 125th Street/Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.
Built in 1912-13, the Hotel Theresa was a major social hub in Harlem.
The building is architecturally handsome and it was known as the "Waldorf-Astoria" of Harlem.
The building itself isn't what's special. What's special is what took place inside.
Among its guests over the years are Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Fidel Castro - who had his 'friend' Nikita Krushev over while he was visiting New York from the USSR!
The building today is an office building called Theresa Towers, but the original name remains on the side of the building.
Marcus Garvey Park
Mt. Morris Park West & Madison Avenue
Marcus Garvey Park has something for everyone.
You can often find live music, plays, and comedy performances put on in the park’s amphitheater.
For those traveling with kids, there are two playgrounds as well as a pool to cool off in on summer days.
I have to give a shoutout to Classical Theatre of Harlem! Central Park isn’t the only place to catch amazing Shakespeare outside in NYC.
Marcus Garvey Park hosts this company every year. Summer 2024 saw a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream set during the Harlem Renaissance.
They have other events throughout the neighborhood all through the year.
See the park's website for events, hours, and amenities.
The Cotton Club
This legendary jazz club opened in 1920, at the height of Harlem’s jazz scene.
Prohibition had been enacted that year and the country went ‘dry’ The Cotton Club opened somewhat in response.
The club served a dual purpose: providing superb entertainment and “bootleg” alcohol.
Over the years jazz musicians like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong played here.
The original Cotton Club closed in 1940. A different incarnation of The Cotton Club opened in 1978.
The Cotton Club is still swinging today. You can enjoy a range of music, from jazz to gospel, while eating lunch or dinner.
The club is at 656 W. 125th St. See the Cotton Club website for more information.
The Langston Hughes House
The renowned African-American poet Langston Hughes was one of the most important figures during the Harlem Renaissance era.
In 1951, he wrote the deeply moving poem Harlem, better known as A Dream Deferred.
Hughes lived in Harlem for the last 20 years of his life.
He died in 1967 and in 1980 his residence at 20 E. 127th St. was given landmark status.
Today, his apartment is open to the public to visit and pay tribute.
Also, in the building is the I, Too Arts Collective at the Langston Hughes House, a non-profit that offers poetry readings.
EVENTS IN HARLEM
Here are a few of the best events to check out throughout the year.
- Harlem Week is a month-long and takes place annually (usually the last week in July to the last week in August). There are dozens of events with music, dance, cultural films and performances, sports, kids' activities and so much more.
- Harlem Art Alliance lists dozens of weekly events on its website calendar including dance performances and classes. Most are free or very affordable.
- Schomburg Center's Annual Black Comic Book Festival - A forum for animators, bloggers, cosplay lovers, fans, families, illustrators, independent publishers, and writers to celebrate Black comic books and graphic novels.
- Annual Christmas Show by the Harlem School of the Arts. A family-friendly performance put on by the students of HSA.
For other events in Harlem, see our post about things to do in New York City and our monthly posts about things to do in the city.
Central Park
The northern section of Central Park is located on the southern border of Harlem and is less frequented by tourists.
I have to say that they are missing out! This is my favorite part of the park.
The North Woods is one of the few places in Manhattan where you can truly forget that you are in the middle of a city.
It gives you the feel of the Adirondacks, with forests, hills, and waterfalls. There are flora and fauna and birds not found in other parts of the park.
In the Autumn you can see the colorful leaves and in Spring, see the new blossoms. Plus, you'll find some great playgrounds.
You can fish in Harlem Meer in the summer (catch and release) and swim in the pool. In the winter you can go ice-skating at Lasker Rink.
NOTE: The Lasker Rink and the pool at Harlem Meer is closed until 2025 when a three-year $160 million renovation of Harlem Meer will be complete.
The entire section of this park will be AMAZING when it reopens. I can’t wait!
For more about the north section of Central Park, take a look at the maps on our post about free tours and activities in Central Park.
Alexander Hamilton Grange National Memorial
414 West 141st bet. Convent and St Nicholas Avenues. (family-friendly)
This historic house dating from 1802 is in Hamilton Heights, part of North Harlem.
The house's first owner was Alexander Hamilton, one of the most significant individuals in American History and whose life (and death by duel) story is fascinating.
He was one of America's Founding Fathers, as well as the founder of the U.S. Treasury system.
You can see him on the $10 bill and now the subject of a hit Broadway musical!
At the Grange home, you can see historically furnished rooms either on a ranger-guided tour and talk or on your own.
For a brief period, I lived across the street from the Grange and I thought it was the coolest thing to have Alexander Hamilton’s house as a neighbor.
If you are a history buff or a fan of the musical I would say this is a must-see.
See the website for more information. It's free to visit.
TIP: Find out how to get $20 tickets to Hamilton, the Broadway show!
General Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial
122nd St and Riverside Drive
More widely known as Grant's Tomb, this is the largest mausoleum in the United States.
You can explore the inside of the large impressive stone monument, with occasional access to the crypt.
There are reliquary rooms on the main floor with Civil War artifacts, a visitors center, a gift shop, and a public restroom. It's free to visit.
Museum of the City of New York (MCNY)
1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.
As its name suggests, this museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing New York City's history through exhibits of all kinds in addition to its permanent collection.
This is one I visit over and over again. Because the exhibits are constantly changing, this museum never gets old.
My personal favorite was an exhibit about the New York City Marathon.
I visited the year I was running, and knowing the incredible history made the experience so much better come race day!
The museum is also fun for kids as well with special educational programs. You can find more information on the website. Free entry with suggested admission.
El Museo del Barrio
1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th St.
This museum is the only museum in NYC that showcases Latino cultures so extensively.
You can see works by artists of Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American heritage.
They also host cultural festivities, youth, and educational programming, and literary discussions.
Click here for more information. Free with suggested admission.
TIP: See what other museums are free in NYC. There are dozens!
PLACES TO EAT & SHOP IN HARLEM
Here are a few restaurants that I and my fellow guides enjoy a lot and recommend to our tour guests looking for places to try soul food.
Beneath this list, I recommend some authentic shops for goods unique to Harlem.
Restaurants
To learn a bit about the history of this fabulous cuisine, read our post on Soul Food in Harlem.
Sylvia’s House of Soul Food 328 Malcolm X Blvd. at 127th St.
Decades-old and world-famous, Harlem would not be the same without this restaurant.
To learn more about this iconic Harlem restaurant click here.
Amy Ruth's Restaurant 116th Street & Lenox Avenue (Malcolm X Blvd.)
Though not as famous as Sylvia’s, Amy Ruth’s is the real deal in every way.
No frills, just great food. The chicken and waffles is a specialty here, but you can’t go wrong with anything here.
These are the dishes that original owner Carl Redding learned to make from his grandmother: Amy Ruth.
Red Rooster Harlem Restaurant 310 Lenox Avenue between 125th and 126th
A mix of traditional American food and diverse culinary appeals to the “New Harlem" scene.
The chef is award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson, who also was the chef for the first State Dinner of the Obama administration.
The fried chicken is a must-have. I recommend Red Rooster to anyone looking for a soul food experience in a cool, modern atmosphere.
Melba's American Comfort Food 300 West 114th St.
This attractive establishment stands out with its charming church pews sitting out front.
This is one of the smaller restaurants in Harlem and seating is limited.
If you can swing it though, I highly recommend this one! I live just a few blocks away, so this is a go-to for me.
I have never had anything here that wasn’t delicious, and I will often bring my own out-of-town guests here.
Check out the Southern Fried Chicken & Eggnog Waffles featured on the Food Network. Bonus: Tuesday is live music night!
Londel's 2620 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Authentic Harlem food, although a bit more expensive than other places. But they have live music, so the extra money is worth it.
Miss Mamie’s Spoonbread Too 366 W 110th St.
Spoonbread is a corn-meal-based dish that resembles corn-meal souffle. Think Yorkshire pudding.
Delicious indeed. Norma Darden has been 'making it delicious and soulful' since 1997.
Make My Cake 121 St Nicholas Ave and also 2380 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.
I have the biggest sweet tooth and Make My Cake has been a favorite for years.
Several of my birthday cakes have been from here. They used to have a location a couple of blocks from me.
On gray days, I would wander over and see what was in the case. A cupcake makes any day brighter!
Levain Bakery 2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd (at Eighth Ave)
Levain Bakery is a must for those who love chocolate chip cookies.
The famous 6 oz. giant Chocolate Chip Walnut and Dark Chocolate Chip Chocolate cookies are sublime.
You can ask for your cookie to be warmed up for an extra gooey experience.
I live right upstairs from this bakery and it is both the best and worst thing in the world.
Best: obvious reasons. I can have these any time I want.
Worst: 6 oz cookies are not something you should have all the time. And I have to walk right by the door every day.
Yatenga Bistro 2269 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.
Yatenga is located in the heart of Harlem and has a very rustic look with matched chairs and festive statues for sale.
The mac and cheese is a huge favorite!
They have outdoor seating, which is a treat in nice weather.
Shopping in Harlem
The main shopping area in Harlem.
84 West 120th Street near Lenox Avenue
From nostalgic games and dollhouses to talking dolls and wooden puzzles, Its books and toys are carefully picked, positive, and reflect Harlem's community.
52 West 116th St. just east of Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Avenue).
Traditional African crafts and textiles, carved wooden figurines, wooden baskets, drums, handmade African-style apparel for men, women, and children, and more.
245 Lenox Avenue between 122nd & 123rd Street
This fashion at this upscale men’s boutique is inspired by the rich cultural history and unique style of the Harlem Renaissance integrated into a future-forward exclusive design.
191 Malcolm X Blvd
Beautiful unique gifts from books, paper gods, candles and soaps, accessories, home decor and more. Black-owned since 2015.
2363 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.
Handcrafted Artisan Chocolates in Harlem.
Be sure to also check out our post on things to do at night in NYC.
Apollo Theater 253 West 125th Street
There is no lack of live performances at the Apollo.
You can see comedy, music, dance, theater, and more. See their calendar here.
Don't forget you can go see Amateur Night At The Apollo.
Harlem Tavern 2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd (at 116th St)
Of any place on this list, this is my true go-to.
I live just around the corner and have been coming here since it opened. I remember when this lot was a gas station!
What I love most about Harlem Tavern is that it manages to be so many things, depending on the day.
Sundays, it is a chill brunch spot with jazz and a true neighborhood feel.
In the evening it is a bustling happy hour spot, with live music some nights.
During major sporting events, it is a raucous, fun sports bar.
The menu is broad enough to please most people, and it is one of the best places to eat outside in nice weather.
Shrine World Music Venue 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard
This is the place I recommend the most for music lovers.
There is no cover charge to see great live music. You'll hear genres such as Hip Hop, African, and the Caribbean.
Be sure to check the Shrine’s website for the musical performance schedule.
Bill's Place 148 W 133rd St.
A visit here is like seeing great live jazz in a friend’s basement. It is intimate, informal, and incredible.
You pay only the cover charge of $20 per person (cash only).
You can bring in your own drinks, wine, etc. as well as snacks.
Make reservations ahead of time for this “only in New York" experience.
Silvana 300 W 116th St
Silvana offers the same diverse musical lineup you would find at Shrine. (In fact, they are operated by the same people!)
This cozy venue is downstairs in the basement of a cafe of the same name.
The cafe has amazing food as well! I eat here at least once a week.
Silvana offers live music every night of the week. After the live music is over, the party doesn’t stop!
There are typically 3-4 live acts, followed by a DJ that goes until 4 am.
Silvana has a very cool, speakeasy feel to it, and is decorated to evoke the atmosphere of a Middle Eastern market.
Harlem Nights 2361 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd (138th Street)
A cozy neighborhood bar with live music most nights, of many genres, including jazz, Latino, singer/songwriter music, and more.
It’s a very welcoming atmosphere with playful cocktails and small plates of food.
The Cotton Club 656 W. 125th St.
See live music at this iconic Harlem establishment that opened in 1920.
Sip on classic a cocktail like Mai-Tais and Cosmopolitans.
They also have a full menu for lunch and dinner. Music ranges from jazz, blues, and gospel.
There is no shortage of Harlem gospel tours.
Before booking a tour, be sure to read our post, Where to Hear Gospel Music for New York for Free.
You could also find guided tours on that page.
TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS
As a local, I have my favorite spots in Harlem!
But my favorites may not be yours, so we like to share suggestions from members of our New York Travel Tips Facebook group.
Here are a few recommendations.
We had a lot of locals chime in with their suggestions for sights that must be seen in Harlem. Most are from our list above.
Bruce has it all covered - and threw in City College. Founded in 1847, City College has a gorgeous campus with five landmark Neo-Gothic buildings.
It’s a bit of a hike from Central Harlem, so we don’t include it in this post, but if you are curious read about it here.
Like Bruce, Barbara also recommends the Schomburg Center and Revolution Bookshop. Lit lovers will enjoy this aspect of Harlem.
Rosa, a Harlem local suggests a visit to the Jazz Museum, one of our top 13 list!
She goes on to mention Astor Row, where you’ll see more than 20 three-story red brick houses built in the early 1880s.
If you like architecture mixed with history, take a stroll over to these houses.
Anina liked simply walking around Harlem admiring the brownstones, seeing locals coming from church on a Sunday, and shopping at the Malcolm Shabazz Market.
And she offers a great tip. Wear comfortable shoes if you’ll be doing so much walking!
Here Sandra adds a second vote for the Malcolm Shabazz Market and also mentions the lovely Harlem Meer in Central Park.
These group members stayed in Harlem and found that there were a lot of local cultural events like free jazz concerts and even Shakespeare performances.
Several group members spent their time in Harlem combining a meal at Red Rooster with a musical performance.
Rave reviews all around!
In Dawn’s case, she combined her meal with a visit to hear gospel music.
You can switch it up at night by following a meal at Red Rooster with a show at the Apollo.
As for other restaurants, two of our favorites, Sylvia's and Amy Ruth's, were the most often mentioned restaurants.
There was plenty of enthusiasm among our group members about going to the Apollo Theater, in particular Amateur Night.
Like the group members above, Dorothy recommends tacking on a meal at Sylvia’s.
If you have more questions about Harlem (or anything else about NYC) that we haven't covered here, check out our New York Travel Tips Facebook group!
