Harlem

Ever since the Harlem Renaissance—an early 20th-century boom in music, literature, dance and art—this neighborhood has been synonymous with Black culture. This shows up in cultural institutions, restaurants and many other attractions that populate the area. Explore the past, and savor the present, when you take the A train (and others) uptown.

Things to Do

Apollo Theater It’s no stretch to call the Apollo an American institution. The storied theater opened to Black patrons in 1934, launching the careers of an incredible array of artists who went on to become household names, including Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan and Lauryn Hill. Although best known for Amateur Night, the venue hosts a variety of touring acts—learn about 10 of our favorites here, including a groundbreaking performance by Salt-N-Pepa—and, with the opening of the Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater, a variety of other programming as well.

Historic Harlem Parks Shaped by the steep and irregular topography of northern Manhattan, Jackie Robinson Park, Marcus Garvey Park, Morningside Park, and St. Nicholas Park are collectively known as “Historic Harlem Parks.” Venerable members of the NYC parks system that range in age from 75 to 150 years old, the four parks total over 85 acres and make up more than 40% of the open space in Harlem. The parks are much needed public spaces and each unique for its vibrant history, spectacular natural landscapes, recreation facilities, and historic landmarks.

Food & Drink Red Rooster remains among the neighborhood’s most stylish. The décor features enough art to fill a decent-sized gallery, and even now, well into the restaurant’s second decade, patrons tend to be on the trendy side. If you’re so inclined, dress to impress: chef Marcus Samuelsson’s flagship is a good place to see and be seen. Expect American classics with a soul-food spin, including shrimp and grits, pan-fried catfish and a chicken and waffle that comes with maple hot sauce. Archer & Goat, Harlemite Peruvian Cuisine and Harlem Shake are a few family go-tos.

Plan Your Trip

Getting Around For an area that is interconnected by city buses, tour buses, railways and highways, traveling to Harlem is a breeze from Manhattan, the Bronx and Randall’s Island. In this pedestrian city, the best things to see are on foot. The smoothest ways to move around Harlem is like a New Yorker, and here are some tips on how. Just as with driving, walking on the right side of a walkway is the unofficial way to maintain the normal flow of pedestrian traffic. Expect busier streets and sidewalks during rush hour and the holidays. There are many cultural, artistic, religious, and educational landmarks, structures and museums to photograph.

From Queens it is anywhere from 30 minutes to commute to the area. If taking the subway along the F, Q, N, R, E, M and 7 train lines transfers for trains that travel to Harlem can be found at major hub stations like Grand Central, 42nd St. Bryant Park, Time Square – West 42nd Street,
From downtown Manhattan the travel time is generally 20 minutes. Travel time from midtown 59th Street – Columbus Circle is approximately 10 minutes.
From Brooklyn, the 4, 5, 6, 2, 3, A, C, B, D trains all stop in Harlem and the commute can be anywhere from 30 minutes upwards.
From the Bronx, commuting on the subway can be 15 minutes along the 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3, B and D trains.
From Staten Island, taking the ferry which runs every half-hour to the South Ferry Station which connects to the subway.

Trusted Sources

Explore Harlem PDF Map Lodging & Rest A Harlem Native's Guide to Harlem