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Exhibition Opening & Program: JIMMY! God's Black Revolutionary Mouth

Carolyn Mazloomi - Whole Cloth: Narratives in Black and White

Gingerbread NYC: 2024 - Calling all Bakers!

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• New Harlem Stage CEO hopes to help artists bring their truth to power July 6
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Historic Harlem Walking Tour

Emphasizing the harlem renaissance, this guided walking tour looks at the history, architecture & people of this remarkable neighborhood..

Harlem is the center of African American history and culture not only in New York City but in the entire United States. Our historic Harlem walking tour explores the history of Harlem, from its origins as a Dutch village in the 17th century through its transformation into the “Capital of Black America” in the early 20th century. We place the evolution of Harlem into the context of American history by learning about how the Great Migration drove the neighborhood’s ethnic transformation through several incarnations before Harlem finally became the black metropolis we think of today. Our Harlem guided tour emphasizes the artistic, literary, and musical flowerings of the 1920s Harlem Renaissance. Learn how this period laid the intellectual foundation for the early Civil Rights Movement. Stops could include the Abyssinian Baptist Church, Striver’s Row, the Apollo Theater, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Hotel Theresa, and sites associated with W.E.B. DuBois, Madame C.J. Walker, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Carl van Vechten, and many others.

Health & Safety Guidelines For our in-person walking tours, see our FAQs below for information regarding our Stay Well NYC Pledge.

Give a Big Onion Gift Certificate! Give an experience they'll remember! All tours are available as gift certificates. Purchase This Tour As A Gift Certificate

Public Tour

Private tour, tour schedule, tour reservations.

Big Onion requires all walkers to reserve and pay in advance. Prepayment helps us determine group size and appropriate guide numbers.

NOTE: You will select your date in the next step.

Reserve Your Spot Refund Policy

For bigger groups, consider a private walking or virtual tour!

Whether you are looking to integrate a tour into your academic curriculm or entertaining out-of-towners, a Big Onion walking tour is a great way to experience the city.

For more information, or to arrange, please call (718) 499-3001 or email [email protected] .

Meeting Location

Location: Northwest corner of 135th Street & Lenox (Malcolm X) Avenue – in front of the Schomburg Center.

Subway Trains 2/3 to 135th Street.

FAQs for In-Person Street Walks

Social Distancing On in person tours, Big Onion will follow the current recommended outdoor social distancing protocols.

Contact Tracing Big Onion will securely retain client contact information for one month, for contact tracing purposes, if necessary.

Guides The finest group of tour guides anywhere. Most of us are full-time graduate students researching and writing doctoral dissertations in history passionate about the history, architecture and people of New York. More about our guides .

Finding Your Guides All guides carry an 8×11 sign that says “Big Onion Walking Tours”.

Time & Distance All tours last approximately two hours. We start on time and walk between one and two miles at a moderate walking pace, stopping at various sites along the tour.

Rain/Inclement Weather Big Onion generally presents tours rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather please check our home page for notifications or call our hotline [(888) 606-WALK (9255) ext. 1], to confirm our schedule.

Tips Gratuities are always appreciated, but never expected.

Reschedule Policy With 24+ hours prior to a walking tour, Big Onion offers a full credit for the value of the booking. Credits will be given as Gift Cards in dollar amounts. Gift Cards are good for two years and can be used on any Big Onion outing. Cancellations with less than 24 hours prior to the tour or no shows cannot be credited.

Walks are held rain or shine, but may be cancelled for severe weather or if museum is closed. In the event of a Big Onion cancellation or museum closure, full refunds or rescheduled tickets will be offered.

More Questions? Check out How it Works for more details.

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Central Harlem Walking Tour

Central harlem: a walk through african-american history and culture, take a walk through historic central harlem.

Harlem is a cultural hub and a significant center of African-American history and culture. Join tour guide and native New Yorker, Joseph Landon , for this unforgettable walk in one of the city’s most important neighborhoods.

Book the Harlem Tour now!

Historic Harlem

In the early 1900s, Harlem experienced a massive influx of African Americans during the Great Migration , who were seeking better job opportunities and escaping racial discrimination in the South.

This led to a cultural explosion, as Black artists, musicians, writers, and intellectuals flocked to Harlem. The neighborhood soon became the epicenter of Black culture and creativity, known as the Harlem Renaissance .

Despite the Harlem Renaissance ending in the 1930s, Harlem continued to be a hub for Black culture and activism throughout the 20th century. The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s brought new energy and activism to Harlem, as Black leaders and organizations worked tirelessly to achieve racial equality and justice.

Harlem walking tour highlights

As we walk through Harlem, we’ll see street art and numerous murals that celebrate the neighborhood’s rich cultural history and diversity. We’ll learn about the Great Migration, the Harlem Renaissance, and the African-American experience, which have all contributed to shaping Harlem into the vibrant and dynamic community it is today.

Other highlights include:

• The historic church where Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his first speech in NYC
• Stories about Jazz legends like Billie Holiday, Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake and others
• We’ll visit the Birthplace of the Black National Anthem
• Unheralded figures and institutions that have set the standards for human and civil rights (Marcus Garvey and the UNIA)
• Stunning brownstones and architecture that reveal the original beauty of the neighborhood.
• Personal stories about Harlem from your tour guide, a born and raised New Yorker

Recent feedback from a tour on Google Reviews :

” We went on the historical tour of Harlem and it was such a refreshing and uplifting experience. Joseph was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about black history in NYC; he was as excited to see most of the highlights as we were.” 

Recent feedback from a tour on TripAdvisor :

“We took the Central Harlem Walking Tour with Joseph Landon and had a great experience. Joseph’s passion and knowledge of NYC history was evident throughout the tour. He was a great guide — easy to listen to and an engaging speaker. He even sang “Lift Every Voice” for us! I highly recommend this tour and will book another tour soon.” 

About the Harlem walking tour

Around 90 minutes (we will send you the meet up location when you sign up)

About 1.5 miles

$40.00 per person (Best suited for ages 12+) 

Private Tours

Book a private walking tour or a live online experience that makes a fun socially distanced event for your family, organization, or group of friends. Click to learn more

Study up for our tour by listening to the Bowery Boys episodes about Harlem .

The Soul of Harlem Walking Tour in New York

• Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
• The National Jazz Museum in Harlem
• Langston Hughes House
• Apollo Theater
• 2082 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd

Getting there

85 E 125th St

Manhattan, 10035

Select date and session

No booking fees

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Harlem Walking Tour

(Now also available as a one hour Virtual Walking Tour on Zoom! All virtual tours include live transcription of the text to make the tour more accessible for attendees with hearing impairment. Please contact me for more details about the virtual tour.)

The Harlem Walking Tour in NYC includes stops at many of the most famous locations in this beautiful and historic neighborhood. The tour also focuses on the many ways in which great African Americans are honored in Harlem.

More about this tour: We will visit iconic locations such as the Abyssinian Baptist Church, Apollo Theater, Harlem Hospital Murals, Harlem Walk of Fame, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 125th Street, and the statues of Harriet Tubman and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. We will also explore landmarked streets such as Astor Row and Strivers Row. As we walk, we will enjoy the lovely architecture and wide boulevards of Harlem. And we will note how great African Americans are honored throughout the neighborhood.

For visitors who are interested in shopping in Harlem, we can end at the African Market, which has lots of clothing, jewelry and handicrafts.

Time: 2.75 hours

$36 per ticket

We really enjoyed our tour, and spending time with Leigh, who was awesome!  It provided the opportunity to see a neighborhood [West Harlem] we had not visited before, and sites we would have overlooked.

Got a question about a tour?

"You Are Here" - Black History Walking Tours of Lower Manhattan & Harlem

You Are Here Walking Tours LLC

Harlem, New York: A Walking Tour

by Harry He

Last Updated: May 20, 2024

Harlem isn’t just one of the most historic neighborhoods in New York City. It’s also one of the liveliest.

The word “Harlem” alone evokes images of legendary nightspots like the Cotton Club, where great musicians filled the night with hot jazz. For others, it brings thoughts of the notorious ghetto: decrepit, dirty, and crime-ridden.

While both are part of its past, Harlem today has entered a new era. Yes, Harlem is still a bit rough around the edges, with some abandoned buildings, poverty, and litter. But the streets are now safe, and many of Harlem’s architectural treasures have been restored. New restaurants, stores, and hotels are opening—and thriving.

The takeaway? Harlem is managing to maintain its unique culture while evolving into a vibrant, diverse community. And the time to visit Harlem… is now!

Table of Contents

History of Harlem

Founded by Dutch settlers in the 1650s, Harlem was a rural village for an entire two centuries.

When railroads linked Harlem to the city in the 1870s, though, buildings sprang up—including tenements for immigrants in the east, and elegant row houses in the center for affluent whites.

At the turn of the century, the coming of the subway led to a building boom that went bust, leaving blocks of houses and apartments empty. New York City’s African-American residents moved uptown. Soon, Harlem was the “Black Capital of America.”

The Harlem Renaissance flourished in the 1920s, when the “New Negro” produced exceptional art, literature, poetry, theater, and, of course, music. People flocked to nightclubs like the Cotton Club and the Savoy Ballroom to hear jazz by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Cab Calloway.

But the Great Depression devastated Harlem, and later race riots inflicted great damage on the neighborhood. Decades of poverty and neglect left Harlem a dangerous, decaying ghetto.

In the 1990s, people began buying and restoring Harlem’s brownstones. The city renovated abandoned buildings for affordable housing, and folks moved to the neighborhood for its reasonable rents.

While the recession has slowed development, today, a new renaissance is well under way in Harlem.

A Harlem tour

Want to explore Harlem? Just remember that New York actually has several Harlems,  stretching across the Manhattan river to the river above Central Park. There’s  East Harlem (Spanish Harlem, or “El Barrio”), which occupies Fifth Avenue to the East/Harlem River, and  West Harlem,  which includes the neighborhoods of Morningside Heights and Hamilton Heights.

This tour focuses on Central Harlem, the historic center of African-American culture in New York (and America!).

1. Take the #2 or 3 subway to the 135th St. stop .

The block of 135th Street to the west (between Lenox Ave. and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.–look for the YMCA) was one of Harlem’s first African-American enclaves . This is where Philip A. Payton broke the color barrier by offering apartments to NYC’s Black citizens—their first decent housing in the city’s 250-year history.

The large brick building is the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture , the nation’s largest research library devoted to cultures of people of African descent. The Center also presents exhibits, performances, forums, and events showcasing Black culture. Look in the library for the four Aaron Douglas murals , which typify the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. (Plus, there are convenient restrooms near the entrance doors!).

Across Lenox Ave is Harlem Hospital , where Martin Luther King, Jr. was saved after being stabbed by a deranged Harlemite.  Reproduced on its new, glass-encased wing is a montage from the hospital’s historic WPA murals , which will be restored and displayed in the new building. The figure in white is Cab Calloway “beatin’ the band.”

2.  Take a brief detour west on 136th Street to see #107 and #111, brownstones converted into an evangelical church and a funeral home, respectively. The “garden level” and/or basements of many Harlem brownstones were converted into funeral parlors, houses of worship, shops, bistros, intimate clubs—and, during Prohibition, speakeasies!

Return to Lenox and continue to 138th Street, then turn left and walk west.

3.  The Abyssinian Baptist Church is at 132 W. 138th Street.

Founded in 1808 by African Americans and Ethiopian merchants unwilling to accept the segregated seating of other churches, the Abyssinian (which refers to the ancient name for Ethiopia) is one of the nation’s oldest, most influential African-American congregations.

Since erecting this church in 1923, the Abyssinian has been a force for social justice and economic development in Harlem. The church is often closed to the public, so attending a Sunday service may be your only option for entrance. Be sure to read the Abyssinian’s instructions for first-time visitors before attending.

The decaying brick buildings at Adam Clayton Powell and 138th St. were the location of the crack den in Spike Lee’s film “Jungle Fever. ” But they also were once the Renaissance Ballroom and Casino , a Black-owned entertainment complex that included a movie theater, ballroom, billiards parlor, and space for sporting events. During its heyday in the 1920s, “the cream of Harlem” held social events here, revelers danced the Charleston and Black Bottom, and America’s first African-American professional basketball team, the Harlem Renns, played here. It also hosted performances by Duke Ellington, Fletcher Henderson, and Ella Fitzgerald.

It’s now owned by the Abyssinian Development Corp, who plan to incorporate the façade into a modern residential tower.

3. At Adam Clayton Powell and 139th Street, turn left (west) onto Strivers Row , the two-block stretch of row houses with two unique features: their elegant, unified designs, and the private alleys behind each row (rare for New York!). Architect Stanford White designed the row on the north side of 139th Street.

Built in 1891, most of these homes remained empty until affluent African Americans (Strivers) bought them in the 1920s. Eubie Blake, W.C. Handy, Fletcher Henderson, and Alpha Phi Alpha (the nation’s first black fraternity) all resided on the row.

Wander along the block to Frederick Douglass Blvd. The street comes to an abrupt end with a park a block and a half west. This is St. Nicholas Park , which is built on the massive ridge of Manhattan bedrock that separates Harlem Heights from the plain of Harlem. The large Gothic building on the summit is City College .

Walking south down the boulevard, you can look into the private alley between the row houses of 139th and 138th Streets. At the corner, turn left and walk east on 138th St. to see more of “the Row.” Note Victory Tabernacle Church , built into a narrow townhouse plot, the mid-block alley gateway that still reads “walk your horses,” and #237, which is abandoned and boarded-up.

Turn right, and continue south for three blocks on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.

4. At 135th Street, you’ll see the large, historic Harlem YMCA (#181), where writers Claude McKay, Langston Hughes, and Ralph Ellison once lived, Jackie Robinson coached local kids, and James Earl Jones, Alvin Ailey, and Sidney Poitier performed in the Little Theater.

Just inside the lobby, look for Aaron Douglas’ 1933 mural, “ The Evolution of Negro Dance”—unprotected in a children’s playroom! Heading back to the corner of Adam Clayton Powell, you’ll find an old wooden newsstand selling publications intended for African-American readers.

Walk south for 10 blocks on Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. At #2283,  Hats by Bunn sells designer hats, which are quite popular with Harlem ladies for church attire.

The block of W. 133rd Street to your left was known as “Swing Street,” because it was lined with clubs, speakeasies, and after-hour hangouts. At #2271 is the  Shine Bar/Restaurant , a popular jazz and world music club. A typical hair-braiding salon is at #2253, and #2251 is an African Caribbean Market, selling imported foods and African movies on DVD.

On the avenue’s island at 131st Street is the brightly colored marker where the Tree of Hope once stood. Performers at the famed Lafayette Theater (formally at 132nd) believed the tree bestowed good luck. Its stump is now in the wings of the Apollo Theater, where performers touch it before taking the stage.

Beginning at the southwest corner are a number of Public Housing towers (or “projects”) covering five city blocks.

At the southwest corner of 126th Street is the Alhambra Ballroom , which opened in 1905 as a lavish vaudeville theater. The ballroom was added in 1926, and featured performances by Bessie Smith, Jelly Roll Morton, and Billie Holiday.

5. 125th Street is the  Harlem’s historic commercial heart .  On the northeast corner is the behemoth Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building , with the statue of its preacher and statesman namesake. The open plaza is often the site of community gatherings, including the celebration of President Obama’s election, a vigil for Michael Jackson, and numerous political/civil demonstrations.

Across 125th Street at #132 is the huge Koch & Co. Building , a 19th-century dry-goods/department store from the street’s first glory days. Beside it is the Studio Museum in Harlem , dedicated to the works of Black artists, from the 19th Century to contemporary. The museum features a permanent collection, exhibitions, and events; it also has a nice café, and free admission on Sundays.

At the southwest corner is the Hotel Theresa , known as the “Waldorf Astoria of Harlem.” It’s hosted celebrities like Joe Louis, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and stars of the Apollo Theater. Many civil rights leaders also had offices in the hotel, including A Philip Randolph and Malcolm X.

And Fidel Castro checked in here while attending a U.N. session (he’d been evicted from a midtown hotel for keeping live chickens in his room!).

6. The Apollo Theater ’s slogan, “where legends are made,” is no empty boast. This is where Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder, and the Jackson Five launched their careers.

It’s also launched some of the greatest stars of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Built in 1914 as a burlesque house for a whites-only audience, the theater still hides racy murals behind the red-velvet wall coverings.   In 1934, it became the “125th Street Apollo,” a variety music hall open to everyone.

Today, the raucous Amateur Night at the Apollo (where so many stars have been discovered!) still takes place every Wednesday night. Excellent historic tours of the theater also are available by advance reservation.

After shopping on 125th Street, you can catch the subway one block west at St. Nicholas Ave. (for the A, B, C, D lines), or head back to Lenox Ave for the 2 or 3 lines (not to mention to check out three excellent restaurants: the acclaimed Red Rooster , Chez Lucienne , and Corner Social ).

Want to keep going? Great! You can also…

A. Walk south down Lenox Avenue , lined with incredible brownstones and churches (in various states of repair), all built for a wealthy German-Jewish community in the 1880s. Turn left, or east, on 122nd St. (once called Doctors’ Row) to see beautiful homes leading to Marcus Garvey Park .

Return to Lenox via 121st St. On 116th St. is the site of Malcolm X’s mosque and the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market , where vendors sell authentic African handicrafts. From here, you can catch the subway, or continue six blocks south to Central Park and Harlem Meer .

B. Continue south down Frederick Douglass Blvd. , where you’ll find the Harriet Tubman monument , and plenty of new, high-end businesses, including W’s chic Aloft Hotel , Harlem Vintage wine store, Patisserie des Ambassades , Levain Bakery (some say with the city’s best cookies), and Harlem Tavern . The subway stop is at 116th St.

Want more of Harlem?

Join the community in celebrating annual events like the African American Day Parade  or Harlem Week , when 135th Street, from Lenox to St. Nicholas Avenue, is taken over by local shops, entertainment, plenty of soul food, and impromptu dance parties.

Please note:   Visitors flock to Harlem Church services seeking an authentic cultural experience (which it certainly is! ). However, it’s important to remember that these are religious services, and not simply a music performance. The congregations are devout, and take their worship seriously.

Therefore, it’s appropriate to dress conservatively, and never behave in a manner that is distracting to others. Visitors must arrive on time and remain for the entire service. Talking and taking photos or video recording are not acceptable. In addition to Abyssinian Baptist , visitor-friendly churches include Greater Refuge Temple , Mount Neboh Baptist , and United House of Prayer for All People .

About the author

Harry is a Seattle native turned New Yorker with 8 years of NYC living under his belt. As a connoisseur of all things delicious, artsy, and adventurous, he loves to share his wisdom for the best foodie spots, coffee shops, bagel joints, art galleries, shopping havens, and scenic bike routes in the city.

More by Harry He

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Harlem Tourist Sites - Wonderful Harlem, NYC

Day tours, live jazz events, & gospel celebrations, day tours and live jazz events, enjoy our range of professionally-led harlem experiences.

Harlem is renowned as a major African-American residential, cultural, and business center. Join us on our Harlem Renaissance Walking Tour With Lunch or Civil Rights Walking Tour With Lunch and delve into the details of this historical NYC borough. Discover the soulful sounds of Harlem’s history with an enchanting NYC music tour or gospel concert offered by Welcome to Harlem. Live, world-class jazz concerts more your thing? Explore our Harlem Jammin Jazz Tour , Harlem Afternoon Jazz Tour  or Gospel Concert ! Check out more tours below.

Mount Morris Park Tour With Lunch

Harlem afternoon jazz tour, harlem renaissance tour with lunch, live jazz concerts with world-class musicians.

When the lights go down on this famous NYC neighborhood, the immortal soulful sounds and rhythms of Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis ring out. Learn about, experience, and visit some of Harlem’s most famous places while enjoying some world-class concerts in wonderful venues. The Harlem Safe House Jazz Parlor event is the 1st Thursday of every month and is hosted in various brownstone homes throughout Harlem. Our Harlem Jammin Jazz Tour ends with an evening in Harlem with some sightseeing and live jazz. Dive into the heart of cultural heritage by visiting iconic Harlem tourist sites with our expert-guided experiences.

Harlem Jazz Series

Harlem safe house jazz parlor, locally owned & operated, authentic tours & events, see more on our walking tours, discover our unique gospel events.

Prepare to be hand-clapping, foot-stomping, and singing along with the soulful rhythms of black gospel music! Be made to feel at home in a warm and welcoming environment and enjoy some of the best live gospel music with world-class musicians and choirs! Every Wednesday, enjoy our Harlem Gospel Series event and get in the holiday spirit with our Easter and Christmas celebrations! What are you waiting for?

Welcome to Harlem cordially invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of the city through our exceptional Walking Tours, NYC Music Tours, and esteemed Harlem Heritage Tours . Harlem, a renowned center of African-American residential, cultural, and business endeavors, will reveal its captivating essence like never before. Accompanied by our team of knowledgeable local experts, you will embark on a thrilling journey through Harlem’s storied past, vibrant present, and see lesser-known Harlem tourist sites along the way.  Prepare to be enthralled by compelling narratives that bring this neighborhood to life in an unforgettable way. Seize this golden opportunity and secure your place on our Harlem Walking Tour, NYC Music Tour, and lesser-known Harlem tourist sites. As you explore these hidden gems and delve into the rich history of this iconic New York City neighborhood, you will be spellbound by the marvels that await you. Don’t let this chance slip through your fingers – book now!

Experience the vibrant rhythm of New York City with our exclusive NYC Music Tour. Dive into the heart of Harlem and explore some of the iconic Harlem tourist sites that bear witness to the rich history of music in this neighborhood. It is time to immerse yourself in the birthplace of jazz, blues, and gospel. Our expert guides will lead you through the streets where music legends have left their mark, sharing captivating stories and fascinating insights along the way. Discover the sites where Billie Holiday was discovered. Let the melodies of NYC Musie Tour sweep you off your feet as you soak in the atmosphere and embrace the soulful tunes of yesteryear. With our carefully curated tour, you will gain a deeper understanding of the some of the Harlem tourist sites on the music scene today and create unforgettable memories in one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the roots of American music and indulge in the spirit of Harlem. Join us on a journey through the sounds and sights that define the soul of NYC.

Easter Weekend Gospel Celebration

Harlem gospel series, harlem holiday gospel celebration, hear from our happy guests, amanda anders | 2022.

What a wonderful tour of Harlem! Our tour guide Carolyn was great to work with from start to finish. She has a true passion for Harlem and a wealth of knowledge of its rich history. She customized the tour based entirely on our needs and warmly welcomed our group of 22 around Harlem through 90+ degree temperatures and even a sudden downpour. She answered our many questions and ensured we walked away from the tour both enlightened and inspired. I highly recommend Welcome to Harlem for your tour needs.

Marquette Baylor | 2022

We had an amazing time and are so appreciative that you waited for us! Our group was small and super kind, and Debi, well she was fabulous and shared some amazing historical facts. We also were able to see and meet a couple of Harlem stars, Dapper Dan’s assistant and Mr. Mitchell at the Apollo.

Man, what a blessing! Thank you again for your willingness to transfer some Harlem goodness with us, we are grateful. And our lunch, let’s just say was the icing on the red velvet cake from Tropical Grill Restaurant. Yum!

Hettie Holmes-Carter | 2022

The Welcome to Harlem tour is a must!!! Ms. Johnson provided a very informative, customized tour for my group of 30. Due to transportation issues traveling from Northern Virginia, we were over an hour late arriving for our tour. I informed Ms. Johnson of the delay, and she immediately adjusted our tour schedule to include the lunch scheduled at Amy Ruth’s. I appreciate her knowledge, flexibility, and professionalism.

Douglas Malan | 2022

Absolutely loved this experience. Carolyn is a fantastic tour guide. She brings Harlem’s history to life in a way that makes you want to keep exploring and learning. And lunch was delicious too. I highly recommend this tour for anyone interested in Harlem or anyone who loves immersive experiences filled with fantastic stories.

Alexandra L | June 2019

Such a great find! We’re just here for the Music, it’s a perfect break during the day and was a unique opportunity for our 3 years old to discover Jazz music. Takes place in a unique Harlem church and nearby great restaurants, subway stop. « There’s more to Harlem than just fried chicken and Gospel. Don’t get boxed in! » Craig Harris. Make sure you check this Harlem hidden gem. Read more

Giulia P | Dec 2019

Amazing!!! The best way to celebrate Christmas when away from home – it warmed our hearts (+ lots of fun and great music!) Read more

Marsha Cann | 2018

My husband and I attended the “Harlem Safe House Jazz Parlor” event featuring the Oliver Lake Group on May 4th. The music was outstanding. The experience was unique and intimate. The entire Harlem Jazz Boxx series is a true treasure for music lovers. Check it out! You’ll be glad you did. Many thanks to Craig and the Jazz Boxx team.

Who are Welcome to Harlem?

Read our story.

Welcome to Harlem is a boutique tour company , locally owned and operated, focusing on the rich history and cultural diversity of Harlem. We have been in business since 2004, and we are a proud NYC and NY State certified minority and women-owned business.

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Things to Do in Harlem NYC

This post covers things to do in Harlem, NYC. We include the best things to see and do, where to eat, hear live music, and how to attend a gospel service.

Harlem is a neighborhood that I and my fellow tour guides love. It’s especially fun to share with our tour guests and visitors of our own.

It’s a vibrant neighborhood rich with history, art, architecture, culture and…great food!

Below I tell you about the places I think one must visit when in Harlem. Many of these are stops on our pay-what-you-wish Harlem Walking Tour . 

I also took into account suggestions from some of the 230,000 members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group and you can read them at the bottom of this post.

The group is made up of locals, visitors to NYC, and those just getting to know the city.

There's no need to join the group to read the posts, comments and recommendations. So take a look at our group for more ideas. You can even ask a question yourself!

• Plan Your Visit
• Top 14 Things to Do
• Places to Eat and Shop
• Gospel Services
• Guided Tours

Watch a 22-minute abridged version of our live Harlem tour.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Harlem is referred to by many as the Black Mecca of the World. 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.

If you don't want to go it alone, join our pay-what-you-like   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.

You might even look into staying in Harlem. Some accommodations have prices lower than many NYC hotels. See what's available at Hotwire and TripAdvisor .

How to Get Here

Harlem is a large neighborhood, stretching from the Hudson River to the East River and from 110th to 155th Streets.

For those who ask "Where is Harlem?", this can be answered in a few ways!

Some will say "Upper Manhattan", and some say "Uptown". New Yorkers sometimes use these interchangeably. Find out why from our post Things to Do in Upper Manhattan

For the sake of this post, let's say it's at the northern tip of Manhattan as the map shows.

Many areas within Harlem have their own vibe. Some streets are bustling with restaurants, bars, and shopping while others are entirely residential.

A good place to start your exploration is at 125th Street and Lenox Avenue, the center of Harlem.

125th Street is one of Harlem's most famous streets where you will find many of the attractions listed in this post.

Use this  Google map  to get directions from your point of departure.

• 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

If you are unfamiliar with NYC's subway system, then read our posts on how to master the subway and tips on choosing the right MetroCard for you.

• M1, M7, M10, M101, M102, M103, M104, M103, M106, M116

TIP: If you are considering using a hop-on-hop-off bus to get around NYC, keep in mind that many tours stop in Harlem. Find out which bus tours do by reading our post comparing the different New York bus companies .

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.

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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.

Sundays are also the best if you want to see Harlem at its liveliest, but if you are coming for the art centers and museums, you may want to visit on a weekday.

IS HARLEM SAFE TO VISIT?

This excerpt below was taken from our post, Is Harlem Safe?

The reputation Harlem once had as a dangerous neighborhood is no longer the case.

With urban development along 125th Street and the surrounding streets, most of Harlem is safe, especially during the day.

Since you may be new to NYC, for your comfort we recommend the following:

• During the day, 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.
• 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.
• At night, use your common sense. If a street is not well-lit and you don’t have a particular destination on that street, take another route.
• As everywhere in NYC at night, pay attention to your surroundings. It’s best not to be flashing your wallet about in the street.
• Avoid parks in Harlem at night. This applies to many parks in NYC, even certain areas of Central Park.

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.

Most places listed are stops on our pay-what-you-like   Harlem Walking Tour  as well as our GPS-led audio tour of Harlem .

Everything on the list is  family-friendly . Most are free or affordable, which is just how I like it!

Click the map to open an interactive version .

When I plan an afternoon in Harlem, I sometimes tack on a visit to some Uptown museums or Central Park, so I've included some things you might want to check out beyond Central Harlem .

1. Take a Walking Tour

We offer a pay-what-you-like   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.

See all our tour offerings on this calendar .

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 .

2. Apollo Theater

253 West 125th St bet. Frederick Douglass Blvd. and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.

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 is sure to make it to the big leagues one day.

The audience does not hesitate to boo someone off the stage if they are terrible.

I've been several times and am always impressed by the talent. I've also been dismayed by just how bad some performers are. It's all part of the fun!

Many Amateur Night contestants have gone on to stardom, such as 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).

Read more about the Apollo Theater here .

3. 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  pay-what-you-like   Harlem Walking Tour . It is also included in our  GPS-enabled tour of Harlem .

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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.

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 .

Visiting the Schomberg Center is so interesting that we include it in our list of the top free things to do in NYC .

4.  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?

Why not head up to Sylvia’s Restaurant in the heart of where the Harlem Renaissance took place?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rob Ridner (@ridner)

Sylvia’s is simply a must-have to really experience the Harlem culture and is surprisingly reasonably priced for the entire family.

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 .

5. National Jazz Museum

58 West 129th St. at Malcolm X Blvd.

This Smithsonian-affiliated museum is located 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.

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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.

6. Abyssinian Baptist Church

132 W 138th St.

Founded in 1808, considered a ‘mega-church’; 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.

It's one of the places I've seen gospel, and I can tell you it can get very crowded, so you may want to see gospel at a different 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 .

7. 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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Anna Millan (@annamillan1)

We stop at many of these murals on our tours of Harlem .

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.

8.   Strivers’ Row

West 138th St. and West 139th St. bet. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.

As someone with a strong interest in architecture, I adore Strivers' Row, a small, historic set of houses built in 1891.

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, the houses are entirely different, made of yellow brick and white limestone with terra-cotta trim.

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On the south side of West 138th Street, you can find red-brick and brownstone buildings.

Most notable are the plots of land between some of the houses. These were stable mews for the horses to drive carriages -- there weren't cars in 1891. 

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.

9. 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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SAM (Harlem Girl in the DMV) (@theblackoutlive21)

Note: Its home location at 125th Street is currently closed as they renovate and expand the museum. The work is expected to be done by 2024.

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.

10. 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 itself is architecturally handsome and it was known as the "Waldorf-Astoria" of Harlem.

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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!

11. 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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bryan Hopping (@hopping.bryan)

For those traveling with kids, there are two playgrounds as well as a pool to cool off in on summer days.

See the park's  website for events, hours, and amenities.

Tip:  There is free wi-fi by the Amphitheater. For other free wifi access throughout the city, see our post  Where to Find Free WiFi in New York .

12. 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 providing “bootleg” alcohol. Over the years jazz musicians like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong played here.

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 located at 656 W. 125th St. See the Cotton Club website for more information.

13. 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.

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• 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.

BEYOND CENTRAL HARLEM

Central park.

The northern section of Central Park is located on the southern border of Harlem and is less frequented by tourists.

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.

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You can swim in Harlem Meer in the summer or in the winter  go ice-skating  on Lasker Rink.

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, which is 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 play!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Corcoran (@jenmcorcoran)

At the Grange home, you can see historically furnished rooms either on a ranger-guided tour and talk or on your own. See  the website  for more information. Free to visit.

To see where he is buried and hear about his duel with Aaron Burr, you can join our pay-what-you-wish Lower Manhattan Tour or explore on your own with our GPS-led Self-Guided Audio Tour .

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. Free.

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.

My favorite special exhibit was the outstanding Robert Moses and the Modern City about the controversial 'master builder' of New York City from 1934 to 1968.

Some say he modernized the city while others say he destroyed it. The debate goes on.

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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fab. (@thephotofab)

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.

Restaurant s

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.)

Southern-styled cuisine starts with Amy Ruth's Restaurant. Do you want Soul Food?

Amy Ruth's Restaurant responds.

After sampling a popular daily special: the Chicken and Waffles dish, returning to Amy Ruth's will become your wish!

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. Fried chicken is a must-have.

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.

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.

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Make My Cake 121 St Nicholas Ave and also 2380 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

This former home-based family business offers a tasty answer to any sweet tooth. With such yummy delights as cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and pies.

Be sure to check out their “Sweet Brand” of mugs, t-shirts, and hats.

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.

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

125th street  .

The main shopping area in Harlem.

Grandma's Place

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.

Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market

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.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicole Conway (@nicoleconwaystylist)

Harlem Haberdashery

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.

NiLu Gift Shop

191 Malcolm X Blvd

Beautiful unique gifts from books, paper gods, candles and soaps, accessories, home decor and more. Black-owned since 2015.

Harlem Chocolate Factory

2363 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.

Handcrafted Artisan Chocolates in Harlem.

NIGHTLIFE 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.

Shrine World Music Venue   2271 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard

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.

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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.

Harlem Tavern   2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd (at 116th St)

This bar & grill has live music on Tuesday and Thursday nights. It’s authentic and you’ll find native Harlemites enjoying the tunes.

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.

GOSPEL SERVICES

Lady altoviese's harlem renaissance and gospel experience.

Every Wednesday, Harlem resident, Lady Altoviese, a tour guide with Free Tours by Foot, presents her gospel performance.

There's no dress code and this is not a church service.  Learn more here .

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 .

If you prefer a guided tour that will ensure that you see some great gospel, here are a few choices:

• New York Pass - this tourist pass includes two free gospel experiences, a 9:30 a.m. Sunday gospel walk and a Wednesday evening walk. Both include gospel experiences. Check out our  review of the New York Pass  to see if it is right for you.
• Harlem Spirituals offers both Gospel Tour on Sunday as well as Gospel Tour on Wednesday . There are also Sunday  gospel tours that include brunch .

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

As we noted at the beginning of this post, I and my fellow tour guides like spending time in Harlem, and have visited all the places in this post.

We each have our favorites, but 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!

RELATED POSTS

• Guide to NYC Neighborhoods
• Things to Do in NYC
• Guided Tours of Harlem
• Where to Stay in NYC
• 5 Boroughs of NYC Explained

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Courtney Shapiro

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

NEW YORK ON SUNDAY (CONTRASTS + GOSPEL)

Discover the vibrant soul of New York City on this captivating Sunday tour. Enjoy Harlem’s soulful Gospel Mass , explore iconic landmarks like Yankee Stadium , and uncover the multicultural tapestry of Queens and Brooklyn. With a small group size for personalized engagement, this 6-hour experience culminates in a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, showcasing the city’s stunning skyline. Priced at $99 per person, this tour promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the contrasts and spiritual essence that define the Big Apple.

• The tour explores the diverse neighborhoods of New York City, including Harlem, The Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, providing a comprehensive experience of the city’s cultural contrasts.
• The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to attend a powerful gospel mass in Harlem, immersing participants in the vibrant African-American religious and musical heritage.
• The tour includes guided explorations of iconic landmarks, such as the Cathedral San Juan El Divino, Apollo Theater, and Yankee Stadium, offering a deeper understanding of the city’s history and culture.
• The tour’s small group size and personalized experience, with optional Spanish-speaking guides, ensure a tailored and engaging day for participants.
• The tour offers an optional ending in the DUMBO neighborhood, featuring a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge and exploration of the area’s trendy art galleries and converted warehouses.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

The "New York on Sunday" tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s diverse neighborhoods, with prices starting from $99.00 per person.

The tour lasts 6 hours and provides a free cancellation policy , allowing for flexibility. Guests can also opt for a "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour covers highlights in Harlem, The Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, with the option to end in the DUMBO neighborhood and walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge .

Itinerary and Locations

Starting at the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel, the tour spends 2.5 hours exploring Harlem. Guests make a photo stop and join a guided tour, then head to The Bronx for 1.5 hours of sightseeing. Next, the tour visits Queens for a 1-hour guided tour and photo stop, followed by a 1-hour stop in Brooklyn to explore the neighborhood and take a photo. The tour finishes in Chinatown/Little Italy, with an optional ending in the DUMBO neighborhood and a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Highlights and Experiences

Guests can explore Northern Manhattan and the city’s diverse boroughs on this comprehensive tour. The experience includes:

Attending a Gospel Mass in Harlem, a significant spiritual rite that offers a glimpse into the community’s vibrant culture.

Visiting key landmarks like the Cathedral San Juan El Divino, Columbia University, Apollo Theater, Yankee Stadium, and the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Park.

Taking in the multicultural aspects of Queens and experiencing the Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Enjoying photo stops and guided tours throughout the tour, providing a well-rounded understanding of New York City’s diverse neighborhoods.

Group Size and Language

A small group limited to 14 participants ensures an intimate and personalized experience on this New York City tour. This allows the guide to provide more attention and engage with each guest.

For those who prefer a Spanish-speaking experience , a live tour guide is available, catering to the diverse needs of the group.

The small size also facilitates easy navigation through the bustling streets and neighborhoods, providing a more immersive and comfortable sightseeing adventure.

Whether you’re exploring Harlem’s vibrant culture or discovering the multicultural tapestry of Queens, this tour offers an exclusive and tailored experience for a memorable day in the city .

Transportation and Health Guidelines

The tour utilizes comfortable vans with a capacity for 14 passengers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized transportation experience.

Due to current health restrictions , the tour has temporarily suspended the Bronx police station entry. However, the itinerary remains flexible, with the potential to adjust the Flushing Meadows Park stop depending on the schedule of the US Open tennis tournament.

To ensure the safety of all participants , the tour adheres to the following guidelines:

• Masks are required during the tour.
• Temperature checks may be conducted prior to boarding.
• Social distancing measures are in place.
• Frequent sanitization of the vehicles is carried out.

Attending Gospel Mass in Harlem

One of the highlights of this tour is the opportunity to attend a gospel mass in Harlem , a significant spiritual rite that offers a profound insight into the cultural and religious heritage of the neighborhood.

During the mass, visitors will experience the powerful and soulful music that has been a cornerstone of the African-American community for generations. The energy and emotion of the service are truly captivating, as the choir and congregation come together in a celebration of faith and community .

This authentic experience provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Harlem’s vibrant culture , leaving a lasting impression on all who attend.

Exploring Northern Manhattan and Boroughs

Exploring the diverse neighborhoods of Northern Manhattan and the city’s boroughs is a captivating aspect of this tour.

From the vibrant streets of Harlem to the iconic landmarks of The Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn, you will enjoy the multicultural fabric of New York City.

The itinerary features:

• Guided tours through these distinct neighborhoods, providing insights into their history and cultural significance.
• Photo stops at iconic sites like the Cathedral San Juan El Divino, Columbia University, and the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Park.
• An opportunity to experience the Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
• An optional ending with a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Optional Ending in DUMBO Neighborhood

For those interested in capping off the tour with a scenic finale , the itinerary offers an optional ending in the DUMBO neighborhood.

Here, participants can enjoy a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge , taking in the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

The DUMBO area is known for its cobblestone streets , converted warehouses, and trendy art galleries , providing a picturesque contrast to the bustling city landscapes explored earlier in the day.

This optional ending allows visitors to savor the tour’s finale and depart with a lasting impression of New York’s diverse neighborhoods and landmarks.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Gospel Service?

The tour does not specify a dress code for the gospel service. However, it’s generally recommended to wear attire that is respectful and appropriate for a religious service, such as modest and clean clothing.

Can I Take Photos/Videos During the Gospel Service?

During the gospel service, guests are generally allowed to take photos and videos, though it’s recommended to be respectful and discreet. The tour guide can provide guidance on appropriate times and etiquette for photography.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can add extra time to explore neighborhoods in greater depth or visit additional sights. This comes at an additional cost and should be arranged with the tour operator in advance.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for the Tour?

No special equipment is required for the tour. Comfortable walking shoes and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy the sightseeing experiences. The tour provides transportation in comfortable vans for participants.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour has no age restrictions, and is open to participants of all ages. Children are welcome, though they must be accompanied by an adult. There are no specific requirements for this tour.

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This immersive New York tour offers a unique blend of cultural, spiritual, and scenic experiences. Participants will witness the soulful Gospel Mass in Harlem , explore iconic landmarks across the boroughs, and culminate with a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge . With a small group size and personalized engagement, this 6-hour adventure provides an enriching introduction to the vibrant contrasts of the city that never sleeps.

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