Enjoy Gospel Choirs, Soul Food and More in This Wonderful Manhattan Neighborhood
Head uptown to explore Harlem’s rich culture and history.
Where Is Harlem? How Do You Get There?
Address
144 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027-4423, USA
Harlem is located in northern Manhattan. The neighborhood is bounded by the Harlem River on the North, 110th Street/Central Park North on the South, 5th Avenue on the East, and Morningside/St. Nicholas avenues on the West. Harlem consists of several smaller neighborhoods, including Bradhurst, Strivers’ Row, Manhattanville, Morningside Heights, and Sugar Hill. The area is well-served by subways; therefore, depending on your destination, different trains and stops may be more convenient. The A/C, 1, 2/3, and B trains have numerous stations throughout the neighborhood. Consequently, it’s advisable to consult the MTA Subway Map to find the best route to your destination.
The Official NYC Information Center in Harlem is located inside the Studio Museum of Harlem at 144 W. 125th St. (between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Malcolm X Blvds.), and it operates daily, providing visitors with insights into the area’s history.
History of Harlem
Harlem was first established in the 1600s by Dutch farmers who called it Nieuw Haarlem. It operated relatively independently for many years due to its remote location. During colonial times, many prominent families established estates in the area. However, as farming declined in the mid-1800s, a wave of immigration began: first the Irish, followed by Germans and, later, Eastern European Jews settling in Harlem. In the early 1900s, realtors and churches encouraged the African American population to move into the neighborhood, promising better housing, reduced racism, and an overall improved environment.
The growth of the Black population led to vibrant developments in art, music, dance, and literature. In the 1920s and 30s, Harlem became the epicenter of the Harlem Renaissance, featuring prominent writers like Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and W.E.B. Du Bois. Additionally, many famous jazz clubs flourished in Harlem, showcasing iconic musicians such as Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, and Bessie Smith.
Today, while certain areas of Harlem are undergoing gentrification, the neighborhood retains a robust local community, beautiful architecture, and a plethora of reasons to visit.
Tours of Harlem
Address
104 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10026, USA
Phone: +1 212-280-7888
- Great Day In Harlem Jazz Tour ($149): A five-hour all-ages tour that combines music and transportation by mini-bus, including dinner, ideal for music enthusiasts.
- Harlem Juke Joint Tour ($99): Spend four hours immersing yourself in the vibrant music scene at multiple live music venues with Big Apple Jazz Tours.
- Harlem Heritage Tours: Offers a wide variety of walking and bus tours in Harlem, including gospel, history, and tasting tours, all led by local guides who have a personal connection to the neighborhood.
- Harlem Spirituals: Provides both jazz and gospel tours of Harlem, with various options for lunch/brunch included.
- Historic Harlem: If you’re interested in the history of Harlem, this two-hour tour with Big Onion Walking Tours is perfect for you at just $20.
- Taste Harlem: Food and Culture Tours: Participate in the Harlem Tasting Tour ($95), a four-hour journey exploring the neighborhood’s culinary delights.
- Walk This Way Through Harlem ($32): For hip-hop enthusiasts, this walking tour offered by Hush Hip Hop Tours is a great option (they also provide a Birthplace of Hip Hop Bus Tour ($75) covering Harlem and the Bronx).
- Welcome to Harlem Tours: Features various neighborhood tours, including shopping, jazz, and gospel tours.
Hotels in Harlem
Address
2296 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10027, USA
Phone: +1 212-749-4000
- Aloft Harlem: A hip, modern hotel conveniently located near the Apollo Theater and Studio Museum, making it an ideal base for exploring New York City. Guests appreciate the clean, stylish rooms alongside amenities like free Wi-Fi and coffee.
- Harlem YMCA: Provides single and double accommodations with shared baths, offering affordable lodging in a safe area.
