Harlem

An epicentre of African American history, Harlem has so much to see

As Langston Hughes once said, "There's so much to see in Harlem". An epicentre of African American history, Harlem has a rich and colourful history and has become one of New York City's top tourist destinations through revitalisation efforts. Steeped with Black History, Harlem gained its fame during Harlem Renaissance when local writers such as Zora Neale Hurston, W.E.B DuBois, Langston Hughes and Ralph Elliston met critical acclaim.

The Apollo Theatre is a Harlem landmark where music legends Nat King Cole, Dizzy Gillespie and Marvin Gaye and many more performed. Harlem Stage and the National Black Theatre are some of the nation's preeminent African American cultural institutions with performances not to be missed. Jazz enthusiasts will want to catch a set at the famous Cotton Club, National Jazz Museum or one of the many new jazz clubs scattered throughout Harlem. On Sundays, Abyssinian Baptist, Canaan Baptist, Salem United Methodist and Metropolitan Baptist welcome visitors of all races and creeds to experience their charismatic gospel choruses.

In addition to its music and literary fame, The Studio Museum in Harlem has an exceptional collection of works by artists of African descent. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture offers has an extensive collection of photographs, films and manuscripts and regularly hosts readings and performances for scholars and visitors. Visit Museo del Barrio to experience the artistic flavour of Spanish Harlem with collections of Latino, Latin American and Caribbean art or MediaNoche Gallery's exhibition of Puerto Rican culture. Many historical and architecturally significant buildings are located in Harlem. Alexander Hamilton's Hamilton Grange and Grant's Tomb in Riverside Park offer spectacular views of the Hudson River.

With all there is to see and do, no visit to Harlem is complete without a visit to Sylvia's world famous soul food restaurant, so be sure to make a reservation.

Cost: Free, Fees may apply for activities. Please see websites for details.

Hours : Harlem is quiet on Sundays, except for church services.

Website: Harlem Tourism

Address: North of Central Park

Nearby attractions: Museum of the City of New York, Yankee Stadium

Getting There on Transit
Subway Train / Bus	Subway Station	Walking Time
A, B, C , 2, 3, 4 or 6	116th Street	0 minutes
A, B, C, D, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6	125th Street	0 minutes
A, B, C, D or 1	145th Street	0 minutes
A , B, C or D	155th Street	0 minutes
1	Columbia University	0 minutes
Take the A, B, C , 2, 3, 4 or 6 train to 116th Street, 1 train to Columbia University, A, B, C, D, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 train to 125th Street, A, B, C, D or 1 train 145th Street, A , B, C or D train to 155th Street