Harlem

The basics

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (125th Street), the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, holds many of the area’s top attractions including the Apollo Theater and the Studio Museum in Harlem. But to really get to know this part of Upper Manhattan, explore in the company of a tour guide. Walking tours focus on different aspects of its musical heritage—think hip-hop, gospel, and jazz—as well the history of Harlem.

Other Harlem tours revolve around food, movie and TV filming locations, and the district’s swing-dance scene. Many tours make stops at notable religious structures, including the as-yet-unfinished Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the lively Abyssinian Baptist Church, and the Rockefeller-built Riverside Church.

Things to know before you go

• Harlem is a must-visit for fans of African-American culture.

• The area is a neighborhood that’s open to the public, so you don’t need Harlem tickets to visit.

• Wear comfortable shoes and expect to do quite a lot of walking, as Harlem covers a relatively large section of Upper Manhattan.

• Curb ramps are commonplace, making much of the area accessible to wheelchair users.

How to get there

Upper Manhattan is home to Harlem. The New York City neighborhood begins at the northern boundary of Central Park between Fifth Avenue and Manhattan Avenue. The east-west boundaries widen as you travel north, eventually extending from the Harlem River all the way to the Hudson River. To get to the heart of Harlem, ride the A, B, D, 2, or 3 train to 125th Street.

When to get there

Harlem is fun to explore at any time, though the subway trip is probably best avoided during the crowded morning and evening rush hours. On Sundays, you can hear the strains of gospel music emerging from the neighborhood’s many places of worship. Friday and Saturday evenings are best for nightlife.

Key historic sights

For a glimpse into the Harlem of old, head for Strivers’ Row, also known as St. Nicholas Historic District. Situated on West 138th and 139th Streets between Frederick Douglass and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevards, this row of elegant 19th-century townhouses has been home to countless historic figures including Scott Joplin and Eubie Blake. Harlem also boasts what is arguably New York’s most glorious cathedral, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine—an immense stone construction blending Romanesque, Gothic, and neo-Gothic elements.

Ways to explore

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (125th Street), Harlem’s main thoroughfare, is home to a number of the neighborhood’s top attractions, including the Apollo Theater and the Studio Museum. But to really get to know this part of Upper Manhattan, see it in the company of a tour guide. Many cultural tours focus on different aspects of Harlem’s musical heritage—think hip-hop or jazz, sometimes with live performances included.

Other Harlem tours revolve around food, movie and TV filming locations, or notable religious landmarks. Some even include Sunday church services, complete with gospel choirs.

Accessibility

Exploring the neighborhood is accessible to wheelchair users; check with tour guides in advance about locations.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, camera, rain gear if needed

What to wear

As many Harlem tours are conducted outdoors, prepare with weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes. If you’re attending a church service, be sure to dress respectfully.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Public transit, green spaces, dining options

Address

Harlem is located in uptown Manhattan, and easy to reach by subway or bus. Taxi and rideshare services are also widely available.

Driving

Driving in Manhattan is often stressful, thanks to limited parking and busy traffic. It’s better to avoid driving yourself, and use taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

A number of subway lines stop in Harlem, including the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, A, B, C, and D; the 125th Street stations are a good starting point, but check your specific destination for the closest option. Buses and Metro-North commuter trains also stop in the neighborhood.

Best times to visit

If you’re after a soul food brunch and gospel choir church service, go on a Sunday morning. Or visit in the evening to make the most of Harlem’s jazz clubs.

Best days to visit

Weekends are a favorite time to visit Harlem, but this buzzing NYC neighborhood always has something going on.

Best months to visit

Summer is the most popular time to visit New York City, and in Harlem, the season brings with it a raft of festivals and cultural events. For cooler temps and fewer crowds, go in the spring or fall.

Special events

Time your visit for August, when the annual Harlem Week cultural festival is held—it’s been a neighborhood staple since 1974.