Stretched across Upper Manhattan, the historic neighborhood of Harlem is known for its rich African-American culture, jazz heritage, and vibrant food scene. Explore landmarks such as the Apollo Theater and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, and swing by Sylvia’s Restaurant for some soul food. Stroll along 125th Street and Strivers’ Row, visit Marcus Garvey Park, and enjoy live music at a local jazz club—just a few of the many things to do in Harlem. On the east side of Harlem, you’ll encounter the Italian, Latin, and Caribbean influences the area is famous for.
Like the rest of NYC, the best time to visit Harlem is during spring (April–June) and fall (September–November). This is when the weather is mild, making it ideal for exploring the neighborhood’s historic streets, parks, and cultural attractions. During the summer, check out Harlem Week, a multi-day celebration of music, arts, and history that usually takes place in August. Winter can get bitterly cold, so if you’re visiting during this time, warm up at one of Harlem’s gospel brunches.
Harlem is serviced by several subway lines and bus routes, so it’s easily accessible from other parts of New York. The 1, 2, 3, A, B, C, and D lines run along Harlem’s main corridors, while the 4, 5, and 6 lines serve East Harlem. The M60-SBS runs from Harlem to LaGuardia Airport, and other key bus routes include M1, M7, and M101. Citi Bike stations (NYC’s bike share program) are in the area, and taxis and rideshare services are readily available.
When folks refer to Harlem, they’re likely talking about West or Central Harlem, which comprises a chunk of Upper Manhattan the size of Central Park, roughly from St. Nicholas Avenue to Fifth Avenue toward the east. The greater Harlem area extends to the East River, encompassing what is known as East Harlem, Spanish Harlem, or El Barrio), and to the Hudson River, including the smaller neighborhoods of Morningside Heights, Manhattanville, and Hamilton Heights-Sugar Hill, which altogether is known as West Harlem.
