Harlem

Any discussion of Harlem history and culture that doesn’t touch on the Harlem Renaissance is no discussion at all. From around 1918 through the mid-1930s, the neighborhood was ground zero for a flourishing of music, dance, art, fashion, literature, and more. It’s an era that brought names like Langston Hughes, Bessie Smith, and Zora Neale Hurston to the forefront. A time period that jazz, rock and roll, hip-hop, and every genre in between can trace their roots to. Relatedly, Harlem’s iconic Apollo Theater set the stage for countless legendary acts and helped jumpstart innumerable careers—including Ella Fitzgerald and Jimi Hendrix—with its regular “Amateur Night” showcase. But the Apollo is just one of many historic buildings found throughout Harlem’s several landmark areas. Districts like Striver’s Row, Mount Morris Park, and ​​Manhattan Avenue–West 120th–123rd Streets all consist of striking, indelible architecture, the kind that helps Harlem retain its character after all this time.

To dine out in Harlem is to eat some of the best that New York City (and, by extension, the world) has to offer. Food originating from countless sources—nations, the sea, plants—is featured on menus, providing a broad swath of flavors to please or expand the taste buds. Splurge a bit on a fine dining experience or indulge in comfort food from an enduring neighborhood establishment—they all bring diners to the area from far and wide. Seeing as Harlem is a popular NYC location, there are also wine bars, spots for craft beer, and top-notch bakeries to please the sweet tooth. Shopping tends to be concentrated along the main drag of 125th Street and nearby blocks. You’ll find a mix of familiar stores and brands, but also some independent, locally-owned options. Frederick Douglass Boulevard (the continuation of Central Park West) has also been known to lure window-shoppers.