So much can be said and written about the beloved gem that is Harlem. It is my favorite borough in NYC (it's a part of Manhattan, i know). I truly love all of nyc, but Harlem is special. The history, the sites, the food, the energy/vibe...it reminds me very much of where I was born and bred. The best part is its location right across the bridge from NJ. It has been interesting to see the "rebirth" and ever-changing landscape. The love is still there, though. And always will be! read more

Oh Harlem, who can touch your incredible culture and your iconic history? The history of my people. Black people. Amazing people. The birth of our culture, our music, our dance, our literature. But also, once a story of struggle, poverty, and crime. Every person and every place has a past and a story. The story of Harlem encompasses the great history of black culture. From the Harlem globetrotters, to the Apollo Theatre, to the Harlem Renaissance; this district is a one of a kind. I only wished that I could have spent more time here. Harlem still seems to get a bad rap, but I have to admit that it's not that bad at all. It kind of reminds me of how outsiders think of Oakland. You have to experience it for yourself to see its' true beauty. And, that there Harlem is pretty damn beautiful. The architecture, the restaurants, the wonderful parks, its' lively character, and its' people. All of it is worthy of a visit. Yes, there are some rough parts like there are in many other cities around the world. But, don't let that detour you from experiencing the Harlem culture. There's just so much history in this town, and it has truly evolved over the years. I'm grateful to have experienced the charm of lil' ol' Harlem. read more

I lived in a small stretch steps away from City College almost 23 years ago. And for a whopping 6 years, Hamilton Terrace.....not Place- was my home. Even then as a sleepier street (and with gentrification already ripe), that exclusive crowd I saw on the Hamilton Terrace strip, was difficult to match anywhere else. And it always struck a note: surrounded by would-be artists, poets and musicians- reliving that unforgettable Sugar Hill experience. Whether it's East Harlem or West- both have huge and distinct personalities. It's the energy, the style, that historic charm- for God sakes and music- are only part of the draw that always gravitated me to the latter. So much to do and remember traveling from Hamilton Terrace down to take my daughter to The Studio Museum in Harlem as a toddler. Whether it's here or any other spot-on any given day, you can catch more Art or Spoken Word...let's put it this way...this side of Harlem, has so much of anything and everything. Food-wise, there's a never-ending list of options. The food scene now pops- it's so unbelievable. I can go on and on about this part of Harlem. And even though I lived here for a short while, no matter what- it's still dear to me. read more

Mardory is the girl to tell you about Harlem. I would never be able to tell you the feeling of being present in an environment so rich in culture and history. Find out from someone who knows the streets. Words can't explain the feeling I get walking the Streets in Harlem. Restaurants, historic sites, music and more. There's too much to see, taste and experience. My bucket list goes on into my next lifetime! You just have to be there. Take in as much as you can! I pray it's history and culture will be preserved. read more

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Harlem is an important part of New York. It's another iconic neighborhood. Just traveling through it by bus is pretty fun, and safe. It's not as bad as it's made to be. Most areas are pretty safe. It's been home to many African Americans through history, but it hasn't always been. It was actually a Dutch village in the beginning. The African American population began moving in around the 1920s. Ever since it's been an important place culturally. Many streets are named after important people like Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X. If you're coming to Manhattan from LaGuardia, the M60 bus goes through it. It follows the historic 125th Street. This street has its own review too. read more

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This place just oozes soul. The streets are filled with music, whether it's from a musician or being played from someone's porch stoop. Tons of eateries from all cultures. People on corners chatting, gossiping, and playing games. You see all sorts of different cultural dress and hear so many languages. I truly started to understand the meaning of culture when I stayed in Harlem. It isn't a "tourist" destination, but it is a place you should experience. I always felt safe and welcomed. If you stay in Harlem, I recommend Aloft Harlem, which I have also reviewed. read more

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Back in the day Harlem was the mecca for black people, black culture, and black history. The Harlem Renaissance was a birthing place for our diverse cuture, the Poet Langston Hughes lived here, the Cotton Club was king, Poet Claude Mc Kay took up residence in what now is the Harlem YMCA, and author James Baldwin was born and raised here...the renoun Minister Malcolm X preached throughout these streets and was assassinated right here in the Audubon Ball Room. Then the seventies hit and Harlem crumbled under heroine, crime, and bad politics. Songs were inspired about life above West 110th street, blues singer Bobby Womack crooned..."Across 110th Street pimps trying to catch a woman that's weak, across 110th Street pushers won't let the junkie go free, across 110th Street woman trying to catch a trick on the street, across 110th Street..you can find it all in the street." These lyrics are from The movie "American Gangster" based on the life of the notorious drug king pin Nicky Barnes who was born here and ran the streets of Harlem in the seventies when the city sold vacant lots and empty brownstones for all of one dollar. That was then. Now Harlem is on the come up, Brownstones row homes that once sat abandoned are now restored to their original pristine decor of hardwood floors and stained glass windows and worth well over a million dollars. The neighborhood is now diverse and businesses are booming, the renoun Lenox Lounge is gone however sidewalk cafes and coffee shops can now be found up and down Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Soul food is apart of the culture, Sylvia's, Amy Ruth's, and Jacob's Soul Food and Salad bar is where people still frequent to get southern fried chicken, black eyed peas, extra sweet tea, and seasoned collard greens. The Apollo Theater is as much apart of Harlem as the A train that rumbles thru the neighborhood right beneath your feet. Most Black entertainers still perform at The Apollo and former POTUS Barack Obama visited there on a campaign stop. This is it...what are you waiting for...thought provoking history, rich culture, diversity, and traditional Southern food awaits you. Harlem has it own week too. http://www.greaterharlemchamber.com/?page=HARLEMWEEK read more

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Once upon a time in the borough of Manhattan, New York City in the northern section was originally a Dutch village founded in 1658. Harlem was named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands. Fast forward... Harlem is rich with culture, American lead movements in music, literature, dance and art, collectively known as the Harlem Renaissance, that featured innovators like Bessie Smith, Langston Hughes and Josephine Baker. Here lies popular landmarks: area's main thoroughfare (Broadway), 125th Street, Apollo Theater, Frederick Douglass Circle, Hamilton Heights, Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Harlem Hospital Center, Harlem River Houses and The Harlem School of the Arts, Columbia University, plus more. In my travel passage you can experience culture and intake Harriet Tubman Memorial. read more

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Harlem is a very well known section of New York City that's located on the northern end of the island of Manhattan. It's got a very mixed and interesting history, as well as something of an infamous reputation. My friend and I spent most of a whole day in Harlem recently, and we had a really fabulous time! We walked the length of 125th street, went to the Apollo Theatre, and visited a number of local churches. During our visit we found Harlem to be full of culture and history, with people who are generally very welcoming. I'm really glad we took the time to come and see it :-) Tip: Some famous movies that were either set in Harlem or filmed here include: 1) Cotton Comes to Harlem 2) The Cotton Club 3) Shaft 4) Super Fly 5) Live and Let Die 6) Harlem Nights read more

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Juneteenth Parade, Harlem Peace Rally, and Harlem Day of Peace Pictures added read more

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I first heard of Harlem in middle school, back when I was on the west coast. Marcus Garvey, and many other prominent African Americans shined a big light into this region of Manhattan. When I was interviewing for schools, I was excited to get to know NYC and Harlem. Much like Los Angeles, and it's many ethnic enclaves, I had no doubt that this town would provide me an in depth cultural experience. I was most definitely right. There are stores and restaurants that represent many different cultures from Africa. I first tried African food in LA, guided by one of my good friends from undergrad that hailed from Nigeria. I became a fan of the food, and I'm now able to try out food from different African regions. Moving from LA to NYC was an adjustment, but in short time I felt right at home here. Contrary to the stereotypes of New Yorkers, I found the people in Harlem, and Manhattan, to be friendly people. Who knows where I'll end up in four-years time for the next step. But for now, I'll continue enjoying the cultural experience that Harlem, and Manhattan, offers. read more

Harlem is the heart of NYC. A plethora of types and spots bring soul and life to this City. You cannot be a real New Yorker without having spent some serious time here. read more

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Did you know that Harlem was founded in 1658? It was originally a Dutch village named after the city of Haarlem in The Netherlands. Harlem is a large neighborhood in the northern section of the New York City borough of Manhattan. Locals refer to Harlem as "Uptown". Since the 1920s, Harlem has been known as a major African-American residential, cultural and business center. Some popular landmarks are the Apollo theater, Sylvia's Soul Food, Abyssinian Baptist Church, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, All Saints Church, Frederick Douglass Circle, Hamilton Heights, Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Harlem Hospital Center, Harlem River Houses and The Harlem School of the Arts just to name a few. The Harlem River separates the Bronx and Manhattan. The 103rd Street Footbridge connects Manhattan with Wards Island. The Triboro Bridge offers connections between Queens, Manhattan (Harlem), and the Bronx. Subway routes include Lenox Avenue Line (2 & 3 trains) --Seventh Avenue Line (1 train) -- Lexington Avenue Line (4, 5, 6 trains at 125th Street) -- Eighth Avenue Line (A B C D trains) -- Concourse Line (B D trains at 155th Street) Bus routes include M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M10, M11, M15, M15 SBS, M35, M60 SBS, M100, M101, M102, M103, M104, M116 (Manhattan buses). Bx6, Bx15, Bx19, Bx33 (Bronx buses). read more

Great atmosphere and people. The local restaurants and stores are a lot less expensive than Manhattan. There's also public bikes you can rent. read more

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Harlem is where it's at son! I was a little hesitant to move to the neighborhood from Brooklyn a few years ago but have been pleasantly surprised. I have never been harassed or felt unsafe (of course it's NYC so you have to be on your guard everywhere regardless), neighbors are friendly enough and there is an explosion of entrepreneurial spirit, higher education, culture and innovation here. There are also several smaller art galleries spread around from local artists, artisinal coffee shops, vegan food, great food, and the cutest little places you'd never know was there had you not lived down the street. Harlem has a real community feel to it where we watch out for each other. read more

I recommend going on a tour of the larger churches here, you'd be surprised how many oversized cathedrals you can fit into one neighborhood. Bonus: the restaurant from Seinfeld (Tom's Diner) is here. read more

Things are calenté in uptown. The land of the straight blow-dry, amazing food, and affordable nail salons.