Things to do in Harlem

By Sarah Harris

Steeped in African American history and culture, Harlem has much to offer for the inquisitive traveler. Today, the area thrives with fantastic museums, world-renowned theaters and amazing little hidden gems. Whether you’re an artsy type, a foodie, or a music lover, you’ll find that there are many reasons to love the neighborhood. With so many things to see and do in the area, we’ve put together a list of our favorite attractions. Keep scrolling to read about the best things to do in Harlem!

Get to Know the Area

Whilst other neighborhoods are noted for their towering buildings and modern structures, Harlem is home to many important historical landmarks. Founded in 1808, the Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in the United States and an unmissable stop if exploring Harlem. Visitors can come to enjoy beautiful sermons and admire the building’s striking interiors. The church welcomes guests from all walks of life, though we recommend wearing modest clothes as a mark of respect.

Another one of our favorite things to do in Harlem is visit the Hamilton Grange National Memorial. Situated at St. Nicholas Park, the property is recognized as the only home that founding father Alexander Hamilton ever owned. Today, the National Historic Site offers an inside look into Hamilton’s extraordinary lifestyle and career which foregrounded the United States as it is known today. Visitors can take guided tours to view the well-preserved interiors, interesting films, and a small museum exhibiting the American patriot’s greatest achievements. A total must-see, this historic site provides fantastic insight into the establishment and early development of the United States.

New York City has always been recognized for its powerful sway within the art world, with Harlem presenting some fantastic hidden treasures. For those interested in art history and Harlem street culture, the Graffiti Hall of Fame showcases impressive pieces which changed the landscape of the urban art scene forever. In particular, these bright, expressive murals display the development of graffiti writing from the 1980s up until today. Don’t forget to take your phone or a camera to capture some shots of this fascinating historic site!

Get Cultured

Looking for a world-class entertainment experience right in the center of Harlem? Well, look no further. Giving status to some of the East Coast’s top entertainers for decades, the Apollo Theater is recognized as one of Harlem’s most notable attractions. The venue is well known for hosting Showtime at the Apollo and its legendary Amateur Night, featuring undiscovered artists performing across all art forms. But if that’s not quite your cup of tea, there’s no need to worry; you can see everything from live jazz to classical music performances here. With its interesting history and lively atmosphere, there’s no better place to catch a show.

A well-recognized cultural and creative hub, Harlem presents some of the best art galleries in the city. Founded in 1968, The Studio Museum in Harlem seeks to display, preserve, and interpret art created by African Americans. Though the repository is smaller than say, that of MoMA, it works to paint a profound and accurate portrayal of a community which sees less focus in the mainstream art world. Upon entrance, you’ll be able to enjoy a captivating collection spanning over 200 years of history and across all disciplines. Presenting beautiful and historically-relevant pieces within an intimate space, this place makes for the perfect quiet afternoon out.

Those looking to learn more about the background of the area should consider checking out the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. A great stop for music lovers and history buffs alike, the institute offers a deep dive into the East Coast artists who contributed to the genre. Amongst its holdings, you’ll find Duke Ellington’s piano and Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis’ sax, along with old photos, letters and recordings. In addition, the facility holds regular live performances – so don’t miss out!

Take in the Atmosphere

One of the best ways to experience the local culture of a neighborhood is through its markets. Located just off of Malcolm X Boulevard (and named after the famous activist’s grandson), the Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market reflects the community it's in through presenting a fantastic array of local vendors. Open daily, the market is known for purveying everything from traditional African clothing and jewelry to streetwear and original artwork. Dive into the crowds, pick up a souvenir, and take it all in. We couldn't think of a better way to spend a lazy New York afternoon!

Do you want to meander through fantastical botanical displays and draping foliage right in the middle of the concrete jungle? Well, as it turns out, you can! Situated near the East Harlem district of Manhattan, Central Park’s Conservatory Garden offers the perfect retreat from the city. Constructed in 1937, the garden is made up of three separate areas, each with a unique design: the French-style Garden, the Italianate Garden, and the English-style Garden. Enjoy the fresh air, have a picnic, and watch the sunset – what could be better than that?

Anybody who comes to Harlem looking for great eateries will not be disappointed! Whether you’re craving fresh grilled catfish or creamy lobster risotto, the area presents the perfect bite for every occasion. Those who are interested in fine dining should look into Renaissance Harlem for its creative menu and laid-back atmosphere. If soul food is more your style, head to Sylvia’s for the perfect chicken and waffles. We also recommend checking out Harlem’s restaurant row, for those who just cannot make the final decision!

Diverse and bustling with life, Harlem is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in New York to explore. It doesn’t matter if you’re a first-timer or a returning visitor, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Whether you’re looking to taste some of the best soul food in the city, catch a first-class performance at the Apollo Theater, or get in touch with your spiritual side, it’s impossible to be bored here. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

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Is New York Safe?

In many ways, New York is the perfect place for recreation and exploration. From its fantastic cultural amenities and historical landmarks to great bars and restaurants, the city has it all. Still though, like any entity that reaches an immortal level of fame, the city has amassed quite the reputation. Rumors began to fly. So, it only makes sense for a person to wonder, ‘’is New York safe to visit?’’ Well, we’re here to tell you that the answer is a resounding yes! But, if you still need more convincing, or are perhaps looking for tips for how to stay safe during our visit, have a read through our guide to navigating the concrete jungle! How Safe is New York? There’s nowhere quite like the Big Apple. The city is one of the most visited destinations in America – and with good reason! Still, New York is not without its flaws. A fairly common issue for visitors to the city is petty crime, coming in a wide variety of forms. From bag snatching and pickpocketing to phone grabbing and mugging, it can sometimes seem like there’s much to look out for. A lot of the time, criminals prey on new visitors because they stand out and seem like they don’t know their surroundings. To avoid becoming an easy target, we suggest that you dress conspicuously and keep an eye out for suspicious activities wherever you go. Things to be Aware of When visiting New York, you might feel excited to buy tickets for some of your favorite events – and who wouldn’t be? Still, it’s important to stay especially cautious when looking at tickets, due to the rising prevalence of fraud. To ensure that you’re paying for what you get, we advise you to avoid buying tickets which are marketed on social media, instead purchasing directly from well-established companies and websites. This way, you’ll know for sure that your tickets are legitimate and won’t have to miss out on something truly special! Is New York Safe at Night? Forever bold and buzzing with life, New York is well-recognized for its great nightlife. Though a night out in the big city is a lot of fun, it can also present some risks. Whilst spiking and attacks are irregular incidences, they can and do happen – so it's important to take precautions to reduce the chances of becoming a victim. First off, we recommend going out in a group - remember, there’s always safety in numbers. Still, if this isn’t possible, then it’s best to let somebody know where you’re going for the night. In addition, you should drink in moderation and politely decline any beverages offered to you by strangers. We also suggest taking a taxi back to the hotel over other modes of transport, since walking or taking public transport at night could be dangerous. Though going out in New York might sound like a big deal, it doesn’t present any bigger issues than partying somewhere else in the world – plus it’s twice the fun! Is Transport in the City Safe? Another common concern of visitors to New York is if it's dangerous to travel around the city. The Big Apple presents many different methods of transportation, all of which are time-efficient, cost-effective and, yes, pretty darn safe! Still, of course, we suggest that you keep super vigilant of your surroundings and apply good ol’ fashioned common sense when exploring the city. For those who are planning to use public transport to get around, it's important to keep a close eye on your belongings and not show any cash. Also, be sure to plan your trip beforehand – this way, you won’t get lost, or potentially end up in a dangerous neighborhood. If you’re going opt for a taxi, you should steer clear of any unmarked cabs – you'll note that all NYC cabs are clearly display the cab driver's medallion number. Uber and Lyft are also a great cheaper safe alternative. If you want to walk around and soak up the atmosphere of the city, we suggest sticking to daytime hours and busier areas. How to Stay Safe in New York A common misconception about the city is that it can be dangerous to visit – however, if you stay in safer areas, you’ll have little to worry about. Some of the better areas of the city include Midtown, Greenwich Village, Chelsea, and the Upper West Side. Still, if you decide to venture into one of New York’s grittier neighborhoods, it's important to pay attention to your surroundings. The best thing to do is stay sharp and keep your wits about yourself whilst exploring the area. If you need to stop for directions, we suggest going into a local shop and asking an employee. Though discovering a new area can be quite daunting, there’s no reason not to if you take the right measures. Solo and Female Travelers Generally, New York is welcoming to all of its visitors. Still, with its sprawling cityscape and big reputation, it seems understandable that some would think it could pose a threat for solo travelers and women. Although we think New York is a great vacation spot, we still want to emphasize how important it is to be properly prepared for your trip. If you’re a solo traveler, make sure to research your destination ahead of time. When you arrive, you should keep in touch with friends and family back home so that they know what you’re up to. For female travelers, it's important not to share too much personal information about your itinerary or where you’re staying with strangers. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, don't feel scared to make a call or talk to someone in the vicinity. As with any city, New York can present its dangers, but if you’re careful and make smart decisions, you’ll get along just fine. Enjoying Your Time in the City Safely There are endless things to see, do and experience in New York. The list of remarkable attractions and cultural institutions run the gamut. Just think: the Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Grand Central Station. Still, every city has its issues, so it’s important to follow basic precaution measures whilst visiting. Though New York has a pretty strong safety record, we advise you to be cautious to avoid any incidents or inconveniences that could occur. To make the best out of your vacation, check out Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
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5 Days in New York

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In fact, 40 per cent of Americans can trace their roots back to the island. The most popular thing to do here is visit the National Museum of Immigration, but there are other great activities, such as the hard hat tours and boats trips which we highly recommend looking into. A totally fascinating and incredibly moving experience, this one is great for those of all ages. Though New York is known for its modern skyscrapers, the city is also home to many incredible venerable structures. For those who are interested in the constructural integrity of the city, we recommend a walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. For architecture lovers and history buffs alike, this attraction offers a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture; get up close, and you can view its commanding towers and steel cables in all of their glory. Today, the bridge still maintains its beauty and offers spectacular views of the cityscape and the East River. 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Still, though, that isn’t all that Grand Central Station has to offer; under its historic roof, you’ll be able to find a wealth of great shopping and dining options. As a bonus, you can take the subway to your next destination to live your true New York life! Learn Something New Teeming with art and culture, New York is undoubtedly one of the best cities in the United States for creative types. Though the city presents an impressive wealth of art galleries, our top pick has got to be the Whiney for its expansive collection of modern and contemporary American art. Walking around the institution, visitors can view a first-class repository of over 25, 000 pieces across all mediums. The museum is located in the Meatpacking District, which is a trendy neighborhood with lots of great sites and food markets to be explored. Long recognized for its incredible museums, New York is a total treat for any visitors with a thirst for knowledge. Situated on the Upper West Side, the American Museum of Natural History seeks to cultivate fascination and intrigue in the world around us. Covering over 2 million square feet, the institution is known for holding the largest repository of its kind in the world. Inside, you’ll be able to view an impressive collection of over 34 million specimens, including Native American artefacts, dinosaur bones, and of course, its famous blue whale. We love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. There are endless things to do, see and experience in New York. Cultural institutions, major historical landmarks, and fantastic attractions – it’s all at your fingertips. Whilst you certainly wouldn’t run out of interesting activities, you might struggle to narrow down your itinerary. If you’re only visiting for a short time, we recommend planning ahead to make your trip a little less overwhelming. Still, whatever you choose to do, we know it’ll be great – it's New York City, after all! To make the best out of your vacation, check out Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass. For more information, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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