34 Best Things To Do In Harlem, New York City - Updated 2024

things to do in harlem
Herine
Herine 
Updated
| 14 min read

The neighborhood of Harlem in Manhattan is famous for its jazz clubs, soul food institutions, and African-American culture. It’s also home to amazing hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals. This neighborhood comprises a mix of 19th-century brownstones and contemporary high-rises. In the early 20th century, Harlem was the center stage of the Harlem Renaissance. This was an African-American-led movement in music, literature, dance, and art. Popular hip-hop dance moves such as the Harlem shake, toe wop, and chicken noodle soup originated from here. To explore more of its arts and culture scene, visit places such as the Apollo Theater, Studio Museum in Harlem, El Museo del Barrio, and National Jazz Museum in Harlem. Harlem also has a vibrant music and nightlife scene with popular joints including Bill’s Place, 67 Orange Street, Showman’s Jazz Club, Shrine, and Bier International. Scroll down for the best things to do in Harlem, New York City.

1. Explore the landmarks of the Harlem renaissance on a walking tour (from USD 82.0)

Immerse yourself in the cultural heartbeat of Harlem with this extraordinary activity that unveils the vibrant history and artistic legacy of the iconic neighborhood. Led by knowledgeable guides deeply rooted in the community, this tour is a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Harlem’s past and present.

From the storied venues that hosted legendary jazz and literature figures during the Harlem Renaissance to the charming streets that have borne witness to the evolution of this cultural hub, every step resonates with the echoes of a bygone era.

The tour seamlessly weaves together tales of artistic innovation, civil rights milestones, and the palpable spirit of resilience that defines Harlem. A highlight of the experience is a delectable lunch at a local eatery, allowing you to savor not only the history but also the flavors of the neighborhood. This tour stands as a testament to Harlem’s enduring significance in shaping American culture and its ongoing journey of empowerment.

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Harlem Renaissance Walking Tour with Lunch

Duration: 3 hours

23 reviews

2. Watch thought-provoking performances at the National Black Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Founded in 1968 by Dr. Barbara Ann Teer, the National Black Theatre in Harlem stands as an essential cornerstone of African-American cultural heritage. Amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the civil rights movement, Dr. Teer established the theatre to provide a platform for Black artists and voices. With a mission to empower, educate, and entertain, the theatre has produced groundbreaking works that address social issues, celebrate Black identity, and foster community dialogue.

Begin your tour of sightseeing in Harlem from here as it offers an immersive experience that delves into the heart of the place’s cultural evolution. Its impactful performances and exhibitions shed light on the enduring struggles and achievements of the African-American community while honoring their contributions to the artistic and social fabric of the nation.

Visit this historical place to connect with the past, engage with the present, and be inspired by the transformative power of art and activism.

National Black Theatre

Address: 2031 5th Ave, New York, NY 10035, United States

Website: National Black Theatre

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3. Savor soul food and jam to 1920s jazz music (from USD 627.0)

What better way to experience Harlem, the center of jazz and bebop music in New York City, than by joining a jazz tour? Joining this exclusive trip lets you explore the historical neighborhood of Harlem and delve into its musical legacy with the help of a professional guide.

It also includes a family-style soul food dinner at Sylvia’s Restaurant, which is famous for its Southern-inspired cuisines such as barbecue ribs, collard greens, and black-eyed peas. And to end the evening is a live show at Cotton Club, complete with a 1920s-style swing session and modern rhythm and blues.

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Private Harlem Soul Food and Jazz Evening Tour

Duration: 5 hours

127 reviews

4. Discover Harlem through a walking tour (from USD 179.0)

The iconic neighborhood of Harlem is rich with history and cultural importance and taking this private walking tour is your best chance to know why. It walks you through some of the must-visit attractions in Harlem, including the legendary Apollo Theater, the Studio Museum of Harlem, and the Hamilton Grange National Memorial. With the help of a private guide, you’ll learn interesting facts and discover the scenes that make Harlem’s unique atmosphere – music, art, and food. The tour ends with delectable dishes at a local restaurant.

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Private Harlem Tour in New York with Local Expert Guide

Duration: 3 hours

14 reviews

5. Try American cuisine at Red Rooster

Here at Red Rooster Harlem, it’s always fried chicken time. And our Hot Honey Yardbird is perfectly balanced with a sweet corn succotash and tomato salad.

Posted by Red Rooster Harlem on Friday, 16 August 2019

Dine at this restaurant with delectable and creative foods by celeb chef, Marcus Samuelsson, which is one of the best places to visit in Harlem when it comes to food. As you step inside, the interior decor exudes a warm and cozy outlook. Admire the original works of art on the wall from visual artists such as Brandon Cox, Charles M. Brow, and David Hammons. The menu features comfort food celebrating the roots of American cuisine and the varied culinary traditions of the neighborhood. Using ingredients grown locally by local farmers and artisanal food makers, they create amazing finger-licking dishes that you will definitely love. Enjoy great food, ambiance, and service when dining in this restaurant.

Red Rooster

Address: 310 Lenox Avenue, Harlem, NY 10027

Website: Red Rooster

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11.30am - 10.30pm; Fri: 11.30am - 11pm; Sat: 10am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 10pm

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6. Listen to live jazz at Bill’s Place

things to do in harlem | listen to live jazz at bill’s place
Source: instagram

For the jazz fans, this is the place to be. Make a reservation here and get to enjoy quality jazz music in a unique setting. Bill’s Place is Harlem’s only authentic speakeasy that has been in existence since the 1920’s during the Prohibition era. Be taken back in time at this small and cozy joint with live jazz music from famous artists such as Bill Saxton, the Harlem Jazz King who owns the place. Listen to the soothing tunes that will completely drown you into the music. No alcohol is served therefore you are allowed to bring your own booze. Enjoy great performances at an affordable price.

Bill’s Place

Address: 148 W 133rd St, New York, NY 10030, USA

Website: Bill’s Place

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 7:30pm - 11:30pm (closed from Mon - Thu & Sun)

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7. Spend a day at Marcus Garvey Park

Marcus Garvey Memorial Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Momos used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Bring your children to this 20.2-acre (8.1 ha) park for a day of outdoor fun. The park features two playgrounds that also accommodate the handicapped, a 47-foot (14 m) cast-iron Harlem Fire Watchtower, Pelham Fritz Recreation Center, Richard Rogers Amphitheater, a little league baseball field, a dog run with wood chip footing, and a swimming pool that is open during summer. The playgrounds come equipped with slides, fountains, and drawbridges. Bring your kids here to enjoy a fun and energetic day out in the sun.

Marcus Garvey Park

Address: 6316, Mt Morris Park W, New York, NY 10027, United States

Website: Marcus Garvey Park

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)

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8. Join a free walking tour of Harlem

Posted by Harlem Heritage Tours on Friday, 13 October 2017

Explore uptown Harlem through the eyes of a local on this two-hour free walking tour. Meet at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture where the tour starts. Discover the streets of Harlem and learn some of its history. See highlights such as Abyssinian Baptist Church, Apollo Theater, Malcolm X-related sites, Headquarters of William J. Clinton Foundation, and Strivers’ Row. Note that this tour does not include entering the buildings. The tour then comes to an end outside Apollo Theater. After the long walk, treat yourself to some delicious soul food at Sylvia’s Soul-food Restaurant. This is a great way to see Harlem’s famous landmarks.

Free walking tour of Harlem

Website: Free walking tour of Harlem

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9. Enjoy a few drinks at 67 Orange Street


Head out to this joint that is known to have some of the best cocktails in Harlem. The restaurant exudes a cozy, vintage speakeasy vibe. Enjoy an extensive selection of drinks that mostly lean towards the classics. A small food menu is also available if you want to grab a bite as you down your refreshing drink. 67 Orange Street provides an exciting and chill spot for that relaxing evening you need to escape the everyday struggles of life.

67 Orange Street

Address: 2082 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026, USA

Website: 67 Orange Street

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 5pm - 1am; Wed - Thu: 5pm - 2am; Fri: 5pm - 4am; Sat: 6pm - 4am; Sun: 6pm - 1am

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10. Learn more about Latin culture at El Museo del Barrio

We're now open Sundays! Walk around el barrio, enjoy its colors, rhythms and intense cultural richness, and make sure to visit our galleries. We're open until 5pm.

Posted by El Museo del Barrio on Sunday, 22 January 2017

Visit New York’s leading Latino, Latin American, and Carribean arts museum. A haven for history and art lovers, this museum offers exhibits on visual and performing arts, cultural celebrations, film and literary works, and educational programs to further enlighten its visitors. The museum boasts over 6,500 collections and exhibitions. Admire its permanent collection that has been divided into four main areas; pre-Columbian/Taíno artifacts, popular traditions, graphics, and modern and contemporary arts. These artworks aim to showcase the history and culture of these groups of people. Visit this museum and explore all it has to show and learn a lot while at it.

El Museo del Barrio

Address: 1230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

Website: El Museo del Barrio

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 5 - 9 USD

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11. Watch a performance at Apollo Theater

Apollo Theater Harlem NYC 2010
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hans Joachim Dudeck used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Buy a ticket to watch a live performance in this lovely theater. It is a music hall that hosts concerts, film screenings, dance performances, theatrical performances, and so much more. Admire the beautiful neo-Classical style of the building that has a seating capacity of 1,506. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the shows by African-American performers. Apollo Theater is also home to Showtime at the Apollo, which is a national television variety show. Feel the thrill that comes with watching a live show at a renowned theater with great acoustics.

Apollo Theater

Address: 253 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027, USA

Website: Apollo Theater

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12. See the historic houses of Harlem legends at Strivers’ Row

Strivers row harlem West 139th Street by Stanford White
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kmf164 used under CC BY 2.5

Explore Strivers’ Row which is a historic district in the Harlem neighborhood that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The row of houses found here were constructed between 1891 to 1893. They include red brick and brownstone buildings, yellow brick and white limestone with terra cotta trim buildings, and, dark brick, brownstone and terra cotta buildings. Notable houses include those that belonged to Eubie Blake (a musician), Fletcher Henderson (bandleader), and Harry Wills (a heavyweight boxer). Be taken back in time as you explore this district.

Strivers’ Row

Address: W 138th and W 139th Street, New York, NY 10030, USA

Website: Strivers’ Row

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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13. Visit the famous Central Park

Central Park - Manhattan, New York
Source: Photo by user Doug Kerr used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Do not miss out on exploring this famous urban park that has numerous visitors all year round and has also been the filming location for various movies. It sits on 843 acres (341 ha). See diverse flora and fauna in the wooded areas and lawns such as The Ramble, Sheep Meadow, Hallett Nature Sanctuary, and Central Park Zoo. Relax in the peace and tranquility surrounding the eight artificially created water bodies including the lake and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Have fun at the Wollman Rink and Central Park Carousel. Keep fit on the 6.1 miles (9.8 km) of drives used for running, walking, jogging, cycling or skating. The park also has sports facilities including several tennis, basketball, soccer, baseball, and volleyball fields. Do not forget to take photos next to its spectacular landmarks and sculptures.

Central Park

Address: New York, NY, USA

Website: Central Park

Opening hours: 6am - 1am (daily)

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14. Check out the spectacular architecture of buildings at Hamilton Heights Historic District

Hamilton Heights
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Payton Chung used under CC BY 2.0

Take a walk around Hamilton Heights which is a neighborhood in the northern part of Manhattan. The district has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It comprises of town houses constructed with limestone and brownstone from the period between 1886 and 1931. Take in the vintage and beautiful scenery of the Romanesque, Beaux-Arts, and Queen Anne-style architecture employed in the constructions. Most of the houses are three- and four-story brick row houses popping up behind raised stone terraces.

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15. Enjoy a live music performance at Shrine

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account


Catch a live music performance at Shrine, a multimedia arts and culture venue. Matching its name, the ambiance is serene and fun. The venue fits 75 people seated and 200 standing. It features performances in film, theater, dance and live music suitable for all ages and people of all backgrounds. Eat delicious bar bites and have drinks as you enjoy the performances of live bands and independent artists. You can also watch all major sporting games at this joint.

Shrine

Address: 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030, USA

Website: Shrine

Opening hours: 4pm - 4am (daily)

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16. Explore the exhibits at Museum of the City of New York (from USD 20.0)

Visit this history and art museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of New York City and its people. The building features a beautiful, neo-Georgian style. Explore its collection of about 750,000 items mostly dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries. These include prints and photographs, paintings and sculpture, theater collection, costumes and textiles, manuscripts and ephemera, furniture and decorative arts, and archival collections. Featured collections include mid-20th century women’s garments and New York Silver. Get to discover New York like never before.

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New York City Museum of the City of New York Admission Ticket

Duration: 30 to 120 minutes

64 reviews

17. Learn about Harlem's role in the Civil Rights Movement (from USD 26.0)

For approximately two hours, go on a walking tour of Harlem with a guide born and raised here as you discover the role Harlem played in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 6’s. Watch a video of key people such as Malcolm X, Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., A. Philip Randolph, and Rev. Wyatt T, Walker at Harlem Heritage Tourism and Cultural Center before embarking on your tour. As you walk, your guide will share information about that time and use videos, photos, and other multimedia to help you visualize that period.

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Harlem Civil Rights Multimedia Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours

105 reviews

18. Visit General Grant National Memorial

General Grant National Memorial New York November 2016 003
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user King of Hearts used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Pay your respects at General Grant National Memorial which is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the United States. His wife, Julia Grant was also buried beside him. Admire the classic domed 1897 Beaux-Arts mausoleum which is the largest in North America. It was designed by architect John Duncan. Nestled within the picturesque landscape of Riverside Park and placed on one of the highest points on Riverside Drive, the mausoleum is truly a sight to behold.

General Grant National Memorial

Address: W 122nd St & Riverside Dr, New York, NY 10027, United States

Website: General Grant National Memorial

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

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19. Stop by Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Simon.Absonditus used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Visit this cathedral that has been in existence since 1892. The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is considered to be the fifth largest Christian church in the world. It was originally designed to feature Byzantine Revival-Romanesque Revival architecture but it was later changed to a Gothic Revival style in 1909. Explore its splendid architecture and stained-glass windows, beautiful artwork by Keith Haring, a 9/11 memorial sculpture, and 17th-century tapestries. Learn about its history as you move from room to room exploring it.

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

Address: 1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025, USA

Website: The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

Opening hours: 7:30am - 6pm (daily)

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20. Take your children to Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling

Join us tomorrow afternoon at 3:30 and help our "Eclectic Librarian" select the "Book of The Week"

Posted by Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling on Wednesday, 10 April 2019

Storytelling and art have been used for a long time to facilitate children’s learning process. Bring your kids here to Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling to enjoy a day of fun and learning activities in Harlem. It uses inter-generational dialogue with artists, art, and storytelling to nurture kids’ curiosity and creativity. Children can admire a variety of art, practice making their own artwork in this well-equipped facility, and engage with working artists. They can also enjoy a storytelling session. The story encourages them to reflect on what they hear and to tell their own stories. This is the perfect place for your kids to build their language, critical thinking skills, and confidence.

Sugar Hill Children's Museum of Art & Storytelling

Address: 898 St Nicholas Ave, New York, NY 10032, USA

Website: Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10am - 5pm (closed from Mon - Wed)

Price: From 4 USD

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21. Discover the evolution of hip-hop music (from USD 50.0)

Harlem is known as the birthplace of hip-hop and a visit here would be incomplete without this two-hour hip-hop walking tour. Led by a hip-hop historian, this tour takes you through important landmarks including Apollo Theater, Graffiti Wall of Fame, Lenox Lounge and historic Harlem jazz clubs. Visit popular locations for hip-hop music videos and hear enlightening stories about them. Make a stop at Dip Set which is Harlem’s oldest record store. The ticket is inclusive of entry into the Museum of the City of New York. Take this memorable tour through the history and evolution of hip-hop culture in Harlem.

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Harlem Hip-Hop Walking Tour

Duration: 2 hours

124 reviews

22. Catch a performance at Dance Theatre of Harlem

Dance Theatre of Harlem
Source: Photo by user U.S. Embassy Jeru... used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Visit Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) which is an American professional ballet company and school. Relish a forward-thinking repertoire by multi-ethnic dancers featuring classic pieces, neoclassical works by George Balanchine and resident choreographer Robert Garlands, and contemporary works. These are aimed at using the language of ballet to celebrate African American culture. Sit back and enjoy the spectacular shows, from the lighting, costume, and music to the performance itself. Get ready for a truly beautiful, unique, and memorable performance that will give you chills.

Dance Theatre of Harlem

Address: 466 W 152nd St, New York, NY 10031, USA

Website: Dance Theatre of Harlem

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23. Try some of the best desserts in the city at Make My Cake

There's only one way to start the week right, and you're looking right at it Sweeties. ? #REDVELVET #HARLEM ❤️

Posted by Make My Cake on Sunday, 25 September 2016

Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings at Make My Cake. This full-service retail and wholesale bakery specialize in making finger-licking baked goods. Boasting of recipes that combine Southern flavor and Harlem inspiration, they take pride in making their treats from scratch to present you with fresh and scrumptious products. Smell the wonderful aroma of the cakes, take a bite, and close your eyes as you relish in the delicate taste. Be sure to try out their famous cakes including German Chocolate, Red Velvet, and Sweet Potato Cheesecake. Other products include beautifully and uniquely designed cupcakes, cookies, pies, and pastries. Come prepared for the sweetest experience ever that will leave you craving for more.

Make My Cake

Address: 2380 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030, USA

Website: Make My Cake

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 8am - 7pm; Sat: 9am - 7pm; Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)

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24. Check out the interesting Graffiti Hall of Fame

Graffiti Hall of Fame in East Harlem
Source: Photo by user k_tjaaa used under CC BY 2.0

Street art provides a beautiful and creative way for local artists to showcase their talents. Graffiti Hall of Fame is a site which has been in existence for a long time. Take a walk here and admire the street art of many well-known street artists on the schoolyard walls. It started as a place where kids used to practice their graffiti when hanging out and it later became the Graffiti Hall of Fame where visiting, internationally renowned street artists leave their works. Marvel at the blend of many different colors used to create writings and amazing murals that seem to come to life.

Graffiti Hall of Fame

Address: Park Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

Website: Graffiti Hall of Fame

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25. Go on a shopping spree at 125th Street

125th Street - Harlem (2114353135)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Phil Whitehouse used under CC BY 2.0

Visit this mecca for shopping that has numerous shops. These include shops selling clothes, furniture, beauty supplies, antiques, hats, wines and spirits, books and sidewalks lined with vendors selling shea butter, art, oil, perfumes and music. Get souvenirs at Nilu, Harlem Heirloom and gift shops of museums such as Museum of the City of New York and Studio Museum. Shop at Harlem Underground for authentic Harlem apparel or at Harlem Haberdashery for a taste of trendy fashion. With a variety of shops at your disposal, you will not miss what you want. The two-way street also has numerous eateries for when you want to grab a bite.

125th Street

Address: New York, NY 10027, USA

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26. Catch up on your reading at New York Public Library

Posted by NYPL The New York Public Library on Tuesday, 30 April 2019

Enjoy the peace and relaxation that comes with reading a book in a library. This library is a classical three-story building with large arched windows and an elegant marble staircase. The first floor has adult and young adult reading rooms, children’s room, and a separate story-hour area is on the second floor. On the third floor is a 74-seat auditorium that shows free films and a Center for Reading and Writing in English is on the lower level. Catch up on chapters of your favorite book here. Relish the serene environment that is just perfect for reading.

New York Public Library

Address: 9 W 124th St, New York, NY 10027, USA

Website: New York Public Library

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 7pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

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27. Find Native American artifacts at National Museum of the American Indian

Nearly everything that can be named or sold in the United States has at some point been named or sold with an Indian...

Posted by Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian on Friday, 13 April 2018

NMAI is the go-to museum if you want to learn about Native American history. It features over 800,000 Native American artifacts including objects, photos, and media that give information about the whole of the Western Hemisphere. The collection is grouped into areas such as Amazon, Andes, Arctic, California, Contemporary Art, and Caribbean. Its aim is to advance knowledge and understanding of the life, languages, literature, history, and arts of these people in the past, present, and future. It also houses exhibitions, research, educational activities, and performing arts programs.

National Museum of the American Indian

Address: 1 Bowling Green, New York, NY 10004, USA

Website: National Museum of the American Indian

Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri - Sun: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am -8pm

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28. Go on a tour of Federal Reserve Bank

Federal Reserve Bank of New York
Source: Photo by user Reading Tom used under CC BY 2.0

Go on a one-hour tour enables you to learn about the role of the Federal Reserve in executing monetary policy of the US by trading dollars, promoting financial stability, and serving communities to advance economic growth. The tour takes you through the museum and gold vault. How many times will you get to see a pile of real gold? The vault contains the world’s largest depository of gold belonging to various countries around the world. You can also explore the neo-Renaissance structure and admire its stone exterior, rusticated horizontal and vertical joints of the facade’s stones and, lanterns and window grills constructed of wrought iron.

Federal Reserve Bank

Address: 33 Liberty St, New York, NY 10045, USA

Website: Federal Reserve Bank

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11:15am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

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29. Explore interesting memorabilia at The Houdini Museum

A small portion of our new Houdini Museum #handcuffs , #seance,#houdini ,#foxsisters, #fantasma_magic

Posted by Houdini Museum of NY at Fantasma on Wednesday, 13 December 2017

We all love being awed by magic whenever the opportunity arises. Visit Houdini Museum of New York which is dedicated to honoring Harry Houdini, the famous magician. It has over 1,500 pieces of Houdiniana in its archives, most of which belonged to the magician. Some of its famous pieces are his 1907 escape coffin, the robot, and the Metamorphosis Trunk. Others include extremely rare publicity posters, large escape restraints, spiritualistic expose items, thought provoking photographs and creative advertising memorabilia. Get to also see magic tricks performed by famous magicians or buy an original Houdini souvenir.

The Houdini Museum

Address: 213 W 35th St Suit 401, New York, NY 10001, USA

Website: The Houdini Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm

Price: Free admission

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30. Try a giant cookie from Levain Bakery

Exploring and indulging makes for a perfect Saturday . ?: @thecarboholic

Posted by Levain Bakery on Saturday, 29 June 2019

Indulge your sweet tooth at Levain Bakery. Using the finest natural ingredients, they bake tasty treats on site on a daily basis to ensure you get the freshest products. Try out their products that include an array of rustic breads, brioche, scones, tarts, crispy pizza, cakes, buns, muffins, and baguettes. Their signature product is the world-famous 6-ounce (170 g) chocolate chip walnut cookie. Do not miss trying it out when at this bakery; also enjoy their other freshly baked treats.

Levain Bakery

Address: 2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026, USA

Website: Levain Bakery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8am - 7pm; Sun: 9am - 7pm

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31. Sip on cocktails at Harlem Nights


For a nice evening out, head to this rustic bar and music venue. The interior exudes a cozy and charming feeling with its vintage décor. Serving craft cocktails and creative snacks, this neighborhood bar provides the venue for a perfect night out. Enjoy live music in a relaxed lounge atmosphere. A fun night out with amazing drinks and food is always a much-welcomed idea.

Harlem Nights

Address: 2361 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd, New York, NY 10030, USA

Website: Harlem Nights

Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Sun: 4pm - 2am; Thu - Sat: 4pm - 4am

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32. Go on a morning gospel tour (from USD 80.0)

Get a spiritual uplifting on this tour that takes approximately four hours. Meet your guide at Times Tower and get on board a coach to north Harlem which takes you through highlights such as Strivers’ Row, Sylvan Terrace, and Apollo Theater. Learn about the famous former residents of Harlem’s brownstones. Indulge in a spiritually uplifting morning service by the talented ARC gospel choir at a local church. This choir supports Addicts Rehabilitation Center which is a free drug addiction recovery program in the area. You can upgrade your ticket to include a delectable lunch at Sylvia’s Soul-food Restaurant. The tour ends with a drop-off at the starting point.

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Harlem Wednesday Morning Gospel Tour

Duration: 4 hours

287 reviews

33. Learn how to swing on a dance lesson (from USD 32.0)

Put on your dancing shoes and go on this approximately two-hour dancing-themed walking tour. Meet your guide in central Harlem in the evening. Explore the cultural history of dancing in Harlem and its connection to swing and lindy hop dances founded by Frankie Manning. Visit streets and sites famous for Harlem’s dancing history. Bust some moves learning the dances from the locals. This tour provides a fun way to spend your evening while dancing your heart out and learning something new about these historic dance crazes.

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Harlem Walking Tour and Swing Dance

Duration: 2 hours

1 review

34. Take a food tour of Harlem (from USD 87.0)

take a food tour of harlem
Source: www.viator.com

Harlem is known for its exciting food scene and this walking tour that takes approximately four hours offers exploration of most, if not all of them. A local guide will take you through the neighborhood as he gives you insights in relation to the history, culture, and tradition of the area. Sample various foods including traditional soul food, African cuisine, and Caribbean bites from various restaurants. Be sure to come with an empty stomach and a huge appetite to eat a lot of food.

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Harlem Historical Food Tour

Duration: 4 hours

18 reviews

Tour the historically rich Harlem

Whether you are delving into the history of arts, hip hop, and culture, indulging in retail therapy at one of the several shopping malls, eating tasty soul food or eclectic cuisines, exploring the cozy jazz clubs and music scene, enjoying the ambiance of bars and cafes, or visiting the famous Central Park, you are guaranteed of a fun time when here. Get to know this neighborhood using our list of things to do in Harlem, New York City.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Harlem


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Herine is from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. As a travel enthusiast, she always takes interest in learning about and visiting new places. She has traveled to many places within the country,...Read more

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