Harlem & Upper Manhattan

Harlem was settled by Dutch farmers in the 17th century, and was later home to Irish, Italian and Jewish immigrants, but its identity is inextricably connected to the African American experience. These days, despite gentrification, it remains packed with fervent preachers and choirs, soul-food eateries and swinging jazz clubs. Franco-African and French-expat-owned restaurants add to the mix. Working-class East Harlem (known as Spanish Harlem or El Barrio) is a hub for Latino immigrants, while Columbia University borders West Harlem. To the north, leafy Inwood is home to medieval treasures.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Cathedral Church of St John the Divine

Harlem & Upper Manhattan

New York’s most impressive house of worship is a towering monument that looks like it's straight out of medieval Europe. Built in a mix of styles – with…
Met Cloisters

Harlem & Upper Manhattan

On a hilltop overlooking the Hudson River, the Cloisters is a curious architectural jigsaw, its many parts made up of various European monasteries and…
Apollo Theater

Harlem & Upper Manhattan

The Apollo is an intrinsic part of Harlem history and culture. A leading space for concerts and political rallies since 1914, its venerable stage hosted…
Abyssinian Baptist Church

Harlem & Upper Manhattan

A raucous, soulful affair, the superb Sunday gospel services here are the city’s most famous. You’ll need to arrive at least an hour before the service to…
General Ulysses S Grant National Memorial

Harlem & Upper Manhattan

Popularly known as Grant’s Tomb (‘Who’s buried in Grant’s Tomb?’ ‘Who?’ ‘Grant, stupid!’ goes a classic joke), this landmark holds the remains of Civil…
Studio Museum in Harlem

Harlem & Upper Manhattan

This small cultural gem has been exhibiting the works of African American artists for more than four decades. While its rotating exhibition program is…
Hamilton Grange

Harlem & Upper Manhattan

This Federal-style retreat belonged to Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, who owned a 32-acre country estate here in the early 1800s. Unfortunately,…
Columbia University

Harlem & Upper Manhattan

Founded in Lower Manhattan in 1754 as King’s College, the oldest university in New York is now one of the world’s premier research institutions. In 1897…