Visiting Harlem

[ArtMan]

I am considering walking around Harlem during my June trip.. Can anyone offer any suggestions (other than Apollo Theatre) of places of interest to visit? Also will probably eat lunch there. Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[Jane2]

I have only eaten at Sylvia's, which is the go to restaurant in Harlem if you've never been. I liked it, but if you want other ideas, why not google best restaurants in Harlem?

[ArtMan]

I'm really more interested in the historical places to see. Wikapedia lists quite a few, but I'm not sure of the top sights. I will also only be there for a couple of hours.

[FishermanBob]

Two of the better known sites are Grant's Tomb at 122nd street and Riverside Drive and Hamilton Grange which was Alexander Hamilton's home located at 141st between Convent Ave. and St. Nicholas Ave. You also have the Hispanic Society at 155th and B'way, a small, interesting museum on Spanish arts and culture. It's in what would be considered Spanish Harlem rather than Harlem proper. The house that was Langston Hughes' residence is at 20 East 127th Street. It's a landmark but is a private residence and you can't go in. There's a great outdoor statue of Duke Ellington at 110th st. and 5th avenue worth taking a look at. I'm sure there are several historic churches as well and Bill Clinton's office is on 125th st. between Lenox and 5th avenues but it's just a large office building and again no admittance to his specific office. That's about all I can think of. Harlem is largely residential so there aren't a lot of actual historic sites per se.

There are several organizations that offer cultural and historic tours of Harlem including Harlem Heritage. I don't have any feedback on whether their tours are any good.

http://www.harlemheritage.com/

Harlem has also gotten a lot safer in the past 10 years but I would still exercise some caution while walking around. Have fun.

[ArtMan]

Thanks for your response Bob. This is all great info . None of it (except Bill Clinton's office was mentioned on the sites I went to. I'm going to look at the houses of Striver's Row, Marcus Garvey Park, and the homes you listed. As well as Apollo Theatre, Lenox Lounge, 125th Street and eat lunch at Sylvia's. Thanks to you and Jane for responding.

[Ex-Siny]

If you visit Grant's Tomb, take a look at the Riverside Church across the street. It's breathtaking. And they let you in to watch the services and walk around.

[strummergirl]

Check out Red Rooster. Also, Central Park North is just a great, underrated spot of the whole park.