harlem tourist spots

Things To Do in Harlem

The ultimate harlem guide.

Harlem is a cultural icon in the US. It’s the home of the cultural movement that swept the whole city in the 1920s called the Harlem Renaissance. In the jazz era, many accepted Duke Ellington’s world-renowned invitation to “Take the A-Train” heading uptown to New York’s most acclaimed nightclubs and bars in Harlem. This musical hit today is associated with Harlem like no other jazz song. There’s a lot of history and buzz here. In this guide, we’ll show you some of the best places and the best things to do in Harlem.

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Table of Contents

Getting to Harlem

According to Duke Ellington, just “Take the A-Train.” Seriously, you can take the  A C B D Uptown and recommend getting off at any of the stops up until 125th Street. Additionally, you can take the 1 2 3 to Lennox Avenue which is near the northern part of Central Park and the 4 5 6 will take you to East Harlem.

Top 5 Things To Do in Harlem

Theres a lot of things to do in Harlem and the neighborhood is pretty big. Here are the top 5 things to check out if you’re pressed on time.

• Harlem Meer in Central Park – The meer, which is the Dutch word for lake is located in the northern part of Central Park. The area has a lot of history with the remains of gun emplacements from the War of 1812, the British-American War. (Address: Central Park N and 5th Avenue, Subway 2 3 110th Street Station)
• Pass By The Apollo Theater –  Another historical landmark. This music hall in Harlem has featured some of the best artists to ever grace the entertainment industry, such as the late James Brown. (Address: 253 W 125th St, New York, NY 10027, Subway A C B D 125th Street Station)
• The Cloisters (Washington Heights)  – This museum is technically located in Washington Heights which is north of Harlem. It is an extension of the MET and is dedicated to art during medieval times. (Address: 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York, NY 10040, Subway A Dyckman Street Station)
• George Washington Bridge (Washington Heights)  – Another special bridge in NYC. This one connects New Jersey to New York and, like most of the main bridges in New York, is quite a stunner. The views on here are amazing as it suspends over the Hudson River. (Subway 1 181st Street Station or Subway A 175th Street Station)

Other Things To Do In Harlem

If you have plenty of time to kill, there are other places and attractions to check out in Harlem.

Food and Drinks in Harlem

There are a bunch of cool things do in Harlem, with the most obvious one being to check out the restaurant and food culture in this vibrant neighborhood. Here are a few of our favorites.

• Sylvia’s – If you want some really good soul food, then come check out Sylvia’s. This restaurant in Harlem was founded by Sylvia Wood’s in 1962. She’s even dubbed as the “Queen of Soul Food.” This place is a must visit for all the foodies out there. To learn more, please visit their website here.
• Red Rooster – This Harlem eatery is very popular among tourists and locals alike. Come here to enjoy celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s menu. Here they serve comfort food while providing a platform for local artists to be able to perform their craft. For more information, click here.

Northern Part of Central Park

From 106th to 110th Street, the  Harlem Meer  extends north of the park . It’s a beautiful part of the park and is away from the tourist hot spots. Located directly on Harlem Hill (a dreaded mountain amongst the runners in the park), you can fish in the Harlem Meer or just enjoy the peace and quiet on a bench. Read more about the  highlights in Central Park here .

Tour The Apollo Theater

What used to be known for their whites-only burlesque shows in the twenties, the  Apollo Theater in Harlem is now known worldwide for its jazz, soul and blues concerts. The Apollo Theater is starting point for many of the biggest stars in Jazz, such as Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong and Count Basie.

It was also the big stage of many Motown artists like Diana Ross, the Jackson 5 and the Supremes and home to soul musicians like Marvin Gaye and James Brown. Brown was even laid out in the Apollo after his death in 2006.

After the death of Michael Jackson, thousands of fans gathered at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The Apollo Theater was one of his first career stops along with his family during the The Jackson 5 days. He participated in Amateur Night in the late 1960s and won. Today, concerts are held regularly at the Apollo Theater. The event calendar can be found here . In addition to the concerts, exciting workshops are now taking place at the  Apollo Theater Academy.  What’s really worthwhile are the guided tours of the legendary theater which provides background information on the story and its celebrities. Taking a tour is one of the best things to do in Harlem.

Tours in Harlem

Check Out Historic Sites Like Strivers’ Row

One of the most significant areas in Harlem is the  Mount Morris Historic District  (119th to 124th between Malcolm X Boulevard, Lenox Avenue and Mount Morris Park West). Here you get great insight into the architecture of the time and see the beautiful brownstone houses.

The intersection of West 116th Street between Nicholas Avenue and Morningside Park is known as  Little Senegal . Here you will find authentic African culture. The  Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market  is especially popular here. Jewelry and clothing from parts of West Africa are sold at this weekly market.

One of the best things to do in Harlem is to check out Strivers’ Row . It’s also known as  St. Nicholas Historic District  (138th to 139th Street), is a well-preserved set of row houses from 1891. This part of Harlem is so pristine that one original street sign is still up and says “Private Road, Walk Your Horses”.

Owners of the New York Pass can take part in a “walking tour” through Harlem free of charge. With the tour, you discover the treasures of the area to the foot and receive valuable information by the tour guide. 

Attend a Gospel Mass in Harlem

There’s no such thing as an authentic Harlem gospel choir. It’s part of the Harlem culture and for many visitors a must-do in Harlem. The smaller the church in Harlem, the better are your changes to sit among Harlem locals attending the church. The easiest way to attend a gospel mass in Harlem is to wander around and find a church early in the morning (like First Corinthian Baptist Church). You will always be welcome.

Be respectful and do not film or photograph inside the churches.

Of course, there are also guided tours that take you to a gospel mass in Harlem, but it’s much more intimidate and special if you find your own church and join the locals in a small group instead of with a bunch of other tourists. If you are considering a tour to attend a gospel mass in Harlem we recommend this tour that takes you to one of the most famous gospel mass in Harlem.

HARLEM GOSPEL TOUR

Shopping in Harlem

Some of the best-dressed figures originated from Harlem. There’s a lot of original styles here. Dapper Dan, who reps Harlem just did a collaboration with Gucci. Here, originality rules all. With that being said, Harlem is going through gentrification and there are signs of mainstream stores hitting the streets such as Whole Foods, Victoria’s Secret and Banana Republic. Other than that, you can still find pretty great boutique shops. One of them is called Flamekeepers Hat Club . If you’re into fedoras, bowler hats or any other type of hat, this is the place to go. This store has some of the best hats we’ve seen in the city. Do you want to have some trendy pieces? Then make sure to check out Harlem Haberdashery . Another spot that’s worth looking into is a store called Harlem Underground . Here, you’ll find locally themed apparel and accessories.

The Art and Museum Scene

Schomburg center for research in black culture.

The museums that Harlem has to offer are also heavily influenced by the African-American lifestyle. At the  Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture  you explore the culture and history of this particular demographic. This institution, which is part of the New York Public Library , is a leader in the study of diaspora and the everyday life of the African American population in the United States. There are free exhibitions and events that are regularly held. Features include exciting personalities such as former President Barack Obama, music and literature. (Address: 515 Malcolm X Boulevard).

Studio Museum 127

The  Studio Museum  in Harlem was founded in Harlem in 1968 as the first museum of its kind and is dedicated exclusively to the work of African American artists with some 1600 exhibits. Connected to the museum are studios and workshops (address: 144 W 125th Street).  Holders of the popular New York Pass have free entry to the Studio Museum.

The Cloisters

The Cloisters,  just north of Harlem, was built in the middle of Fort Tryon Park, overlooking the opposite, New Jersey-owned, the wooded bluff of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. Built from 1934 to 1938, with parts of four French and Spanish monasteries integrated, the collection of medieval art from the  Metropolitan Museum is set  in its own setting. The museum houses more than 5000 works of art, including magnificent sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, stained glass, and the famous unicorn tapestry.  With the New York Pass , you also have free admission here. 

El Museo Del Barrio

One of the things to do in Harlem is to visit El Museo Del Barrio. Their mission is to preserve and educate guests about the art and culture of Puerto Rico and all of Latin America in the US.  For more information, please click here .

Living in Harlem

We consider Harlem a special place considering because of the influence the area has made in today’s culture. We think it’s best that you understand the history of Harlem first.

In 1658, the Dutch founded the rural settlement Nieuw Haarlem. Many years later, slaves built a road to New York which is now Broadway. In the 1920s and 1930s, it was considered “chic” in Harlem to attend famous clubs such as the Sugar Cane (address: 135th Street / Fifth Avenue), or  to visit the   Cotton Club  and listen to jazz musicians like Duke Ellington and Count Basie.

Many residents of the  Lower East Side  moved to the area to escape the bad conditions in the Tenements. Around 1914, about 50,000 African Americans lived in Harlem and in the twenties, it became the center of African-American culture.

This movement attracted well-known African American artists and musicians to Harlem such as writers Langston Hughes and Zora Neal Hurston, musicians like Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. This era is known as the Harlem Renaissance.

Fast forward to the sixties and seventies, mainstream media made Harlem synonymous with drugs, violence, and decay. With the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in the late sixties, the violence in Harlem had reached its peak. By the late 1970s, the looting was getting worse, shops had to close – no one wanted to even set foot in Harlem. Unfortunately, that image of Harlem still mistakenly lingers in the general public’s mind. Today, Harlem is considered a more affordable place compared to other neighborhoods in the city. However, this is already changing thanks to gentrification. It’s becoming one of the go-to spots for yuppies and creatives to make their home base. They say that Harlem is going through its second renaissance.

Hotels In and Near Harlem

Harlem is a nice place to check out. Yes, there are certain areas that you should avoid, but most neighborhoods are like that. Here are our recommendations for hotels in the area.

• Aloft Harlem  (Address: 2296 Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10027) – Click to book here.
• The Central Park North (Address: 137 W 111th St, New York, NY 10026) – Click to book here.
•   The Excelsior Hotel (45 West 81ST Street, New York, NY 10024) – Click to book here.
• Marrakech Hotel NYC (2688 Broadway, New York, NY 10025) – Click to book here.

Neighborhoods Nearby Harlem

After exploring all the things to do in Harlem, make sure you check out the areas that are near this amazing neighborhood.

29 Amazing Things To Do in the Upper East Side

Things To Do in the Upper West Side

Things To Do in The Bronx

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If you enjoyed Harlem and its diverse culture, then make sure to check out these neighborhoods as well.

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What I love about New York? The city is a melting pot of cultures and people and has just the right neighborhood for everyone! Which neighborhood suits you best? Find out with our “neighborhood advisor”!

Are you a Brooklyn Boy or maybe a Queens Queen? Find out now!

Hip & Trendy

You’re walking through the streets as you spot bearded men in flannel shirts in the distance. They are wearing sunglasses with thick black frames. The women next to them are wearing small, black hats that cover their autumn color hair, falling onto their leather jackets and ponchos. The group is drinking from Mason jars and eating sweet potato fries topped with truffle mayo served on wooden boards. What do you do?

You are using the front camera of your smartphone to ensure your mustache is twisted properly - or - your pastel colored clutch that you just snagged from a fancy pop-up store is hanging off your shoulder. You're happily walking toward the crowd.

You're curious about these people. You decide to observe them from a closer distance, as you wanted to head that way anyway.

You're not really in the mood for a circus, so you decide to turn around and go somewhere else.

Food & Drink

You’re enjoying your day in New York. When your stomach starts rumbling, you decide to…

... get a quick snack to satisfy your hunger

... look for a top restaurant nearby to sit down and eat, because what could possibly make the day better than a great meal?

... ignore it! Time is too precious to spend at restaurants.

You’re strolling through a park and observe a family having a picnic. Immediately, the sight makes you..

... smile, because spending quality family time is the best thing in the world!

... think that you could really use a cold beer and a hot dog right now.

... laugh, because (thank God)- you're by yourself and don't need to take care of anybody. Instead you're free to do whatever you want!

For you, meeting fellow tourists in the most amazing places in the world is like…

... a bonfire at camp: the perfect opportunity to learn incredible stories.

... a night at a wild party followed by a nasty hangover. You can't have one without the other.

... a large glas of expired milk: simply the worst!

We say shopping, you say…

... Michael Kors meets Sex and the City

... drop a new item into the online cart and click "Order Now".

... *facepalm*

You and nightlife, that’s like…

... the cast of the Jersey Shore out first pumping.

... Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn in the Golden Havana Bar.

... two bears hibernating in their cave for the winter

Art & Culture

Back in 2015, one of Picasso’s art pieces was auctioned for a record breaking $200 million.  What’s your first thought?

A masterpiece like this belongs into a museum, so everybody can enjoy it.

I would sell my last shirt to own one of Picasso's works.

Who would have thought that Pokemon could paint!

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Things to Do in Harlem NYC

This post covers things to do in Harlem, NYC.

We include top sights, where to eat, where to hear great live music, how to attend a gospel service, and much more.

• Plan Your Visit
• Top 10 Things to Do
• Places to Eat
• Gospel Services
• Guided Tours

Watch a 22-minute abridged version of our live Harlem tour.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Harlem is a must-visit neighborhood located at the northern end of Manhattan known to be steeped in African-American history and culture.

Harlem is often best known as the Black Mecca of the World, and it's definitely a place worth visiting to understand an important layer of NYC.

It’s a neighborhood where you can see historic sites, hear amazing jazz and gospel, taste succulent ‘soul food’, and feel the unique vibe that Harlem offers.

More than many other parts of New York City, Harlem has always had a special atmosphere.

You can see historic brownstone homes on the sidestreets, while along the avenues, you may come across a live African-style drumming circle.

You can see innovative art just a block away from ancient African artifacts.

It is a neighborhood that you should visit if you have time in your itinerary.

You can take our pay-what-you-like   Harlem Walking Tour .

If you prefer to explore on your own, you can enjoy our GPS-led audio tour , which can be taken at any time of day or night.

Of course, you could always book your accommodations in Harlem. This post doesn't cover hotels, but here's a link for Hotwire and TripAdvisor .

Podcast Episode: Listen to tour guides Lori and Katherine discuss why to visit Harlem on an episode of our NYC Travel Tips podcast.

This podcast offers bite-sized audio clips with tips on how to plan your trip to NYC. You can get our podcasts on  Apple ,  Google , or wherever you get your podcasts.

How to Get Here

Harlem is a large neighborhood, stretching from the Hudson River to the East River and from 110th to 155th Streets.

There are many different areas with their own vibe. Some streets are bustling with restaurants, bars, and shopping while others are entirely residential streets.

A good place to start is 125th street and Lenox Avenue which is the center of Harlem.

125th Street is one of Harlem's most famous streets where you will find many of the attractions listed later in this post.

Use this  Google map  to get directions from your point of departure.

• Take the A, B, C, or D trains to 125th Street
• Take the 2 or 3 trains to 125th Street
• Take the 4, 5, or 6 trains to 125th Street and then either take a taxi or a bus Westbound to 8th Avenue/Frederick Douglass Boulevard

If you are unfamiliar with NYC's subway system, then read our posts on how to master the subway and tips on choosing the right MetroCard for you.

• M1, M7, M10, M101, M102, M103, M104, M103, M106, M116

TIP: If you are considering using a hop-on-hop-off bus to get around NYC, keep in mind that many tours stop in Harlem. Find out which bus tours do by reading our post comparing the different New York bus companies .

Best Times to Visit

Harlem is at its most energetic when the weather is pleasant and locals and visitors are enjoying time outdoors. The weekends are the liveliest, both day and night.

During the peak tourist season, you may find that restaurants, jazz clubs, museums, and historic sites are a bit more crowded than on weekdays.

Sunday is the busiest day of the week in Harlem as locals are out and about, enjoying brunch, shopping, and for many, going to church.

Sundays are also the best if you want to see Harlem at its liveliest, but if you are coming for the art centers and museums, you may want to visit on a weekday.

Gospel Brunch and Services

Sunday gospel services are the highlight of the week for many locals. But you can also get a gospel experience on Wednesdays.

Lady Altoviese's Harlem Renaissance and Gospel Experience.

Every Wednesday, Lady Altoviese, a tour guide with Free Tours by Foot, presents her gospel performance.

There's no dress code and this is not a church service.  Learn more here .

We have created a guide for those who would like to attend a gospel service in NYC .

Non-churchgoers will be out around 12 pm-4 pm enjoying brunch, often accompanied by live music.

This is both a great time to see Harlem but not if you are in a rush.

Here are some of the best Sunday Brunch with Live Jazz options: Nabe , Harlem Tavern , Minton's Playhouse , Rowhouse , and BLVD Bistro .

For other options, see our list of restaurants below.

Events in Harlem

• Harlem Week is actually a month-long and takes place annually (usually the last week in July to the last week in August). There are dozens of events with music, dance, cultural films and performances, sports, kids' activities and so much more.
• Events at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture  are held all year long.
• Harlem Art Alliance  lists dozens of weekly events on its website calendar including dance performances, and classes. Most are free or very affordable.
• First Fridays at the Schomberg Center  is a special event with varying themes and a party atmosphere.
• Annual Christmas Show  by the Harlem School of the Arts. A family-friendly performance put on by the students of HSA.
• For other events in Harlem and the rest of New York City, see our post about  things to do in New York City .

Is Harlem Safe to Visit?

This excerpt below was taken from our master post, Is Harlem Safe?

The reputation Harlem once had as a dangerous neighborhood is no longer the case.

With urban development along 125th Street and the surrounding streets, most of Harlem is safe, more so during the day.

Since you may be new to NYC, for your comfort we recommend the following:

• During the day, use the same precautions you would when visiting any other New York City neighborhood. Keep your eyes on your bags and pockets as a precaution.
• Feel free to ask locals for directions if you are lost. Most people are friendly, just like in other parts of the city. Note that not everyone who lives in Harlem is thrilled that it has become a tourist destination. Still, it is unlikely that you will have any negative interactions.
• At night, use your common sense. If a street is not well-lit and you don’t have a particular destination on that street, take another route.
• As everywhere in NYC at night, pay attention to your surroundings. It’s best not to be flashing your wallet about in the street.
• Avoid the parks in Harlem at night (this applies to most parks in NYC, even certain areas of Central Park).
• If you have a particular destination, such as a restaurant or club, such as the ones we suggest below, then a night in Harlem will be an unforgettable night!

TOP 13 ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN HARLEM

Here is a list of the best things to do in and around Central Harlem. We also include sites to see beyond Central Harlem .

Everything on the list is  family-friendly, and most are free or affordable.

Most things listed below are included in our pay-what-you-like   Harlem Walking Tour  as well as in our GPS-led audio tour of Harlem .

Click the map to open an interactive version .

1. Take a Walking Tour  

We offer a pay-what-you-like  Harlem Walking Tour  that stops at more sites than covered in this post.

Your guide will entertain you with stories of Harlem's past and present.

You can see all our tour offerings on our calendar .

If you prefer to explore alone, you can use our  GPS-enabled Audio Tour of Harlem  at any time.

For a different take on Harlem, try a bike tour. You can see much more in the same amount of time. Giro Bikes has a 5-hour  Harlem-Bronx Bike Tour .

To learn about the economic, political, and cultural changes in Harlem over time, check out Social Justice Tours .

2. Apollo Theater 

253 West 125th St bet. Frederick Douglass Blvd. and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.

The world-famous Apollo Theater has been a staple in the Harlem community since 1934 and has featured giant musical entertainers for generations.

The list is endless! Performers over the decades include Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and James Brown.

Apollo's famous Amateur Night  showcases emerging singers, bands, comedians, and dancers from all backgrounds.

The audience is the judge and a contestant who wins over the crowd is sure to make it to the big leagues one day. Many Amateur Night contestants have gone on to stardom, such as 15-year-old Ella Fitzgerald.

Others whose careers were launched at Amateur Night include Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Lauryn Hill.

Amateur night is on Wednesday nights at 7:30 pm. You can also see other shows at the Apollo. (See our Nightlife section below).

Read more about the Apollo Theater here .

3. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

515 Malcolm X Blvd.

This unique public library is located in the heart of Harlem and is also where we begin our  pay-what-you-like   Harlem Walking Tour . It is also included in our   GPS-enabled tour of Harlem .

The Schomberg opened in 1925 and has become one of the world's top institutions devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.

They have over 10 million objects, artifacts, documents, recordings, art pieces, and more.

The main floor has rotating exhibitions that are always interesting and free to see. Click here for more information.

It's on our list of the top free things to do in NYC .

4.  Sylvia's Restaurant 

328 Malcolm X Blvd. at 127th St.

Looking for a great place to eat in Harlem? A popular yet affordable place that’s rich in culture and history?

Why not head up to Sylvia’s Restaurant in the heart of where the Harlem Renaissance took place?

Sylvia’s is simply a must-have to really experience the Harlem culture and is surprisingly reasonably priced for the entire family.

The late founder, Sylvia Wood, was known as the Queen of Soul Food.

For more details on the one and only Sylvia's, click  here .

For other restaurants, see our Where to Eat  section below. Also, check out our post on  Soul Food in Harlem .

5. National Jazz Museum

58 West 129th St. at Malcolm X Blvd.

This Smithsonian-affiliated museum is located just a few streets north of Sylvia's.

It is a small museum, but for Jazz fans, you will leave feeling very satisfied.

While they have access to the Smithsonian's Jazz collection, this museum prefers to keep jazz thriving through lectures, discussions, and live performances.

You can listen to hundreds of historical recordings of early jazz pioneers, including rare recordings not found anywhere else in the world.

Also covered are related forms of music, such as swing, R&B and jazz, and their influence on these forms.

Take the time to talk to the docents and you will have a much deeper experience.

They are open Thursdays-Mondays, 11 am - 5 pm. Admission is free, but they do ask for a suggested donation of $10. See their website for more information.

6. Abyssinian Baptist Church

132 W 138th St.

Founded in 1808, considered a ‘mega-church’; One of its most famous leaders was Reverend Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., one of America’s first civil rights activists.

The Abyssinian Baptist Church is a popular place for visitors to take in a gospel service.

It can be quite crowded though on a Sunday, so you may want to see gospel at a different church.

To find other locations to witness a gospel church service, see the section below  as well as our post,  Where to Hear Gospel Music in New York City .

7. Check Out Harlem's Murals

Harlem is one of our picks for top places to see street art in NYC . In addition to the Graffiti Hall of Fame, there are countless murals to be seen.

Two of the newer murals are of jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie, who made his name in Harlem during the Harlem Renaissance.

We visit many of these murals on our tours of Harlem .

8.   Strivers’ Row

West 138th St. and West 139th St. bet. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. and Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Strivers' Row is the unofficial name for a small, historic set of houses built in 1891.

One special thing about Strivers' Row is the several different styles of buildings you will see within just two blocks.

On the south side of West 138th Street, you can find red-brick and brownstone buildings. On the north side of West 138th Street, the houses are entirely different, made of yellow brick and white limestone with terra-cotta trim.

Most notable are the plots of land between some of the houses. These were stable mews for the horses to drive carriages -- there weren't cars in 1891. 

The cultural history of Strivers' Row is also quite interesting.

Our Harlem Tours cover the role these houses played in the growth of distinct socioeconomic classes among the African-American residents of Harlem.

9. Studio Museum

429 West 127th Street bet. Amsterdam and Convent Avenues.

This is a contemporary art museum devoted to African-American artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

It curates work from emerging black artists and has both a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions.

Note: Its home location at 125th Street is currently closed as they renovate and expand the museum. The work is expected to be done by 2024.

Until then you can visit Studio Museum 127, a temporary programming space between Thursdays through Sundays, from 12 to 6 pm.

Check  their website for schedules of exhibitions and other exciting initiatives.

10. Hotel Theresa

On the corner of 125th Street/Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd.

Built in 1912-13, the Hotel Theresa was a major social hub in Harlem.

The building itself is architecturally handsome and it was known as the "Waldorf-Astoria" of Harlem.

Its history is really what makes it interesting.

Among its guests over the years are Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and Fidel Castro - who had his 'friend' Nikita Krushev over while he was visiting New York from the USSR.

11. Marcus Garvey Park

Mt. Morris Park West & Madison Avenue

Marcus Garvey Park has something for everyone. There are two playgrounds as well as a pool to cool off in on summer days.

You can often find live music, plays, and comedy performances put on in the park’s amphitheater.

See the park's  website for events, hours, and amenities.

For more activities for children, check out Mommy Poppins' website for 50 Things to Do with Kids in Harlem .

Tip:  There is free wi-fi by the Amphitheater. (For other free wifi access throughout the city, see our post  Where to Find Free WiFi in New York ).

12. The Cotton Club

This legendary jazz club opened in 1920, at the height of Harlem’s jazz scene. Prohibition had been enacted that year and the country went ‘dry’ The Cotton Club opened somewhat in response. 

The club served a dual purpose: providing superb entertainment and providing “bootleg” alcohol. Over the years jazz musicians like Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong played here.

The Cotton Club is still swinging today. You can enjoy a range of music, from jazz to gospel, while eating lunch or dinner. 

The club is located at 656 W. 125th St. See the Cotton Club website for more information.

13. The Langston Hughes House

The renowned African-American poet Langston Hughes was one of the most important figures during the Harlem Renaissance era. 

In 1951, he wrote the deeply moving poem Harlem , better known as A Dream Deferred .

Hughes lived in Harlem for the last 20 years of his life. He died in 1967 and in 1980 his residence at 20 E. 127th St. was given landmark status.

Today, his apartment is open to the public to visit and pay tribute. Also in the building is the I, Too Arts Collective at the Langston Hughes House, a non-profit that offers poetry readings.

BEYOND CENTRAL HARLEM

Central Park

The northern section of Central Park is located on the southern border of Harlem and is less frequented by tourists.

It is worth a visit to see how the locals live as well as some natural features not found in other parts of the park.

You can swim in Harlem Meer in the summer or in the winter  go ice-skating  on Lasker Rink.

In the Autumn you can see the colorful leaves and in Spring, see the new blossoms. There are some great playgrounds as well.

For more about the north section of Central Park, you can take a look at the maps on our post about  free tours and activities in Central Park .

Alexander Hamilton Grange National Memorial  

414 West 141st bet. Convent and St Nicholas Avenues.  (family-friendly)

This historic house dating from 1802 is located in Hamilton Heights, in North Harlem.

Alexander Hamilton is one of the most significant individuals in American History whose life (and death by duel) story is a fascinating one.

He was one of America's Founding Fathers, as well as the founder of the U.S. Treasury system. You can see him on the $10 bill and he is the subject of a hit Broadway play!

At the Grange home, you can see historically furnished rooms either on a ranger-guided tour and talk or on your own. See  their website  for more information. Free.

TIP:  To see where he is buried and hear about his duel with Aaron Burr, you can join our pay-what-you-wish Lower Manhattan Tour or explore on your own with our GPS-led Self-Guided Audio Tour .

General Ulysses S. Grant National Memorial  

122nd St and Riverside Drive

More widely known as  Grant's Tomb , this is the largest mausoleum in the United States.

You can explore the inside of the large impressive stone monument, with occasional access to the crypt.

There are reliquary rooms on the main floor with Civil War artifacts, a visitors center, a gift shop, and a public restroom. Free.

Museum of the City of New York (MCNY)  

1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd St.

As its name suggests, this museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing New York City's history through exhibits of all kinds in addition to its permanent collection.

The museum is fun for kids as well with special educational programs. You can find more information on  their website .  Free entry with suggested admission.

El Museo del Barrio 

1230 Fifth Avenue at 104th St.

This museum is the only museum in NYC that showcases Latino cultures so extensively. You can see works by artists of Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American heritage.

They also host cultural festivities, youth, and educational programming, and literary discussions. Click here for more information.  Free with suggested admission.

TIP:  For a long list of other free museums and memorials, click here .

PLACES TO EAT IN HARLEM

Sylvia’s House of Soul Food   328 Malcolm X Blvd. at 127th St.

Decades-old and world-famous, Harlem would not be the same without this restaurant. To learn more about this iconic Harlem restaurant click here .

Red Rooster Harlem Restaurant

310 Lenox Avenue between 125th and 126th

A mix of traditional American food and diverse culinary appeals to the “New Harlem" scene.

The chef is award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson, who also was the chef for the first State Dinner of the Obama administration. Fried chicken is a must-have.

Make My Cake has two locations: 121 St Nicholas Ave and  2380 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

This former home-based family business offers a tasty answer to any sweet tooth. With such yummy delights as cookies, cakes, cupcakes, and pies. Be sure to check out their “Sweet Brand” of mugs, t-shirts, and hats.

Levain Bakery

2167 Frederick Douglass Blvd (at Eighth Ave)

Levain Bakery is a must for those who love chocolate chip cookies. The famous 6 oz. giant Chocolate Chip Walnut and Dark Chocolate Chip Chocolate cookies are sublime.

You can ask for your cookie to be warmed up for an extra gooey experience.

Yatenga Bistro   2269 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd.

Yatenga is located in the heart of Harlem and has a very rustic look with matched chairs and festive statues for sale. The mac and cheese is a huge favorite!

They have outdoor seating, which is a treat in nice weather.

Melba's American Comfort Food   300 West 114th St.

This attractive establishment stands out with its charming church pews sitting out front. This is one of the smaller restaurants in Harlem and seating is limited.

Check out the Southern Fried Chicken & Eggnog Waffles featured on the Food Network. Bonus: Tuesday is live music night!

Londel's   2620 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Authentic Harlem food, although a bit more expensive than other places. But they have live music, so the extra money is worth it.

TIP: Read our post on Soul Food in Harlem  to learn what foods are found in Soul Food cuisine and where you can find great Soul Food.

NIGHTLIFE IN HARLEM

Be sure to also check out our post on things to do at night in NYC .

Apollo Theater  253 West 125th Street

There is no shortage of live performances at the Apollo. You can see comedy, music, dance, theater, and more. See their calendar here .

Don't forget you can go see Amateur Night At The Apollo.

Shrine World Music Venue   East side of Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard (7th Avenue) just below 134th St.

There is no cover charge to see great live music. You'll hear genres such as Hip Hop, African, and the Caribbean.

Be sure to check the Shrine’s website for the musical performance schedule.

Bill's Place  148 W 133rd St.

A visit here is like seeing great live jazz in a friend’s basement. It is intimate, informal, and incredible. You pay only the cover charge of $20 per person (cash only).

You can bring in your own drinks, wine, etc. as well as snacks. Make reservations ahead of time for this “only in New York" experience.

Harlem Nights  2361 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd (138th Street)

A cozy neighborhood bar with live music most nights, of many genres, including jazz, Latino, singer/songwriter music, and more. It’s a very welcoming atmosphere with playful cocktails and small plates of food.

Harlem Tavern   2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd (at 116th St)

This bar & grill has live music Tuesday and Thursday nights. It’s authentic and you’ll find native Harlemites enjoying the tunes.

The Cotton Club 656 W. 125th St.

See live music at this iconic Harlem establishment that opened in 1920. Sip on classic a cocktail like Mai-Tais and Cosmopolitans. They also have a full menu for lunch and dinner. Music ranges from jazz, blues, and gospel.

GOSPEL SERVICES

Every Wednesday, Harlem resident, Lady Altoviese, a tour guide with Free Tours by Foot, presents her gospel performance.

There is no shortage of Harlem gospel tours. Before booking a tour, be sure to read our post,  Where to hear Gospel Music for New York for free .

If you prefer a guided tour that will ensure that you see some great gospel, here are a few choices:

• New York Pass - this tourist pass includes two free gospel experiences, a 9:30 a.m. Sunday gospel walk and a Wednesday evening walk. Both include gospel experiences. Check out our  review of the New York Pass  to see if it is right for you.
• You can find a variety of highly-rated Harlem tours, including gospel tours on GetYourGuide and also  Viator .
• Harlem Spirituals offers both Gospel Tour on Sunday as well as Gospel Tour on Wednesday . There are also Sunday  gospel tours that include brunch .

Shopping in Harlem

Harlem Haberdashery Boutique  - 245 Lenox Avenue. Future forward edgy urban unique style

Harlem Underground Retail store - 20 E. 125th Street. Vibrant cool shirts and jackets often with Harlem’s name stylish centered on the clothing.

125th Street  - The main shopping area in Harlem.

Flame Keepers Hat Club  - 273 West 121 St. Classic stylish men’s hats from Ecuador and Columbia. The 700-foot square store is brimming with hats and a great new addition to the Harlem community.

RELATED POSTS:

• Guide to NYC Neighborhoods
• Things to Do in NYC
• Guided Tours of Harlem
• Where to Stay in NYC
• 5 Boroughs of NYC Explained

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The Best Things to Do in Harlem, New York

Staff Writer

Harlem , known for its music scene and African American heritage, is awash with cultural institutions that have been significant in defining New York City and the US at large. From the talent-incubating Apollo Theater to the canon-redefining Studio Museum – these are the best things to do in Harlem during your next visit.

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Located north of Central Park in Manhattan, Harlem has long been a creative hub. The cultural renaissance that followed the Great Migration of the 1920s brought new influences and talent to the area, which became known for the arts , music, fashion and soul food. While the neighborhood might have changed in recent times, it’s still got a real buzz about it. Below, explore 10 of the best things to do and see in New York’s Harlem.

The Apollo Theater

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Red Rooster

Opened in 2010 by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson, Red Rooster the restaurant derives its name from an infamous 138th Street speakeasy of the same name that closed in the 1980s. In the basement of the soul food eatery is Ginny’s Supper Club, Red Rooster’s very own speakeasy, where musicians and DJs perform live every day of the week. Samuelsson’s menu is another homage to Harlem: dishes feature traditional neighborhood staples such as chicken and waffles (said to be invented there), shrimp and grits and a short rib named for President Obama who dined at the restaurant during a 2011 DNC fundraiser.

El Museo del Barrio

Its special attention to underrepresented artists of color sets El Museo del Barrio apart from the city’s many art museums. While it was founded in 1969, the institution’s holdings span more than 800 years, making it the country’s ‘preeminent forum and resource’ for Caribbean, Latino and Latin American art. Some genres of work in the 6,500-object permanent collection, such as 20th-century Nuyorican fine prints and contemporary art from New York-based Latino artists, are unique to the museum.

Studio Museum in Harlem

Dedicated to showing the works of African Americans, members of the African diaspora and artists from the African continent, the Studio Museum in Harlem offers a collection of vibrant and inspiring art of the 19th and 20th centuries. More than 2,600 pieces – including paintings, drawings, sculptures, watercolors, photographs, videos and mixed-media installations – credited to more than 400 artists are displayed throughout the museum, along with the permanent archival collection of work from renowned Harlem Renaissance photographer James Van Der Zee .

Sylvia’s Restaurant

For close to 60 years, Sylvia’s Restaurant has been a staple of the neighborhood thanks to its Southern comfort food. The menu has all the classics covered, from fried chicken and waffles and barbecue short ribs, to catfish and peach cobbler, and you can even tuck in while singers perform during weekly events including the packed Gospel Brunch Sundays and Live Music Wednesdays. A popular spot among politicians, Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama have dined here, as well as Senator Bernie Sanders, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton.

Central Park Conservatory Gardens

Central Park is easily accessible from both East and West Harlem, though the former grants visitors a direct path to one of the park’s best-kept secrets. Open the iron gate, made in Paris in 1894, on Fifth Avenue and 104th Street, and be transported to Italy , France and England by way of the Central Park Conservatory Gardens . Comprising three gardens with distinct styles – Italian (tiered hedges and a 12-foot-high jet fountain), French (including Walter Schott’s romantic Three Dancing Maidens sculpture) and English (shrubs and perennial plants) – this attraction brings a piece of Europe to the US.

Graffiti Hall of Fame

For nearly 40 years, art enthusiasts have been making the pilgrimage to New York City’s Graffiti Hall of Fame, located in East Harlem. Local Ray “Sting Ray” Rodriguez created the attraction in 1980, before street art had become a respected form, as a safe space for Harlem artists to hone their craft. Today, the open-air hall of fame, the concrete walls of Jackie Robinson Educational Complex’s schoolyard, are covered in tags. The Hall of Fame still welcomes locals as well as far-flung artists, plus photographers and fans of the medium.

Harlem Haberdashery

Harlem Haberdashery is a family-run boutique that is the retail extension of 5001 Flavors, a custom clothing company that began more than 25 years ago. Its style favors colorful three-piece suits, all-white ensembles and oversized hats. Celebrities, including DJ Khaled, The Notorious BIG, Jay-Z and LeBron James , have all worn pieces from 5001 Flavors. The shop, which celebrates the spirit of Harlem in the 1970s and ’80s, isn’t just for celebrities, offering ready-to-wear options in men’s and women’s styles.

Bill’s Place

Opened in 2006 by musician Bill Saxton, Bill’s Place traces its roots to the Prohibition era. Visitors take a trip back in time to the Harlem Renaissance with its cozy, elbow-touching speakeasy space. Saxton, a world-renowned saxophonist, leads the Harlem All Stars on Friday and Saturday nights, with an early (8pm) and late (10pm) show each evening. Over the years, legendary performers including Billie Holiday, Fats Waller and Willie ‘The Lion’ Smith have all graced this parlor.

Langston Hughes House

Harlem Renaissance leader Langston Hughes lived in East Harlem from 1947 to 1967. His 1869-built brownstone at Fifth Avenue and 127th Street is now on the National Register of Historic Places and the home of Harlem nonprofit I, Too Arts Collective. Explore the home of a legendary artist while supporting those whom Hughes inspired at events including public readings and writing workshops.

This is an updated version of a story originally written by Ashlyn Grisetti. Michael LoRé contributed additional reporting to this article .

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10 Best Things to Do in Harlem, NYC

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 10 Best Things to Do in Harlem, NYC

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There are several fun things to do in Harlem , so if you haven’t ventured to this part of New York yet, it’s time to make the trip. As one of the coolest neighborhoods in NYC , Harlem has a unique culture that you won’t find anywhere else. Harlem’s landmarks offer a glimpse into the neighborhood’s artistic and cultural legacy, so it’s well worth visiting.

Harlem is best known for the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, in which Black writers, musicians, and intellectuals made a splash with new artistic styles. They also sought to embrace and uplift their cultural traditions, making Harlem the Black mecca of NYC that it is today.

To give you an idea of Harlem’s location, it’s in Upper Manhattan and bordered by Central Park in the south, the Harlem River in the north, and the Hudson River to the west. Fifth Avenue runs along the side of the neighborhood, creating the eastern boundary. Several of the top attractions in Manhattan are near Harlem, so you can easily fit this neighborhood into your travel plans.

Below, I’ll share the best Harlem attractions and activities for your visit. While there isn’t a bad day to check out Harlem, if you’re in town on Sunday, I recommend taking this tour to visit the most popular places and attend a gospel church service. However, if you can’t go on Sunday, this tour is also great.

1. Apollo Theater, one of the most famous places in Harlem, New York

First, a visit to Harlem isn’t complete without seeing the legendary Apollo Theater . For over 100 years, this landmark theater has hosted some of the top performers in the country, spanning music, comedy, and more.

During the swing era, figures like Duke Ellington took the stage, while over the decades, other stars like Richard Pryor, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin performed here. To this day, the Apollo is a well-known establishment for Black entertainment, hosting public events every week, including amateur stand-up comedy nights.

In addition to the performances, the Apollo Theater is a beautiful place to visit in Harlem . The Neoclassical-style building has been restored and renovated over the years but remains a local gem for New Yorkers. It’s also a designated New York City Landmark and will hopefully entertain crowds for decades to come.

2. Attend a gospel service, an unforgettable thing to do in Harlem

A Sunday gospel service is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture of Harlem, NY . There are over 400 places of worship here, mostly Christian churches, and religion is a big part of everyday life for locals. Don’t worry; you don’t have to be religious to enjoy the gospel music and camaraderie of Sunday services.

You can attend a local Mass on your own or take a tour like this one . I recommend a tour if you’re not familiar with church services or you’re unsure about which church to go to. Again, there are hundreds to choose from, including one of the oldest African-American Baptist churches in the country. Abyssinian Baptist Church was founded in 1808 and stands out for its Gothic and Tudor-style architecture.

If you take the tour, you’ll join a local church family and attend a Sunday service of gospel music, prayer, and community. During the worship service, you’ll experience the spiritual community and Baptist traditions of the church while mingling with the warm and welcoming congregation. From the music and the sermon to the elaborate church fashion, it’s a lot to take in, so a tour can be a good option.

This tour also includes a brief Harlem sightseeing walk to visit a few local attractions, historic homes, and monuments. You’ll learn about the Black history of Harlem while getting the opportunity to meet new people, making this one of the best walking tours in New York City .

3. El Museo del Barrio, the best museum in Harlem, New York

Harlem is also home to one of the top museums in NYC . El Museo del Barrio is one of the most significant Latino cultural institutions in New York, with thousands of items chronicling 800+ years of Caribbean and Latin American history.

The collection includes archaeological objects, traditional artifacts, and modern pieces. It’s worth spending a couple of hours here discovering contemporary art, folkloric masks, and other exhibits. El Museo del Barrio also has an interesting array of pre-Columbian items as well as an impressive collection of Puerto Rican art.

Not only is this one of the best museums in Harlem, New York , but admission is pay-what-you-wish. So, if you’re looking for a cheap or free thing to do in NYC , this is a great place to check out!

4. Bill’s Place, the best place in Harlem for live jazz music

Listening to live jazz in Harlem, NYC is another way to enjoy the local arts scene. If you’re here on a Friday or Saturday night, I recommend stopping by Bill’s Place , an unassuming jazz club and BYOB. Here, you can enjoy a live performance by Bill Saxton, one of the top names in New York’s jazz scene for the past 30 years.

Bill’s Place is one of the best places to experience Harlem nightlife , and the atmosphere is super friendly and intimate. The club has an old speakeasy vibe, and it’s quite small, so you need a reservation to get in.

Another spot to check out is Minton’s Playhouse , a jazz club that hosts a variety of performers. Unlike Bill’s Place, Minton’s Playhouse has a bar and a full dinner menu, so you can have a nice meal while enjoying the music.

5. Eat the best soul food in Harlem, New York

Speaking of food, Harlem is the place to try mouthwatering soul food since there are several excellent restaurants in the area. While it originated in the South, soul food has become widespread throughout the country and is a popular cuisine in the Black community. The best restaurants in Harlem, New York serve up hearty portions of comfort classics like fried chicken and collard greens.

For example, Sylvia’s Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Harlem if you’re looking for authentic Southern comfort food. Known as the “Queen of Soul Food,” Sylvia has a delectable menu of chicken and waffles, BBQ ribs, mac and cheese, and more. There is even a gospel brunch menu, so you can come here after attending a Sunday service.

Near Sylvia’s Jacob Soul Food Restaurant specializes in Southern cuisine and Caribbean food. Along with Jamaican chicken and short ribs, the restaurant has a fresh salad bar and homemade pies and cakes.

If you need more options, consider Melba’s Restaurant , a cozy venue with classic dishes like fried catfish and sweet potato pie; or Red Rooster , which is owned by celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. This place has a more creative take on soul food and is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

6. Studio Museum in Harlem, another interesting place to visit in Harlem

Visiting the Studio Museum in Harlem is another fun thing to do in Harlem , and you only need an hour or so to peruse the collection. This art museum focuses on artists of African descent and includes a permanent collection of paintings, drawings, multimedia installations and more. In addition, the Studio Museum regularly hosts resident artists, so there is a rotating display of pieces.

This is an interesting place where you can explore the history of the African diaspora. The Black Wall Street collection is particularly thought-provoking, while the Diaspora collection provides a thorough overview of the civil rights and Black Power movements, spanning decades and the globe.

Finally, there’s no cost to enter, so if you’re looking for an indoor activity, consider checking out this free museum in Harlem, New York .

7. See the Graffiti Hall of Fame, one of the coolest things to do in Harlem

Along with gospel services, soul food, and jazz music, Harlem is home to the Graffiti Hall of Fame , another interesting place to see during your visit. This outdoor art gallery was founded in 1980 and has adorned the walls of the Jackie Robinson Educational Complex ever since.

These graffitied walls offer the perfect canvas for up-and-coming street artists and add a splash of color to the neighborhood. Local and international graffiti artists come here to create distinct works of art, often with a social or artistic message. In addition, the Graffiti Hall of Fame organization choose a new theme every year, so the walls are constantly changing.

Whether you’re an art lover or you’re simply passing by, don’t miss this free Harlem attraction . Just be aware that since it’s on school grounds, you can only visit on weekends.

8. National Jazz Museum in Harlem, another one of the best places in Harlem, New York

Not only can you see live jazz performances in Harlem, but you can also explore the history of this music genre at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem . This is another free museum in Harlem, New York , and the perfect place to pop into if you have a spare hour or so.

The museum’s collection includes audio recordings from the 1930s, with performances by Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and their contemporaries. There is also a video archive and an exhibit with photos and other media preserving Harlem’s jazz history. Many of these items came from American saxophone player Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis’s personal collection.

The National Jazz Museum is also a great place to experience the culture of Harlem firsthand since several live events and programs are held here. The museum is open Thursday-Saturday and admission is free, although donations are appreciated.

9. Visit Marcus Garvey Park, a free thing to do in Harlem, NYC

For some outdoor time, head to Marcus Garvey Park , a beautiful green space where you can enjoy the fresh air. Named after businessman and activist Marcus Garvey, the park is one of the best spots in Harlem to take a break and people-watch.

On any given day, you’ll see people playing chess, walking their dogs, or watching their kids at the playground. The park is also home to a historic Harlem landmark , the Mount Morris Fire Watchtower , a 47-foot-tall structure built in the 1800s.

There are also various sculptures, playgrounds, and playing fields at the park, in addition to a recreation center, an amphitheater, and a swimming pool. So, if you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll find several fun things to do here, although any time of year is a good time to get some exercise and take a stroll in the park.

10. Langston Hughes House, a legendary place to go in Harlem

Finally, the Langston Hughes House is another famous place in Harlem that you can’t miss, especially if you’re a fan of literature. This historic brownstone rowhome was the residence of American poet, playwright, and activist Langston Hughes from 1947 until his death in 1967. He was one of the pioneers of the jazz poetry movement and a well-known figure of the Harlem Renaissance.

Hughes’ poems beautifully articulated the struggle of the Black experience while also uplifting and empowering the community. His works are remembered today at the Langston Hughes House as well as the American Poets’ Corner at St. John the Divine.

As for his old residence, it was built in 1869 in the Italianate style and is now on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s also home to the I, Too, Arts Collective, a non-profit that amplifies the voices of underrepresented communities in the arts.

And those are the top things to do in Harlem . I hope you learned more about this neighborhood and you’re excited to see all that it has to offer. Don’t forget that you can download this map which includes all the Harlem attractions I mentioned.

Finally, don’t hesitate to leave me a comment if you have any questions or you’d like to recommend another place to visit in Harlem . I’d love to hear from you! Have a wonderful trip!

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124 Best Things to Do in Harlem, New York City: A Guide

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Harlem is one of the most exciting neighborhoods in New York City. It’s the center of black America and has been for well over a century. It’s beautiful and endlessly interesting and the music seems to spring out of everywhere. And no visit to New York is complete until you get a taste of Harlem.

Lots of people want to visit Harlem — but they have no idea what to do once they get there. They want to experience the neighborhood, and maybe walk around and get some soul food, but they’re not sure what to do specifically. And that’s where I come in.

I am a Harlem resident and have lived here for three years. I love this neighborhood fiercely. That’s the difference between this guide and every other “things to do in Harlem” guide that dominates the search results. Those ones are written by overworked and underpaid writers who rely on Google. I live here. I actually go to these places.

Harlem is a huge and diverse neighborhood — much more than most people anticipate. It’s way too big to fully cover on foot. And while Harlem is the epicenter of urban African-American life, it’s also home to communities from the Dominican Republic (Hamilton Heights), Puerto Rico (East Harlem) and West Africa (116th St.).

Come to Harlem for jazz, gospel, and blues. Come to Harlem for braised oxtails and chicken and waffles. Come for the history. Come for the art. Come to support as many black-owned businesses as possible. And don’t just reserve one afternoon for Harlem — once you get here, you’ll wish you had a few days to see it all.

Read More: The Best Time to Visit New York

How to Get to Harlem

Harlem is part of Manhattan.  While it’s not its own borough, like some tourists think, Harlem is enormous and broken into several different neighborhoods.

In the simplest terms, Harlem runs roughly from 110th St. to 155th St. It starts a bit lower on the east side (96th St.) and a bit higher on the west side (about 125th St.), but overall those are the approximate borders.

Many of the streets have different names in Harlem than further downtown. For example, 8th Ave. is Frederick Douglas Blvd. in Harlem. 7th Ave. is Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. in Harlem. 6th Ave. is called Lenox Ave. or Malcolm X Blvd. in Harlem (either name works).

Central Harlem  is the core of Harlem and generally runs north from 110th St. to 155th St., between Amsterdam Ave. and Fifth Ave.

South Harlem , which is within Central Harlem, generally refers to the area north of Central Park to 125th St. (Do not call it SoHa. Real estate developers have been trying to rebrand this popular area as SoHa and locals have been fighting against it.)

Manhattanville runs from 125th St. to 135th St. on the west side, west of Amsterdam.

Hamilton Heights runs from 135th St. to 155th St. on the west side, from Riverside to Edgecombe.

Sugar Hill is an official historic district. It runs from 145th St. to 155th St. and from Amsterdam to Edgecombe, all of which is part of Hamilton Heights.

East Harlem , also known as Spanish Harlem, runs north from 96th Street and east from Fifth Ave. As a Latinx neighborhood rather than a black neighborhood, East Harlem has a different feel from the rest of Harlem.

And then there are the Harlem-adjacent associated neighborhoods that some call uptown or Upper Manhattan. Morningside Heights , from 110th St. to 125th St. on the west side, is dominated by Columbia University; Washington Heights , a largely Dominican enclave, runs north of Harlem from 155th St. to 181st St.

Is Harlem safe?

Yes, Harlem is very safe. All of Manhattan is safe to visit. You simply need to take the precautions you would take in any other neighborhood: Don’t walk around with an open purse behind your back. Don’t get blackout drunk. Don’t buy drugs.

Additionally, it’s important to be respectful — more so than in other neighborhoods.  Harlem has historically been an oppressed and economically disadvantaged community of color. People who live in SoHo expect that you’re going to photograph everything in sight, but many Harlemites are not happy that their neighborhood has become a tourist destination. Remember that this is a place where people live and work; Harlem does not exist for the entertainment of tourists.

If you want to photograph someone in Harlem, ask him or her for permission. Do not photograph children at all.

Do not call it “the hood” or “the ghetto.” These are racist insults.

If you’re not street smart or used to spending time in cities, there are parts of Harlem where I would exercise more caution. I would especially be cautious around 125th St. around Park and Lexington Aves, which is on the east side, and around the public housing developments in the lower 100s on the east side. These areas tend to have crowds of homeless people and addicts, and if you have to commute through there regularly, it can be difficult to witness their pain first-hand.

If you’re already used to city life, you’ll be fine in any part of Harlem at any time of day.

How to Be a Good Visitor to Harlem

The best way to give back to Harlem is to peruse its small businesses — particularly black-owned and POC-owned businesses. This is especially important as Harlem continues its rapid gentrification.

Why? Because for decades, the city divested in Harlem and it was nearly impossible for black people to get business loans. Combine this with the economic hardships of generational poverty and Harlem’s business growth was stagnant.

In the past decade, Harlem has gentrified rapidly — some neighborhoods much faster than others. As a result, rents have risen sharply, longtime businesses can’t afford to stay, and high-end coffeeshops and bars are moving in to target an increasingly white and wealthy clientele.

While these businesses have shuttered, longtime Harlem residents who can’t afford their rent have been forced to move further out — to cheaper neighborhoods that are less safe and where public transportation is less prevalent, making their lives harder. Others have found themselves homeless or unable to get mental healthcare, making them susceptible to substance abuse and addiction.

So what can you do about this? You can be mindful about the businesses you visit in Harlem. This guide contains 50 black-owned businesses and 7 POC-owned businesses, each labeled clearly. Please make an effort to visit them and businesses that don’t exclusively target the wealthy.

So yes, feel free to go to dinner at a fancy restaurant like Red Rooster or Clay — but also make time to grab a book at Sisters Bookstore, try a ginger turmeric tea at Serengeti Tea, write poems at Langston Hughes’s brownstone with the I, Too Arts Collective, and buy a shirt or cap at Harlem Underground.

Now that you have an understanding of the neighborhood, it’s time to figure out what to do in Harlem!

The Best Things to Do in Harlem

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• Where to Stay in Harlem

If your time in Harlem is limited, I recommend you concentrate on the top ten things on this list. Beyond that, the neighborhood is your oyster!

1. See a Show at the Apollo Theater

There is nothing more iconic in Harlem than catching a show at the Apollo. This theater on 125th St. has been the center of African-American musical culture since its opening in 1914. If you’re a famous black musician, you have played here.

If there’s any one show you should see, it’s Amateur Night. People from all over the US compete to be the next big star — and are cheered or booed by the audience. James Brown, Billie Holiday, Jimi Hendrix, and D’Angelo launched their careers at Amateur Night. Who knows who you’ll see? (Don’t discount the losers — Lauryn Hill got booed at Amateur Night when she was just 13!)

Check out the Apollo Theater here and see the latest schedule . Amateur night takes place on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM.

2. Go on a Food and Culture Tour of Harlem

If you’re new to Harlem, this food and culture tour is the first thing you should do.  When my family comes to New York, my sister and I take them on this tour to introduce them to the history and culture of Harlem while enjoying yummy bites along the way!

This tour takes you to several of the best restaurants and historic sites along the way. Try African teas, Senegalese food, and see some murals no other guide will point out to you. If you’re lucky, you might get to sample the sweet and spicy chicken and waffles at Red Rooster, which are so delicious it should be criminal.

Check out the food and culture tour here   (black-owned) .

3. Try the Best Local Soul Food

If you’re coming to Harlem, you absolutely must try some soul food. Soul food is the African-American cuisine that originated in the South and spread across the country when blacks migrated to cities during the Great Migration. It’s more than fried chicken and collard greens — try braised oxtails, short ribs, grilled catfish, barbecue ribs, and more.

Sylvia’s Restaurant (black-owned) is perhaps the most iconic soul food restaurant in New York City, if not the world, operating since 1962. That said, it’s definitely the most touristy restaurant in Harlem, so be prepared for crowds. They do a gospel brunch on Sundays.

Amy Ruth’s   (black-owned) is another popular soul food restaurant in Harlem. They’re famous for their chicken and waffles in particular, and their dishes are named after celebrities, from President Obama to Ruby Dee to Ludacris.

Melba’s (black-owned) is my personal favorite soul food restaurant in Harlem — in part because it’s got all of the quality without the tourist crowds. Melba was raised in the soul food restaurants of Harlem and threw everything she learned into this restaurant. I like the salmon here.

Manna’s (POC-owned) is a good spot for soul food on the cheap. Opened by a Korean immigrant who promptly and deeply integrated herself deeply in the Harlem community, Manna’s now has three Harlem locations where you serve yourself from the buffet and pay by the pound.

Seasoned Vegan (black-owned) fulfills an important role — it provides soul food dishes that vegetarians and vegans can actually eat! It’s not a soul food restaurant, but they have veganized versions of soul food dishes like smothered “chicken”, barbecue “riblets,” and mac and “cheese.”

  A post shared by ?? Élodie (@elo.travel) on May 28, 2018 at 6:04am PDT

4. Attend a Service at Abyssinian Baptist Church

Have you always wanted to go to church in Harlem? This is where you want to do it. Abyssinian has its roots in rebelling against racial inequality and striving for social justice. Worship services are a celebration of God’s creation, complete with passionate sermons and a gospel choir.

Abyssinian has a very strict policy for tourists. This is not a gospel performance; it is a religious service that happens to include gospel music. Abyssinian welcomes visitors, but asks that you only attend the 11:30 AM service on Sundays, major holidays and August excluded. Tourists must stay for the full 2.5-hour service. Dress modestly: both women and men should cover shoulders, and flip-flops, tank tops, shorts, and leggings are not allowed. No backpacks are permitted. All tourists must enter at the Tourist Entry Point.

If you can’t commit to Abyssinian’s parameters, consider going to a gospel brunch at Ginny’s Supper Club   (black-owned) or going on a gospel tour instead.

See more on visiting Abyssinian Baptist Church here. It is free to attend as a worshiper.

5. Have a Picnic in the Northern Part of Central Park

Here’s a secret: the northern edge of Central Park gets almost no tourists. Most of the tourists are concentrated in the southern part of the park. The northern part is blissfully open and filled with locals.

One of the nicest parts is the Harlem Meer — meer is a Dutch word for “small sea.” This little lake is surrounded by willow trees and benches. The North Woods is another nice part of this part of Central Park, and the vegetation is so dense that you’ll feel like you’re out in the countryside!

But what makes Central Park even better? A picnic — Harlem-style. Go to Best Market , a local supermarket on Frederick Douglas Blvd. at 118th St., and order some barbecue brisket and mac and cheese at the counter. Grab a drink and head eight blocks down to Central Park, enjoying your magnificent meal outside in the sunshine.

  A post shared by Red Rooster (@roosterharlem) on Oct 13, 2018 at 10:57am PDT

6. Hit Up Red Rooster and Feel the Celebration

Chef Marcus Samuelsson already had Food Network fame as the chef who was born in Ethiopia, adopted and raised in Sweden, and moved on to the United States, melding his three home cuisines together. But he truly made his mark with Red Rooster (black-owned) , a restaurant that simultaneously elevated him to new heights and brought him deeper into the community in Harlem.

Red Rooster’s goal was to be an integral part of the Harlem community. In the evenings you’ll hear local musicians performing as locals fill and staff the restaurant. On the menu you’ll find a mix of soul food classics, Ethiopian-influenced flavors, and even some Swedish fare (Marcus makes great meatballs). And they give back to the community as well. Come on a Saturday night and you’ll be swept up in music, cocktails, and feeling like you’re in the middle of a throwback — but something very modern, too.

Fact: I decided to move to Harlem after dining at Red Rooster (the sweet potato donuts put me over the edge). I was so inspired by its joy and diversity and thought to myself, “I want to be part of this neighborhood.”

7. Go Out and Listen to Some Jazz

Most people who want to visit Harlem dream of going to a smoky jazz club and hearing the next big singer. Well, the smoke is a thing of the past, but jazz in Harlem is just as vibrant as ever.

Here are some of the standout clubs:

Minton’s  (black-owned) is a Harlem jazz icon — it’s also where bebop was invented! Today Minton’s has reinvented itself as an upscale supper club. They do evening performances as well as a jazz brunch on Sundays. Dress up here — jackets are required for men.

Bill’s Place  (black-owned) is where you go for a throwback — it feels like one of those quasi-legal places in someone’s brownstone! Saxophone player Bill Saxton, known as Harlem’s Jazz King, leads the Harlem All-Stars on Friday and Saturday nights. Note that no alcohol is served here.

Ginny’s Supper Club  (black-owned) is in the basement of Red Rooster (with its excellent food!) and features jazz performances on the evenings, Tuesday Bluesday blues performances, and a gospel brunch on Sundays.

Paris Blues  (black-owned) is where you go for great music at a lower price point — you can listen to jazz with no cover charge and the food and drinks are reasonably priced. A neighborhood dive in the best way possible.

Charlie Parker Jazz Festival takes place every August, split between Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem and Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. All the shows are free! Check the link for more information closer to August.

Shrine World Music Venue  (black-owned) features jazz performers from around the world, with a lot of great acts from Africa in particular. See below for much more on Shrine.

Plenty of other bars and restaurants in Harlem feature live jazz on some evenings. Check out Londel’s   (black-owned) ,  Harlem Nights , Tsion Cafe  (black-owned) , Home Sweet Harlem   (black-owned) , and  BLVD Bistro   (black-owned).

8. Check Out the Best Architecture in Harlem

Not only is Harlem home to stunning churches and brownstones — it’s also home to what I consider the most beautiful street in New York City.  The Hamilton Heights Historic District is home to unusual, creative, one-of-a-kind brownstones. The most spectacular stretch is on Convent Ave. between 143nd St. and 145th St., as well as the surrounding side streets.

The house from The Royal Tenenbaums is part of this area — it’s on the southeast corner of Convent Ave. and 144th St. Nearby is the City College campus, with its entrance on Amsterdam Ave. at 140th St., is home to giant gothic buildings springing out of the middle of nowhere.

Another notable area is Astor Row, on 130th St. between 5th Ave. and Lenox Ave. These unique houses are set back from the street with both front and side yards and they have green painted porches. There’s nothing else like them in Manhattan.

And while it’s just north of Harlem in Washington Heights, check out the unique yellow-brown-and-green homes of Sylvan Terrace, which look like they’re straight out of the 19th Century. At the end of the street is the Morris-Jumel Mansion, the oldest house in Manhattan.

9. Visit the Hamilton Grange, the Home of Alexander Hamilton

“We’ll get a little place in Harlem and we’ll figure it out.” That line from Hamilton wasn’t a lie — Alexander Hamilton and his wife Eliza built a house in what is now Harlem back when the whole region was countryside. It was quiet uptown.

The house was moved twice within Harlem before getting to its permanent location in St. Nicholas Park. Hamilton, though famed, wasn’t the cultural figure that he is today post-musical, and many of the rooms were decorated as best historians could guess. The ground floor is a historic center telling the story of Hamilton’s life. A movie about his life and legacy plays as well.

The Hamilton Grange is located at 141st St. between Convent Ave. and St. Nicholas Ave. It’s free to visit the Hamilton Grange. Guided tours, the only way to go upstairs, are at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM.

10. Have an Unforgettable Night Out at Shrine World Music Venue

There is no other place like Shrine (black-owned) in New York City. Shrine features live music seven nights a week with a lot of performers from Africa. Their bands play jazz, funk, R&B and hip-hop from all over the world. There are reggae Sundays. There’s even a Japanese DJ on some nights. It seems like every performer draws influence from all over the world, a mixture of African and Latin and Caribbean beats, leading to a worldly night of music like no other.

At 10:00 PM, the music switches over to a DJ and the crowd gets pumping. But instead of dancing to top 40, you could be dancing to West African music from Ivorian, Nigerian, or Senegalese DJs. Trust me — it’s an EXPERIENCE.

Check out Shrine here and see who’s on the schedule .

In addition to my previously listed recommendations of attending a service at Abyssinian Baptist Church , checking out the best architecture in Harlem , and visiting the home of Alexander Hamilton , here are some of the best history and culture activities in Harlem.

Go on a Harlem Renaissance walking tour . The Harlem Renaissance, which lasted from roughly 1918 to the early 1930s, was a peak period of artistic creativity in the neighborhood and included artists like James Baldwin, Billie Holliday, Duke Ellington, Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, and more. Book the tour here.

Go to a lecture or explore the offerings at the Schomberg Center for Research in Black Culture . This institution is a division of the New York Public Library, and they put on interesting events about black history and culture. Check the schedule here — it could be anything from lectures on transgender equality in the black community to never-before-seen letters and photographs from Malcolm X or poetry readings by contemporary black poets.

Dive into all things New York at the Museum of the City of New York . Located in East Harlem right off Central Park, this is one of my favorite museums in New York City. The exhibitions could be anything from the history of activism in New York to a collection of Yiddish Theatre costumes to a photography gallery of teens in the Bronx in the late 1970s. It’s always changing and always interesting.

Learn about Harlem’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. When you think about the Civil Rights Movement, you think about the South — but Harlemites like Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell were instrumental in organizing for change. The Harlem Civil Rights Movement Tour takes you on a historical walking tour in their footsteps.

Explore the Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum . Not the Trinity Church in lower Manhattan where Hamilton is buried — this one is in the northwest corner of Harlem. This is the only active mausoleum in Manhattan! Conservationist James Audubon is buried here and has the largest grave site of all. Take yourself on a self-guided walking tour.

Explore the Mount Morris Park Historic District. This neighborhood was home to Doctor’s Row, home to the most privileged residents in Harlem. Their gorgeous brownstones stand to this day — and the park is Harlem’s favorite spot for watching the New York Marathon!  There is a walking tour that shows you the history of this Harlem neighborhood.

See who’s buried in Grant’s tomb. I mean, obviously it’s Ulysses S. Grant! The General Grant National Memorial is the largest mausoleum in North America and you can learn about Grant’s leadership during the Civil War. The memorial is close to Columbia in Morningside Heights. Keep in mind the mausoleum’s hours are on-and-off; see a schedule here .

Get immersed in the history of Puerto Ricans in America at El Museo del Barrio .  This museum in East Harlem is a celebration of Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American culture in the United States. Come for the outstanding art; stay for the history.

Tour the Cathedral of St. John the Divine . Harlem has its share of epic churches, but St. John the Divine in Morningside Heights is one of the most architecturally impressive houses of worship in New York City. Several tours are available and the behind-the-scenes Vertical Tour gives you access to the roof, giving you sweeping views of Harlem and all of Manhattan.  Learn about touring the church here.

Enjoy a short historical walking tour of Harlem. If you don’t have a ton of time and want a straight history tour, this is a good one .

Check out the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum . If you’re visiting Harlem with kids, be sure to make a stop here! They’ve got art exhibits, a reading nook, storytelling, and all kinds of fun events.

In addition to my previously listed recommendations of seeing a show at the Apollo Theater , listening to live jazz , and  having a night out at Shrine , here are more options:

Check out the Audubon Mural Project . Bird conservationist John James Audubon lived in what is now Hamilton Heights during the 19th century. To honor his memory and draw attention to the urgency of now, the Audubon Society and Harlem gallery Gitler & ____ are commissioning murals of 300 bird species threatened by climate change. More than 100 have been painted so far in Hamilton Heights.  Join a tour here or get a map for a self-guided tour here .

See works of art at the Studio Museum of Harlem .  This museum features works of art by African-Americans and people of the African diaspora. The museum is currently closed for renovations through 2021, but a temporary programming space is open Thursday through Sunday .

See a poetry performance at I, Too Arts Collective  (black-owned) .  Located in the brownstone that was home to Langston Hughes, I, Too Arts Collective is dedicated to nurturing emerging writers from underrepresented communities. You can also join a poetry writing class .

Learn how to swing dance and Lindy Hop!  Lindy Hop was invented in Harlem and it became one of the hottest dance crazes in America! Learn about the history of dance in Harlem, then take a one-hour swing and Lindy Hop lesson .

See a performance by the Dance Theatre of Harlem . This dance company pioneered inclusive dance at a time when the big companies wouldn’t take black performers — and to this day they’re creating gorgeous performances. While they spend much of the year touring, you can check out their New York performance schedule here .

Check out the National Jazz Museum in Harlem . If you’re a fan of jazz, be sure to check out this excellent museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian. They put on a lot of musical events as well.

See a show at the United Palace . While technically further north in Washington Heights, this theater draws a big Harlem crowd. It’s got an insane interior, covered in more gold than you thought possible! I saw The Hip-Hop Nutcracker here once.

Harlem is one of the best food neighborhoods in New York. Soul food is only the beginning — Harlem is home to excellent African cuisine, as well as Latin American food, American comfort food, and a surprising amount of French-influenced eateries. In addition to my previously listed recommendations of going on a food and culture tour of Harlem , trying the best soul food in Harlem , and experiencing a meal at Red Rooster , here are my recommendations:

Try the best high-end restaurants in Harlem. New spots are continuously opening up. Here are some of the best special occasion restaurants:

Red Rooster (black-owned) — A mix of Harlem, Sweden, and Ethiopia, as well as inventive world cuisine and delicious cocktails. Probably the only restaurant that is an experience from start to finish.

BLVD Bistro (black-owned) — BLVD is a family-owned eatery with modern, refined Southern food and one of the best decadent brunches in town (don’t miss the biscuits).

Clay — One of the best farm-to-table restaurants in Harlem, Clay sources its constantly changing menu from small, local producers.

Ponty Bistro (black-owned) — Leading the Afro-French fusion movement in Harlem, Ponty Bistro has a mix of adventurous and less outlandish dishes, from roast chicken to Senegalese marinated steak, all chic and refined.

Corner Social — Here on one of the trendier blocks in Harlem you’ll fine a selection of modern American dishes, including shrimp mac and cheese and lamb chops with mango salsa.

BSquared (black-owned) — This high-end seafood restaurant features inventive dishes like lobster tagliatelle with squid ink, octopus cooked in red wine, and New Zealand baby lamb chops.

Explore Harlem’s many African cuisines.  Le Petit Sénégal, around 116th St., is the epicenter of New York’s African community. Many of the restaurants cater to Harlem’s Africa-born taxi drivers, others are more high-end.

Ethiopian is the best-known of African cuisines in America, and some of Harlem’s best Ethiopian restaurants are Tsion Cafe (black-owned) , with an Ethiopian-Mediterranean hybrid menu and outdoor patio;  Zoma   (black-owned) , with a large selection of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes; and Benyam (black-owned) , which earns rave reviews across the board.

As good as Ethiopian food is, if you want to push yourself, try a different African cuisine.

For Somali food, head to Safari (black-owned) . It’s the only Somali restaurant in New York City and one of few East African spots. Try the beef or chicken suqaar (a traditional stew) and be sure to try some sambuzas (beef patties).

For Ivorian food, head to New Ivoire (black-owned) .  This casual restaurant has a host of Ivorian dishes and is open 24 hours a day. They’re known for their grilled fish.

For Ghanaian food, head to Accra (black-owned) . This cafeteria-style restaurant looks simple at first glance but the food is renowned by Ghanaians and West Africans in search of stews and jollof rice.

For Senegalese food, you’ve got lots of options. Pikine (black-owned) usually ranks as one of the best, but others my friends recommend are Keur Sokhna   (black-owned) and La Savane (black-owned) .

Alternatively, learn all about African cuisine  (black-owned)   with a meal prepared by Congolese-American chef living in Harlem.

Have some excellent mid-range meals. All of these restaurants will serve you an excellent meal without breaking the bank:

The Edge (black-owned) has a beautiful, art-filled interior and splits their menu into three sections: Jamaica, New York, and England. I love their jerk chicken kale salad.

Tsion Cafe (black-owned) features a mix of Ethiopian and Mediterranean dishes — you’ll be surprised when you see how their tiny-looking entrance opens into an expansive interior! The patio is nice in summer.

Lolo’s Seafood Shack   (black-owned) serves Caribbean seafood in a fun, colorful atmosphere. Their sandwiches are served on johnny cakes and their pom pom shrimp is addictive.

Bono serves fantastic Italian food. They’ve got a huge oven in the room and every dish on the menu is outstanding, especially their pizzas, pastas, and foccacias.

Yatenga (black-owned) has an upscale French-meets-American menu. Don’t miss their roasted chicken in Roquefort sauce.

Lenox Saphire (black-owned) serves a mix of Senegalese and American dishes, including several curries that will light you on fire.

Malecon (POC-owned) is a legendary restaurant in the Dominican community. Their two locations are technically just north and south of Harlem, but traveling is worth it for their rotisserie chicken and mofongo.

Enjoy some cheap eats from around the world. If you’re looking for a great menu on the cheap, here are some spots:

Wat’s On Your Plate   (black-owned)   does delicious, huge and cheap Jamaican food with super-cheap lunch specials.

Taqueria San Pedro   (POC-owned) has fantastic tacos beyond any other place in the neighborhood.

The Handpulled Noodle   (POC-owned) does authentic northwest Chinese noodle dishes that you can customize.

The best tamales in the neighborhood are sold by Yolanda on the northeast corner of 145th St. and Broadway.

Cuchifritos (POC-owned) serves Puerto Rican food cafeteria-style in East Harlem.

Enjoy the vegan side of Harlem.   Seasoned Vegan   (black-owned) serves a mix of veganized soul food classics (Smothered chicken! Riblets! Mac and cheese!) and dishes from around the world. Also, if you’re vegan, consider trying one of Harlem’s Ethiopian restaurants listed above, as vegetarian Ethiopian food also happens to be vegan.

Get an original slice at Patsy’s in East Harlem. One of the original pizza institutions in New York City, dating back to 1933, this is one of the slices you absolutely must try while visiting New York. Take-out only during lunch; restaurant open at dinner.

Try the “rugelach by a brother” at Lee Lee’s Baked Goods  (black-owned) . In a city with so much Jewish food, the most famous rugelach comes from Alvin Smalls in Harlem. He’s perfected his dish and has had tons of features written about him — check him out in the New York Times !

Enjoy the best cupcakes ever at Make My Cake (black-owned) .  These cupcakes are enormous, moist, and SO sinfully delicious. Fun fact: Liz Lemon chose Make My Cake cupcakes for the team’s final lunch on 30 Rock .

Get a cookie the size of your skull at Levain Bakery . Levain’s cookies are infamous throughout the city — they are enormous, more akin to cakes than cookies. An experience.

Take a sweet southern-style pie from Sweet Chef  (black-owned) . Sweet Chef makes a variety of Southern-style pies, including tiny pies that are perfect single servings. Their tagline is literally “Google ‘best sweet potato pie in New York.'” My favorite is the coconut cream.

Enjoy a bottomless brunch in Harlem.  Bottomless brunches include unlimited booze — usually mimosas or Bloody Marys, either for a timed period or your entire meal. Restaurants with bottomless brunches include Yatenga (black-owned) , with a French flair;  Lido , for Italian and American food; Hamilton’s Eatery , for a casual and cozy meal.

Serengeti Tea and Spices   (black-owned) is one of the most special cafes in Harlem and one that I highly recommend. They feature a selection of African teas, coffees, cocoa, and several ready-brewed libations. If you’re feeling under the weather, try their hot ginger tumeric tea with honey and lemon — it will clear out your congestion!

The Monkey Cup is my pick for the best-tasting coffee in Harlem. Their pint-sized shops, covered with leaves and monkey motifs, are in two locations: one in Hamilton Heights, one in South Harlem.

Lenox Coffee   (POC-owned) features a collection of single-origin coffees. Located in Central Harlem, the shop is a popular gathering place for Harlem artists and creatives.

Da Capo is the closest thing to a real Italian bar that I’ve found in Manhattan. Located in East Harlem, just north of 96th St., they feature espresso drinks and pastries as well as cocktails and wine.

Manhattanville Coffee offers delicious coffee in a spacious, light-filled atmosphere. On the edge of Hamilton Heights and Central Harlem, it’s a great working environment, but know that it fills up early.

Double Dutch Espresso does excellent coffee in a hip environment.  One is in South Harlem and one is by City College in Hamilton Heights.

The Chipped Cup is an adorable, Instagram-ready coffeeshop in Hamilton Heights. Their coffee is some of the best in Harlem. If it’s warm out, head out to the courtyard in the back.

Caféine is a European-style coffee bar in the heart of South Harlem.  They feature a selection of French pastries in addition to their espresso-based drinks.

Espresso Matto is a casual cafe with a great concept: everything costs $2. Cappuccino? $2. Chocolate chip cookie? $2. Gluten-free donut? $2. This chain is all over New York and the Harlem location is on Broadway at 143rd St.

My absolute thing to do for Harlem nightlife is a night out at Shrine , which I mentioned above. In addition to that, here are my favorites:

Grab some disco cocktails at The Honeywell . This cocktail bar takes the 1970s theme seriously, down to the sunken bar, saloon doors, and mosaic of Tom Selleck. The cocktail list is extensive, including a decent mocktails list, and if you sit at the bar, they’ll light them on fire. Reserve in advance.

Get some cheap drinks and play some games at At the Wallace . This quirky bar has some of the cheapest beers in the neighborhood; a menu of hot dogs, dinosaur chicken nuggets, and waffle fries; and giant Jenga and arcades in the back. Never a dull night out.

Drink delicious cocktails at Cove Lounge   (black-owned) . This Caribbean lounge in Central Harlem is good for dinner or just drinks, featuring high-end cocktails and small plates. Try the chicken and red velvet waffles! Dress up here in the evenings.

Check out an event at MIST Harlem  (black-owned) . This event space is always putting on interesting shows — from uptown comedy Thursdays and late night jazz Fridays to R&B day parties and 90s brunches on the weekend!

Enjoy craft beers and burgers at Harlem Public . This Hamilton Heights bar features a rotating selection of interesting craft beers from all over the US. The burgers are great and the peanut butter burger is notorious.

Catch the game at Harlem Tavern . If you’re looking for a good spot to watch a big game, Harlem Tavern should be your top pick — it’s huge, there are tons of TVs, and the crowd is enthusiastic. Some other good sports bars are Solace and  Grill on the Hill .

Sip wine at Harlem’s best wine bars. Three that stand out are Anchor Wine Bar in Hamilton Heights, Barawine Harlem in Central Harlem, and D’Amore Wine Bar in East Harlem.

Explore Harlem’s queer nightlife. Hamilton Heights is quickly becoming the epicenter of queer Harlem, but there are welcoming bars all over the neighborhood. The best RuPaul’s Drag Race watch parties are at At the Wallace ; Hogshead Tavern attracts a fun queer crowd; The Honeywell has drag brunches once a month. Alibi Lounge   (black-owned) is further east in Central Harlem, close to Striver’s Row. While it’s technically a bit further uptown in Washington Heights,  Boxer’s is a popular gay sports bar.

Check out the street vendors on 125th St. 125th St. has been synonymous with Harlem since the very beginning, though today chain stores are largely taking over. But the street sellers are where it’s at. Check out the vendors selling oils, music, accessories and more.

Go on a Harlem style tour with a fashion anthropologist. Seriously! Harlem has always been the epicenter of black style in America. An Ivy-league educated anthropologist will take you on a tour of the best boutiques and teach you about the history of Harlem fashion. See the tour here   (black-owned) .

Check out Sisters Uptown Bookstore   (black-owned) . This independent bookstore, run by two sisters, features the work of African-American authors and puts on lots of interesting readings and events.

Browse stylish African wares at Calabar Imports   (black-owned) . This shop, with outposts in Brooklyn as well, features gorgeous African clothing and accessories, including stunning head wraps, as well as some Asian and South American accessories.

Shop for high-end clothing at Harlem Haberdashery   (black-owned) . One of the best shops in the neighborhood, Harlem Haberdashery features the 5001 Flavors clothing line. They make custom outfits for celebrities and sell a variety of clothing and accessories.

Find the perfect gift for the kids in your life at Grandma’s Place   (black-owned) . This family-owned children’s toy store is filled with passionate employees who will help you find the perfect gift. Even better? The store is chock full of black and brown dolls and toys and books that feature people of color.

Browse West African skincare products at Sade Skincare  (black-owned) . At this shop, find all kinds of homemade skincare products made with organic ingredients and cosmetics tailored to black women’s skin tones. They do facials and skincare treatments too.

Check out local designs at Harlem Underground   (black-owned) . This store, with locations on Frederick Douglas Blvd. and 125th St., features its own designs on a variety of apparel. If you’re looking for a high quality Harlem t-shirt, this is the place to go.

Explore Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market. This market, at 116th St. and Malcolm X Blvd., is in the heart of Le Petit Sénégal and Harlem’s West African community. Here you’ll find all kinds of African textiles, clothing, jewelry, accessories, and more.

Shop for hats at Harlem’s best hat shops. If you want the ultimate Harlem souvenir, head to Flamekeepers Hat Club   (black-owned) for a fancy, high-end hat the likes of which you couldn’t find at home. They have a whole section of their merchandise called “conversation pieces.” Want more? Check out Hats by Bunn   (black-owned) with signature styles for every occasion.

Support local small businesses at the Sugar Hill Market. While the Sugar Hill Market seems to be on hiatus at the moment, only updating occasionally on social media, this rotating market is a nice spot to find handcrafted clothing, jewelry, art, and housewares by Harlem residents.

In addition to my previously listed recommendation of  visiting the northern part of Central Park , here are some outdoors and fitness activities to do in Harlem:

Go on a bike tour with I Bike Harlem (black-owned) . Harlem is such a big neighborhood that you can’t cover it in a day by foot — but you can see a ton of it if you bike! Go on a 10-mile tour along 125th St., along the Hudson River, Sugar Hill, the Morris-Jumel Mansion, and so many of the prettiest streets in Harlem along the way. (September 2023 note: Unfortunately, I Bike Harlem is permanently closed.)

Take a walk or bike ride along Riverside Park. Riverside Park runs all the way along the west side of Manhattan. It’s great for working and ideal if you’re not comfortable biking in a city. One of the nice spots just north of the Harlem portion is the Little Red Lighthouse perched beneath the George Washington Bridge.

Take a soulful spin class at Harlem Cycle  (black-owned) . Harlem has a boutique spin studio of its own — and some signature classes. I love the Soulful Sunday gospel ride; they also have reggae and hip-hop rides during the week.

Check out Riverbank State Park. Yes, there’s a 28-acre state park in the middle of Manhattan! Here you can enjoy swimming, a skating rink and ice skating rink, a gym, and all kinds of athletic facilities. It’s cheap, too — the adult rate for swimming is just $2. Fabulous views over the Hudson.

Drop into a Harlem yoga class. Both Harlem Yoga in Central Harlem and Brahman Yoga Harlem in Hamilton Heights offer drop-in classes, including some donation-based classes.

I’m a huge advocate of reading literature set in the place you’re visiting. It adds so much value when you’re feeling the destination around you as you’re reading it.

Most of the reading lists for Harlem literature focus solely on the Harlem Renaissance, from roughly 1918 to the 1930s, but those lists overlook so much good literature about Harlem from different times. Here are some of my recommendations that fall outside the Harlem Renaissance:

The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley — One of the best memoirs I have ever read, and a searing account of Harlem during one of its most exciting time periods by one of its most famous residents.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi — This novel tells the story of generation upon generation of the descendants of two sisters: one in Ghana and one in America. The American side of the family moves to Harlem for a few of those generations, and it so beautifully and sadly illustrates generational trauma and poverty dating back to slavery.

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo — this recent award-winning novel in verse tells the story of a teenage Dominican-American poet living in Harlem and her struggles to tell her story.

Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson — Marcus’s sweet memoir about growing up in Sweden, returning to his birthplace of Ethiopia, and finding a purpose in Harlem. He has a cookbook based on the restaurant, too.

Islandborn by Junot Díaz — While the neighborhood in this children’s book isn’t specified, it looks a lot like my Dominican corner of Harlem. Young Lola is assigned to write about the place where she was born — but she left the Dominican Republic when she was a baby and can’t remember. But her neighbors tell her such wonderful stories, she creates a story of her island and her people. I love this book and gift it to all my friends with kids.

Dapper Dan: Made in Harlem by Daniel R. Day — Dapper Dan is a fashion legend — the Harlemite who invented high-end street fashion and ended up creating Harlem style, dressing celebrities, and more. This memoir is coming out in July 2019 — the time to preorder it is now!

Where to Stay in Harlem: The Best Hotels

Harlem is a great neighborhood to stay in. Prices are much cheaper than downtown, there are lots of excellent hotels, and depending on the location, you could have easy access to express trains or Central Park.

Not to mention, as you now know, easy access to Senegalese food, hat shops, and some of the most gorgeous architecture in New York!

Top Recommended Harlem Hotels

Best All-Around:  Aloft Harlem

Highly Rated on TripAdvisor:  The Harlem Getaway

Great Value Option:  The Central Park North Hotel

Hostel:   HI NYC Hostel  (not technically Harlem but close)

Check out more Harlem hotels here.

What about Airbnbs in Harlem?

Only book an Airbnb in Harlem if 1) you are only booking a room in an apartment where the host is present or 2) you are booking a stay for 30+ days. Otherwise, it’s an illegal rental.

Booking an entire apartment to yourself for less than 30 days is against the law in New York City. However, Airbnb doesn’t enforce this law, so illegal listings appear throughout the site. Booking an illegal rental could result in it being shut down before or during your stay with no chance for a refund.

Why are these listings illegal? Because they hurt the housing market for locals. Landlords can make a lot more money in short-term rentals than long-term rentals, so many of them choose to rent out their place on Airbnb so they can make more money. But when more landlords do this, housing becomes more scarce and prices are driven up, making things worse in a city that is already expensive. That’s why New York City made it illegal.

Airbnb chooses not to follow the law. I hope you choose to follow the law for the sake of Harlemites and New Yorkers.

However, it’s perfectly legal to rent a room while the host is present, rather than the whole place. If you’re set on staying in an Airbnb in Harlem, I encourage you to consider this option. Before I moved to New York, I used Airbnb to rent out rooms in several neighborhoods here, and my hosts always gave me space and privacy.

Harlem is waiting for you!

I hope this post has convinced you to spend a long, extended time in Harlem. This neighborhood has so much to offer, no matter what you’re into, and I hope your time in Harlem is the highlight of your visit to New York City.

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The best things to do Harlem, NY

Harlem, NY is one of city's most diverse neighborhoods that offers a myriad of things to do and places to explore

Searching for the best things to do in Harlem, NY? The nabe offers a myriad of places to explore. Amid the wide range of one-of-a-kind bars and restaurants , stumble upon a far-out drinkery pouring classic cocktails and tiki drinks in a Mad Men–esque setting. Grab some brunch at a charming café that specializes in comfort food. Aside from that, Harlem is home to some incredible historical institutions such as the legendary Apollo Theater which showcases a wide-range of talented musicians and stars. Searching for romantic date ideas? There are plenty of eateries and dives offering jazz in New York  to help you set the mood.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in  Harlem, NY

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Things to do in Harlem, NY

1.  Apollo Theater

Visitors may think they know this venerable theater from TV’s Showtime at the Apollo. But as the saying goes, the small screen adds ten pounds: The city’s home of R&B and soul is actually quite cozy. Known for launching the careers of Ella Fitzgerald, Lauryn Hill and D’Angelo, among others at its legendary Amateur Night competition, the Apollo continues to mix veteran talents like Dianne Reeves with younger artists such as the Roots and Lykke Li.

2.  The Honeywell

• Cocktail bars
• price 2 of 4

This groovy basement bar is adorned with 1970s and Art Deco paraphernalia and serves sips such as the Superfly Swizzle made with creamy brandy Galliano and orange soda. Bonus: You can drink a cocktail out of a lava lamp! Far out, man. 

Photograph: Courtesy Yelp/Dawn P.

3.  Harlem Tavern

Harlem's dining resurgence—fueled by hot spots like Red Rooster and Levain Bakery—continues apace with the opening of this massive international craft-brew garden. Bringing theme-park magnitude to the historic 'hood, the 7,000-square-foot venue seats 350 and boasts 80 different beers (20 drafts and 60 bottles). 

4.  Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

• 4 out of 5 stars
• Libraries, archives and foundations
• Recommended

This extraordinary trove of vintage literature and memorabilia—all relating to black culture and the African diaspora—was founded in 1926 by bibliophile Arturo Alfonso Schomburg. The center hosts jazz concerts films, lectures and tours.

5.  Red Rooster

• Restaurants
• Soul and southern American

This restaurant's global soul food, a "We Are the World" mix of Southern-fried, East African, Scandinavian and French, is a good honest value. But it's outshone here by the venue itself, with its hobnobbing bar scrum, potent cocktails and lively jazz. Like an uptown Pastis, the sprawling space is inviting and buzzy—already the place to be north of 110th Street. 

6.  Levain Bakery

The wildly popular Levain Bakery has been drawing the pastry-loving masses since 1995. Its third location—a 3,000-square-foot facility in Harlem—does double duty as a retail shop and the center of its mail-order production. You'll find their massive, chunky cookies in homespun flavors like chocolate chip walnut, oatmeal raisin and dark-chocolate peanut butter chip.

7.  Minton's

Minton’s, the famed Harlem jazz club, serves dishes like filet mignon and pan-seared salmon to the sound of live music performances during dinner and weekend brunch. 

8.  Studio Museum in Harlem

• Art and design

When Studio Museum opened in 1968, it was the first black fine-arts museum in the country, and it remains the place to go for historical insight into African-American art and the art of the African diaspora. This neighborhood favorite has evolved into the city’s most exciting showcase for contemporary African-American artists.

9.  Amy Ruth’s

Portraits of jazz giants hang on the walls of this perpetually packed two-story Harlem fave. A bottle of Frank’s RedHot dresses every table—a sign of the soul food goodness to come. Indeed, the richly battered catfish or the fried chicken and waffles platters, served with your choice of white or dark meat, go down peppery-sweet with a splash of the hot stuff. 

10.  Marcus Garvey Park

• Parks and gardens

The 20-acre park is home to basketball courts, spray showers, an outdoor pool and two playgrounds for all children, including those with disabilities. There's also an amphitheater where plays and concerts are shown in the summer months. Each August, this historic uptown public space hosts the Charlie Parker Jazz Festival.

Hungry for more places to eat in Harlem, NY?

The best Harlem restaurants in NYC

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Must-See Harlem

Photo: Kate Glicksberg

Harlem has long been synonymous with African-American culture. In the early part of the 20th century, the neighborhood was the setting for African-American-led movements in music, literature, dance and art—collectively known as the Harlem Renaissance—that featured innovators like Bessie Smith, Langston Hughes and Josephine Baker. That legacy is still evident today, especially along the area’s main thoroughfare, 125th Street, which is anchored by the  Apollo Theater . The concert hall, opened back in 1934, has helped introduce to the world artists such as The Jackson 5, Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown, remaining a continuous source of local—and national—pride for the better part of a century. As Apollo Theater tour director Billy Mitchell puts it, “Residents in the community look to the Apollo as part of themselves.”

For those interested in its history, Harlem might be explored by inspecting its religious edifices (like the  Abyssinian Baptist Church ), elegant row houses that rival the brownstones of Brooklyn Heights and attractive parks (landmarks like  Hamilton Grange  and the  Mount Morris Fire Watchtower  can be found in St. Nicholas and Marcus Garvey Parks, respectively; note that the Fire Watchtower in Marcus Garvey Park is currently being restored). But there's much to admire about Harlem's present, too. The neighborhood has seen an influx of new shops, music halls and restaurants, including the acclaimed  Red Rooster Harlem , from celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. Our guide below will help you take advantage of all the neighborhood has to offer.

Where it is:  Harlem extends roughly from the Hudson River to the East River/Harlem River, and from 110th to 155th Streets. (Between 110th and 123rd Streets, the western border of Harlem is Morningside Avenue; the southern border of East Harlem, or El Barrio, is 96th Street.)

How to get there:  The 2, 3, A, B, C and D trains to 125th Street put you right in central Harlem; the 1, 4, 5 and 6 lines also provide options.

Photo: Marley white

Arts & Culture

No trip uptown would be complete without a stop at one of Harlem's many vibrant cultural institutions. Located on Fifth Avenue's Museum Mile,  El Museo del Barrio  specializes in Puerto Rican, Caribbean and Latin American art—the only museum in New York City with these cultures at its core. On the block south of it is the  Museum of the City of New York , which allows visitors a peek into the City's past via exhibitions and lecture series. (An ongoing video installation,  Timescapes: A Multimedia Portrait of New York , explains how New York City developed into one of the world's great capitals.) Well north of those museums, the  Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture  houses more than 11 million items—manuscripts, recordings, photographs and prints—that document the experiences of peoples of African descent throughout the world.

More centrally located (on the 125th Street corridor) is the  Studio Museum of Harlem , stocked with new and historic works by African-American artists, alongside those by artists from Africa and the African diaspora. Highlights of the permanent collection include paintings by Romare Bearden and seminal photographs of the neighborhood by James VanDerZee. Nearby, the  National Jazz Museum in Harlem , a Smithsonian affiliate, hosts performances as well as discussions with artists and critics related to the genre. You can also listen to rare jazz recordings in the visitors' center. Within walking distance is the  Maysles Cinema , which pays tribute to the art of documentary filmmaking and hosts festivals, screenings and workshops for budding directors.

Surrounded by the City College campus is  Harlem Stage , whose mandate to support new works by minority performing artists has made the institution integral to the neighborhood. “Our artists look at art with a vision that has to do with who they are and what we are in our society,” says executive director Patricia Cruz. “We want to support the legacy that is Harlem for us and our audience.” Upcoming events, which take place in the  Gatehouse , include music and dance tributes to Billie Holiday and James Baldwin. 

Photo: Julienne Schaer

Music & Nightlife

As mentioned, the crown jewel of Harlem's music scene is the  Apollo Theater , which has provided big breaks to a long list of African-American performers since 1934. Amateur Night, taking place most Wednesdays, showcases a slate of new artists from all backgrounds looking to win over the capricious crowd. Those who are successful stand a decent chance of rising to acclaim.

But the neighborhood features plenty of other historic venues, too. Take  Minton's : originally established in 1938, the club was the setting for a revolution in jazz—the place where some say bebop was born. Today it's open as a jazz supper club with a house band of accomplished musicians, some of whom played at Minton's in its previous incarnation. The stage at  Showmans Jazz Club , meanwhile, has been graced by the likes of Sarah Vaughan and Duke Ellington, and currently features evening performances by jazz and blues vets. Those looking to experience the feel of Harlem during the late 1920s will appreciate the  Cotton Club , where a 13-piece combo draws crowds in with swing and jazz tunes.

For lower-key entertainment head to a bar like  Bier International , whose list of brews lives up to its name: you'll find bottles from Kenya and Turkey as well as plenty of German and Belgian draughts. And anyone in the mood for a killer cocktail should stop at  67 Orange Street , where libations include the No Mail (Old Tom gin, Aperol, St. Germain, fresh lemon juice) and the Upper Manhattan (rye, Carpano Antica Formula, Angostura bitters, orange bitters, brandied cherry). The swank cocktail den's moniker is a nod to the address of Almacks Dance Hall, one of the first black-owned bars in New York City, which operated during the 1840s.

At the forefront of Harlem's recent dining renaissance is celeb chef Marcus Samuelsson, whose perennially packed  Red Rooster Harlem  serves an innovative menu of reinterpreted comfort-food classics. The warm, convivial space—not to mention the small performance venue downstairs,  Ginny's Supper Club —has become a global draw. “Harlem is a magical place,” says Samuelsson. “I love the diversity and the landscape, the infrastructure of old and new.” His soon-to-open Streetbird Rotisserie will join Harlem's Restaurant Row—on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, north of 110th Street—which includes  Melba's , featuring Southern classics, and Italian eateries  Vinatería  and  Lido .

If you'd rather try traditional fare, consider some of Harlem's famed soul-food spots:  Sylvia's Restaurant ,  Amy Ruth’s ,  Billie's Black  and  Miss Mamie's Spoonbread Too . Come hungry and fill up on Southern fried chicken, cornmeal-dusted catfish, barbecue shrimp and other down-home favorites.  Londel's Supper Club  offers Cajun, Creole and Southern comfort food that, on Friday and Saturday nights, comes paired with free jazz. Other choice Harlem restaurants include  Chez Lucienne , serving French dishes like escargots and coq au vin;  Harlem Food Bar , home to burgers, po'boys and other American fare; and  Corner Social , offering mains like sautéed Montauk flounder, grilled hanger steak and jumbo lump crab cakes. 

Tours and Other Resources

Knowledgeable guides are one of the best ways to learn about Harlem; they can give visitors an in-depth appreciation for the neighborhood's streets, churches, restaurants, theaters and historic homes. Experience the area's vibrant personality with  Harlem Heritage Tours , whose Harlem Renaissance– and civil-rights-focused walks are led by locals.  Harlem Your Way!  allows you to tailor tours to your taste, whether your interests lean toward architecture, jazz or food. Those interested in NYC music history should check out  Harlem Spirituals , which focuses on jazz and gospel in the neighborhood, and  Hush Hip Hop Tours , which has real-life emcees like Grandmaster Caz taking patrons to hip-hop landmarks such as Rucker Park and the Graffiti Hall of Fame.  Taste Harlem Food and Cultural Tours , meanwhile, provides a flavorful trip through the menus of some of the neighborhood's most delicious hideaways.

For more ways to discover Harlem, visit  Harlem One Stop  and the  Harlem Arts Alliance .

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• Nov 20, 2023

The Ultimate Visitor's Guide to Harlem: the Best Things to See and Do, Plus Where to Eat Nearby

Updated: Dec 12, 2023

The holidays are here—as is a whole new wave of visitors eager to explore Harlem.

If you're one of them—or happen to be hosting friends and family in the area soon—here's a top-10 list of things to see and do in the neighborhood.

And since you're bound to get hungry, check out TCU's suggestions for where to eat and drink nearby.

1. Tour the area's Black monuments

It's safe to say Harlem has the best collection of Black monuments in the country—from a 25-foot-tall memorial dedicated to Duke Ellington to a striking bronze sculpture of Harriet Tubman —and they're all within walking distance of each other. Ready to see them all? Find the full DIY tour here .

📍 Pictured: Swing Low: Harriet Tubman Memorial, W 122nd St and St. Nicholas Ave

Eat/Drink: BLVD Bistro at 2149 Frederick Douglass Blvd—serving up freshly-made biscuit sandwiches and other modern soul food in a cozy setting—is a short stroll from the Harriet Tubman statue.

2. Admire the neighborhood's historic architecture

From Lenox Avenue's iconic brownstones to Convent Avenue's turreted townhouses, you can easily spend the whole day walking around Harlem while admiring its architecture. Here are nine beautiful streets you shouldn't miss.

📍 Pictured: Astor Row, W 130th St between Fifth and Lenox Ave/Malcolm X Blvd

Eat/Drink: Legendary soul food spot Sylvia's at 328 Lenox Ave/Malcolm X Blvd is three blocks south of porch-lined Astor Row.

3. Check out the cast-iron Harlem Fire Watchtower

Following a lengthy renovation, this last-of-its-kind cast-iron watchtower—built in 1857 and used to spot fires in pre-telegraph NYC—is back in all its glory atop Marcus Garvey Park. Look for stairs on the east side of the hill in the middle of the park.

📍 Top of Marcus Garvey Park between 120th and 124th Streets and Madison Ave and Mt. Morris Park West

Eat/Drink: Family-run ice cream parlor Sugar Hill Creamery , serving scoops of handmade ice cream in flavors like Chairperson of the Board (a.k.a. blueberry cheesecake) as well as brownie sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, and its beloved ice cream hot chocolate is a short walk from the park at 184 Lenox Ave/Malcolm X Blvd.

4. Visit the legendary Apollo Theater

No visit to Harlem is complete without a stop at this legendary theater , where everyone from Billie Holiday to James Brown has performed on stage. Take a picture in front of the iconic marquee and don't forget to look down to find the name of your favorite star—Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Prince—in the Apollo Theater's Walk of Fame . Upcoming events this holiday season include the Double Dutch Holiday Classic , Coca-Cola Winter Wonderland and Amateur Night Holiday Special .

📍 253 W 125th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Blvds

Eat/Drink: Stylish cocktail bar Sugar Monk , with Monday nights dedicated to the Roaring '20s , is just two blocks south of the Apollo.

5. Hear live jazz (and learn about its history)

Jazz is everywhere in Harlem, but a good place to start your tour is the small-but-mighty National Jazz Museum in Harlem , which hosts live jazz performances a few times a week.

📍 58 W 129th St between Fifth Ave and Lenox Ave/Malcolm X Blvd

Eat/Drink: Red Rooster , chef Marcus Samuelsson's world-famous tribute to Harlem, is a short walk away at 310 Lenox Ave/Malcolm X Blvd. Check out the events page for the restaurant's weekly live music schedule, including Jazz Sundays.

6. Explore the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

This division of the New York Public Library dedicated to Black culture —a must for any visitor to Harlem—always has interesting exhibits (on view until December 4: "Marking Time: Art in the Age of Mass Incarceration" ) as well as permanent highlights like the "Rivers" cosmogram inspired by a Langston Hughes poem. Find the Schomburg's self-guided tour here .

📍 515 Lenox Ave/Malcolm X Blvd and W 135th St

Eat/Drink: Experience old-school Harlem at its best at Sylvia's Restaurant at 328 Lenox Ave/Malcolm X Blvd, serving soul food since 1962.

7. Visit a storied Harlem church

The Abyssinian Baptist Church , where congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. once served as pastor and actress Cicely Tyson's public viewing was held in 2021, might be the most storied Black church in Harlem . Tourists are welcome to come worship on Sundays.

📍 132 W 138th St between Malcolm X and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd

Eat/Drink: French/West African spot Ponty Bistro  is open all day at 2375 Adam Clayton Powell Jr Blvd.

8. See where famous Harlemites once lived

Many of the buildings where famous Harlem Renaissance artists, writers, musicians and thinkers—from Duke Ellington to Zora Neale Hurston—once lived are still standing today. Find the homes at your own pace using TCU's DIY guide .

📍 Pictured: Graham Court, 1921 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd at 116th St

Eat/Drink: S erving every kind of bagel sandwich imaginable, Bo's Bagels at 235 W 116th St is just down the street from Graham Court.

9. Discover the neighborhood's best murals

From decades-old murals that have recently undergone renovations to the newest subway art commissioned by the MTA, Harlem's murals are surely some of the best in the city. Find TCU's favorites here .

📍 Pictured: Bill "Bojangles" Robinson mural, 269 W 150th St between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and Frederick Douglass Blvds

Eat/Drink: The charming Lucille's at 26 Macombs Pl, a short walk from the Bill "Bojangles" Robinson mural, serves coffee and food all day (closed Mondays).

10. Stop by the Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Built by founding father Alexander Hamilton in 1802, this lovingly restored house was moved twice from its original spot on 143rd Street and is now located on a grassy slope in St. Nicholas Park. Free ranger-led tours of the house are held from Wednesday to Sunday.

📍 414 W 141 St between Convent and St. Nicholas Aves

Eat/Drink: Fumo (1600 Amsterdam Ave), a popular neighborhood spot for pasta and pizza, is up the hill and around the corner.

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1. Hamilton Grange National Memorial

2. Convent Avenue Baptist Church

Recommended Sightseeing Experiences (1,095)

3. Greater Refuge Temple

4. Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

5. First Corinthian Baptist Church

6. Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

7. Salem United Methodist Church

8. Strivers' Row

9. Shiloh Baptist Church

10. Antioch Baptist Church

11. Canaan Baptist Church of Christ

12. Mt Olivet Baptist Church

13. Masjid Malcolm Shabazz Mosque

14. Abyssinian Baptist Church

15. Greater Zion Hill Baptist Church

16. Ebenezer Gospel Tabernacle

17. church of st charles borromeo.

18. Cathedral Church of St. Thomas the Apostle

19. Church of the Intercession

20. Greater Central Baptist Church

21. St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church

22. united house of prayer for all people.

23. Harriet Tubman Memorial

24. Saint Paul Baptist Church

25. Frederick Douglass Sculpture and Water Wall

26. Mount Neboh Baptist Church

27. Tatiana Pages Gallery

28. Memorial Baptist Church

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HARLEM TOURISM BOARD

Places to Visit In Harlem

The Apollo Theater

The Schomburg Center for Black Culture

Abyssinian Baptist Church

It was built in 1922–23 and was designed by Charles W. Bolton & Son in Gothic Revival and Tudor Revival styles – it has also been described as “Collegiate Gothic”. It features stained glass windows and marble furnishings.

Points of Interest

• The Hamilton Grange

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

• El Museo del Barrio
• Langston Hughes House
• National Black Theater

International Tours

Cultural Oneness Festival November 2024

NYC Adventures: Things To Do in Harlem

Looking for things to do in Harlem? Of course, there’s the Apollo Theater , Sylvia’s and Red Rooster , all institutions definitely worth visiting. But there’s more to this historic and multi-cultural neighborhood than the popular tourist spots.

Recently, I spent a Sunday in Harlem with a few friends, one of whom has been local to the neighborhood for 10 years. I always think that the best tips and recommendations come from locals, so I was thrilled to tour the neighborhood with him. We had a great day full of culture, food, shopping and more. If you want a local’s perspective on things to do in Harlem, then this itinerary is for you!

Harlem Travel Guide:

Harlem’s Best Brunch Spots:

One of the best things to do on Sundays in NYC is brunch. And Harlem is no exception. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from all with character, charm and good food.

The communal table at Barawine

We started our day at Barawine , a lively, French-inspired café with pressed tin ceilings and a large communal table that commands the front room. With a DJ spinning tunes, the place was hopping at brunch time. We indulged in Bloody Marys, eggs Benedict and cheese omelets. It was the perfect amount of food to fuel us for an afternoon of exploring. Barawine is also worth checking out on Sunday evenings when they have live jazz music.

Other Harlem restaurants where locals grab brunch include Ponty , a café near Strivers’ Row serving up French + African cuisine, and Maison Harlem , which features a French bistro-style menu. There’s also The Grange , which has a rustic, farmhouse vibe and focuses on a comfort-food menu rooted in seasonal produce.

Coffee or Tea?

Next on the agenda was a pit-stop for some caffeine. Usually, I’m a coffee drinker, and Harlem has no shortage of hipster coffee shops with Edison bulbs. If that’s what you’re in the mood for, I highly recommend checking out Double Dutch , Caféine or Lenox Coffee . But our friend insisted we check out Serengeti Teas and Spices on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, and I’m so glad we took his advice.

Stepping into Serengeti Teas and Spices is like stepping into tea heaven. The cozy shop is warm and inviting. Colorful tins of tea line the walls and the menu has over 25 tea varietals to choose from. I opted for one of their more popular flavors, the hibiscus berry, sweetened with agave syrup and citrus. It was the perfect pick-me-up! We also learned that they do tea tastings, so if tea is your jam, make sure to book this in advance.

Harlem Culture:

The vibrant and diverse community of Harlem is full of culture. The Studio Museum Harlem and National Jazz Museum are both worth a visit. And of course, you can’t miss the Apollo. But if you’ve already been to these mainstream institutions, it is worth digging deeper for a more nuanced art scene.

Faction Art Projects Gallery on Frederick Douglass Boulevard

Tiberius, 2017 by Juan Miguel Pozo

The Starry Night, 2018 by Pavel Acosta

The Dances of the Appetite, 2018 by Ariel Montejo Cabrera

Our itinerary included a visit to a new gallery, by way of London. Located right around the corner from Strivers’ Row, Faction Art Projects is affiliated with Gallery Eight in London. We were very impressed with the current exhibit “All That You Have Is Your Soul,” a group show of 17 artists, all of whom are building an identity in a foreign land. (It seems quite timely, given our political climate.)

Unfortunately, since I first wrote this post, Faction Art Projects is now permanantly closed. I’m guessing like many businesses, it was a victim of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Related : Downtown Miami, The Culture Guide

Harlem Architecture:

Speaking of culture, we took a stroll down the streets of Strivers’ Row, a historic district located at West 138 th and West 139 th streets between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. The neighborhood got its name from the well-to-do and prominent Harlemites who called these stately townhouses home.

Construction of the row houses began in the 1890s, but it wasn’t until the 1920s that African-Americans could live there. The red brick buildings on the south side of West 138 th Street are designed in the Georgian Revival style. The yellow brick and limestone terracotta homes on the north side of West 138 th and the south side of West 139 th are built in the Colonial Revival style. And finally, the homes on the north side of West 139 th are designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style. It’s worth visiting this district to see one of the architectural gems of New York City.

Harlem Sweets:

After snapping pics on Strivers’ Row, we stumbled upon a new artisanal chocolate shop, Harlem Chocolate Factory , on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard. We could smell the sweet aroma of chocolate before we even entered the shop! We couldn’t help but taste the various confections they had on display. And if you’re a fan of Nutella, you’ll love their Four Grain Bourbon Chocolate Sauce. My husband bought a jar and has already finished it!

Hanging with my friend who lives in Harlem

If you prefer cookies, the famous French bakery, Levain has also set up shop in Harlem. Located on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, the shop never has a long line, unlike their two locations on the Upper West Side, so it’s worth the trek uptown!

Harlem Shops:

There are so many great, local shops in Harlem. We visited Calabar Imports , a vibrant gift shop selling colorful clothing, accessories, decor and more. The store imports products from Africa, South America, and Asia. Other local boutiques worth visiting in Harlem include Flamekeepers Hat Club and The Brownstone .

Harlem After Dark:

After a fun afternoon of touring the neighborhood, we were ready for some cocktails. Our first stop was Harlem Nights , a cozy and comfortable bar in central Harlem with a cabin-like exterior. The rustic theme continues inside, with red brick walls and wooden benches. While enjoying our hand-crafted cocktails, we learned that the bar has live music almost every night of the week, so I will definitely be coming back here.

The cabin-like exterior of Harlem Nights

The bar scene at 67 Orange Street

The inventive cocktails at 67 Orange Street

Next, we went to a hidden speakeasy called 67 Orange Street . The bi-level bar is tiny and cozy, and the cocktails do not disappoint. My husband got the Manhattan After Dark, a smoky whiskey drink that comes in a crystal decanter filled with smoke. If you’re looking for a great date spot in Harlem, this place is it!

Harlem Dinner Spots:

Harlem is known for its diversity and the restaurant scene makes that apparent. You can find everything from Italian, at Lido Harlem , to German beer gardens Bier International and Bierstrasse .

But if you want a meal you won’t forget anytime soon, my friend highly recommends   Lolo’s Seafood Shack . It’s a mash-up of Caribbean BBQ and Cape Cod seafood, and surprisingly, the combo works. It’s a great spot to go with a group of friends, so you can share various delectable items from the menu. They also have a garden so come summertime, put this place on your list.

Things to do in Harlem: A Local’s Guide

There you have it – a full-day itinerary for Harlem! I hope you check out some of these spots and would love your thoughts as well. If you have other favorites in Harlem that aren’t on this list, please share in the comments below!

Interested in touring other NYC neighborhoods? Check out my Brooklyn travel guide for all of my favorite, local spots, plus my top-picks for where I love to eat and drink outdoors in NYC .

Happy exploring!

About Meredith

Merry Lerner is an Emmy Award Winning TV Showrunner and Executive Producer with a passion for sharing travel, wellness, and lifestyle tips. She is a certified yoga teacher and graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition health coaching program.

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21 Great Restaurants to Try in Harlem

Caribbean seafood, soul food, and dressed up cocktails fall among the diverse neighborhood offerings

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Harlem has a reputation for its stellar soul food offerings, especially with classics like Sylvia’s, but the uptown neighborhood reflects the diversity of New York City, and its restaurants follow suit — food from Ethiopia, Mexico, Japan, Jamaica, and more are all represented. On this list of standout restaurants in Harlem, find everything from a new, groundbreaking wine bar to fast casual spots that have put this part of Manhattan on the culinary map.

Harlem Public

This burger spot and neighborhood watering hole opened in 2012 serves food from 11 a.m. to midnight daily, with items like house-ground burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, tots, fried pickles, big salads, and wings. Consider its sibling locations, less expensive At the Wallace and cocktail spot the Honey Well, with its outdoor garden.

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The Handpulled Noodle

Through dishes like tingly lamb soup and Beijing bolo, the Handpulled Noodle demonstrates the incredibly heterogeneous world of Chinese noodles. The restaurant is guided by cooking traditions in northwestern China, as their noodle offerings demonstrate. Choose from among four types of noodles as well as scallion pancakes, dumplings, and vegetable sides.

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Owners Beejhy Barhany and Padmore John have long sought opportunities to express their Ethiopian-Jewish identity. Inspired by influences from Ethiopia and Israel, at Tsion, Ethiopian Jews dietary needs are prioritized, and the couple regularly hosts events that highlight the diaspora’s culinary expressions through Judaism. Of course, everyone is welcome at the cafe, where dishes like chicken sambusa, lentil and shiro injera rolls, and painstakingly spiced doro tibs with jollof rice satiate new and returning guests.

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Each quadrant of the ROKC name — ramen, oysters, kitchen, and cocktails — is worth exploring. The West Harlem restaurant carries an extensive cocktail menu of over 40 drinks, many of which come in  novel containers  like tea saucers, light bulbs, and Día de los Muertos skulls.

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Charles Pan-Fried Chicken

Charles Gabriel first started selling his crispy, golden fried chicken on the sidewalks of Amsterdam Avenue before running a food truck and then a small storefront. An Upper West Side location debuted earlier this year, but Gabriel returned to his neighborhood, where he’s still firing up cast-iron skillets for his terrific namesake dish and an expanded menu that includes pulled pork and more sides.

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The Edge Harlem

Owned and operated by sisters Juliet and Justine Masters, the restaurant reflects their British, Jamaican, and New York influences. Inside, you’ll hear lots of jazz, followed by a range of music from across the Black diaspora. Food includes coconut fish burger and codfish fritters served with jerk lime dip are a few of many dishes emblematic of the restaurant’s Caribbean influence, and the vegetarian-friendly black bean veggie burger continues to be a local favorite. Stay tuned for live events, too.

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Ponty Bistro

With its selection of French food with an African flair, Ponty’s is a tribute to Harlem’s West African influence. Open for breakfast through dinner, dishes vary from luncheonette fare (omelets and burgers) to those with more global influence (Sengalese fish or chicken yassa and lamb merguez couscous). The bright interior — with sun streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows onto marble-top tables — is especially inviting.

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Abyssinia Ethiopian Restaurant

What once was an apartment catering business is now one of the most respected Ethiopian restaurants in Harlem. The veggie combo and meat sampler give guests a great opportunity to try various stews and vegetable-laden sides, and appetizers and dishes like beef awaze tibs and doro wat are traditional staples.

Tropical Grill

Known for its long lines snaking out the door, this Puerto Rican staple specializes in rotisserie chicken served alongside rice, beans, tostones, or sweet plantains. Don’t miss the mofongo, or fried plantains mashed with salt, garlic, oil, and pork, and expect generous portions at an affordable price in a spare room.

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nods to the speakeasies of Harlem’s past in a low-lit space with live jazz on Monday nights. The cocktails come with elaborate presentations and garnishes; there are more than 20 of them on the menu named after works of art, historical events, and songs. The bar is known for its non-alcoholic cocktails, too.

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Sylvia’s, open since 1962, is a Harlem tradition and was just recognized this year as a James Beard Classics winner. Celebrities, politicians, and even monarchs have visited the establishment to sample the iconic Southern soul food. Fried catfish, barbecue baby back ribs, and corn bread are standouts. The 60-year-old restaurant recently announced it’s now open seven days a week, including a Sunday gospel brunch.

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Red Rooster

Chef and restaurateur Marcus Samulesson found his way to Harlem after studying and working in kitchens in Sweden, Switzerland, and Austria and carries his global, diverse background into Red Rooster, where he interprets Black American staples like chicken and waffles and pan-fried catfish for a bustling crowd. The speakeasy is known to play host to some of the best live music in the neighborhood.

Disclosure: Marcus Samuelsson is the host of No Passport Required, a series produced by Eater and PBS. This does not impact coverage on Eater.

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Harlem Shake

Harlem Shake has become known for its kitschy decor and nostalgic menu. Think classic, American-style burgers, curly fries, and chili cheese dogs, and of course, milkshakes. Though they now have a location in Brooklyn and recently announced plans to franchise in other parts of the country, the Harlem location remains the heart and soul of the business. Make sure to take a peek at their celeb-heavy photo wall, all featuring signatures of famous Black celebrities who’ve dined at the restaurant.

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This Black-owned watering hole is a hub for dates and solo nights out. Amid a bevy of diners reading at the bar, flirtatious couples nibbling on appetizers, and friends laughing over drinks, the Spanish and Italian influences are evident on the menu —- and through the art and music that creates such an intimate atmosphere. The restaurant’s beet root campanelle is a favorite of vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Don’t miss the mafalde short rib ragu, which comes topped with a generous dollop of gorgonzola, nor the olive oil cake, a light, airy slice of sweetness complemented with berry compote and fresh whipped cream.

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BLVD Bistro NY

After moving from a Lenox brownstone to a new building on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, BLVD Bistro is keeping the festivities going. The family-owned restaurant serves lunch and dinner, but brunches are especially fun. Jumbo shrimp laced with jalapeno and bits of applewood-smoked bacon top cheesy grits; brioche French toast is blanketed in caramelized banana syrup; and baskets filled with fluffy, buttery biscuits fuel hungry visitors. On weekends, the restaurant hosts a DJs and streetside dance parties, creating the block-party atmosphere that New Yorkers love.

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Archer & Goat

The 40-seat Archer and Goat serves cuisine inspired by Puerto Rican, Ecuadorian, and Bengali traditions alongside a broad beer selection and cocktails like an ancho chile-spiked mezcal sipper. Its food includes a burger slathered in queso blanco and sofrito ketchup, chicken vindaloo arepas, and carne asada with tostones.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Archer & Goat (@archerandgoat_harlem) on Sep 18, 2019 at 12:39pm PDT

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A visit to Melba’s may lead to a run-in with Meagan Good , Jesse Jackson , or even Meghan Markle and Prince Harry . Celebrities and politicians alike head to Frederick Douglass Boulevard to meet with the visionary behind Harlem’s center of soul food: Melba Wilson. Wilson’s love of soul food and Black culture is evident throughout the building, which feels less like a standard restaurant and more like a flavorful family gathering. The Harlem native transforms southern-originated soul food for a Northern audience, doling out comforting, soulful favorites like collard greens, candied yams, and southern fried chicken. Chicken and eggnog waffles may sound like a holiday special, but this sweet and gently spiced house special is available year-round.

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Lalibela Ethiopian Restaurant

Lalibela joined the Harlem community during the pandemic, and quickly became a local favorite. The doro wat combo is exceptional, and the family-owned leadership style creates a warm and comforting atmosphere. 

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Though JJ Johnson’s Fieldtrip now has new locations, yet the original, like the chef himself, calls Harlem home. True to Johnson’s reverence for global flavors, his restaurant takes diners on a field trip through cultures by way of rice. Indulge in bowls inspired by cultures across the world, like Carolina Gold fried rice paired with hand-battered chicken breakfast, wok-cooked veggies, and a devilishly sticky BBQ sauce, or the chef crispy fish bowl, which features cornmeal crusted fish engulfed in a medley aromatic tartar sauce, wok veggies, and red onions, served over a bed of fluffy cilantro lime rice. His dragon fruit rice crispy treat — a bright pink block of childlike sugary goodness — serves as a pleasant reminder that rice isn’t just for dinner, and indeed is central to all of our foodways.

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A massive pork al pastor beckons from the window of Taco Mix , and it’s a mistake to miss it. The al pastor tacos are among the best in town , Eater critic Robert Sietsema says. They’re so good that the restaurant, which started as a food cart, now has locations on the Lower East Side and in Industry City in Brooklyn.

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Contento Restaurant

In East Harlem, Contento finds a balance few restaurants have been able to locate: smart, elegant food, paired with an environment truly accessible to diners with different abilities. Contento —named for the Spanish cognate for “content,” in the context of happiness — is known for its excellent fare and robust wine selection, curated by sommelier and co-founder Yannick Benjamin. It’s also one the few restaurants in the country that’s fully wheelchair accessible. The restaurant features thoughtful forms of inclusion, such as a bar section designed to be comfortable for wheelchair users, and boasts a vibrant and alluring menu of Peruvian fare, such as octopus a la plancha and arroz con pato, ensuring the message of “contento” permeates through the room.

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Can’t Make It to the Eclipse? Come With Us.

Like the moon over the sun, we have it covered. Here’s what we are doing.

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By Susanna Timmons

This article is part of The Times’s coverage of the April 8 eclipse , the last time a total solar eclipse will be visible in most of North America for 20 years.

“We aim to help Times readers understand this astronomical event, and connect with the stories of people who will encounter the eclipse along its path.” — Michael Roston, an editor on the Science desk

At 9:51 a.m. local time on April 8, on Mexico’s western coast near the beach town of Mazatlán, the moon will begin crossing over the sun — the start of a total solar eclipse. As the moon continues its journey, the event will be visible across the United States and into Canada. More than 30 million people live inside the path of totality, according to NASA. And those who live along the route won’t be the only ones gazing skyward. Hotels started selling out in October .

If you didn’t get one of those sought-after reservations or aren’t lucky enough to live along the path, you can follow The Times’s extensive coverage of the event. Michael Roston , our enthusiastic — and exhausted — editor coordinating the coverage, has been planning for months . (He vows to be on vacation for the next one.)

Here’s what we have so far

Katrina Miller, a reporting fellow who holds a Ph.D. in physics and covers space and the intersection of science and society, has outlined everything you need to know about the eclipse .

Jonathan Corum , a graphics editor, has created several maps of the eclipse’s path as well as images of what you might experience during the event.

Our weather data team, which typically brings you warnings of atmospheric rivers and approaching hurricanes, is tracking the cloudiness forecast for the eclipse — and hoping for clear skies. Led by John Keefe , the team, which includes Judson Jones , a meteorologist, and William B. Davis , a graphics and multimedia editor, has already started filing forecasts with the help of our data desk and two graphics editors, Josh Katz and K.K. Rebecca Lai . As we get closer to the start of the eclipse, our team expects those forecasts to become more reliable and will continue to update them here .

Sarah Maslin Nir, who covers New York, spent some time in Buffalo, where she reported that the city was ready to party , with at least 50 eclipse-related events planned.

Ivan Penn , who has been covering the energy industry for more than 15 years, explains that while the eclipse will cause a sharp drop in the energy produced by solar panels, people won’t be left without power .

Our New England bureau chief, Jenna Russell , hung out in Houlton, Maine, where its roughly 6,000 residents were preparing for possibly 40,000 visitors . A few were a little stressed out.

Gina Kolata , who reports on the medical world, reminds us about the dangers of looking at the sun . She spoke to doctors and examined studies on people whose eyes were damaged during an eclipse.

You’ll find all of our coverage collected here .

And be sure to return on April 8, when we will have …

Live coverage, minute by minute

Our team of journalists will begin filing reports in the early hours of April 8. As the eclipse begins, Emiliano Rodríguez Mega will check in from Islas Marías, an archipelago just off the Pacific coast of Mexico, and our Canadian correspondent Ian Austen will be watching on the other side of the continent in Newfoundland. And in between those two places:

Dennis Overbye , our cosmic affairs correspondent who covers physics and astronomy, will be watching and reporting from Dallas.

Katrina Miller, will be reporting from Carbondale, Ill., where residents will get their second plunge into totality in seven years. It will be Katrina’s first.

Kenneth Chang , who writes about NASA and the solar system, will be in Cleveland.

National and Metro reporters will also be stationed along the path of totality, providing updates as the eclipse progresses across Arkansas, Indiana, New York, Vermont and Maine.

Our photo editors Heather Casey, Matt McCann and Elijah Walker have assigned more than 20 photographers from Mexico to Canada to cover the eclipse. Look for images accompanying our live coverage all day.

For those of you who are lucky enough to be in the path of totality, remember that it is never safe to look directly at the sun during an eclipse (except for the few moments when the moon has fully obscured its surface). If you can’t find eclipse glasses, there are some homemade options here.

Our Coverage of the Total Solar Eclipse

Dress for the Occasion:  What should you wear for the eclipse? Our fashion critic weighs the options , including an unexpected suggestion from scientists.

Free to View:  Six inmates in upstate New York prisons who sued the state won their lawsuit to view the eclipse , arguing it “is a religious event.” But a statewide prison lockdown during the eclipse will remain in place.

Hearing the Eclipse:  A device called LightSound is being distributed to help the blind and visually impaired experience what they can’t see .

Sky-High Hotel Prices: One Super 8 hotel in the eclipse’s path is charging $949 a night . Its normal rate is $95.

Animal Reactions : Researchers will watch if animals at zoos, homes and farms act strangely  when day quickly turns to night.

A Rare Return:  A total solar eclipse happens twice in the same place every 366 years on average. But people in certain areas will encounter April 8’s eclipse  about seven years after they were near the middle of the path of the “Great American Eclipse.”

 No Power Outages:  When the sky darkens during the eclipse, electricity production in some parts of the country will drop so sharply that it could theoretically leave tens of millions of homes in the dark. In practice, hardly anyone will notice  a sudden loss of energy.

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Moscow

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Moscow is one of Europe's most enigmatic destinations, home to a fascinating history and colorful, awe-inspiring architecture you won't find anywhere else in the world. Moscow might be one of the most populous cities in the world with over 11 million inhabitants, but this hasn't changed its strong cultural and social traditions.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning, and it's hard to tell what century you're in.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and glamorous shopping opportunities blend together for a visual experience you won't forget. For ideas on what to see and do while visiting Russia, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Moscow.

1. Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

2. catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, 3. shop at the luxurious gum, 4. make your way into lenin's mausoleum, 5. spend an hour (or three) at red square, 6. discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, 7. ride the stunning moscow metro, 8. explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, 9. spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, 10. walk up and down arbat street, 11. stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, 12. wander around gorky park, where to stay in moscow for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in moscow.

Moscow's most recognizable structure is without a doubt the Kremlin, a 15th-century fortified complex that covers an area of 275,000 square meters surrounded by walls built in the 1400s.

The Grand Kremlin Palace -which has over 700 rooms- was once home to the Tsar family and is now the official residence of the president of the Russian Federation, although most heads of state choose to reside elsewhere.

The massive complex also includes many other buildings, some of which are open to the public and can be visited regularly. Aside from three cathedrals (including one where the Tsars were once crowned) and a number of towers, the Kremlin is also home to the Armory building, a museum holding everything from the royal crown and imperial carriages to the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and Fabergé eggs.

The Bolshoi Theater is home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world . While the theater has undergone several major renovations over the past century-including a recent one in 2011 to restore some of the imperial architectural details-it still retains all of its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater you see today opened in 1824, after several older versions burned down. Inside, red velvet, a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and gilt moldings give the place a Byzantine-Renassaince grandiose feel like no other.

Catching a show from the resident ballet and opera troupes is a treat, as the theater often presents a number of classic performances, such as Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini, both of which originally premiered here.

Moscow's oldest and most upscale shopping center is an architectural marvel. GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or "Main Universal Store") was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass forming an arched roof.

This was a unique construction at the time, since the glass had to be strong enough to support the snow-heavy Russian winters. The building is just as impressive outside, with all three levels covered in marble and granite.

While GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it's still by far the most beautiful. Home to brands like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, this might not be the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors, but the beauty of the building itself is worth a visit.

On the third floor, there are also great dining options, including a Soviet-style canteen that serves traditional Russian food, and a stand selling ice cream made by hand using an original 1954 recipe originally approved by the Soviet government.

Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, occupies a central spot in Red Square. His body has been in the mausoleum since his death in 1924-and although the original plan was for him to be buried after a short period of public display for mourning, the plan quickly changed.

After over 100,000 visited the tomb over a period of six weeks, it was decided that a new sarcophagus and a more permanent display space could actually preserve Lenin's body for much longer than expected-and Lenin's Mausoleum was built.

Over the years, the mausoleum and its marble stairs also became the main spot from where Soviet leaders would watch parades and events happening in Red Square.

Lenin's embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he's sleeping. While a visit to the mausoleum is certainly unusual, it has become a must-do for history buffs looking to understand how Lenin's legacy truly changed the nation. Come ready to wait, though -there are usually lines to get in.

All of Moscow's main streets start at Red Square, so it's easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum.

In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil's Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian design, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colorful mural art.

Both the square itself and the Kremlin are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . On weekends, there are sometimes stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items here, such as matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), at the entrance of the square.

At one point, Russia and the US were toe-to-toe when it came to space exploration. While that might no longer be the case, the museum's amazing collection-which includes over 85,000 items-is still awe-inspiring.

Main exhibits include the space capsule used by Yuri Gagarin , the first human to travel into outer space; a USSR flag with moon fragments; a Soviet spacesuit; and a rocket propulsion unit from the 1960s. A special two-story hall showcases sections of the Mir space station interior, and there are also models of the first sputniks and a replica miniature spaceship.

English-language tours are available, and there's also a Cinema Hall showing subtitled short films about the history of space exploration programs and the first manned space flight.

The museum is located inside the base of the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built almost 20 years before the museum opened.

Riding the Moscow metro is an experience all in itself, but even just heading underground to walk through the stations is something no visitor should miss. With 223 stations and 12 metro lines crosscutting through Moscow, however, this can be tricky, so visiting at least a few of the most impressive ones is a good start.

Arbatskaya station was designed by a skyscraper architect, so it's no surprise that it features multicolored granite slabs and impressive bronze chandeliers.

Park Kultury station , located next to Gorky Park, is covered in marble and features reliefs of people involved in sports, while Teatralnaya station is decorated with porcelain figures dancing and wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The metro is open between 5:30am and 1:00am but it's very crowded in the early morning and after 4pm, so it's better to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to really appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

The Moscow State Integrated Art and Historical Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve is a cultural open-air museum complex comprised of four different historical sites.

The most important site, the Kolomenskoye Estate, was once the summer residence of Tsars as far back as the 14 th century. The complex, which covers almost 300 hectares, is home to fairy-tale wooden palaces; a tent-roof stone church built in the 1500s; a water tower; fort towers and structures; and the 24-room Museum of Wooden Architecture , which includes the restored dining room of Tsar Alexei I.

Beautiful manicured gardens , riverside picnic areas, and a massive collection of both artifacts and structures make this a great destination to help you see what medieval Russia looked like. English-language tours are available, but you're also free to wander the grounds on your own.

The largest collection of Russian art in the world sits here, with over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back to over a millennia ago. The gallery, built using beautiful red and white colors from classical Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin and it was built in the early 20 th century.

Significant art pieces include the Vladimir Mother of God; a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and child dating back to the 1100s; Andrei Rublev's The Trinity icon from the 15 th century; and several works by Ilya Repin, the most famous realist painter in Russia.

On the grounds of the museum, there is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.

Moscow's one-kilometer-long pedestrian street has been around since the 15 th century. Originally a trade route in the outskirts of the city, Arbat Street is now very centrally located, home to posh buildings and lots of places to eat and shop.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues-one of Princess Turandot (from Puccini's last opera) and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava-adorn the street, which fills up with both locals and tourists on evenings and weekends.

A great place to pick up souvenirs or sit down at an outdoor café, Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Although it was originally designed as a general-purpose trade show venue, this park complex now houses amusement rides , ice rinks , and a number of galleries and other attractions for all ages.

The park's most famous landmarks are the Moskvarium, a marine biology center home to over 8000 species of marine animals, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shopping center selling traditional products from former Soviet countries.

There's even a film museum showing Soviet cartoons or even a full-length film (for an extra fee) and an education center offering masterclasses on everything from becoming a barista to video montage (call or write in advance to find out which ones are English-friendly).

Soviet-era pavilions, sculptures, and fountains abound here as well, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, which features statues of women dressed in costumes from different former Soviet countries.

Named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky (who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times but never won it) and sitting right across the Moskva River, Gorky Park covers 120 hectares of beautiful ponds and green spaces.

Popular with both locals and tourists, the park offers a variety of things to enjoy-from sunbeds, hammocks, and drinking fountains to free yoga classes and children's playgrounds. There's free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your phone, as well as many food stands and plenty of wild animals, including deer, rabbits, and pheasants.

Visitors can rent paddle boats and bicycles to explore the park-and from May to October, there is also an open-air movie theater, as well as scheduled presentations by street performers, musicians, and artists. Gorky Park attracts the young and old, so don't be surprised to see a mix of people exercising, playing chess, and sunbathing.

Luxury Hotels :

• Lotte Hotel Moscow is one of the top 5-star properties in Moscow offering the largest Royal Suite in Russia. The trendy rooms and suites here all have contemporary style and great city views. On-site amenities are plentiful. There are two restaurants: one serving contemporary Italian fare, and the other Japanese. There is an impressively lit indoor swimming pool, a well-known spa, and a state-of-the-art gym.
• Another excellent luxury hotel is the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow . The residential-style property is in the heart of Moscow just next to the Bolshoi Theatre and within walking distance of the Kremlin and Red Square. The rooms and suites have been opulently designed by Tony Chi. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of European and Armenian specialities. There is also a Japanese sushi bar and a rooftop lounge with fabulous city views.
• The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya also has a central location just a few minutes from the Kremlin and Red Square. The 5-star property has a mix of elegant rooms and suites, including interconnecting room options for families with kids. There are multiple restaurants on-site including an Italian bistro. Other amenities include the fabulous Iridium Spa, which does a full range of treatments and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Palmira Business Club is a top mid-range choice. The contemporary lifestyle hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites, including options for families. Suites are quite spacious and have kitchenettes. Amenities here include a complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant, a hot tub, sauna, and spa. There is also a fitness center.
• The trendy Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya offers a mix of rooms and suites with contemporary decor. The mid-range hotel can arrange airport transportation and offers baggage storage. Other amenities include a restaurant and room service. The front desk is open 24 hours.
• Boutique Hotel Brighton is about 10 minutes from the city center in a leafy park area. It offers excellent value for money and has charming rooms and suites with sound-proof windows and doors, as well as blackout curtains. A complimentary breakfast is served, and there is also an indoor swimming pool.

Budget Hotels :

• Hotel Ibis Budget Moscow Panfilovskaya is about a 15-minute drive from Moscow's downtown, and it's within walking distance from a metro station that will take you there. The soundproof rooms at this budget property are clean, comfortable, and can sleep up to three people. The hotel is pet friendly, has paid parking available on-site, and also has a salon.
• If you just need a budget hotel near the airport then check out Aviator Hotel Sheremetyevo . Located right at the airport, it has soundproof rooms, including options for families. Amenities include an indoor play area for kids, a sauna and swimming pool, and a free breakfast.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Russia: Whether you are interested in history, nature, or architecture, there's much to see in Russia. For a good introduction to some of the most fascinating spots in the country, take a look at our article on the Best Places to Visit in Russia . For more on Russia's second-largest city and all it has to offer, check out our piece on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg .

17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow

Written By: Linda Voltaire

Updated On: December 21, 2022

Visiting Russia? These are the top 17 things to do in Moscow to help you plan your trip.

If the western world has New York City , the first great metropolis on the eastern side of our planet is Moscow. A huge city with a complicated and impressive history, Moscow gets a bad rep over Russian politics – but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Capital to the largest country in the world, Moscow takes the grandeur of its standing very seriously.

This is a place where luxury is king and where opulence takes a front seat in every aspect of life. The buildings are grand and imposing, the parks are luscious and enormous, and even the subway stations look different in Moscow than anywhere else in the world.

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Moscow, Russia

Walking around Moscow is also going through the tumultuous history of the 20th century, which had Russia as one of its main protagonists. There are fascinating remains of these times everywhere in the former Soviet capital, from the gorgeous Seven Sisters skyscrapers to the Orthodox cathedrals that were closed for the better part of a century.  Still, Moscow is also a completely modern city, with a vibrant social and party scene, incredible restaurants, and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

After living in Russia’s capital as an ex-pat for four years, I got the privilege to experience not only the main attractions in Moscow but also the everyday life in this huge city and quickly found my sweat spots off the beaten tracks! So here is my list of my top 17 things to do in this exciting metropolis!

Attractions in Moscow

When visiting a famous city like this one, it’s a must to go through the most iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin & Surrounding Area

No place tells the story of Moscow’s power in the past century the way the Red Square does. This is where the biggest political meetings in the USSR occurred for many decades, and you can feel the power on each step.

Here, you’ll also find the historic museum at the entrance, showcasing the decades of history behind this iconic landmark. The Lenin Mausoleum, perhaps the most famous resting place in the world and home to the remains of the former communist leader, is also here.

On one side of the Red Square you’ll find the Kremlin, the fortified complex that now hosts the presidential residence. This is also home to the most iconic of all Moscovite landmarks: St. Basil’s Cathedral, a 16th-century marvel of colors. This is the best spot to take a selfie and show the world you’ve reached the Russian capital!

• Get your Kremlin Skip the Line Tickets and Kremlin tour here.
• Free cancellation up to 24-hours in advance of the tour.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

You can easily spend a couple of days just exploring the Moscovite city centre, and the Bolshoi Theatre should be your second stop. Walk past the Red Square and then head to the nearby Bolshoi Theatre, one of the oldest and most renowned houses of opera and ballet on Earth.

Visit for the impressive early 19th-century architecture, but if you’re seeing a ballet performance, make sure you book between 3 and 6 months in advance! I can strongly recommend this as it is a truly unique experience!

• Book a private 2-hour tour of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre.
• See the presidential box reserved for tzars, watch a rehearsal and skip the lines through a separate entrance.
• Free Cancellation up to 24-hours in advance.

3. Luxury Shopping at GUM and TSUM

While many might think of Moscow as the sad place with the long bread queues from the USSR days, it’s been quite the capitalist haven for a while.

If you’re up for some shopping, you’ll find one of the biggest luxury malls in town, TSUM, right behind the Bolshoi and GUM, at the red square. GUM is the most famous department store in town, where you’ll find luxury everywhere and all high-end brand. 

All in an imposing late 19th-century building with lots of history, worth a visit just for the design, its bridges and the glass roof even though you are not up for shopping!

4. Christ the Savior Cathedral

A newer addition to the gorgeous Moscovite cathedrals and my grandeur neighbor during my years in the city Don’t let the young age of this building fool you. After the perestroika in the early 90s, the newly revived Russian Orthodox Church received permission to build a cathedral on this site. They did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church.

The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes as tall as the skies in bright gold and gorgeous paintings and decor! Bring a shawl to cover your hair to adjust to the local tradition.

Head to the back of the cathedral and you will find one of the most photographed bridges in Moscow, the Patriarshiy Most. This is the perfect spot to get a good view and photo of the cathedral but also to see the Kreml and Gorky Park from a distance. Or why not just enjoy a moment watching the river and its boats!  

• Get around Moscow with ease using the Hop On Hop Off boat and Bus ticket. 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets available.

5. Gorky Park

Cross the river and head to Gorky Park along the Moscow river. The most famous green area in town, similar to New York ’s Central Park and the weekend hangout for locals. There are many beautiful parks in the city, but if you’re only visiting for a few days, this is the unmissable one! 

With fair attractions to entertain children, beautiful artificial lakes and gardens, and lots of outdoor activities, it’s a lovely place to relax. A place of rest in the middle of the metropolis. The area in front of the New Tretyakov Gallery & the Muzeon Park of Arts is actually one of my favorite oasis as a bit more quiet and peaceful than Gorky itself.

Why not spend some time in the museum to get a great tour of Russia’s history through art or just enjoy the art exhibition outside where local artists spend their weekends. 

6. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow is from the Moscow River. There are many stops for the boats and one is just next to Gorky Park. See the city from another perspective – and turn the ride into a romantic one by taking the evening cruise. Moscow is magic during the night.

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, take the Radisson Blu cruise – or the Erwin for a delicious seafood dinner. Both stop at Gorky or at the luxury Radisson Royal Hotel, set in one of the Seven Sister’s skyscrapers.

• We use Get Your Guide when booking city tours and they offer a River Sightseeing Cruise seeing all the main tourist attractions in Moscow

7. Metro Hopping

First inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow subway system is one of the oldest in the world, and certainly the most beautiful. Started under Stalinist times, each metro station is dedicated to grandeur and oozing personality.

Visiting the subway stops is an attraction in and of itself, and Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Kropotkinskaya are my favorites. Those surrounding the Red Square are also mesmerizing – in general, these are kind of like underground palaces.

Most of the signs at the Moscow Metro now have Latin letters, so it’s very easy to get around!Unfortunately, the trains are not as beautiful and pleasant as the stations but still, this is a true Moscow experience.  Take a guided tour of the 9 most beautiful Metro Stations including the award-winning art deco station. See more details here.

8. Arbatskaya & Artsy Moscow

Novy Arbat Street is one of the most touristy areas in the city, with lots of shops and cafés directed at visitors. When you walk a little beyond, you’ll find a different part of town, where the hip scene thrives because so many artists live in the area. Just follow the small streets with fewer tourists!

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings hosts the main building of the Moscow State University, one of the most prestigious colleges in Russia – and the one with the best view.

Although this is a little outside the city centre, the sight from above is more than worth it, with the nearby fountains and park and then the whole of the city behind them.

10. Russian Market

If you love to visit markets wherever you go, Moscow has one of the most impressive ones in the world – the Izmailovsky. You can easily take the metro here and feel like you’ve been transported to another time.

This place was first built in the 16th century and retains the look of an old fairytale, with a lineup of colorful old castle. A lovely local experience beyond the confines of the bustling metropolis, where you can also try some delicious Russian barbecue.

Here, you’ll find beautiful souvenirs at great prices.

Off The Beaten Track Moscow

Once you’ve covered the most touristic spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer – and the places below will also be full of locals! Moscow is a city for hipsters, full of trendy and arty spots where you can literally feel the creativity oozing! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend my sweat spots below!

11. Patriarshiye Prudy

This is my favorite area in the entire city! While Moscow is generally a very noisy metropolis, Patriarch Ponds is far quieter, yet such a vibrant place. This is a very hip and trendy area making you think you are rather in Paris than in Moscow. Here the streets are narrow and full of chic eateries and clubs to see the local crowd.

A little bohemian and with an air of peace you won’t find anywhere in the city this is a great spot to spend an afternoon with your thoughts.

12. ArtPlay

Barely 15 minutes away from the city center you’ll find the artsiest Moscow district: ArtPlay. For decades, this block was a factory, but it was renovated to become a hub for the arts not too long ago.

Now, you’ll find it’s full of exhibitions, showrooms and art schools – and some of the most creative people in town. Writers, painters, and young hip people use ArtPlay as a rendezvous, and you can feel the creative energy here. The industrial design with modern interior decoration is also a feast for the eyes!

13. Shopping Local Designs

If you’re into design, both international and local, you’ll find lots of cute things at Patriarshiye Prudy. Department store Podium Market is also a great spot for shopping, as a department store everywhere in town, with lots of local and international brands. There’s one in the Four Seasons Hotel next to Red Square. My favorite Moscow mall is Tsvetnoy Central Market, a cool spot with great brands, lots of inspo, and even a cute café!

14. Moscow City

Like many other great capitals of the world, for the past few decades, Moscow has hosted a super modern area full of modern skyscrapers – Moscow City. With a completely different vibe than the rest of town, it’s like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressively tall glass buildings. Here, you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, such as Ruski and Sixty they are perfect spots for dining or enjoying a glass of wine with a view. There are also a relatively new shopping mall with lots of international brands called Affimall!

Wine, Dine, and Party in Moscow

Gone are the gloomy Moscow days – cold as it might be in the winter, Russia’s capital is a place for the senses. Great food and drinks abound – and the clubs are hot, too!

15. Where to Eat in Moscow

Moscow is a great metropolis where people love to dine out, and there are endless options for delicious food. The flavors are as diverse as you’d expect from a big city, with options of fine dining and little hipster eateries. 

• For traditional Russian flavors, I can’t recommend Café Pushkin, Dr. Zhivago, and Turnadot enough.
• When looking for international cuisines, Italian is always the way to go, and my local favorite is Probka.
• Fine dining is best done among the clouds at White Rabbit, with European flavors.
• As for the hip spots, you can spend a full day just eating around trendy places, from burgers to Asian fusion.

More Dining Options

• Patriarshiye Prudy offers a lot of small and classy spots with cool concepts, like breakfast restaurants I Love Cake and Fresh.
• For dinner, I love the NYC experience of Saxon & Parole, and the wonderful trendy Pins, with its delicious food and drinks.
• For delicious Asian food head to CutFish. 
• Lastly, there’s a recent revival of food markets in Moscow, offering lots of great choices of international flavors at affordable places.
• Don’t miss out the Vietnamese food stand at the Danilovsky market, and everything at Usachevsky!

16. Rooftopping

Big cities deserve to be seen from above, having a cocktail among the clouds. These are my recommendations for rooftop bars in Moscow.

• As I mentioned in the Moscow City section, Sixty & Ruski are two of my favorites, overlooking the newest part of town. 
• White Rabbit and its fine dining is also a lovely place for a fun dinner looking down on Moscow.
• O2, in the city center, has an advantage above all others: amazing views of the Red Square.
• Buono, above the Radisson Royal Hotel, might be the most romantic rooftop hotel in town, with its candlelit setting.
• Also on the Radisson stands the Mercedes. It’s a luxurious and posh experience with delicious cocktails.
• The Sky Lounge offers a peculiar experience, mixing an old Soviet building with futuristic additions.

17. Moscow by Night

Party the night away! The city is full of bars everywhere, but there are some areas where you’ll find more than others.

• Patriarshiye Prudy has lots of hip and small clubs and great bars, including the super fun private club Clava, which has a great vibe and people from all walks of life.
• For more hipster style bars, Red October is the place to go.
• Streak is a summer favorite, with a lovely terrace to catch a beautiful sunset – plus, their mozzarella bar is delicious.
• At night, Red October lights up with clubs everywhere, including the cool rooftop one Gipsy.
• Jagger is also a great spot during summer with a more relaxed vibe in garden setting. 
• For the traditional Russian luxury experience, go to SohoRooms, a whole other world including all-night go-go dancers.

There are so many things to do in Moscow at night and during the day, you definitely need several days to explore this exciting destination.

Moscow is a must-see city, a city like no other ! I hope you will enjoy this Russian metropolis as much as I did!

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About Linda Voltaire

Linda Voltaire is the owner of Travel with a Silver Lining, home to reviews of gorgeous boutique & design hotels, hip & trendy eateries as well as authentic and personal travel experiences beyond the crowd. She started blogging after a life-changing trip across South America. Follow Linda at TravelWithASilverLining / Facebook / Instagram /

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10 thoughts on “17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow”

These places look so awesome! Moscow is truly a beautiful city

Very good article, you have explained so nicely. Russia has always been a part of history and its good to know about much more about architecture and other things, wish i could see the inside of façade

Thanks for sharing such a nice article.You have very beautifully explained everything that one need for a trip to Moscow.

Nice article. Love the hidden gems and graffiti art, would love to visit Artplay. Thanks for a comprehensive guide to Moscow!

Moscow is a city where the past and the future live side by side. Here we can find everything from medieval fortresses and Soviet monoliths to glass skyscrapers and innovation centers.

Your article is good and meaningful .

Thanks for sharing about ArtPlay district, we didn’t know about it and it looks amazing 🙂 Hopefully there’ll be a second time in Moscow, we visited last May and really liked the city!

Wonderful stuff! I’ve been to Moscow, but not properly – it’s a long story lol!

Anyhoo, my next thing is to fly from Berlin to Moscow and then travel from there to Beijing via the Trans-Mongolian / Trans-Siberian train. Now, if only I could just find the time …!

I hear Moscow is very beautiful at night. I hope to get out there one day. A friend of mine went to St. Petersburg and had a great experience. Despite all the tension we see on the news with Russia and other Countries like the U.S. I wonder what the sentiment is with Russians and foreigners visiting their country for tourism. Especially Americans.

that looks like quite a beautiful place. 🙂

9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

 Sir Francis Canker/Getty Images

In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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Moscow’s Top 13 – The Main Attractions of the Russian capital

13 Moscow Attractions

One of the most fascinating metropolis, breathtaking city, and a vibrant European capital, Moscow is a powerful mix of history and edginess, full of world famous sites and attractions that are worth exploring. However, it would take weeks to really explore all facets of the Russian capital – unfortunately hardly any traveler has that much time, which is why you should concentrate on the absolute Moscow top attractions and highlights. Here is the list of top 13 Moscow attractions you can choose on your next Russian travel journey.

What Times Square means to New York, Pariser Platz with the Brandenburg Gate to Berlin, or Trafalgar Square to London – Red Square means to Moscow. The heart of Russia’s capital it is the central meeting point and the most famous photo opportunity. No place stands for Russia and Moscow more than “krasnaja ploshchad”, as Red Square is called in Russian.

It is arguably one of the Moscow main attractions and most visited. With the gigantic military parade on Victory Day in World War II, which takes place every year on May 9, the pictures of the square go around the world year after year. But for the rest of the year you will mainly meet local and foreign tourists here, who take peaceful pictures and soak up the unique spirit. The square looks spectacular illuminated at night, but you should visit the square at least once in daylight as well.

If you stand in the middle of the huge cobblestone square, in the clockwise direction you can see the Kremlin and the Kremlin Wall with a total of 20 individually designed towers, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Historical Museum built with red bricks, the little Kazan Cathedral, the impressive luxury department store GUM, the imposing St. Basil’s Cathedral and, the bridge over the Moskva River. This unique ensemble offers more sightseeing highlights at one stroke than any other tourist attractions in Moscow or the world.

So it’s no wonder that Red Square is UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the most popular photo opportunities worldwide. When visiting Moscow, there is no reason not to visit to Red Square and a selfie is practically also a must – getting there is easy even for Russia newcomers. Although Red Square does not have its own metro station, it is still child’s play to find the way there – especially since the Square is the absolute geographical center of the city.

There are four metro stations in the vicinity, from which it is only a short walk to Red Square, Okhotny Ryad and Teatralnaya directly at the northwest entrance of the Square at the Historical Museum; further to the west is the Lenin Library station, from which one arrives at the same entrance through the Alexander Garden. As well as the station Revolution-square behind the GUM department store, which leads past to the northeast side of the Square.

The Kremlin

This is the biggest active fortress in Europe offering a week’s worth of attractions. For more than 70 years, the Kremlin was the power center of the Soviet Union, which the US President Ronald Reagan called the Empire of Evil exactly 35 years ago, one of the symbols of the East-West conflict in the Cold War. People in the West feared the «dark» plans that were built behind the thick walls of the Kremlin.

The Kremlin is built in a triangular shape on the natural elevation above the Moscow River, known today as the Kremlin Hill. Today’s metropolis Moscow has expanded in a circle around it and the road around the Kremlin is considered the first of several ring roads in Moscow counting.

Now Kremlin has lost its terrifying image, although it is still the seat of the Russian President and thus one of the most important places in World political events. It is an inviting, historical sight for tourists, and one of the famous Moscow tourist attractions which can be visited for just a few dollars.

The large parts of the 28 hectare site can be visited by tourists – with the exception of the Kremlin towers, the presidential Grand Kremlin Palace and the Senate Palace. The first port of call on the site is the so-called Cathedral Square, which is the geographical center of the Kremlin and at the same time the highest point on the Kremlin Hill and contains the three oldest structures in the complex. The three 15 th -century cathedrals of the Kremlin (the Dormition, Archangel Michael and the Annunciation Cathedrals), which together with the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Cathedral of the Deposition of Mary, make the most famous ensemble of the Kremlin. Also to be visited here are primarily the Armoury and the Patriarch’s palace.

To get to the Kremlin, you have to pass a security gate at one of the two publicly accessible entrances – these are located at the Kutafja and Borovitsky towers. Tickets cost from 700 rubles upwards, the admission to the Armoury, the Ivan the Great bell tower and the Patriarch’s Palace being paid for separately.

More about the Kremlin

Lenin’s Mausoleum

This is the ultimate love it or hate it tourist attractions in Moscow It may be mistaken for a gloomy performance, but Lenin remains an absolute attraction almost a hundred years after Vladimir Lenin death. The founding father of the Soviet Union is not only a fascinating historical figure of world renown for supporters of communism. Despite ongoing discussions about a final burial of the leader of the communist October Revolution in 1918, hundreds of thousands come year after year to the dark marble building on Red Square, right next to the Kremlin wall, to see the embalmed body of the legendary Russian revolutionary.

First opened to the public in 1924, the Mausoleum attracts 2.5 million visitors every year, so, visitors have to wait a long time to get into the illustrious building. Also, photos from inside the Mausoleum are prohibited. But a visit is still a must for Moscow visitors, especially since the visit is free. Please note that the Mausoleum is only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The queue starts behind the Historical Museum and before you get into the actual mausoleum, you have to pass an airport-like security gate – cameras and cell phones are not allowed into the Mausoleum, but can be safely placed in a cloakroom for a small fee. On the way out of the Mausoleum, after the visit, you pass the graves of the other Soviet heads of state. Including the grave of Josef Stalin, who was briefly kept next to Lenin in the Mausoleum after his death. But in the course of de-Stalinization, the cruel dictator was moved to the less prominent place behind the Mausoleum.

More about the Lenin Mausoleum

The Alexander Garden (Alexandrovsky Sad)

If you visit Moscow in summer, the hustle and bustle in the metropolis of millions can get over your head. The city, best known for its icy winters, can turn into an absolute burning furnace in summer. It sometimes takes over an hour to get to the edge of the metropolis. The perfect retreat, located in the center of Moscow, is therefore the Alexander Garden and one of the Moscow top attractions.

Located directly on the western wall of the Kremlin, the Alexander Garden is just a small, but all the more well-kept park that extends to the nearby Manege Square (Manezhnaya Ploschad). The garden undergoes a lot of changes, with old trees cut down in 2012 and over 200 planted, the authorities also claim that there will be a rosary of 3000 roses. As soon as the first rays of sun warm up the Muscovites, tormented by the long winter, they set off into the countryside. If you are right in the center, you can choose the small park right by the Kremlin.

With a café in hand, which you can get yourself on Manege Square, you can linger here between the carefully tended flower beds. With the Grave of the Unknown Soldier and the regular changing of the guard, there is even a real tourist attraction on top. Entry is free.

The Moscow Metro

In no other metropolis in the world would the subway be declared a sight. Yes, that is truly right as riding this one of the top Moscow tourist attractions is an experience in itself or just a walk through the station is amazing in itself. Whether in New York, Berlin, London or Paris – the big city inhabitants of the world metropolises have a love-hate relationship with their metro. It’s different in Moscow – the residents of the Russian metropolis love their metro and there is a reason for that: in the early days of metro construction, dictator Stalin had built the stations into “palaces for the workers”.

All the splendor of the tsars, which the ordinary Russian never saw, is now open to everyone, regardless of their origin. Indeed, a number of stations on the Moscow Metro, each built shortly before or after the war, are unmatched architectural masterpieces. Mayakovskaya station is often compared to a ballroom for its chandeliers and ornaments. The Teatralnaya stop, located directly below the world-famous Bolshoi Theater, shines with decorations reminiscent of the country’s theater and ballet tradition. Colorful glass windows, almost like in a sacred building, adorn the Novoslobodskaya station.

But the uncalled queen among Moscow’s metro beauties is Komsomolskaya station, named after the youth organization of the Soviet Union. With its huge chandeliers and detailed ceiling decorations, it is the crown jewel among the 331 metro stations. It is not uncommon for tourists to stand in the middle of the platform and take photos under the glances of passengers who just want to walk past the annoying tourists to and from work as quickly as possible.

A ride on the metro currently costs 57 rubles, which is less than one dollar. You should plan a few hours for a tour of the most beautiful stations, but the good news is, once behind the turnstile, a single ticket is enough to stay in the metro system as long as you want.

The Bolshoi Theater

To see Tchaikovsky Swan Lake or the Nutcracker by the same legendary Russian composer on the famous Bolshoi stage – that is the dream of every ballet fan. Home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, nowhere else is the fine art of musical dance lived as much as in Russia – and has been since the times of the tsars.

The Bolshoi itself has been shining back to its former glory since it was built in 1776 since its extensive renovation that cost almost a billion dollars a few years ago. The large historical hall of the building impresses with its opulent golden decorations and creates a very special atmosphere – this was also used by the communist leaders of the Soviet Union, who held their congresses in the building directly at the Kremlin. The Theater is so famous that it currently adorns the 100 ruble banknote and is among the Moscow main attractions.

If you’d like to go to what is probably the most famous ballet theater in the world today, it’s easier than ever. The program can be found months in advance on the official website bolshoi.ru  and can be ordered at very reasonable prices. The cheapest seats in the hall can be booked for as little as 100 rubles, i.e. less than $ 2. However, you should reserve tickets early, as the performances are usually booked weeks in advance. Even for good seats, you pay very moderate prices compared to Western Europe.

There are a few things to watch out for, however, proper, appropriate clothing is welcome, but apart from the obligation to wear trousers, it is not an exclusion criterion for men. If you arrive late, you have to wait outside until the next break so as not to disturb the other guests during the performance. The best way to get to the Bolshoi is by taking the Moscow Metro via the Teatralnaya station, which was built especially for the theater and which stairs are right in front of the main entrance.

More about the Bolshoi Theater

The GUM department store

The Russian abbreviation GUM means main all-purpose shopping center and sounds quite formal for such a shopping temple. Located in front of the Kremlin on Red Square, GUM has existed as a department store since 1920 and was previously a market. It is the most iconic and largest department store in Russia and among the Moscow tourist attractions .   The facade of the building, built in 1890, fits perfectly into the overall picture of Red Square and is illuminated photogenically at night.

In contrast to the scarcity economy of the Soviet era, the GUM today really has everything to offer that one can imagine. It has become the flagship of the shopping and fashion metropolis Moscow. But today you will mainly find smaller luxury shops here. From western high-couture boutiques such as Prada or Gucci to fur for the icy Russian winter, a well-to-do Muscovite or a tourist will find everything their heart desires here.

People can walk through the wide and beautifully decorated arcades of the GUM, free of charge. Cafes invite you to linger. A delicatessen shop on the ground floor sells Russian specialties at affordable prices. Chocolate, honey and caviar, as well as the all-round vodka in Russia, can be bought here as souvenirs for friends and family at home. In addition, the Soviet-style cafeteria on the upper floor is very cheap for lunch.

The GUM offers a special highlight every winter when the department store administration built an ice rink in front of the building directly on Red Square. For only 200 to 300 rubles per hour, depending on the time of day, you can lace up your skates and glide over the ice with the unique panorama of Red Square.

More about the GUM department store 

The Historical Museum

The Historical Museum is a museum of Russian history wedged between Red Square, Lenin Mausoleum, small Kazan Cathedral, and Manege Square. The red brick building of the Museum is a real eye-catcher and Moscow top attractions located on the opposite side of St. Basil’s Cathedral. It is dedicated to Russian history and is built in the Old Russian style, the building did not open until 1883.

The Museum houses everything from an exhibition on the archeology of Russia, through the technological achievements, to the art of the gigantic empire in 16 sections and has a total of 5 million exhibits. So if you are interested in the history of Russia, you cannot avoid visiting this Museum and should plan enough time for it.

A visit costs 150 to 500 rubles, depending on which exhibition you want to visit. The Museum is open in winter, autumn and spring from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed on Tuesdays. In the summer months, the extended Saturday times apply daily.

It is probably the most famous park in the Russian capital and the top Moscow tourist attractions – a novel and its film adaptation and a Russian rock band have its name and numerous songs by Russian and international bands and TV series, such as House of Cards, mention it or act here. Gorky Park is a premier green space offering entertainment for every taste. Located southwest of the center of Moscow on the Moskva River, it is designed more for family attractions and rest and the classic park on the other side – has become one of the meeting places for Muscovites of all kinds in recent years.

Whether for a yoga class, a family picnic or beach volleyball match, skateboarding, and cycling – people meet here often. Because even in the Gorky there is an ice surface in winter, the largest in Moscow, which attracts many Moscow residents as well as tourists.

A large-scale renovation in 2011 breathed new life into the park – the roller kiosks were removed and more emphasis was placed on the maintenance of the green spaces. The park remained free of charge and developed into one of the most popular places in the capital. Whether with the rental bike through the green lungs, the pedal boat across the numerous ponds or simply watching the goings-on on the park bench – a visit to Gorki is also absolutely worthwhile for tourists.

Day trip to the Golden Ring

As much as the metropolis Moscow is fascinating, the side effects of a cosmopolitan city like Moscow – the noise, the traffic and the crowds – can overwhelm any tourist. What could be better than a day trip to escape the organized chaos of the cosmopolitan city?

The places on the Golden Ring near Moscow are an ideal destination for this and among the Moscow main attractions – located north-east of the metropolis, these old Russian cities, some of which have existed for much longer than Moscow itself, offer a welcome change from the hectic hustle and bustle of the capital.

Developed in the late 1960s uniting several mediaeval Russian cities located to the north-east of Moscow it is the most popular route around provincial cities of central Russia. More than a thousand year old city of Yaroslavl on the Volga is the largest, but at 260 km from Moscow also the most distant city of the Golden Ring. For only 650 rubles, however, you can take the three-hour train ride there.

Yaroslavl has been part of the world cultural heritage since 2005 and is best known for its two monasteries – the Monastery of our Savior and Transfiguration and the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Tolga are located directly on the Europe’s longest river Volga and its inflow Kotorosl. Both testify to the long history of the Russian Orthodox Church. The cityscape of Yaroslavl is also really worth seeing with its classicist buildings – walking through the streets of the city with 500,000 inhabitants is a welcome contrast to Moscow. Things are even more slow in the small towns of Suzdal and Vladimir, both of which can still be reached with the Moscow suburban train network (known as Elektrichka) for a good 500 rubles. In both cities time seems to have stood a little – large sacred buildings dominate the cityscape.

Especially the Assumption Cathedral, located in the center of Vladimir, and the Golden Medieval Gate are the main attractions for tourists. The church, built in the early 12th century, is best known for its almost 700 year old wall paintings and frescoes and is a World Heritage Site. The Suzdal Kremlin is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and was first mentioned in writing in 1024.

Suzdal with its only 10,000 inhabitants has still retained the character of a small Russian town and in the town, which will celebrate its millennium in 2024, you can still find numerous wooden buildings typical of rural Russia – whether churches or houses, the colorful buildings are ideal as Photo motif and give an impression of the simple Russian provinces life away from the metropolises.

The exhibition of the achievements of the national economies is not in every travel guide as a classic Moscow main attractions and a must see of the Russian capital. But no other place in the modern mega-metropolis exudes the spirit of the Soviet Union as much as the enormous VDNKh (All Russian Exhibition Centre) in the north of Moscow. It was built as an agricultural exhibition before World War II, but was then renamed world exhibition for the 15 individual Soviet states and their achievements.

From the Armenian, Estonian and Kyrgyz culture, to the Soviet achievements in space travel and nuclear power, to statues about the heroes of the Soviet history, the VNDKh (Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyastva) was an absolute attraction until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. After that, the old charm fell into disrepair and the large central pavilion, which was built in the splendidly pompous Stalinist style, was filled with small traders selling souvenirs and matryoshkas.

Since its renovation in 2014, the exhibition in the park-like area is absolutely worth a trip again and with the metro station of the same name you can get from the center to the VDNKh quickly and without problems. There are still strange souvenirs, plus huge Soviet monuments worth seeing, as well as numerous rides for children. The Kosmos exhibition still exists and is now part of the Cosmonaut Museum, which is located at the front end of the park when coming from the metro station.

Here you can experience the various achievements of Soviet and Russian space travel vividly. From the very first Sputnik satellite, the spacesuit of Yuri Gargarin, the very first human in space, to the Buran space shuttle, you can learn an incredible amount about the conquest of the cosmos here. However, you should plan several hours just for a visit to the Cosmonaut Museum.

More about the cosmonaut museum

The Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery

To complete the cultural program in Moscow, you should definitely make a tour to the Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery when visiting the Russian capital. It is the largest museum of European art and among the Moscow top attractions. The former Museum of Fine Arts was named after Alexander Pushkin’s death in 1837 – it is still one of the most important art collections in the world today.

It boasts one of the richest collections of foreign art in Russia, showcasing global artistic developments from early times to the present day in expositions numbering 700,000 works of art.  Not far south of the Kremlin, exactly opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Museum is housed in a classic building specially built for this purpose in 1898. From early Byzantine art to the famous Madonna by Lukas Cranach, the Italian masters, Peter Paul Rubens and masterpieces of Expressionism, for example by Paul Cézanne, you can admire a huge selection of important art here.

The regular entry ticket costs 800 rubles and the Ьuseum is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., during the week until 8 p.m. – only Monday is closed.

The second important art collection in the capital is the State Tretyakov Gallery. It is the national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the greatest museums in the world. Started by the textile entrepreneur and philanthropist Pavel Tretyakov as a collection of local contemporary art in 1851, the gallery has now developed into one of the cultural highlights of Russia. In contrast to the Pushkin Museum, you will primarily find Russian art from the 19th century and older icons.

Entry cost is 400 rubles and the Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Monday is also the day off.

Take a stroll across Red Square, meet Lenin and see the world-famous Kremlin?

Then first of all you need a visa! !

Alexander Popov

Welcome to Russia! My name is Alexander, I was born in Moscow and I'm a passionate tour guide. I want to share my passion for Russia and my hometown with you. On my website you will find useful information to make your individual trip to Russia as interesting as possible.

The Museum of Cosmonautics and the Planetarium in Moscow

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