Harlem in New York: Is it safe and worth a visit?

April 3, 2024 New York Info Comments Off

Harlem in New York is located in one of the northernmost neighborhoods of Manhattan. And Harlem doesn’t have many tourist attractions, but the neighborhood is a must for anyone who loves music, soul food and black culture vibes.

New York's Harlem neighborhood

Harlem in New York gets its name from the Dutch Haarlem. And it was once a neighborhood with a lot of crime and was one of the unsafest neighborhoods in New York. But today, Harlem, like the rest of New York, is one of the safest neighborhoods in America. And those who want to get to know the “real” New York should really visit the Harlem neighborhood. It is a lively district with a lot of cultural heritage. And you will find several stores, restaurants and the famous Apollo Theater.

The Central Park area in Harlem NYC

The Central Park area near Harlem is an area rarely visited by tourists who are in New York. And that’s a shame because this stretch of Central Park really does have something to offer like the Central Park Conservatory Garden with beautiful gardens and Italian, French and English statues. But Lake Harlem is also worth a visit when in New York. The Harlem Lake has a great view and you can even take a tour with an audio guide.

George Washington Bridge in Harlem NYC

Manhatan has no less than 21 bridges and the George Washington Bridge in Harlem New York is one of them. The bridge is not as spectacular as the Brooklyn Bridge, but it is definitely worth a visit if you are in the Harlem neighborhood on a visit. The George Washington Bridge is named after George Washington, the first president of the United States. The bridge is 14451 meters long and 36 meters wide. And it is the only bridge over the Hudson River that connects New York and New Jersey.

Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater on 125th Street between Frederic Douglas and 7th Avenue in Harlem, New York, is one of the most important stages in New York, along with Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. Such luminaries as: Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, James Brown and Jimi Hendrix.

Eating and drinking in Harlem

In Harlem New York you will find several coffee shops and soul food restaurants, where you can eat delicious soul food such as fried chicken, sweet potatoes and beans. Highly recommended is Sylvia’s Restaurant on Malcom X Boulevard in Harlem. Sylvia’s Restaurant was founded in 1962 by Sylvia Woods, “the queen of soul food”. And this soul food restaurant is probably the most famous in Harlem.

Is Harlem a safe neighborhood?

In the 1980s and early 1990s, Harlem in New York was one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Manhattan, but that is no longer the case. The district consists of many different parts, some of which are safer than others. And up to 125th Street and west of Park Avenue is safe to visit. And if you want to go to a restaurant or to a theater in the evening, it is best to take a taxi, so that you do not get lost in areas where it is less safe.

Special offers for visiting Harlem in New York

Are you going on a city trip to New York and would you like to visit the Harlem district? Then take advantage of the offers below!