Harlem

Harlem, the most famous African-American community in America. It used to be a high-crime neighborhood having a reputation of racial tension and urban decay. Over the past few decades things have begun to look up and it is far less dangerous than it once was.

The combination of great music and culture, architectural treasures and lip-smacking soul food make Harlem a must-see destination.

Harlem’s thoroughfare is 125th Street, where you can find the legendary Apollo Theater, where almost all the great figures of jazz, blues and soul performed, such as: Marvin Gaye, Sammy Davis Junior, Aretha Franklin and James Brown.

Harlem’s incredible gospel music has long enticed visitors; the revival-style Baptist experience can be amazing and invigorating. The choir at the Abyssinian Baptist Church is arguably the best in the city, but long lines of tourists can be a bit disappointing. Other fairly options are: the Metropolitan Baptist and the Canaan Baptist Church. Wherever you go, dress appropriately.

The Studio Museum of Harlem is one of the community’s showplaces of contemporary African-American painting, photography and sculpture.

If you are more interested about Harlem’s past it’s worth visiting the world’s top research facility for black history and culture: The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.

Other must-see´s include River State Park, the architecture of City College (CUNY) and the beautiful and spacious brownstones of Hamilton Heights and Strivers’ Row.