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 138th and West 139th 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 138th Street are designed in the Georgian Revival style. The yellow brick and limestone terracotta homes on the north side of West 138th and the south side of West 139th are built in the Colonial Revival style. And finally, the homes on the north side of West 139th 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!
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