Ever wanted to get to know the Harlem neighborhood and why people refer it as one of the most historical and culturally renown locations of Manhattan? Look no further, we’ve got you covered with the basics regarding the neighborhood’s history as well as its amazing places to go to!
Located north of Central Park and between Morningside Heights & East Harlem, the central Harlem neighborhood is ideally located for any museum enthusiast as well as being within walking distance to Central Park and the Upper West & East Side.
The origins of the Harlem Neighborhood begin around the 17th Century, first beginning as a Dutch village named after ‘Haarlem’ in the Netherlands. The uprising and importance of the neighborhood has almost always been historically linked with the shifting socioeconomic factors of New York. From the 1920’s onwards, Harlem began to shape itself as a socially strong neighborhood and an epicenter for artistic freedom and community. Many artists, jazz players, writers and dancers began their careers in the neighborhood, with some of the most notable names being Josephine Baker, Bessie Smith and Langston Hughes.
If you’ve ever wanted to walk through Harlem while soaking up the iconic brownstone houses and relaxing atmosphere, we’d recommend you walk through St. Nicholas Avenue anywhere between 138th Street to 155th Street, where you’ll find the brownstone townhouses are lined up. Other than Harlem’s beatiful brownstone townhouses, the Apollo Theater is a must visit as it is the birth place of many artist’s world renown careers. Be sure to go and watch the Amateur Night at the Apollo; the very event that lead Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill to become who they are.
