Harlem Jazz Tour is a very vibrant neighborhood located in Upper Manhattan, New York City. It is also internationally known as the Black Mecca of the World. This place is home to people of multiple ethnicities. It has the Dutch people, the Irish people, the German, and even the Jewish people. This place was originally settled by Dutch in 1658. However, it was mainly used for agricultural purposes and remained an undeveloped territory for approximately 200 years. However, the picture is completely different now.
In the Harlem neighborhood, you can spot many historical sites and hear jazz and gospel music now. Other than that, you can also taste some succulent soul food and get a chance to explore more things that give off the unique vibe of Harlem. This is the reason why people often plan to join a Harlem jazz tour. If you are also planning to visit Harlem, you need to find the best way to enjoy your trip to the fullest. Don’t worry! We have brought this article to enlighten you about the things to do in Harlem. In this article, we will talk about the best ways you can make your trip to Harlem meaningful and memorable. In other words, we will discuss the things that you can think of doing or seeing during your Harlem jazz tour. So, let’s get started!
Things to See and Do in Harlem
Take a Walking Tour
You can even think of exploring Harlem on your own feet – walking down the lanes of Harlem. Otherwise, you can hire a guide to tell you the stories of Harlem’s past and present. Other than that, you can also find the option of bike tours. So, go for the option that suits you the best.
Studio Museum
This is a contemporary art museum that is devoted to the African-American artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. It showcases some excellent work from emerging black artists. Other than that, the museum also has both a permanent collection and rotating exhibitions.
Sylvia’s Restaurant
If you want to visit a good restaurant to eat something delicious in Harlem, this is the place. Sylvia’s Restaurant is a popular yet quite affordable restaurant that displays the history of Harlem on the plates. Visit this restaurant and explore Harlem culture more. You will definitely feel surprised seeing the bill that you have to pay to feed some delicious dishes to your entire family.
National Jazz Museum
National Jazz Museum is a Smithsonian-affiliated museum, located close to Sylvia’s. It is a small museum, but if you are a Jazz fan, this place is perfect for you. Once you enter the museum, you might not want to leave. Here, you can listen to hundreds of old recordings of early jazz pioneers that you can never find anywhere else.
Abyssinian Baptist Church
Abyssinian Baptist Church was founded in 1808 and it is now one of the most popular places for visitors to take in gospel service. However, this church gets really crowded on Sundays and so you might like to visit a different church.
Marcus Garvey Park
Marcus Garvey Park is definitely a place for everyone. You will surely find something that you like in this park. It has two playgrounds and a pool to have some refreshing time on summer days. Other than that, the park also has an amphitheater that plays live music, plays, and comedy performances.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, you have a better idea of how you can make out the best experience from your trip to Harlem. Now, it is up to you whether you want to go by the above plan or not. However, if you are unsure about what you should do on your trip to Harlem, you can go by the above plan. You will surely be able to explore some of the amazing historical places along with beautiful Harlem jazz and gospel music. So, without wasting your time thinking too much, why don’t you get ready for your trip to the Black Mecca of the World.