Harlem is New York City’s most famous historical attraction. This uptown Manhattan neighbourhood is known for its literary and musical contributions to American culture. Millions of people consider New York City a paradise. Over 66 million people visit New York City annually for its world-class cultural luxuries, enjoyment options, and iconic crossroads.
Harlem is primarily defined as the area between the East River (Hudson River), 155th Street, 96th Street east off Fifth Avenue, 110th Street, Morningside Park and Fifth Avenue, and 125th Street west from Morningside Park to Hudson River.
Is Harlem a Safe Place to Visit?
Harlem can be visited as a safe destination. Harlem’s reputation for being a war zone has been erased by decades of urban renewal programs and community involvement, but they have not made the neighbourhood as safe as Queens.
Recent police data suggest Harlem could be falling back into the vicious cycle of crime. Although crime rates are still below historical highs, they are becoming a concern for many residents.
Tourists who visit Harlem need to be aware of Harlem’s rapidly changing crime scene. However, they should also understand that the most serious crimes are committed by residents with personal conflicts. Tourists are still at greater risk of being victims of crime in Harlem. Tourists who visit Harlem are at the greatest risk of being robbed. While tourists can experience anything from grand larceny to robbery while visiting Harlem, they are statistically more likely to experience petit theft.
Tourists visiting Harlem are also subject to intimidation and verbal abuse. Tourists visiting Harlem are often perceived as aggressive and rude New Yorkers. However, this stereotype is not true.
Harlem is now a tourist hotspot. It was once an abandoned urban community. Many interactions between locals and foreigners are influenced by animosity over Harlem’s changing demographics. Tourists who are not aware of the problems faced by residents or aren’t sympathetic towards them are more likely to be harassed than other tourists. Even so, it is rare for altercations between visitors and locals to escalate to the point where they become criminals.
Harlem: From the East to West
Harlem is well-known and respected all over the world. It is home to many influential movements, arts, and culture.
Harlem, which stretches across Manhattan, is a large place. It is important first to understand Manhattan. Manhattan is, naturally, the most well-known of all five boroughs in New York City. This group also includes Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.
Manhattan is the borough that everyone associates with in New York City. This image can be seen on many TV and film shows, including Sex and the City and Seinfeld. It can be divided into the East Side or the West Side. North and South naturally follow.
Manhattan is, therefore, easy to navigate due to its gridlock. Grid of streets and avenues that run across Manhattan until you reach downtown. Below Union Square, it can get confusing. But that’s another story.
Harlem is located uptown, which is a good thing! Harlem is located at ninety-sixth Street and runs partially into the Bronx. It ends at one hundred fifty-fifth Street. Harlem is bordered to the west and east by Fifth Avenue and the Hudson River.
Harlem’s rich history is loaded with brownstones tree-lined streets and artistic and cultural heritage. Harlem Renaissance Jazz. Did you know that? Harlem was named after a Dutch city, but it was actually originally a Dutch village.
The National Register of Historic Sites lists many buildings, structures, or places in Harlem.
The Near East
East Harlem is the intersection of Harlem and the Upper East Side. East Harlem is located just north of Ninety-Sixth Street. It persists to the north up to one hundred forty-third street. East Harlem’s west side is bound by Fifth Avenue. East Harlem’s east side is bound by the East River.
Navigation tip
Tourists may find it difficult to navigate New York City. Listen to the street languages if you get lost. East Harlem is predominantly Spanish-speaking, so if you are unable to understand the language spoken on the street, it’s likely that you have wandered into East Harlem.
Things to Consider During Visit to Harlem
These are some tips and tricks to help tourists blend in when visiting Harlem.
Do:
- Common courtesy should be practised, such as “hello” or “thank you”. While you don’t need to greet everyone who crosses your path, it is important that you acknowledge those whom you make eye contact with in shops or restaurants.
- Understanding that many long-term residents are resentful of gentrification and that tourism is an extension to gentrification is important. If possible, prefer local establishments to chains.
- You should visit the parks near Harlem in the daylight, rather than at night.
Don’t:
- Use subways after dark. If you don’t know the subway system well, rideshares and cabs are better options.
- Night alone? It is always more fun to travel with at most one person.
- Staring at or otherwise showing absentminded behaviour. You’ll not only stick out and expose yourself to criminals but also run the risk of offending locals.
- Engage with strangers. New Yorkers are often too busy being tourists to be open to interacting with strangers. Avoid anyone who offers free advice or products. It is likely to be a scam.
FAQs about Harlem
Here are some additional questions tourists should ask before booking a Harlem trip.
Is Harlem safe to walk around?
Walking around Harlem in the morning is fine. Although it is safe to walk around Harlem after dark, safety risks increase with each passing hour. It is not recommended to explore Harlem at night or in the evening.
Avoid travelling at night unless you know where you are going. Harlem is more dangerous the further you travel east. Keep in mind that streets run east-to-west in Manhattan and avenues run south to north.
Is Harlem a dangerous destination to visit?
Tourists are at moderate to low risk in Harlem. Both West Harlem and Central Harlem are generally safe. Harlem is experiencing an increase in crime, however, most of the crimes are committed by residents involved in personal disputes. Harlem is moderately dangerous and tourists should be cautious when visiting.
Is Harlem a Safe Destination to Visit?
Harlem is safe. Although it is unlikely that tourists will spend their entire NYC trip in Harlem (or anywhere else), Harlem offers affordable prices and plenty of activities to make it an excellent base from which to explore Manhattan.
Harlem is safe for tourists to stay in, regardless of whether they are staying in a hotel or an apartment rental. Prioritise West Harlem or Central Harlem when booking accommodation.
Which Part of Harlem has The Highest Safety Rating?
Current crime data shows that Central Harlem is the most safe area of Harlem. Although West Harlem is considered safe, there has been an increase in property crime.
A general rule of thumb is those areas close to public housing are more dangerous than those populated with privately owned homes. Harlem is more dangerous the further you travel towards the East River.
Is West Harlem a Safe Spot to Visit?
West Harlem is more secure than many other Manhattan neighbourhoods, such as the Lower East Side or Midtown. West Harlem is a place where crime can occur, especially violent crime.
Is Central Harlem a Safe Place to Visit?
The safest area of Harlem at the moment is Central Harlem. The crime rate in the area is lower than in East Harlem and West Harlem. However, many residents have lived there for decades and are opposed to gentrification.
Many people see tourism as an extension of gentrification. Central Harlem can feel unsafe. By being friendly and accommodating to locals, tourists can reduce tension between them and their neighbours.
Tourists who disregard the culture of their native people will be treated harshly by locals.