Vacation rentals in Harlem

Harlem is known for its vibrant history, famed jazz scene, impressive street art, world-famous food, and for being the epicenter of African-American culture in the USA. Harlem is a buzzing neighborhood set in Upper Manhattan, and it is positively bursting with culture, activities, and sights to see. Just one day is not enough to experience all of its unique offerings, you’ll need to spend at least 3 or 4 days here to get the full experience. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, an art lover, or a family traveling together, Harlem offers something memorable and life-enriching for all types of travelers.

There are endless vacation rentals to choose from throughout Harlem. Whether you’ll be traveling solo, as a couple, or with a group of friends or family, there are plenty of varying accommodations available. Stay in a cozy accommodation, complete with a fully equipped kitchen, high-speed WiFi, and air-conditioning. Larger accommodations are available for families and big groups. The majority of vacation rentals in this area feature a polished-urban style, with stylish furnishings and artistic decor. Pet-friendly accommodations are available for those traveling with pets.

If you’ll be flying into Harlem, the closest major airport is New York La Guardia (LGA) Airport, which is around 4.5 miles away. From the airport, you can either take the line 7 subway to Times Square and then take the line 2 subway directly to Harlem. Alternatively, you can take Uber, Lyft, or a taxi from the airport to any point in the city.

Harlem spans quite a large area and is much bigger than most travelers expect. If you’re a keen walker, you may be able to explore the entire neighborhood on foot over the course of a couple of days, but most people will need to use public transportation, bikes, or taxis to truly experience the entire place. If you just have a few points of interest in mind though, walking or renting bikes is a great option for getting around.

Harlem is an educational, cultural, and historical playground for families of all ages. You can partake in a variety of different historical walking tours of Harlem to learn about the general history of the neighborhood. Kids with families should be sure to stop by the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum. Here kids can explore the different art exhibits, a reading corner, story-time, and regularly scheduled events. Dine with the entire family at BLVD Bistro for some of the most fantastic, refined Southern food in the city. The food here is mouthwatering, with an array of Southern classics (the biscuits are divine).

With its diverse and fascinating history, Harlem is a history lover's dream destination. Go on a Harlem Renaissance walking tour to learn about the Harlem Renaissance period, which lasted from 1918 to 1932. During this period, many renowned artists, like Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, James Baldwin, and Langston Hughes, earned their fame. While you’re at it, visit the Hamilton Grange, which is the home of U.S. Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. Here you can learn about the history of Hamilton’s life and legacy at the historic center on the first floor and tour the rooms of the house. Don’t forget to explore the Mount Morris Park Historic District as well, which was once home to Doctor’s Row.

With the majority of its permanent residents being of African American and Latino descent, as well as many other ethnic groups, Harlem bursts with a rich culture and history. This melting pot of cultures and backgrounds gives Harlem a vibrant and distinctive flare. A food and culture tour takes you through some of the best restaurants and historic sites all throughout Harlem. You can try delicious West African cuisine, see incredible street art, sample African teas, and more.

Right in the heart of Harlem is Red Rooster. A popular restaurant serving up wildly creative and incredibly delicious comfort food. The owner and head chef, Marcus Samuelsson, was born in Ethiopia and raised in Sweden and gained his fame through Food Network appearances. His menu combines Ethiopian flavors with Swedish fare. Be sure to try the sweet potato donuts, they’re out of this world!

Harlem is known for its world-class jazz scene. While in Harlem, be sure to check out one of the many famous jazz clubs, like Minton’s, Bill’s Place, or Paris Blues for spectacular jazz performances. These are just a few of the endless jazz clubs in the neighborhood, but there are many more, and many bars and restaurants in the area feature live jazz in the evenings as well.

Clay is a trendy, top-rated restaurant is known for serving up seasonal, farm-fresh American cuisine made from local ingredients. The ambient interior of the restaurant is elegantly furnished and boasts an overall cozy atmosphere. Try creative dishes while you sip incredible cocktails.

Set on 125th St., the Apollo has served as a cultural icon in Harlem since its opening in 1914. It is mostly known for its Amateur Night, where people from all over the country perform in the hopes of becoming the next big star. Several well-known musicians, like Jim Hendrix, James Brown, and Lauryn Hill all performed here before they become famous.