The Next Harlem Renaissance
Nearly a century after Langston Hughes and Billie Holiday turned Manhattan’s cultural landscape upside down, Harlem is again seeing rebirth.
“You can smell the creative edge in the air,” says Helena Greene, whose Swing boutique sells European fashions alongside locally crafted jewelry and art.
Rather than obscure the neighborhood’s history, newcomers appear dedicated to reviving its past.
A few blocks from the famed Apollo Theater—the stage that launched Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown—MIST Harlem pulses with film and live performances, ranging from jazz and comedy to documentaries set on the streets of New York.
Throwback hangouts offer 21st-century interpretations of basement clubs and soda shops, such as the vinyl-and-tile Harlem Shake burger spot and 67 Orange Street, inspired by an 1840s dance hall that was one of the city’s first black-owned bars.
Harlem’s premier beer garden, Bier International, serves Sugar Hill golden ale, a riff on an old recipe brewed here during the Harlem Renaissance.
With new condos rising, some locals fear the loss of the neighborhood’s “heart and soul,” Greene says—but for now, its heritage is proving strong.
Insider’s Tip: Skip the bus tours and instead take the number 2 or 3 subway line to the 125th Street station; then explore on foot.
This article, written by Jackie Caradonio, appeared in the November 2013 issue of National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- These 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animalsThese 'trash fish' are among Earth's most primitive animals
- These photos are works of art—and the artists are bugsThese photos are works of art—and the artists are bugs
- The epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfishThe epic migration of a 6-foot long, 200-pound catfish
- Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75Frans de Waal, biologist who studied animal emotion, dies at 75
Environment
- Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.Are synthetic diamonds really better for the planet? The answer isn't clear-cut.
- This year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning signThis year's cherry blossom peak bloom was a warning sign
- The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?The U.S. just announced an asbestos ban. What took so long?
- The most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater weldersThe most dangerous job? Inside the world of underwater welders
- The harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to surviveThe harrowing flight that wild whooping cranes make to survive
History & Culture
- Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’Meet the powerful yokai that inspired the demon king in ‘Demon Slayer’
- A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.A surprising must-wear for European monarchs? Weasels.
- Meet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural iconMeet the woman who made Polaroid into a cultural icon
- Inside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysicsInside the observatory that birthed modern astrophysics
Science
- LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?LED light treatments for skin are trendy—but do they actually work?
- NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.NASA smashed an asteroid. The debris could hit Mars.
- Humans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying themHumans really can have superpowers—scientists are studying them
- Why engineers are concerned about aging infrastructureWhy engineers are concerned about aging infrastructure
Travel
- Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada
- Paid Content
Play and stay in the mountains of eastern Nevada - This couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountainsThis couple quit the city to grow wasabi in Japan's mountains