East Harlem
Just a few blocks north of the Upper East Side, East Harlem trades formality and chain stores for community gardens, local businesses, and bustling street life.
East Harlem has a wealth of mom-and-pop shops, a lively art scene, and is home to East River Plaza shopping mall known for its big-box stores, including Costco.
The Mood
From street to street, East Harlem changes a lot. Expect to find tranquil and leafy gardens like Harlem Art Park next to hectic blocks dotted with food carts.
Heart of the Neighborhood
You can go any direction from the corner of E. 116th Street and Lexington Avenue and find what makes East Harlem great: lively street scenes, diverse restaurants, and leafy residential blocks.
Neighborhood Quirk
East Harlem has more street murals than any other NYC neighborhood.
Best Perk
Expect to find an exciting mix of dining options for every price range.
Biggest Downside
East Harlem is still waiting for the Second Avenue Subway expansion.
The Mood
From street to street, East Harlem changes a lot. Expect to find tranquil and leafy gardens like Harlem Art Park next to hectic blocks dotted with food carts.
Heart of the Neighborhood
You can go any direction from the corner of E. 116th Street and Lexington Avenue and find what makes East Harlem great: lively street scenes, diverse restaurants, and leafy residential blocks.
Neighborhood Quirk
East Harlem has more street murals than any other NYC neighborhood.
Best Perk
Expect to find an exciting mix of dining options for every price range.
Biggest Downside
East Harlem is still waiting for the Second Avenue Subway expansion.
East Harlem is one of the least expensive neighborhoods in Manhattan. However, the area has become a hot spot for new development, which has slowly increased property values.
From the ballfields of Thomas Jefferson Park to the numerous community gardens, East Harlem has many well-used and well-loved public spaces.
Many buildings and gardens feature colorful street art, which runs from bold political statements to flights of whimsy.
With nearly 28 red-brick houses, Astor Row on E. 130th Street is one of the prettiest blocks in the city and features East Harlem's oldest housing stock.
The Africa Center is one of East Harlem's many cultural institutes, which also include El Museo del Barrio and the National Black Theater.
Restaurants in East Harlem run the gamut from soul-food spots and small taco shops to VIP dining and cocktail bars.
Cuchifritos
Latin American, Puerto Rican, Comfort FoodSome of the best Puerto Rican comfort food in the city, served without pretension.
Patsy's Pizzeria
Pizza, ItalianThis slice joint is one of the oldest coal-oven pizzerias in the city.