East Harlem Commerce & Culture
Keith Haring’s work is far from the only mural found in East Harlem. It’s not uncommon to see outdoor surfaces done up in technicolor, from walls to storefronts to entire sides of buildings that span several stories up. And out of doors isn’t the only place to encounter art: El Museo del Barrio, the Museum of the City of New York, and the Africa Center form the upper reaches of Fifth Avenue’s Museum Mile, showcasing various stellar works plus exhibits and events dedicated to cultural history. While Central Park is the most expansive, other areas populate East Harlem with greenery for the physically active and the terminally relaxed, such as the waterside Thomas Jefferson and Harlem River parks and the inland oasis Marcus Garvey Park. Dining options in East Harlem include a few staples with city-wide clout, but great bites await around every corner at lesser-known, homegrown standouts.