Did you know New York City is the most visited urban city in the United State by Black travelers? The sights, sounds, food, and culture bring hundreds of Black tourists to the city year after year.

City officials have been working hard to ensure there are events and experiences that truly celebrate the Black experience across the city.

“When developing the plan for our new, year-long content channel, The Black Experience in NYC, we challenged ourselves to define what makes the Black community in New York City so unique and fascinating,” newly appointed Senior Director of Multicultural Content Rondel Holder said. “Yes, the city is the birthplace of hip-hop and the Harlem Renaissance, but growing up and residing here, I know that we are so much more than that. Our true value is that we are the only city in the world that has the entire Black diaspora, a global Black experience in five boroughs—including Black people from the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, South America and the US— and countless affinity groups, vibrant neighborhoods and experiences that allow every Black person to find their tribe and express every layer and nuance of their Black expression. That is how NYC continues to make Black history every day.”

If you live in the city or have plans to visit soon, here’s how you can experience Black culture in New York City.

Black History and Culture Sites in NYC

With New York City housing one of the largest populations of Black residents in America, Black history and culture is seen throughout the city.

From the birthplace of hip-hop in the Bronx and the jazz era in Harlem, to Crown Heights in Brooklyn which honors the achievements of Shirley Chisholm.

Here are some of the Black history and culture sites you should check out.

Museums and Educational Centers

• Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute – Harlem
• Louis Armstrong House Museum – Corona
• The Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center – Washington Heights
• Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art – Fort Greene
• Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture – Harlem

Monuments and Landmarks

• African Burial Ground National Monument – Lower East Side
• Hunts Point Slave Burial Ground – Bronx

Theaters

• Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater – Harlem
• Apollo Theater – Harlem
• Black Spectrum Theatre – Jamaica

Black Owned Restaurants In NYC

Black culture and history also means traditional and modern fusion cuisine stemming from the diversity of cultures across the city. Black Owned Restaurants are being spotlighted for Black History Month by the city, and we wanted to highlight some of our favorites from their list.

• Juices for Life – East Tremont
• Fish ‘N Ting – Bronx
• Cuts and Slices – Brooklyn
• Peppa’s (Crown Heights) – Brooklyn
• Omar’s Kitchen and Rum Bar – Lower East Side
• Henrica’s Restaurant and Lounge – Rosedale

Exploring The Best of Black-Owned NYC

Exploring New York City can seem overwhelming with it being so much to do, see and eat. Here are a few curated guides, powered by “NYC & Company Black Culture and Experiences,” to help you navigate a weekend in the city.

• A Weekend Exploring Black-Owned Harlem
• A Weekend Exploring Black-Owned Bedford-Stuyvesant
• A Weekend Exploring Black-Owned Flatbush

Related: Best Brunch Spots In Harlem