East Harlem

Get to Know East Harlem

While Harlem has long been a heart of the city’s, and the country’s, African-American population, East Harlem has played a similar role for the Latino, and specifically Puerto Rican, community. Sitting north of 110th Street and east of Fifth Avenue, “El Barrio” fills the northeast corner of Manhattan. The area was known as Italian Harlem before demographic changes around the time of World War I led to it becoming a center of Puerto Rican life and receiving the somewhat-misleading nickname Spanish Harlem. Puerto Rican culture still dominates much of life in East Harlem, with El Museo del Barrio being one of the city’s leading institutions focused on Hispanic art and culture. Alongside its Puerto Rican roots, however, the neighborhood has become increasingly diverse, attracting new residents drawn by affordable apartments in a quiet area that sits conveniently near the cultural and culinary riches of the Upper East Side.

Large scale new developments in East Harlem offer a wide variety of luxury living options in the neighborhood. Notable standouts include One Museum Mile at 1280 Fifth Avenue, overlooking the Harlem Meer in Central Park, 1399 Park, a modern, new development at 104th Street and Fifth on the Park at 1485 Fifth Avenue which overlooks Marcus Garvey Park. The neighborhood has also seen the addition of a slew of boutique condominiums and rentals filling up the neighboods previously empty lots. There are plenty of historic brownstones and churches in the neighborhood. The Church of St. Paul is a landmarked Roman Catholic parish located on 117th Street. The Astor Row townhouses on 130th Street, also landmarked, are notable for having front yards giving it a suburban vibe.

Raos and Patsy’s pizza are perhaps the most famous dining institutions in the neighborood both having thrived for over 100 years! Newcomers to the gastronomic scene offer some high quality inventive fare in casual surroundings, yet in general the cuisine of East Harlem tends to be more casual with delicious Mexican and Italian options. While walking off your meal you may notice the neighborhood has many vibrant murals on the side of buildings. One artist in general who is interesting to seek out is @funqest. Originally from Japan, this prolific mural artist is based in NYC and is known for wearing a large red mask so no one knows what he looks like.

East Harlem Neighborhood FAQ

East Harlem — also known as El Barrio or Spanish Harlem — is a culturally vibrant section of Manhattan with a strong identity rooted in art, food, music, and community. Below are answers to common questions people ask when learning about this distinctive New York City neighborhood.

1. What is El Barrio, and why is East Harlem called that?

East Harlem is often called El Barrio (Spanish for “the neighborhood”) because of its long history as a cultural center for Puerto Rican and Latin American communities, reflected in its music, art, food, and festivals. 

2. What cultural institutions are notable in East Harlem?

The neighborhood is home to El Museo del Barrio, a museum dedicated to Latin American and Caribbean art and culture. There are also vibrant street art spots like the Graffiti Hall of Fame, celebrating local and international muralists.

3. What local markets or food destinations define East Harlem?

La Marqueta is a historic marketplace under the Metro‑North tracks where vendors sell fresh produce, Latin foods, and handmade goods — a lively place to experience local flavor.

4. Is there notable public art or murals in the neighborhood?

Yes — East Harlem has one of the richest street‑art scenes in NYC, with iconic works like The Spirit of East Harlem mural and pieces throughout the community reflecting Latin American heritage and local stories.

5. What parks and outdoor spaces can residents enjoy?

Thomas Jefferson Park offers recreation facilities, including sports courts, playgrounds, green space, and a pool. Its amenities support outdoor activities and community events.

6. What kinds of dining experiences are unique to East Harlem?

East Harlem’s dining scene celebrates its Caribbean and Latin roots with Puerto Rican staples like mofongo and pernil, as well as Mexican, Dominican, and other Latin‑inspired cuisine alongside longtime Italian eateries.

7. What large shopping destination is in East Harlem?

The East River Plaza is a major local retail hub with stores like Target, Costco, Burlington, and fitness options, providing convenient everyday shopping without leaving the neighborhood. 

8. Where can you see iconic street art in East Harlem?

The Graffiti Hall of Fame, located inside the Jackie Robinson Educational Complex, showcases ever‑evolving murals by world‑class graffiti artists — a must‑visit for art lovers. 

9. What bridges or urban features connect East Harlem to the waterfront?

East Harlem borders the East River, and scenic paths like sections of the East River Esplanade offer jogging and bike routes with waterfront views connecting to the broader Manhattan shoreline. 

10. Does East Harlem host any traditional cultural festivals?

The neighborhood’s cultural calendar includes longstanding traditions such as the Giglio Feast, a historic Italian‑American celebration that draws crowds and honors community heritage each summer.