125th Street station (IRT Lenox Avenue Line) in New York

125th Street is a bustling hub in New York City that serves as a gateway to Harlem. This street has been a historic neighborhood of black culture since the 1920s and was home to the Harlem Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual growth in the African American community. There are several landmarks worth exploring on 125th Street. The Apollo Theater, located on 125th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, is one of the most significant. It has hosted some of the most iconic performers in history, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and James Brown. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about its history, watch a performance, or visit the Apollo’s walk of fame located outside it.

Another attraction on 125th Street is the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, located at the corner of 135th Street and Lenox Avenue. This library and cultural center is home to a vast collection of literature, art, and historical artifacts that celebrate the legacy of black culture in America. For shopping and dining, 125th Street is famous for its wide variety of stores and restaurants. For souvenir shopping, you can find stores like the Harlem Haberdashery or buy African-inspired clothing at the Africa Center store. For food, Sylvia’s Restaurant is a must-visit stop where visitors can indulge in Southern cuisine like fried chicken, collard greens and sweet potato pie. Additionally, 125th Street is well connected to the rest of the city with various subway stations and buses that run across it, making it easy for tourists to explore other areas of New York.