Things to do in Harlem, NYC: The Harlem Meer

Tour Harlem, New York, one walk at a time.

Harlem is one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Known historically for its jazz scene and eclectic mix of cultures, Harlem welcomes both tourists and locals with enthusiasm. There’s a plethora of things to do in Harlem when you visit the city, including getting those steps in. Harlem provides ample places to walk, one of the best being a Central Park hidden gem, the Harlem Meer. 

The last stop in Central Park as you head northeast is the Harlem Meer, located between East 106th and 110th Streets. The name “Meer,” Dutch for “small sea,” hints at the water’s intimate charm. The name derives from the old Dutch village of Harlem, from which the pond was once a part.

You’ll find yourself wandering around a quaint body of water surrounded by luscious vegetation, turtles getting a tan, and true peace and quiet. It’s one of those discoveries that makes you pause and wonder how such a peaceful place exists in the middle of Manhattan. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by crowds, the Harlem Meer offers a respite from the bustle. You can feel how the space has been loved by its visitors rather than worn down.

In addition to taking a quiet stroll, the Harlem Meer offers ample picnic spots around its perimeter, featuring boulders to climb and benches to rest on along the way. The Meer is a prominent family spot, with catch-and-release fishing prohibited, and the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, run by the Central Park Conservancy, nearby.

This section of Central Park is one of the most diverse, with the Harlem Meer located directly above the sophisticated Conservatory Garden, both of which are situated just east of the North Woods, a popular walking spot that offers serene woodland trails and wildlife galore.

This is just one of the many things to see in Harlem, but definitely one of the best. Go explore while the weather’s still nice and the flowers are in bloom!