February is Black History Month, NYC & Company Features Harlem as Part of the Neighbourhood X Neighbourhood Program

Harlem Locals Share Their Favourite Things to See and Do in a Documentary Spotlighting the Upper Manhattan Neighbourhood

Harlem, an ever-evolving and vibrant neighbourhood home of world-renowned restaurants, historic cultural institutions and unparalleled music venues and theaters, is a must-see for first-time or repeat visitors to New York City, especially in the lead up to Black History Month in February.

"We are pleased to continue Neighborhood x Neighborhood in 2015 and share insider guides to NYC's neighbourhoods. For nearly two years, the campaign has helped increase awareness of and encouraged exploration in dozens of neighbourhoods throughout the five boroughs," said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of NYC & Company. “Visitors want to experience the City like a local, and they now think beyond the typical attractions and sites when they plan their visits to New York City.”

“Harlem is bursting with culture, history and amazing cuisine,” said Marty Markowitz, NYC & Company's Vice President of borough promotion and engagement. “We encourage visitors and New Yorkers to experience the unparalleled liveliness and excitement of Harlem not only this month, but again for Black History Month, and throughout the rest of the year. Whether it is their first or tenth time in the neighbourhood, visitors can find something new and vibrant with each trip.”

Experience Harlem Like a Local

Easily accessible by the 1, 2, 3, A, B, C and D subway lines, Harlem is a must-visit destination in NYC. As part of the campaign, Harlem is highlighted in a documentary featuring six locals who share an insider's guide to Harlem with a focus on shops, restaurants, attractions and history that make Harlem distinct. The documentary and the following places, venues and more are recommended by neighbourhood insiders and featured on nycgo.com/nxn.

Cultural attractions: Apollo Theater is the legendary venue known for the famed Amateur Nights in addition to concerts and community outreach programs; Harlem Stage is a leading arts organisation home to a steady stream of programing including theatre, dance and a wide range of musical styles; Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture's collection has grown to include more than 5 million items reflecting the experiences of people of African descent; and The Studio Museum's collection is dedicated to artwork revolving around black culture.

Restaurants: The Cecil is New York City's first Afro-Asian-American brasserie; Lido is a beloved neighbourhood restaurant specialising in classic Northern Italian cuisine; Minton's celebrates its past as a jazz supper club serving Low Country cuisine and features live jazz music; Red Rooster pays homage to Harlem's past and focuses on American comfort food; Sylvia's Restaurant is a world-famous soul foodrestaurant founded in 1962; and Vinateria is a recently opened Harlem restaurant specialising in seasonal cuisine with influences from Italy and Spain.

Parks: Bordering Harlem, the northern section of Central Park is home to the Harlem Meer and the West 110th Street Playground; with more than 30-acres of parkland, Morningside Park is located from West 110th to West 123rd Streets between Manhattan Avenue, Morningside Avenue and Morningside Drive; and Riverside Park is a spectacular waterside park along the Hudson River.

Visitors can experience more of Harlem by spending the night at the Aloft Harlem. The hotel, opened in 2010, offers guests modern style in historic Harlem and amenities in the more than 120 loft-inspired guest rooms include luxurious beds, free WiFi and LCD TVs. Guests and visitors can also enjoy the hotel's W XYZ Bar, a lounge complete with a pool table, bar and snack menu, and live music.

For more information on New York City go to www.nycgo.com.

Neighborhood x Neighborhood: The Essential Guide to NYC

New York City is made up of five distinct boroughs: the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. Launched in March 2013, the Neighbourhood x Neighbourhood initiative spotlights the affordability and accessibility of these diverse communities, including areas that have seen new hotel development in recent years. The program has focused on the diversity of offerings in neighbourhoods in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island; encouraged exploration in areas beyond traditional tourist locations; and increased awareness globally of the featured neighbourhoods.

About NYC & Company:

NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information, visit nycgo.com.