• First Spanish United Methodist Church - The meeting place features four outdoor murals, which are admired and discussed by visitors. The church, affectionately known as “The People’s Church,” is renowned for its connection with the Young Lords, a social justice and community empowerment group active in Spanish Harlem from 1969 to 1976. Their impactful legacy continues to resonate in the neighborhood. Note that the tour does not include entering the church.
• Amor Cubano - This stop includes viewing one mural on the exterior and another inside the restaurant. It is conveniently located just one block east of the starting point.
• East Harlem - The tour covers an 8-block walk from north to south, weaving between Lexington and Third Avenues, which are only a block apart. The short distance is due to the area’s abundance of public art. Approximately two dozen murals and mosaics are viewed, all while remaining just north of the Upper East Side and a mere three blocks from Central Park. The mosaics are the work of the talented artist Manny Vega, who was recently honored with a year-long exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York.
• Sts. George & Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church - A brief discussion is held about the presence of a large Greek Orthodox Church in a neighborhood not traditionally associated with Greek heritage. The main attraction here is the final mural on the route, where the tour concludes. Conveniently, the East 103rd St. stop on the #6 subway train is located next to the church, providing easy access to the next destination.

• Admission fees

The street art in Spanish Harlem, also known as East Harlem or El Barrio, offers deep insights into the history, culture, and politics of this often-overlooked NYC neighborhood and its residents. The vibrant murals and mosaics pay tribute to notable figures from Spanish Harlem, such as writers Julia de Burgos and Nicholasa Mohr, as well as globally renowned personalities like Celia Cruz and Che Guevara. Many artworks celebrate the neighborhood’s rich Latin culture and bring the stunning landscapes of the tropical islands, which many community members left behind, to the streets. Visitors to Spanish Harlem are consistently captivated by the street art. One visitor remarked: “The Spanish Harlem tour with Leigh was an excellent use of 2 hours. The tour was filled with information and cultural and neighborhood significance. Leigh is an outstanding guide. I’ve participated in many walking tours, and this ranks among the best. A must-see if you’re visiting New York.”

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.