Ultimate NYC Hip Hop Itinerary
Hip hop is a New York City-born and bred art form. To understand hip hop is to better understand New York City and its people. Travellers come from far and wide to simply touch the stones at the birthplace of hip hop, 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. Some equate the experience to touching the pyramids in Egypt. From 1520 Sedgwick Avenue the art form became a global sensation. It’s for this reason that one of the best things to do in New York City is dedicate a day to hip hop. Here is our ultimate NYC itinerary, hip hop edition!
Breakfast – Harlem Biscuit Company
The Harlem Biscuit Company became somewhat of an overnight sensation during the pandemic. Chef Melvin “Boots” Johnson was laid off from his job, and he needed to do something to stay afloat. He creatively opened up a restaurant dedicated to biscuits, operating out of a bar which was closed during the day. Word got out about these biscuits and now it’s a bustling Harlem favorite and the perfect way to start your day!
HUSH Hip Hop Tour
Did you know NYC has a tour company dedicated to exploring the four major tenets of hip hop? Hush Tours explores DJ-ing, MC-ing, breaking (also known as “break dancing”), and graffiti, throughout NYC. They offer a wide variety of tours that will appeal to everyone, even those who don’t like rap or hip hop! The tours are immersive and you may find yourself in a graffiti workshop or breakdancing on a basketball court!
Your guides are actively involved in the hip hop world, be they producers, musicians, dancers, or artists, and will be able to share personal stories and really make hip hop culture come to life.
For this Ultimate NYC Itinerary: Hip Hop edition, we recommend the three and a half hour Birthplace of Hip Hop Tour – Harlem & The Bronx. You will visit the birthplace of hip hop (1529 Sedgwick Avenue), the graffiti hall of fame, several sites where famous hip hop music videos were made, and on our tour we had a breakdancing lesson!
Lunch at Red Rooster
One of Harlem’s most celebrated chef’s is Marcus Samuelsson. He’s made many appearances on the Food Network, and makes incredible soul food. A trip to his Harlem Red Rooster is an absolute must. Locals agree that Red Rooster is one of the best restaurants in Harlem.
Afternoon On a Times Square Billboard
After lunch, take a moment to return to your hotel to rest your feet and freshen up. In the evening you’re going to see a Broadway show, and before you head to the show, give yourself the ultimate hip hop star treatment by appearing on a TImes Square billboard! What’s the cost of appearing on a Times Square billboard? Absolutely anyone can do it for as low as $150! (Use the Times Square billboard discount code Megan10 for 10% off!) For $150 you will appear once an hour for 24 hours, which means you’ll get multiple chances to see your photo or video on a Times Square billboard. There is even a live feed so your friends at home can watch your star turn!
Broadway Show Hell’s Kitchen
Seeing a Broadway show is a NYC must-do. Which Broadway show has hip hop in it? There are actually a few current hip hop Broadway shows. Hamilton, for example, incorporates many hip hop elements. For this itinerary we recommend seeing Hell’s Kitchen, the Alicia Keys musical, which incorporates current songs with elements of hip hop. You will leave the show singing “Empire State of Mind,” the perfect song for New York City. Oh, and you’ll be able to easily swing back into Times Square to see your photo on our Welcome to Times Square billboard again!
Pizza Dinner
It can be a challenge to find restaurants that open late in Times Square. While this may not be directly related to hip hop, every ultimate NYC itinerary needs to have pizza. Head to John’s of Times Square, which is open until 11:30 pm. This family-friendly restaurant serves up giant tasty pies, perfect for topping off your night.