Malcolm Shabazz Mosque — On West 116th Street at Malcolm X Boulevard in Harlem, under a green dome. Its history as the mosque where Malcolm X preached draws visitors; it is a working congregation first. (40.8014, -73.9489) · Directions ↗
Mimar Sinan Mosque — In Sunnyside, Queens, named after the great Ottoman architect and serving a largely Turkish congregation. Pair it with the Turkish bakeries and cafés nearby. (40.7466, -73.9187) · Directions ↗
The rest of the mosques in New York — every one we hold
Most New York mosques are small, working congregations — many are converted storefronts or houses — rather than monuments, and visitors of any faith are generally welcome outside prayer times if they ask at the door or office first. Friday midday prayer (jumu'ah) is the busiest hour of the week, so that is not the time to look around. Remove your shoes at the entrance; everyone should cover shoulders and knees, and women are usually asked to cover their hair, so carry a scarf. Larger centers may ask for ID or have a security desk.
Masjid Malcolm Shabazz's green dome above a Harlem corner. Illustration by NUM, made with AIThe Islamic Cultural Center of New York at 1711 Third Avenue and East 96th Street. Photo: Sousi4, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Visiting: what to know before you go
The Islamic Cultural Center
At 1711 Third Avenue between 96th and 97th Streets, it was the first purpose-built mosque in New York; the building is turned 29 degrees off the street grid to face Mecca (Wikipedia). The nearest subway is 96th Street on the 6 train.
When to go
Friday midday prayer fills the larger mosques; visit between prayers on other days and ask at the office or the door.
What to wear
Arms and legs covered, a headscarf for women, shoes off at the prayer hall.
Questions people ask
What are the best mosques to visit in New York?
The Islamic Cultural Center of New York on 96th Street is the largest and most architecturally notable; Malcolm Shabazz Mosque in Harlem is the most historically significant for many visitors.
Can non-Muslims visit mosques in New York?
Generally yes, outside prayer times and with modest dress. Ask at the office first, as smaller mosques may have no one to show you round.
How many mosques are there in New York?
NUM's directory maps 100 mosques and Islamic centers in and around the city, most of them in Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Masjid Al-Farooq — On Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, among the Yemeni and Middle Eastern shops of that stretch. A neighborhood mosque, busy at Friday prayer. (40.6847, -73.9795) · Directions ↗
Mimar Sinan Mosque — In Sunnyside, Queens, named after the great Ottoman architect and serving a largely Turkish congregation. Pair it with the Turkish bakeries and cafés nearby. (40.7466, -73.9187) · Directions ↗
