Is Harlem safe for (white) tourist?

You'll be fine, I work in Harlem and see tourists everyday, especially on Sunday. Do your sight-seeing during the daytime and don't be naive. Most of the people on the street are good people, and if you stopped and asked questions, they'd be happy to help you. Don't get me wrong, there is crime, just not as sensational as the news might make you believe, and there is a pretty decent police presence there. Just be aware of your surroundings and don't look like some scared mark, but this is true regardless of where you go in NYC.

My friend, Harlem is very safe. The area has cleaned up in the last 10 to 15 year and its not as dangerous as it used to be. The area is very well known for being the birth place of the "Harlem Renaissance," which was an era in the 1920s and 30s when artists and intellectuals found new ways to explore the historical experiences of black America and the contemporary experiences of African-American life in the urban North. I hope this information is very helpful. Good luck Native New Yorker

My friend, you will be fine. I been the Harlem many times and I never had any problems while there. The area gets plenty of tourist, especially on the weekends. Just make sure you have comfortable shoes, because you're going to be doing a lot of walking.

Good luck and enjoy

It's fine. Go during the day, memorize your walking route beforehand so you're not publicly consulting maps, don't flaunt anything valuable (including super-nice cameras -- a small, crappy digital is not going to attract much attention), and don't engage any "new friends" who try to get overly friendly on the street.

Harlem isn't so bad anymore, it's being gentrified, and property values are increasing at a fairly steady rate; there are also lots of tourists in the area. (The Apollo is a popular tourist destination.)

Take pictures if you want (the historic district is really nice) but definitely keep the map in your pocket.