Five spots in NYC where you can immerse yourself into Spanish and Latin American culture and language

Here are five spots in NYC where you can immerse yourself into Spanish and Latin American culture and language.

1. Repertorio Español

Founded in 1968 by Gilberto Zaldívar and René Buch, Repertorio Español is a charming Off-Broadway theater that features plays written by Spanish, Latin American, and Hispanic-American playwrights (in Spanish, of course). For the advanced student only, as there are no subtitles available!

Repertorio Español, 138 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016

2. Nuyorrican Poets Cafe

Miguel Algarín, Miguel Piñero, Bimbo Rivas and Lucky Cienfuegos founded this non-profit organization in 1973. Their goal was to support and promote Spanish-language literature and poetry. The organization bought its current building in Alphabet City in the 1980s, where they still host poetry, music, and theater performances, both in English and in Spanish.

Nuyorican Poets Cafe, 236 E 3rd St, New York, NY 10009

3. La Nacional – Spanish Benevolent Society

A neighborhood called “Little Spain” once existed in Manhattan during the early 20th century, on 14th Street, between Seventh and Eight Avenue. La Nacional, a Spanish-American Society established in 1868, is one of the few surviving landmarks in this neighborhood. Hosting exhibitions, flamenco-dancing, and wine-tasting events, the society also operates a restaurant where patrons can taste traditional tapas and made-to-order paella.

La Nacional, 239 W 14th St, New York, NY 10011

4. Museo del Barrio

Dedicated to Puerto Rican, Caribbean and Latin American Art, this historic museum in East Harlem features a collection of over 8,000 pieces, and also sponsors numerous educational programs, festivals and events of different nature.

Museo del Barrio, 1230 5th Ave, New York, NY 10029

5. La Casa Azul Bookstore

In addition to their fantastic book catalog, this charming little library in East Harlem constantly hosts lectures, photography exhibits and painting classes, both in their downstairs space and in their beautiful backyard, which is absolutely worth a visit in the summertime.

La Casa Azul Bookstore, 143 E 103rd St, New York, NY 10029