Soul of Harlem: Harlem History, Music & Gospel Experience

4.8
(95 reviews)
New York, USA

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Discover Harlem, one of New York City’s most culturally significant neighborhoods, through its music, history, and people.

Walk the streets where Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and other Harlem Renaissance legends helped put American music on the world stage. Stop outside the Apollo Theater, the legendary Harlem landmark where generations of artists have performed and where Harlem’s musical legacy continues today.

Learn how Harlem evolved over the years through changing communities, cultural movements, and historic events. Discover the stories behind Harlem’s churches, theaters, homes, restaurants, and the people who shaped this iconic neighborhood.

Join us uptown for a memorable Harlem walking tour filled with history, culture, and local stories.

Sunday Gospel Experience Option: On Sundays, enjoy a shorter Harlem history walking tour through another area of the neighborhood, followed by an authentic gospel experience at a local Baptist church connected to the community.

What's Included

Explore historic sites, churches, theaters, and neighborhood landmarks.
Sundays only: Separate Gospel tour itinerary with priority access to an authentic gospel service.
Learn how Harlem has evolved through changing communities, cultural movements, and historic events.
Discover the Harlem Renaissance and the people who shaped American culture.
Guided walking tour through Harlem’s history, culture, and landmarks.
Local guide sharing stories of Harlem’s music, artists, activists, and communities.
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.
End point
This activity ends in a different location. You can choose from multiple locations at checkout.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Pass by)

    Tuesday–Saturday only: Start your exploration at one of New York Public Library's renowned research libraries, which serves as a cultural institution for the exhibition and preservation of African-American experience. Experience periodic exhibitions dedicated to The Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era, & The Black Lives Matter Movement.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1
    Abyssinian Baptist Church

    Tuesday–Saturday only: Established over 220 years in New York City, and in Harlem since 1902, it is one of the oldest Baptist churches in the United States.

    30 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Strivers' Row

    Tuesday–Saturday only — Harlem History Tour stop: Walk in this historic district of beautiful row houses with alleyways, rear shared and courtyards built in the 1890's. Home to the likes of tap dancer and actor Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, heavyweight boxer Harry "BLACK PANTHER" Willis, Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. & William Marion Cook - 1st Black Broadway Musical composer.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Tuesday–Saturday only: Located on Harlem's original Swing Street, owner and Harlem jazz icon Bill Saxton performs with the best in the business, including American jazz and swing singer Billie Holiday.

    Admission ticket free
  • Apollo Theater (Pass by)

    Tuesday–Saturday: End point. Sunday: Meeting point: "WHERE STARS ARE BORN & LEGENDS ARE MADE." Celebrating 90 years this year with concerts by USHER, Smokey Robinson, Mary J. Beige, Baby face, Just to name a few!

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Tuesday–Saturday only: See Sylvia’s, the legendary Harlem restaurant and longtime gathering place, and learn about its important place in Harlem’s culinary and cultural history.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Sunday only: See the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Building, a landmark of Harlem’s political and community history named for the influential Harlem congressman.

    Admission ticket free
  • The Studio Museum in Harlem (Pass by)

    Sunday only: See this important Harlem cultural institution dedicated to artists of African descent.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Sunday only: See this historic Harlem mosque and learn about its connection to Harlem's African-American Muslim community.

    Admission ticket free
  • Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market (Pass by)

    Sunday only: Explore this Harlem cultural and community landmark.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Memorial Baptist Church

    Sunday only: Continue to the historic church for the Gospel Experience.

    1 hour Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by New York City By Foot
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Tags

Private and Luxury
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Excellent Quality
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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Rating

4.8 Based on 95 95 reviews
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