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Harlem Tour: Dive into Jazz and Gospel Culture
4.3
24 Ratings
New York
Discover Harlem’s soul with a walking tour, ending in a live gospel service. Experience history, culture, and music in NYC’s legendary neighborhood.
Discover Harlem’s soul with a walking tour, ending in a live gospel service. Experience history, culture, and music in NYC’s legendary neighborhood.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Harlem - The tour kicks off with a stroll through Harlem, a lively neighborhood known for producing some of the most iconic jazz and blues musicians. Visitors will admire vibrant murals that narrate the area’s rich history and culture, while hearing stories of musical legends and infamous figures who have shaped this unique part of New York. The…
- Harlem - The tour kicks off with a stroll through Harlem, a lively neighborhood known for producing some of the most iconic jazz and blues musicians. Visitors will admire vibrant murals that narrate the area’s rich history and culture, while hearing stories of musical legends and infamous figures who have shaped this unique part of New York. The energy of Harlem is palpable as you explore this neighborhood, which was central to the Black Renaissance. A visit to the legendary Apollo Theater will further immerse you in Harlem’s illustrious history, where legends like Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown, and Billie Holiday once performed. This historic venue stands as a testament to the lasting impact of Black artists on American music and culture.
- Harlem - Coffee Break: A pause at one of Harlem’s beloved cafés offers a chance to relax, enjoy a warm beverage, and absorb the authentic atmosphere of the area, surrounded by local architecture and residents.
- Harlem - Gospel Service: After soaking in Harlem’s essence, attendees will experience the power of gospel music at a traditional Sunday service. This event allows you to feel the passion and energy of the gospel choir as their voices fill the church with uplifting melodies, rich in spirituality and engagement. Prepare to be captivated by the rhythm and joy of this extraordinary experience.
What's Included
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Local Guide (English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Portuguese)
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Local Guide (English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Portuguese)
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Metro/Subway fares
- Food and beverage
- Gratuities
- Metro/Subway fares
- Food and beverage
Additional Information
What distinguishes this tour is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the essence of Harlem and experience it as a true insider. This is more than just a tour; it’s a walking journey through the soul of one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods. Discover the genuine side of Harlem, the birthplace of jazz, blues, and Black music—a community rich…
What distinguishes this tour is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the essence of Harlem and experience it as a true insider. This is more than just a tour; it’s a walking journey through the soul of one of New York City’s most iconic neighborhoods. Discover the genuine side of Harlem, the birthplace of jazz, blues, and Black music—a community rich with history, culture, and vibrant traditions. Stroll the streets where musical legends and infamous figures once left their mark, and uncover stories that have influenced both Harlem and American culture.
The tour concludes with an unforgettable experience—a live gospel service. Feel the electrifying energy of Harlem’s gospel scene and witness firsthand the passion and rhythm that continue to resonate throughout the community. It’s an experience that will leave you with a deeper connection to Harlem and memories that will last a lifetime. Book now to join a walking tour that transcends sightseeing, inviting you to feel the true heartbeat of Harlem!
- The tour is a walking experience with metro transfers between locations (metro fare not included)
Location
Barking Dog Hell’s Kitchen
West 49th Street
Meeting point outside the cafe.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.3
(24 Ratings)
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Fabasnet
Nov 7, 2025
Absolutely recommended! - My partner and I spent an unforgettable morning (New York: Harlem Tour and Sunday Gospel Mass) with a small group of other tourists, and our guide Jacopo. A boy who demonstrates passion in his work and extreme kindness. All the stops in Harlem were very interesting, including the gospel mass.
Definitely recommended and, given the quality of the staff, I would also say all their other tours.
Thanks again Jacopo! F&S
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Victorborelly
Sep 28, 2025
Discover Harlem with Valerie - An unforgettable Harlem tour thanks to Valerie! Welcoming, passionate and captivating, it has made us live a unique moment between gospel, frescoes and local discoveries. An enriching experience that I highly recommend to anyone who wishes to discover Harlem differently. Many thanks to Valerie for this beautiful moment!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
456marcelop
Sep 24, 2025
Excellent tour with great guide. - Excellent walk. Our guide, whose name I believe is written Demoney, was very good and very familiar with Harlem and its stories. We also indicated a very good restaurant at the end of the tour.
He used a microphone and a small speaker, which made all the difference for understanding the ride.
The church has its audience mostly for tourists on schedule, which takes a bit of the naturalness of worship.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elenaaw9409ga
Sep 9, 2025
Gospel Mass and Harlem Tour - Beautiful experience to attend a Gospel Mass. Engaging and exciting. Very prepared and very nice guide of Careri Intertaiment.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cmcc243h
Aug 25, 2025
Great day out ! - We had a great experience in Harlem and at the church service. Alex or guide was both extremely knowledgeable and entertaining throughout the day and we’d thoroughly recommend this trip to anyone visiting New York.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anonymous
Jul 7, 2025
A very interesting tour - The church iis warm and friendly
Alex knows a lot about Harlem, history and everything
A small group made it better
Review provided by Viator
Francotm2243dc
May 30, 2025
Guide prepared - The Harlem tour with the gospel mass was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip to New York. The guide was prepared, passionate and told us enthusiastically about the history and culture of this neighborhood rich in tradition. The most exciting moment was certainly the participation in the gospel mass. The church welcomed us warmly and the music literally overwhelmed us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catherinesa3890ew
Sep 2, 2025
Gospel + visit to the district of Harlem - Valerie our guide was very close to her group by being very available and listening to everyone - we were lucky to be with her because our initial guide had not spotted my name despite the fact that I introduced myself to him - Valerie took care of us in addition to her group - we were therefore 14 and not 10 - she was very helpful and accepted us with pleasure - besides she was very effective with regard to her explanations giving maximum details about Harlem - The Gospel disoriented us a little because very modern not resembling what we knew but same warmth and involvement - the preaching was very politicized what we can understand about the current situation of the US
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fabiennepm3184le
Jun 9, 2025
Too expensive - The guide did not explain in a captivating way. For example we went back into the church and waited 15 minutes when he could have given explanations. Mass was very long, 1:30. Moreover, he stopped at places to talk but where there was the most noise! So hard to listen to. Short disappointed for the price. It is very rare that I regret a guided tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Monice_j
Aug 25, 2025
Worst Tour EVER!!! - This so-called Harlem gospel tour was one of the worst travel experiences of my life. The “tour” amounted to maybe a five block walk around the Apollo Theatre, Lennox Avenue and the Pilgrim Church. While in the church the 90+ decibels alarm on my Apple Watch went off approximately 7 to 10 times during the 20 minutes or so that we stayed in the church service. I finally decided to leave when my ears began to ache. It was not praise and worship, it was screaming to the top of their lungs into a microphone. I felt like I was in a theatrical production, where the black people of faith were performing for all the white people in the audience. I don’t know if this is how this church makes their money but believe me I did not get a sense of any type of spirituality while I was sitting there having my ear drums blasted to kingdom come!
The tour guide Alex left a hell of a lot to be desired. He “white-washed” history similarly to how the current administration is trying to erase parts of Black History. I winced multiple times when he tried to explain how “C-A-S-E-E-U-S” Clay, this is the way he pronounced Muhammad Ali’s former name and the “revolutionary Nation of Islam” were rebellious against the status quo. I absolutely CANNOT stand when an unlearned white man tries to explain the lynching of Black Male GIs at the hands of angry white mob as if they were just having a disagreement. WTH!!! I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS TOUR FOR ANYBODY! It was a fricking money grab! The best part of my day was when we left the tour and grabbed lunch at Red Rooster before the after church and tourist crowd arrived. Save your coins and your precious personal time as we cannot get the almost three hours that we devoted to this event back.
Review provided by Viator
