Harlem Sunday Gospel: Authentic Local Worship Experience
4.3
36 Ratings
New York
Experience the authentic local worship of Harlem Sunday Gospel. Join a local church family for an hour of uplifting gospel music and spiritual connection.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Central Harlem - Visit a local Baptist church for an hour of worship service which includes inspirational gospel music. \n\nExperience the warm welcome of its church members, proud of its spiritual and social ministries, which have stood firm through decades of neighborhood changes.\n- Central Harlem - Experience Harlem’s historic 125th Street the main commercial/shopping corridor. Learn and see historic sites associated with its social and political movements contrasting with the new Harlem and changes that are taking place.\n\nHighlights:\n-The Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., State Office building, \n-Victoria and the Marriott Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel, first hotel to open (June 2023) in Harlem in over 50 years\n-Historic Alhambra Ballroom\n-Historic Hotel Theresa\n-Apollo Theater, Harlem’s most famous and world-renowned music and performance venue.
What's Included
- Tour led by a licensed guide and Harlem resident
What's Not Included
- Gratuities (optional, but appreciated)
- Contribution to the church’s offering plate. We suggest a minimum of $5 each
Additional Information
The oft-pictured spectacle of elegantly attired women in fabulous hats heading to Harlem for Sunday church services is a sight to behold. However, it’s not just about looks or spectacle, for the faithful of Harlem, church worship and the church congregation are fundamental aspects of life and provide weekly spiritual nourishment. The Sunday Gospel in Harlem welcomes you to participate in this tradition by respectfully attending a local church’s hour-long worship service, which includes gospel music.
It should be noted that the complete church service lasts for about an hour and a half or more. The tour group remains for just an hour and leaves before the sermon commences. Should you decide to sit through the full service, be sure to inform the tour guide during check-in. If you opt to stay for the entire service, understand that you will be on your own and will miss the walking tour.
In case this tour is fully booked, please contemplate the Wednesday Gospel Praise Music alternative.
- Small Backpacks allowed
- Recording devices and photographs are not allowed during church service
- Dress appropriately and conservatively for traditional Sunday service
- Late arrivals (more than 10 minutes) may not be allowed to join once group has left meeting point
- A contribution to the donation basket is welcomed and appreciated
- Masks are required
Location
350 W 125th St
West 125th Street
The meeting point is next to the subway entrance at 350 W 125th Street (Chase Bank), the southwest corner of St Nicholas Avenue and 125th Street/Martin Luther King.
Subway directions to the meeting point: Take the UPTOWN A, B, C, or D subway line to the 125th Street Station.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.3
(36 Ratings)
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Galileug
Jan 5, 2024
It was very interesting and informative - It was one of the best surprises of our trip to New York. The service was interesting, authentic and musical. Willian, our guide, knows a lot about Harlem, the architecture, the development of the neighborhood and its history. He is very didactic and loves to chat. He was very friendly and gave us interesting tips.
I can only recommend the tour, especially if you go with him.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Saoirsehb
Dec 21, 2023
‘Must do’ in NYC - Fantastic experience - Sunday gospel service was really lovely. Singing was great. Joyce, the tour guide was a Joy. Thank you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomas_b
Aug 15, 2023
Definitely recommended! - Great way to get an introduction into the neighborhood with Gospel, a walking tour and the chance to taste some great soul food afterwards closely, all in one morning without getting up too early!
Review provided by Viator
Chantal33160
Jun 19, 2023
Harlem Gospel to Saint Luke Baptiste Church - Il was a great experience! We série wellcoming on the communiste who share with us their hapiness to sing and to pray !
We were expexted by a great guide Doris who has been with us all day ! She introduced us to soul food, to a jazz performance in River Park! Il was a unforgetable experience !! Thanks a lot to her !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marthekl94
Apr 3, 2023
Goosebumps by gospel - This was absolutely an experience of a lifetime. Recommend it 100% when you visit NY as a turist.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Niamh
Mar 6, 2023
Wonderful introduction to Harlem - Our tour guide was very passionate and interesting, John Jay was his name . The church experience was beautiful also
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Auerhahn74
Feb 14, 2022
Authentic Gospel - Very authentic, very helpful guide.
We walked through Harlem for about thirty minutes before we reached the church shortly before the gospel began.On the way, our very friendly guide gave a lot of explanations. Attendance in the church was moderate, just about 25 people in attendance due to Covid.
The church was streamed online. We were all sitting at the back of the church. There were probably 20 of us.
The music was authentic but the quality was therefore not professional. You have to keep that in mind- these are normal people actually worshipping. This is not a concert. We all left the gospel service after about an hour as announced upfront. Then, we were asked to give a small donation to their community. We went back through Harlem and the guide continued to give explanations.
I can recommend it unless you want to hear first class music such as in Sister Act!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sally_f
Feb 19, 2020
Absolutely brilliant! - The whole trip was fabulous! Doris was great, really knowledgeable and chatty. We both enjoyed ourselves and appreciated being allowed into the church at worship.
Thankyou.
Review provided by Viator
123tesha123
Jan 11, 2020
Harlem Gospel tour - Good length. Loved the stories. Church service was an experience- amazing music! And we were given a bag lunch at the end! Would've liked a few more sites to be covered on this tour, but would recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maria1barone
Apr 14, 2024
Disappointed - Very disappointed in the tour, we were
Asked to go sit upstairs at the back not to disturb the service when leaving, to do the walk.
Felt disconnected from the service watching it on screens, we could have bought a video.
they comprised the hole experience, because we need to leave quietly.
The walk around Harlem should not be part of the tour. They need to let people connect with the music and service not put them upstairs to watch the service on screens one on each side.
Very disappointed think twice before booking this tour.
Review provided by Viator
