Private Harlem Tour: Explore Authentic New York
4.1
14 Ratings
New York City
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Harlem on a private tour. Explore iconic landmarks, learn about the rich history, and indulge in delicious soul food.
Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Apollo Theater - Timing is flexible and you can start the tour any time you prefer.

This tour can be customized to make it a unique experience for you.
*Itinerary and schedule are subject to change.

10.00am Your private local guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and discuss the tour itinerary with you at the beginning of the tour.

10.30am Start your Harlem adventure in the place imbued with the spirit of music. Since early 1900s the iconic Apollo Theatre has heard sounds of jazz, soul and other genres of African-American music and has seen such legendary singers as Ella Fitzgerald and Stevie Wonder. Touch the legend here!

  • Strivers’ Row - 11.00am Feel an aesthetic pleasure looking at elegant houses of Strivers Row. Sophisticated and bright, these houses are one of the highlights of Harlem architecture which will surely make you desire to live here.
  • Harlem YMCA Health Club - 11.30am Then you will see Harlem YMCA founded in 1932. It was one of the first YMCA’s built for African-Americans which was a big accomplishment for Harlem community. Nowadays it provides a high-class service to make people’s lives better. Shepard Hall is one of the components of very influential and famous New York City College which is known not only for its scientific achievements but also by extremely beautiful Campus built in Gothic style. Shepard Hall is a jewel of Campus: it will surely amaze you by its beauty, elegance, a great combination of dark and light colors and sophisticated ornaments.
  • The Studio Museum in Harlem - 12.00pm The best place to explore African-American art is surely Harlem Studio Museum (optional). Over 2000 exhibits, trendy cultural events and a high concentration of different art objects and famous artists make this museum the heart of Harlem art.
  • Abyssinian Baptist Church - 12.30pm Feel the sacramental spirit of religious heart of Harlem. Taking its name after the old name of Ethiopia, Abyssinian Baptist Church is a religious center not only for Harlem but also for the whole African-American community. Get excited while visiting the Hamilton Grange - the house where one of the Founding Fathers of USA Alexander Hamilton lived. Listen to interesting historic facts and explore the interior of this house which was declared the National Historic Landmark.
  • Harlem - 1.00pm Do you agree that having a gastronomic experience is a must-do while exploring new places? Visit one of the most famous restaurants in Harlem
What's Included
  • Multiple start times available
  • Must-see attractions and off the beaten path
  • Flexible customizable itinerary
  • Private tour
  • Meeting in the hotel lobby
  • Expert advice on post-tour activities
  • Iconic locations for photos
  • Inclusive of all taxes
  • Friendly, local guide
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees (if any)
Additional Information

Immerse yourself in one of New York’s most genuine neighborhoods by spending 3 hours with your private tour guide. Explore major points of interest in Harlem, delving into its fascinating history and unique way of life through captivating tales and facts.

You will witness the iconic Apollo Theater, a landmark for African-American music, and the impressive Strivers Row with its stunning residences. Visit the Abyssinian Baptist Church, a fundamental institution in the African-American religious community, and the Harlem Studio Museum to delve into Harlem’s artistic history. You will also see the elegant Shephard Hall and a top-rated restaurant serving authentic Harlem soul food.

Dive into Harlem’s exclusive ambiance and gain insights into African-American culture. Conclude your tour at a local Harlem eatery.

  • Private walking tour with the use of metro
  • The tour can be modified to meet your preferences
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Location
Apollo Theater
253 W 125th St,
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.1
(14 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
Andrea_h
Oct 27, 2022
Get into the Harlem groove - Just walking around and finding out information about some key historical events in the US. My guide was extremely intelligent and knowledgeable. I learnt a lot also about the subway system and New York. I would have liked more historical focus on Black American history but when I asked about it my guide was able to tell me about it.
Review provided by Viator
Dj_s
Oct 26, 2022
My Hotel was in a Tourist... - My Hotel was in a Tourist hub. It was wonderful to actually get away from the hub to see how beautiful NYC is. My first ride on the Train. My favorite spots were Julliard and Histories of Harlem's development versus East Harlem.
Review provided by Viator
Jennifer_n
May 8, 2022
Vibrant, rich Harlem! - I really enjoyed learning more about Harlem from and its' incredible history, on all scores (historical, cultural, architectural), and John was a great tour host.
Review provided by Viator
Tatanisha_e
Dec 21, 2021
Harlem at it's best - Monia was our tour guide, and she was great!! Very informative and we got to see a lot of great sights.
Review provided by Viator
Marla_g
Sep 9, 2021
Amazing tour of Harlem - Monia Bonaldo was a fantastic tour guide! She had an encyclopedic knowledge of Harlem, the history, and the culture. She was delightful and personable and entertaining.
Review provided by Viator
M8748zbmarinao
Jun 24, 2021
Great! - Today, I have spent three marvelous hours visiting Harlem with Monia, enjoying the places I didn't know existed (after living in NY for seventeen years). Monia is not only a very pleasant person, she is a skillful guide who loaded me with interesting information. I can't help but recomment her as a guide if you happen to be in New York. In her company, you'll enjoy every minute of the tour as I did.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian82346
Jan 11, 2020
Haarlem Tour - Not much depth to the tour. Visited many sights, but not able to go inside many notable spots. Could not go past the lobby of the Apollo theater , for example. Overall enjoyed the time spent and the guide Chris.
Review provided by Viator
Rkaratsu
Jan 12, 2020
Private Harlem Tour - It seemed apparent from start that our (unnamed) guide was not particularly excited to be doing the tour. Didn’t introduce himself to us and at beginning of tour didn’t mention what we would be doing. Also, just setting up logistics for where and when to meet was never made very clear until the last minute. But Harlem was interesting and did get to visit Alexander Hamilton’s home (in his birthday no less so there were special programs going on all day. But then again, we didn’t know this until we got there...)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yvonne_m
Feb 22, 2024
“White” view of Harlem - Monia was our tour guide. If you are looking for a very bland, white perspective view of Harlem, she is the tour guide for you. She can explain the architecture and history-book views very well. If you are looking for an understanding of the black and brown perspective, she doesn’t have any understanding. Worse, she gave us inaccurate information. We were very disappointed in this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Alvina_b
Jun 21, 2022
Not enough African American Knowledge - Guide did not know intimate daily life of African American history in Harlem. He focused on architecture and churches.
Review provided by Viator
Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Today