Harlem African American History Tours: Explore NYC's Cultural Heart

Our 10,000-step journey will begin with a bird' s-eye view of 125th Street, Harlem's most popular street. The main themes we will discuss are the Harlem Renaissance and gentrification. We walk by and discuss these famous places: - The world's famous Apollo Theater - Sylvia's Soul Food Restaurant - The home of Langston Hughes - Astor's Row - Several iconic murals This tour is based on a book I have written, "You Are Here: A Geographic History of Enslaved and Free Africans in Manhattan from 1613 to 1865." I will use my tour guide experience (I have given over 700 tours) to make this a fun-filled tour. Best of all, you will have a Harlem experience—see the friendly culture, people, and places of Harlem. If you are behind schedule, please get in touch with me ASAP. I will have a 5-minute grace period. Afterward, I will proceed to our first stop—the Metro-North Railroad (above-ground train station) directly across the street from the Ginjan Cafe on Park Ave.

Considered the Mecca for African-Americans at the turn of the century, Central Harlem is home to Jazz, Lindy Hop and Swing, and continues today to be one of Harlem’s most vibrant for the arts, dining and shopping.

Experience gospel music in Harlem like never before - on a Saturday! The Harlem Gospel Series has brought the best gospel concert to Harlem's doorstep, and it's definitely the top ticket in town. Get ready to be transported by the incredible music and join us in Harlem this Saturday -:) Harlem is a hub of history, especially when it comes to gospel music. Many legendary artists and entertainers once called Harlem home, and their legacy continues to live on through the music they helped create. Today, this music has become an integral part of American pop culture, and you can experience it firsthand in the heart of Harlem. Step into a Harlem gospel concert and prepare to be moved by the powerful and soulful rhythms of black gospel music. From hand-clapping to foot-stomping, this is an experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat. With world-renowned congregational choirs, you'll be jumping and singing along to the infectious music. So, what are you waiting for?

Discover the streets where Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and other cutting-edge Harlem Renaissance players put American music on the world map. On Sundays, we offer a different walking tour that does not visit Striver's Row but encompasses other parts of Harlem for a shorter history walking tour and includes a visit to a local Baptist Church for a true gospel experience. And where Fidel Castro slept after being kicked out of a midtown hotel for having chickens in his room. Harlem's history is also one of the city's most dramatic, having gone through many ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic changes over the past roughly 400 years. This has resulted in a diverse array of places of worship, theaters, homes, and eating establishments. Join us uptown on our signature, award-winning two-hour Harlem walking tour.

What sets our tour apart is the chance to dive deep into the heart of Harlem and experience it like a true insider. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a walking journey through the soul of one of New York City’s most legendary neighborhoods. Explore the authentic side of Harlem, the birthplace of jazz, blues, and Black music—a neighborhood alive with history, culture, and vibrant traditions. Walk the streets where musical legends and notorious figures once made their mark, and uncover stories that have shaped both Harlem and American culture. The tour culminates 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 continues to echo through 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 goes beyond sightseeing, inviting you to feel the true heartbeat of Harlem!

Experience the vibrant community of Harlem and the soulful sounds of black gospel music on our Sunday Gospel and Brunch Tour. Starting at the legendary Apollo Theater, this one-hour tour takes you through the historic Mount Morris Park District, where you will discover the rich history of the area and the iconic artists who called Harlem home. As you make your way through uptown on a Sunday morning, you will be immersed in the captivating atmosphere of Harlem. The air will be filled with the lively beats and powerful vocals of gospel music, as you enjoy sermons and homilies from some of the most prominent figures in the community. But the tour doesn't stop there – we also invite you to indulge in the incredible culinary offerings of Harlem. Our local restaurants are known for their authentic and delicious ethnic cuisine, making this tour a truly sensory experience. Come and discover the spiritual energy of Harlem.

The Harlem Renaissance, also known as the “New Negro” movement, was a period of cultural and social awakening in the 1920s. It was a time of vibrant creativity and artistic expression for African-Americans. Join us on this tour to explore the landmarks and legends of the Harlem Renaissance and uncover the magic of this defining moment in American history. Have you ever wondered where Swing Street/Jungle Alley was located, or why 135th Street was such a vital hub during the Harlem Renaissance? Lace up your sneakers for an unforgettable journey in Harlem. As we walk, you’ll see some of the most extraordinary theaters, ballrooms, and churches that were the center of social life during the Renaissance. Along the way, you’ll learn about the influential figures who played a crucial role in shaping this cultural movement - from Langston Hughes, a leader of the Harlem Renaissance, to Pig Foot Mary, Duke Ellington, Madame CJ Walker, Jacob Lawrence, James Van Der Zee, and Zora Neale Hurston.

Visit sights in Harlem pertaining to the culturally explosive days of 1920's Harlem, when art and culture was used as a tool for African-Americans and Blacks to define ones own self image, therefore redefining how the world viewed people of color in America. Walk in the footsteps of legendary figures such Marcus Garvey, Langston Hughs, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Harry Wills, Eubie Blake and many more.

Experience Harlem like never before with our Harlem African Diaspora Brunch Tour—a unique blend of culinary delights, rich history, and vibrant culture. What Sets Our Tour Apart: Authentic Culinary Journey: Savor a curated brunch featuring traditional dishes that trace the flavors of the African Diaspora, from West African specialties to Southern soul food. Immersive Cultural Experience: Engage with local historians and community members who share personal stories and insights, offering a deeper understanding of Harlem's heritage. Historic Landmarks: Explore iconic sites like the Apollo Theater and Little Senegal. Community Engagement: Support local businesses and artisans, ensuring your visit contributes positively to the community's economy and cultural preservation. Interactive Discussions: Participate in thought-provoking conversations about the African American experience, migration, and the evolution of Harlem's diverse neighborhoods.

Enjoy a neighborhood tour of the cultural capital of Black America and experience the soulful sounds of gospel music. Explore the streets walked by greats such as Billie Holiday, Malcolm X, and Michael Jackson while viewing legendary sites like the Apollo Theater, the Abyssinian Baptist Church, the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Strivers’ Row, Hotel Theresa and much more. After the neighborhood tour, you also have a chance to enjoy a gospel performance at a service in a local church.

Jazz was born in New Orleans....but the Jazz Age flourished in New York & Paris, or to be more precise, Harlem & Pigalle. After WW1, numerous African American artists emigrated to Paris from Harlem, bringing with them a new style of music born in America : jazz. By the late 1920s, there were over 300 jazz clubs, bars and cabarets in Paris, for the most part in Pigalle. This is the fascinating story of the men and women who made Paris a mecca for Jazz, ushering in the Roaring 20s.

Inspirational and traditional gospel music by full choir. Explore the historic district with turn-of-the-century architecture reflecting the different stages of development of the area. See and hear the storied pass of historic sites in passing such as the Alexander Hamilton National monument (the inspiration of Broadway's "Hamilton") and the neo-Gothic city university campus. Visit and learn about the first historic district named for an African-American, and also known for the many arts and literary figures from the Harlem Renaissance who lived in the area. If this tour is completely booked, please consider the Wednesday Gospel Praise Music option.

Harlem’s unique culture has been shaped by its long and unusual history. On this audio tour through Central Harlem, you’ll hear stories about the artists, activists, and legends who made this neighborhood extraordinary. The tour starts at the corner of 145th Street and St Nicholas Avenue. You’ll walk the same streets where Alexander Hamilton spent his final years, and jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong lived and performed. You’ll stroll down quiet streets, past the neo-Gothic campus of the City College of New York, and along bustling boulevards filled with shops, street art, and restaurants. You’ll discover how Prohibition-era speakeasies sparked a musical revolution, how the Great Migration brought millions of African Americans north in search of freedom and opportunity, and how Harlem continues to evolve today. This tour introduces you to the neighborhood where jazz took flight, and the Harlem Renaissance redefined American culture.

If you're in search of an authentic gospel concert experience, look no further. Our tour company offers an unbeatable opportunity to witness and participate in a one-of-a-kind concert this Easter Eve! Join us for a one-hour Harlem Easter weekend gospel concert that will surely lift your spirits and soul. The power of gospel music is unparalleled, and we invite everyone to experience it firsthand. Get ready to clap your hands, stomp your feet, and sing along to the rhythms of soulful Black gospel music that will fill the church on this special day.

The tour is conducted by a New York City licensed tour guide. We offer this tour in French or English. Our tour guides are native speakers if each languages. In this tour we will visit 9 landmark sites which include the first Black Episcopal, Methodist, Pentecostal, and Baptist churches. We will examine their history, their leaders, and their role in the anti-slavery movement as well as the civil rights movement. This tour also looks at the role of Gospel music in the history of the Black church. We will study its growth from the ring shout (the foundation of all African American music), to the Spirituals, the role of the Protestant hymnals, ending with what became known as Gospel Blues, today simply called Gospel music. The tour ends with a visit to a church service where we will listen to a live Gospel choir, it is not a concert but a real church service.