Apollo Theater Tours: Harlem's Iconic Music History

Ranked among the Top 50 Tours Worldwide in 2024 by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards – Best of the Best. Hear the stories of the people that have lived there and the histories that made these spots as special as they are. This panoramic tour takes you to a number of iconic landmarks you’ll recognize from film history’s most memorable movies.That’s out on Coney Island. Beyond getting photos that you’ll treasure for years, this is a chance to take a walk off the beaten path and experience the New York that real New Yorkers know. For a tour that takes you behind-the-scenes of some of the most interesting boroughs in New York, book your NYC Boroughs tour today and enjoy with our guided bus tour!

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.

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.

If you're into hip-hop, or want to see another side of NYC, take a tour with one of hip-hop's Grandmasters! Suitable for all ages, this one-of-a-kind experience takes you on an interactive cultural tour of Manhattan, Harlem and the Bronx, and reveals the true meaning of hip-hop.

Harlem is one of New York City’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. Don’t miss out on its beauty just because you don’t know where to go on your own. This Harlem Sunday morning gospel tour, complete with a gospel choir service, takes care of the details for you. See the Apollo Theater and Cotton Club, and explore parts of this neighborhood. Upgrade to include a soul food brunch at a local restaurant. Explore Harlem on the day of the week when it’s most alive—Sunday Watch a Sunday morning gospel service with a choir A guide knows the best ways around to see more in less time Upgrade to enjoy a soul food brunch at a local-favorite restaurant

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.

Walk through the historic Harlem streets engaging with sites associated with the civil rights, Black Power and Black Arts Movement of the 1960's and 1970's. Harlem born and raised tour guide will provide terrific narrative explaining the history, guide also equipped with portable video and speaker providing applicable footage along the way, this will bring the history to life.

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!

Discover the hidden treasures of New York City's brownstone capital in the Mount Morris Park Historic District. As one of the earliest land marked districts in Harlem, this neighborhood boasts a high degree of integrity with quality, design, and workmanship showcased in the buildings within the Mount Morris Park Historic District. Step back in time and experience the remarkable blend of late 19th and early 20th-century residential and church architecture associated with the Gilded Age. Be immersed in the nostalgia of “Doctors’ Row”, also known as West 122nd Street, Mount Morris Park West, and Malcolm X Boulevard. These streets offer rare and substantially unaltered 19th-century streetscapes, a sight that can only be found in this particular area of Manhattan. Our walking tour will provide you with the opportunity to explore, admire, and learn about this historic district, with knowledgeable and friendly local guides leading the way. After the tour, enjoy a delicious lunch.

Take a guided tour through Harlem to the sites that inspired and nurtured hip-hop culture. New York is the birthplace of hip-hop and this walking tour allows you to take a hip-hop look at New York's famous Harlem neighborhood. See it as the pioneers of hip-hop see it by way of their exclusive anecdotes.

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.

Walking the historic streets of New York City / Harlem during the Holiday season is absolutely beautiful, with all the Christmas decorations, lights, sounds and food, one of he most unique experiences in the USA. Harlem Heritage Holiday Tour provides the history of Harlem while you walk, combined with portable sound and video provided by tour guide from mobile speaker video device that he carries with him. You will walk in the footsteps of history with historic video is presented from the very spot where you stand, this will bring the history to life. Imagine learning the history while Christmas caroling through the historic streets. We will end with a one hour live Christmas concert, this will leave you in terrific holiday spirits, the perfect combination of history and great holiday music.

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.