Soul of Harlem: Harlem History, Music & Gospel Experience

Discover Harlem, one of New York City’s most culturally significant neighborhoods, through its music, history, and people. Walk the streets where Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and other Harlem Renaissance legends helped put American music on the world stage. Stop outside the Apollo Theater, the legendary Harlem landmark where generations of artists have performed and where Harlem’s musical legacy continues today. Learn how Harlem evolved over the years through changing communities, cultural movements, and historic events. Discover the stories behind Harlem’s churches, theaters, homes, restaurants, and the people who shaped this iconic neighborhood. Join us uptown for a memorable Harlem walking tour filled with history, culture, and local stories. Sunday Gospel Experience Option: On Sundays, enjoy a shorter Harlem history walking tour through another area of the neighborhood, followed by an authentic gospel experience at a local Baptist church connected to the community.

1. 1

   Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

   Pass by

   Tuesday–Saturday only: Start your exploration at one of New York Public Library's renowned research libraries, which serves as a cultural institution for the exhibition and preservation of African-American experience. Experience periodic exhibitions dedicated to The Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era, & The Black Lives Matter Movement.

2. 2

   Abyssinian Baptist Church

   30 min

   Tuesday–Saturday only: Established over 220 years in New York City, and in Harlem since 1902, it is one of the oldest Baptist churches in the United States.

3. 3

   Strivers' Row

   20 min

   Tuesday–Saturday only — Harlem History Tour stop: Walk in this historic district of beautiful row houses with alleyways, rear shared and courtyards built in the 1890's. Home to the likes of tap dancer and actor Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, heavyweight boxer Harry "BLACK PANTHER" Willis, Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. & William Marion Cook - 1st Black Broadway Musical composer.

4. 4

   Bill's Place

   Pass by

   Tuesday–Saturday only: Located on Harlem's original Swing Street, owner and Harlem jazz icon Bill Saxton performs with the best in the business, including American jazz and swing singer Billie Holiday.

5. 5

   Apollo Theater

   Pass by

   Tuesday–Saturday: End point. Sunday: Meeting point: "WHERE STARS ARE BORN & LEGENDS ARE MADE." Celebrating 90 years this year with concerts by USHER, Smokey Robinson, Mary J. Beige, Baby face, Just to name a few!

6. 6

   Stop 6

   Pass by

   Tuesday–Saturday only: See Sylvia’s, the legendary Harlem restaurant and longtime gathering place, and learn about its important place in Harlem’s culinary and cultural history.

7. 7

   Stop 7

   Pass by

   Sunday only: See the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Building, a landmark of Harlem’s political and community history named for the influential Harlem congressman.

8. 8

   The Studio Museum in Harlem

   Pass by

   Sunday only: See this important Harlem cultural institution dedicated to artists of African descent.

9. 9

   Stop 9

   Pass by

   Sunday only: See this historic Harlem mosque and learn about its connection to Harlem's African-American Muslim community.

10. 10

    Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market

    Pass by

    Sunday only: Explore this Harlem cultural and community landmark.

11. 11

    Memorial Baptist Church

    1 hour

    Sunday only: Continue to the historic church for the Gospel Experience.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

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