Soul of Harlem: Striver's Row, Apollo Theatre & Gospel Heritage

74 Reviews 4.84 out of 5 stars Based on 74 reviews collected by Cool New York City and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 96% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
New York City, USA

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2 hours (approx.)
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Overview

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's Included

  • Led by local Harlem residents & Award winning Tour Guides
  • (SUNDAYS ONLY) Skip the Line Access to Gospel Experience at Local Church
  • Most immersive tour of Harlem
  • Gratuities
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What To Expect

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Abyssinian Baptist Church

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.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Strivers' Row

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Bill's Place

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.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Apollo Theater

"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!
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Soul of Harlem: Striver’s Row, Apollo Theatre & Gospel Heritage?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-16910P15

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.84
74 reviews

Average 4.84 out of 5 stars based on 74 traveler reviews collected by Cool New York City and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
67
4 stars
4
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1
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1 star
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What's Included

Activity name

  • Led by local Harlem residents & Award winning Tour Guides
  • (SUNDAYS ONLY) Skip the Line Access to Gospel Experience at Local Church
  • Most immersive tour of Harlem
  • 2 Hour Guided Walk through the History of Harlem
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).

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