United States of America · City Tours

Private Harlem Tour in New York with Local Expert Guide

3 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in New York. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private 3-hour Harlem tour with a local expert guide
  • 02 See the legendary Apollo Theater
  • 03 Admire the historic architecture of Strivers' Row
  • 04 Visit key cultural landmarks including Abyssinian Baptist Church
  • 05 Learn about African-American art at the Studio Museum in Harlem
  • 06 See Shepard Hall and the Gothic-style campus surroundings
  • 07 Flexible itinerary that can be customized to your preferences
  • 08 Finish in Harlem near one of the neighborhood’s famous soul food restaurants

Discover Harlem with a private local guide on a 3-hour tour through one of New York’s most culturally rich neighborhoods. Explore landmarks tied to African-American music, art, architecture, and community life while hearing stories that bring Harlem’s history and character to life.

Along the way, see the legendary Apollo Theater, admire the elegant homes of Strivers' Row, visit the area around Harlem YMCA and Shepard Hall, and learn about African-American art at the Studio Museum in Harlem. You’ll also stop by the Abyssinian Baptist Church and end in Harlem with the option to enjoy the neighborhood’s famous soul food scene.

Timing is flexible and you can start the tour any time you prefer.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City New York
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Stop At: 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!

Stop At: 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.

Stop At: 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.

Stop At: 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.

Stop At: 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.

Pass By: 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 – Sylvia’s Soul Food which met such guests as Nelson Mandela and Barack Obama. Authentic atmosphere and tasty food will make your visit unforgettable.

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All taxes
  • Friendly local guide
  • Private tour
  • Multiple start times available
  • Expert advice where to go and what to do after the tour
  • Iconic places for photo shoot
  • Flexible customizable itinerary
  • Must-see attractions and off the beaten path
  • Meeting in the hotel lobby

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees (if any)

Know before you go

  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Private walking tour with the use of metro
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • The tour can be modified to meet your preferences
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Lobby of your hotel. Please provide the exact name and address of your hotel. Your guide will meet you at your centrally-located hotel, hostel or vacation rental. You don't need to call to confirm the tour. The local supplier will contact you via email

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in New York.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in New York.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in New York..

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