Half-Day Harlem Gospel Experience Walking Tour

Overview

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.

City: New York City

Mon 23 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $45.00

Make a reservation

Mon 23 Dec

Starting at $45.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional guide

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Dress code is smart casual. Part of this tour will take place inside a church. Out of respect for the congregation hosting us, please dress appropriately and refrain from wearing flip-flops, tank tops and shorts
Visiting the church requires the proof of vaccination and wearing a mask.
Customers require staying for the entire church service (usually 1.15 - 1.3 hours)
Face masks required for travellers in public areas

What To Expect

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

(Exterior Visit) The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is a research library of the New York Public Library and an archive repository for information on people of African descent worldwide.

Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

(Exterior Visit) Mother Zion has played a critical role in every aspect of African-American life during early New York City history.

Abyssinian Baptist Church

(Exterior Visit) Founded in 1808, Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of the oldest African-American Baptist churches in the United States.

Strivers' Row

View beautiful historic homes built by David H. King Jr., who also built the Washington Arch and the Empire State Building.

Apollo Theater

(Exterior Visit) Re-opened to both black and white audiences in 1934 as the Apollo Theater catering mostly to Harlem’s black community.

Harlem

Experience the service of a black congregation and enjoy and participate in the Gospel music with live musicians and choir sharing the joy of Gospel.

Show 3 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (64)

Rolf G

Oct 2022

The main point was the visit of a church service on Sunday morning. This was absolute touristic. No one who is interested should book this. We counted 9 (!) persons belonging to the people who visited the church for service. About 300 up to 400 tourists with their guides filled the church. Never ever ..... Our guide was okay and told us some very interesting details.

Response from Host

Oct 2022

Thank you very much for taking the time to review our tour. We appreciate you comments. This is one of the very few churches that allow visitors and groups to share in their Gospel service and ministering to their congregants. Since the Covid Pandemic many thing have changed and not returned to the pre-covid experiences. The size of the choir has shrunk, however is definitely still part of the ministering along with live musicians. Many congregants are definitely part of our aging society and participate and experience the services on line; so there but unseen. We are very glad that you enjoyed your guide and walking tour and details of Harlem. Thank you again.

anapatterson

Oct 2022

The Gospel was more like a Gospel representation experience, completely full of tourists and no local people at all. If you want to live a real Gospel experience, don't come to this tour and this church. Find another one.

Response from Host

Oct 2022

I would like to thank you for taking our tour and posting a review. We are saddened by you disappointment from the Churches Gospel Experience and Ministering. Since the Covid Pandemic, this is one of the very few churches that allow visitors and tourist groups to share in their services. There are many congregants that are older and participate in the Churches Ministering and Gospel Service on line, they may not be visible but they are there.

K2203ABsilviab

Oct 2022

Had a great time with Ludy! Our walking tour was interactive and she explained everything with enthusiasm. Very fun and cultural, thanks Ludy for your great work!