Soul of Harlem History and Heritage Walking Tour

Overview

Discover the streets where Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and other cutting-edge Harlem Renaissance players put American music on the world map.

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.

City: New York City

Thu 08 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Thu 08 May

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

2 Hour Guided Walk through the History of Harlem

Led by local Harlem residents & Award winning Tour Guides

Most immersive Harlem Tour of New York

(SUNDAYS ONLY) Skip the Line Access to Gospel Experience at Local Church

Additional Info

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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (64)

756jocelynw

Sep 2024

The Harlem & Lady Altovise Tour was outstanding and amazing. I learned so much about the Harlem and had the pleasure of eating lunch at a fantastic restaurant with great tasting food. She provides an impeccable personable experience with her tours. We have previously taken NYC Tours on the standard NYC tour bus. But, the NYC Tours do not compare to the cultural knowledge and fun you receive with HARLEM & LADY ALTOVISE TOURS. I wish I could give 10 stars. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Thank you for the glowing review! We're so glad you enjoyed the Harlem & Lady Altovise Tour and appreciated the unique, cultural experience—your recommendation means the world to us!

384sharpr

Sep 2024

The Soul Stroll Of Harlem with Lady Altovise was an excellent experience. I highly recommend it. It’s a must have experience if you are ever in Harlem.

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that the Soul Stroll of Harlem with Lady Altovise was an excellent experience and that you highly recommend it!

yvonnedY1529AX

Sep 2024

I must say that THE SOUL STROLL OF HARLEM with LADY ALTOVISE was the best tour ever! I absolutely loved it! Our tour guide, Lady Altovise, was very knowledgeable of Harlem. We went to world renowned places such as the Apollo, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. She immersed me into the Harlem culture and I loved that. I learned a great deal from Lady Altovise on the Soul Stroll of Harlem, which made my experience quite rewarding. I highly recommend and encourage anyone interested in touring Harlem, to connect with The Soul Stroll of Harlem with Lady Altovise. You won't regret it!

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Thank you for the amazing review! We're so glad you enjoyed the Soul Stroll of Harlem with Lady Altovise and that it provided such a rewarding and immersive experience—your recommendation means so much to us!