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

Wed 07 May

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $49.00

Make a reservation

Wed 07 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)

15haileighn

Sep 2024

I took a Harlem walking tour with Lady Altovise, and it was INCREDIBLE! Not only do you learn incredible history, Lady also provides you with resources to continue to learn long after the tour ends. While touring, you’ll see firsthand how connected Lady is to the Harlem community—a true testament to her love and care. If you care about the preservation of Black history and culture, you MUST join one of Lady Altovise’s tours! You will not be disappointed!

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Thank you for the incredible review! We're thrilled to hear that Lady Altovise's tour left such a lasting impact, and we appreciate your passion for preserving Black history and culture alongside her!

freddieb171

Sep 2024

Lady Altovise, the tour guide, is hilarious! She has so much energy and is so knowledgeable about all of Harlem. She's been there for a few decades and it all comes out in her tour. She knows the ppl that live there as well so it was cool seeing her interact with residents randomly on the tour! Her storytelling and care is A1. I really can't imagine getting a better tour anywhere else tbh.

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Thank you for the amazing review! We're so glad you enjoyed Lady Altovise's energy, storytelling, and personal touch—she truly brings Harlem to life in a special way!

tahvism

Sep 2024

The Soul Stroll of Harlem with Lady Altovise was one of a kind! So knowledgeable, so vibrant, I can’t wait to tell my friends and family about her

Response from Host

Nov 2024

Thank you for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that Lady Altovise made your Soul Stroll of Harlem so memorable, and we appreciate you sharing your experience with others!