The Soul of Harlem Walking Tour in New York

Overview

Our 10,000-step journey will begin with a bird' s-eye view of 125th Street, Harlem's most popular street. The main themes we will discuss are the Harlem Renaissance and gentrification.

We walk by and discuss these famous places:
- The world's famous Apollo Theater
- Sylvia's Soul Food Restaurant
- The home of Langston Hughes
- Astor's Row
- Several iconic murals

This tour is based on a book I have written, "You Are Here: A Geographic History of Enslaved and Free Africans in Manhattan from 1613 to 1865." I will use my tour guide experience (I have given over 700 tours) to make this a fun-filled tour. Best of all, you will have a Harlem experience—see the friendly culture, people, and places of Harlem.

If you are behind schedule, please get in touch with me ASAP. I will have a 5-minute grace period. Afterward, I will proceed to our first stop—the Metro-North Railroad (above-ground train station) directly across the street from the Ginjan Cafe on Park Ave.

City: New York City

Wed 18 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $60.00

Make a reservation

Wed 18 Jun

Starting at $60.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Only when cake is available and time permitting, I buy a slice of red-velvet cake from the famous "Cake Man Raven" Bake Shop

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Harlem

Along with the listed attractions, We will see and discuss the history of the Metro-North train station, Astor's Row, The "White House" in Harlem, The YMCA, several famous murals in Harlem, Lenox Terrace, Harlem Hospital, Harlem State Office Building, and Blumsteins Department store - the place where MLK almost lost his life, walk the streets of Harlem to get a true sense of the culture and people in the neighborhoods.

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem, one of The New York Public Library’s renowned research libraries, is a world-leading cultural institution devoted to the research, preservation, and exhibition of materials focused on African American, African Diaspora, and African experiences.

Langston Hughes House

Langston Hughes House is a historic home located in Harlem. Mr. Hughes is an iconic figure in the Harlem Renaissance. Langston Hughes will be a major topic during the tour.

The National Jazz Museum in Harlem

The Museum is open only Thursday- Saturday. Review famous Jazz Musicians associated with the Harlem Renaissance, see current exhibits, vintage jazz photos, maps, books, etc.

Apollo Theater

The World Famous Apollo theater is a mainstay in Harlem. We will discuss the "Walk of Fame" in front of the theater, as well as the many stars that performed there.

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (108)

Sarah_C

Jun 2024

Book this tour! The tour guide, Larry, is a walking encyclopedia of all things Harlem and Black History. As a Harlem native, he provided a true experience of Harlem’s culture. It’s clear that Larry loves his community and it shows in this carefully curated tour. Not only did we see historic sites and learn interesting facts but we met some local Harlemites along the way, and had a chance to sample some world famous red velvet cake. All in all I thoroughly enjoyed myself and plan to visit Harlem again soon! Don’t forget to ask Larry about his other NYC tours! 10 out of 10.

Heidi_T

May 2024

Great way to learn more about Harlem. Larry is a delight to spend a few hours wiith. He knows everything about the area and has some delightful stories to share.

Phillip_S

May 2024

More than knowledge, Larry is also personable and gracious. After a time, you feel like you’ve met a friend. He’s the hepcat historian!