Description
This Harlem tour with a Sunday gospel service pairs a walk through the neighbourhood with the music that made it famous. A live guide speaks English, Italian, French, German or Spanish, and the group meets in the small square near the Barking Dog café. The whole outing lasts about four hours.
The walk goes past large murals that honour cultural icons, social movements and everyday heroes, and the guide explains the stories behind them. A stop at the Apollo Theater brings in the singers who rose from its stage (Ella Fitzgerald and James Brown among them), and the talk touches on the Harlem Renaissance. A break follows at a well-loved local café, where a hot drink is optional.
The centrepiece is a traditional Sunday church service, where the gospel choirs fill the church with singing. Some stretches are covered by subway, so bring a MetroCard or a contactless card for the fare, which is not included.
- A local guide in five languages
- The gospel service
- The walk, with murals and the Apollo Theater
The tour ends in front of Sylvia's, the soul food landmark. Lunch there is optional and needs its own reservation. The tour runs in rain or shine, so wear comfortable shoes. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the guide's tip is not included.