Sundays in Harlem Guided Walking Tour and Gospel Service

New York City , United States of America

Sundays in Harlem Guided Walking Tour and Gospel Service

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About this experience

Experience Harlem like a local and immerse yourself in its legendary gospel music scene on this unique Sunday adventure. Led by a licensed guide who is also a singer, you’ll explore historic landmarks, hear the inspiring story of gospel music’s evolution from spirituals to jazz, and gain insight into Harlem’s cultural heritage. The tour concludes with a live gospel service at a renowned church, where you can feel the joy and energy of a welcoming congregation. This is more than a tour. It’s a soulful, authentic cultural experience you won’t forget.

Two-hour walking tour through Harlem’s iconic sites

Live gospel service with a celebrated choir

Learn about the origins of gospel music and its role in the Great Migration

Perfect for travelers seeking meaningful cultural connections and local insight

Available options

Sundays in Harlem Guided Walking Tour and Gospel Service

What's included

Interactive narration with historical context, videos, and music

Gospel music experience at a world-famous church service

Insight into Harlem’s history, culture, and gospel traditions

Licensed local guide for the walking tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

From the outside, you’ll admire the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Your guide will share how this landmark safeguards thousands of archives, music recordings, and historic documents that shape Harlem’s cultural heritage.

Stop 2

Discover the site of the first Works Progress Administration-commissioned murals awarded to African American artists. Your guide will explain how these historic artworks transformed public art in New York and became a symbol of Harlem’s cultural pride.

Learn about the oldest Black church in New York State, a spiritual and cultural home that played a vital role in African American life. Discover its powerful legacy, including its ties to Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, and the early fight for freedom.

Founded in 1808, Abyssinian Baptist Church is one of the most influential African American congregations in the United States. Learn how its pastors, including Adam Clayton Powell Sr. and Jr., shaped Harlem’s spiritual, political, and cultural life.

Admire the stunning historic row houses built by David H. King Jr., the architect behind the Washington Arch and the Empire State Building, and learn about Harlem’s rich cultural legacy.

Stop 6

Walk past the iconic Apollo Theater, reopened in 1934 to both black and white audiences, and learn about its pivotal role in Harlem’s music and cultural scene.

Stop 7

Experience an inspiring Sunday service at one of the world’s most renowned gospel churches. Join the congregation in vibrant worship, enjoy live musicians and choir performances, and immerse yourself in the joy and spirit of gospel music.

What's not included

Transportation to and from the meeting point

Available languages

Guide guide

EN FR

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

You will meet your guide in front of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture located at 515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information