Tour Details

Harlem Experience

From: £24.99

Duration: 3 hours

Categories: Culture & History, Cruises & Sailing, Outdoors

Group size: 1 - 12

On this New York City walking tour, you'll see both sides of historic Harlem on this soulful tour that takes in the famous buildings, music icons and vibrant history of this cultural enclave. From the Apollo Theater to Harlem's African Market, learn about the neighborhood's famous former-residents as well as the locals currently calling Harlem home while visiting the popular haunts and world-famous sights that make this time worn New York gem so unique.

Highlights

  • Unravel Harlem’s rich history with a local guide
  • See the glory of the Apollo Theater
  • Get spiritual at a Baptist Church
  • Step back in time while visiting the soul food kitchens of Lenox Avenue
  • See where Billie Holiday used to sing the night away
  • Visit a restaurant that gives back to the community
  • Browse the artistic wares on display at the African Market
Pick up:
Outside Apollo Theatre (under theater marquee) 235 West 125th Street.
Drop off:
Malcolm Shabazz African Market, 52 West 116th Street
Included:
English speaking guide, bus fare in Harlem
Not included:
Lunch(approx $7-10) & Items of a personal nature, Tips or gratuities for drivers or guides
Clothing:
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Moderate attire for entry into Baptist church. Summers can be hot and humid, spring/autumn can be cool, and winters downright frigid with snow. Dress according to weather.
Tipping:
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this tour

Tour Itinerary

On this New York City tour, you'll start your Harlem experience amid the bright lights of the Apollo Theater. This influential musical institution has seen performances from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday in the 1940’s, James Brown and Miles Davis in the 1950’s, Jimi Hendrix and BB King in the 1960’s and more recently, Stevie Wonder and the late Michael Jackson.

To this day, this musical icon still continues to foster new talent! Continue on to Malcolm X Boulevard and visit the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. With a knowledgeable local guide, uncover a proud history and culture demonstrated in the exhibitions and publications of this venerable institution. Afterwards, visit a Baptist church, the focal point of Harlem community activity and spirituality. While most lively on Sundays when congregation is in full swing, these churches still offer a glimpse into community life on any day of the week.

Continue the journey by walking down Lennox Avenue to see some of Harlem's hip jazz clubs and soul food restaurants, including Lennox Lounge where Billie Holiday got her start in the music industry. Imagine what life was like back when Harlem was a hotbed of political activity and musical talent. Visit a restaurant that serves as a local community foundation by providing hospitality training for young adults. Wander through Harlem's African Market, brimming with a vibrant mix of traditional African arts and crafts.  Perhaps pick up a memento of your tour of Harlem.

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Culture Shock Rating

We have a wide range of tours designed to give you an insight into the destination you're travelling in and there is something for everybody. The culture shock ratings considers the destination visited, transport used, activities undertaken and that "Wow, I'm really not at home now!" factor. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

This is the least confronting of our tour range. Transport used on the trip is either private or a very comfortable public option, the activities included are usually iconic sites and locations that are not all too confronting.

40%

The tour can include a mix of private and public transport providing a level of comfort that is slightly below what you would experience at home. Sites visited are usually iconic sites, tours can also include market visits, visits to communities etc that provide the traveller with a fantastic insight into destination.

60%

Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether it's a packed public bus where you are forced to stand, a visit to a local market, a local community, you are sure to have an experience that is very different from what you're used to at home.

80%

The comforts of your home town and the environment you are used to are more of a rarity. Expect some challenging transport options, visits to local sites and areas that don't resemble anything at home.

100%

You're out there in the global community! You are likely to be exposed to the elements, travel in whatever means of transport is available and basically take it as it comes, whatever comes! It can be tough.

Physical Rating

Our physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our gradings is as follows…

20%

These tours have very limited physical activity. Usually climbing in and out of the transport provided, walking through sites, markets etc included in the itinerary.

40%

These tours have a bit of physical activity but nothing that should challenge you too much. This could be climbing on and off public transport through to a walk through the destination you're travelling in, they can include walking only tours or a combination of walking and transport.

60%

These tours involve a bit of physical activity from walking up and down hills in the destination you're travelling in or the surrounding areas. Climbing on and off local transport or riding a bike up to 30 kms along predominantly flat terrain or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.

80%

These Tours will provide you with some solid physical activity. Whether its bike riding, walking, trekking, kayaking or riding on public transport you will need to have a good level of fitness to enjoy this tour.

100%

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. These tours are our most challenging and involve some serious walking, hiking or bike riding. Can involve step climbs by foot or pedal and some challenging public transport options in the destination you are travelling.

Luxury Rating

Some trips are like a stroll on the beach, while others have you trekking alpine passes. Some of you thrive on camping out on the savannah, while others may prefer a hot shower and a comfortable bed in a lodge. Follow the grading systems below to find the right trip for you.

To help you choose the trip that's right for you, we've broken all of our trips down into four service levels. Measuring the comfort level of the accommodation and transport. So whether you're travelling on a budget and want to save money by using public transport, or prefer upgraded accommodation and are happy to pay a little more, then we have a level for you.

25%

This is grassroots travel at its most interesting

50%

Authentic experiences with some of the comforts of home

75%

For those who like to travel in comfort

100%

All the unique experiences wrapped up with a gold ribbon