Harlem Morning Gospel Tour

Tour Options

When booking this Harlem tour and gospel service, you can choose between two options: a tour by vehicle or a walking tour. Both last approximately 4 hours and start in a central area of Manhattan. For the vehicle option, transportation to Harlem is by air-conditioned bus. For the walking option, you’ll travel to Harlem by subway.

Here’s what each option includes:

Tour by Vehicle

Start your morning by boarding a comfortable, climate-controlled coach for a journey through the heart of Manhattan. We’ll head uptown toward Harlem, one of the city's most culturally rich and authentic neighborhoods. Along the way, you’ll take in iconic sights and historic landmarks, including:

• Columbia University: A prestigious Ivy League institution founded in 1754, where even Albert Einstein once walked the halls as a guest lecturer.
• The Apollo Theater: The legendary stage that launched the careers of icons like James Brown and the Jackson 5.
• The Cotton Club: A world-famous jazz hub that hosted greats like Duke Ellington, Ethel Waters, and Cab Calloway.
• Magic Johnson’s Magic Theatre: A modern multiplex established by the NBA legend to spark local economic growth.
• Gracie Mansion: The historic official residence of the Mayor of New York City.
• Brownstone Row Houses: The classic, picturesque architecture that gives Harlem its timeless character.
• General Grant National Memorial: The final resting place of President Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia.

After exploring the vibrant streets of Harlem, we’ll visit a local church to experience a Sunday morning gospel service. You’ll have the chance to join the congregation for a powerful celebration featuring world-class gospel choirs.

Note: Time spent inside the church may vary depending on the day's service and the number of visitors.

Once the service concludes, we’ll head back down to the Times Square area, where your tour will wrap up and we'll say our goodbyes.

Walking Tour

If you select the walking option, you’ll meet at 329 W 49th Street and travel by subway to Harlem.

Once there, you’ll explore the neighborhood on foot with your guide. This tour focuses on Harlem’s street art and cultural identity. You’ll see some of the area’s most famous murals, including I Love Harlem, Spirit of Harlem, and other powerful works that reflect the neighborhood’s heritage and social history.

You’ll also pass important landmarks such as the Apollo Theater and the historic Hotel Theresa. During the walk, there will be a short break to grab a drink.

The experience concludes at a local church, where you’ll attend a live gospel service and witness the moving sound of the choir in person. The tour ends near Sylvia’s Restaurant, a Harlem institution located on Malcolm X Boulevard.

Important Information

Out of respect for the congregation, appropriate attire is required. Shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops are not permitted. Photography and video recording inside the church are strictly prohibited.