Walking Harlem Private Tours

New York, US

Included

  • inclusion
    All fees and taxes

Meeting Point

We can meet anywhere in Harlem but the most common location is in front of the Schomburg Center on the northwest corner of Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave.) and 135th Street. 2nd option, meet near City College. #1 subway, 137th Street. 3rd option, 125th Street and Malcolm X Blvd. (Lenox Avenue).

Meeting point

New York, NY 10030 , United States

End point

End Point

We can meet anywhere in Harlem but the most common location is in front of the Schomburg Center on the northwest corner of Malcolm X Blvd (Lenox Ave.) and 135th Street. 2nd option, meet near City College. #1 subway, 137th Street. 3rd option, 125th Street and Malcolm X Blvd. (Lenox Avenue).

Meeting point

New York, NY 10030 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

135 St

Tours cover the rich history and culture of Harlem including the arts (music, visual, literary); social and political developments (affiliated with churches and civic organizations). Tourists will learn the significance of the Schomburg Center and see art and cultural exhibits therein. You will see where Madame CJ Walker's townhouses were; the original Harlem branch of the NY Public Library; where small and large night clubs and speakeasies existed; Churches funded and built by early Black congregations. If the 2nd tour option is selected tourists will learn about the history of City College; Hamilton Grange (once home to Alexander Hamilton); the beautiful architecture and history of Strivers Row and the Dizzy Gillespie murals. On Tour 3 pass by the final home of Langston Hughes and Marcus Garvey Park (Hamilton Heights historical district, including Maya Angelou's once home), and one of the birth places for bebop jazz, Minton's Playhouse.

Duration 60 minutes
2

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture - New York Public Library

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture is a research library of the New York Public Library and an archive repository for information on people of African descent worldwide.

3

New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a public library system in New York City. With nearly 53 million items and 92 locations, the New York Public Library is the second largest public library in the United States and the fourth largest in the world.

4

Hamilton Grange National Memorial

Hamilton Grange National Memorial, also known as The Grange or the Hamilton Grange Mansion, is a National Park Service site in St. Nicholas Park, Manhattan, New York City, that preserves the relocated home of U.S. Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

5

Langston Hughes House

James Mercer Langston Hughes was an American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist from Joplin, Missouri. One of the earliest innovators of the literary art form called jazz poetry, Hughes is best known as a leader of the Harlem Renaissance.

6

Marcus Garvey Blvd

Marcus Garvey Park is a 20.16-acre park on the border between the Harlem and East Harlem neighborhoods of Manhattan, New York City. The park, centered on a massive and steep outcropping of schist, interrupts the flow of Fifth Avenue traffic, which is routed around the park via Mount Morris Park West.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What our experts say

  • icon
    Start at the Schomburg Center for insights.
  • icon
    Visit nearby Sylvia's for delicious soul food.
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    Check out the murals at Strivers Row.
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    Explore City College's stunning architecture.
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    Don't miss Minton's Playhouse for jazz history.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Explore the vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood of Harlem with the Walking Harlem Private Tours. Led by an experienced local guide and author, this tour offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into the fascinating history and culture of this iconic district. With a background in ethnomusicology and a comprehensive knowledge of Harlem's hidden gems, the guide brings to life the stories and experiences that go beyond what you'll find on standard commercial tours. Get ready for an immersive journey through the cultural capital of Black America.

What to expect?

During this 120-minute tour, you can anticipate a captivating exploration of Harlem's vibrant past and present. The itinerary includes visits to significant sites like the Schomburg Center, where you'll discover thought-provoking art and cultural exhibits. Immerse yourself in the history of Harlem's churches and civic organizations and learn about Madame CJ Walker's townhouses and the original Harlem branch of the NY Public Library. If you choose the second tour option, you'll also uncover the history of City College, the architectural marvels of Strivers Row, and the intriguing Dizzy Gillespie murals.

Who is this for?

The Walking Harlem Private Tours cater to anyone with an appreciation for history, culture, and unique experiences. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a music lover, or simply curious about the rich tapestry of Harlem's past and present, this tour offers something for everyone. Discover the often overlooked contributions of early Black congregations, explore the birthplaces of bebop jazz, and gain insights into the influential figures who once called Harlem home. The tour is designed to be inclusive, welcoming travelers of all backgrounds and interests.

Why book this?

These private tours are a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore Harlem through the eyes of a knowledgeable local. With a deep understanding of the neighborhood's cultural significance and insider information on hidden gems, the guide offers a truly immersive experience. Unlike commercial tours, this intimate exploration allows you to go beyond the surface and discover the lesser-known stories of Harlem's past and present. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a Harlem aficionado, this tour guarantees a unique and enriching experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for this iconic district.

Good to know

Before embarking on this tour, it's important to note the meeting points options. The most common location is in front of the Schomburg Center on the northwest corner of Malcolm X Blvd and 135th Street. However, there are two other meeting options near City College and 125th Street for added convenience. The tour duration is approximately 120 minutes, allowing ample time for exploration and learning. Keep in mind that the Schomburg Center is a research library and archive repository that provides a valuable resource for information on people of African descent worldwide.

Reviews

Those who have experienced the Walking Harlem Private Tours rave about the insightful journey through the district's history and culture. Travelers appreciate the personalized approach and extensive knowledge of the guide, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the tour. Visitors were particularly thrilled to discover off-the-beaten-path locations and historical sites that aren't typically included in standard tours. Overall, the testimonials highlight the fascinating stories shared during the tour and the deep appreciation gained for the cultural capital of Black America.

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