Evening Harlem Jazz Tour
Badge of Excellence
New York City, USA
- 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Watch Harlem come alive after dark on an evening tour that includes historic churches, local landmarks, and one of the neighborhood’s best jazz spots. Walk with your guide along bustling Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard without getting lost and learn about Harlem's vibrant cultural heritage. Guarantee your entry to a live jazz club, where some of today’s best artists play tunes by Harlem’s music greats.
- Explore Harlem without getting lost by opting for a guided experience
- Get an insider's view of Harlem's art, music and architecture
- Learn about a classic New York City neighborhood with a guide
- Listen to a live jazz performance, included in the price of the tour
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Live entertainment
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Entrance fee - This is for Sunday evening only$10.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Apollo Theater233 W 125th St 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10027, USA
End point
- West 125th StreetW 125th St, New York, NY 10027, USA
Operating hours.6:00 pm
Itinerary
1
Harlem
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.5
based on 74 reviews
Adi_F, Apr 2026
Worst tour ever ,took us to a house Basment and called it “club “ and we had to pay 10$ on top ,so 60$ entry for a house Basment , for that money we could get a vip seats at the blue note jazz club down town not someone house Basment , total waste of money avoid this tourist trap
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're sorry to hear the experience didn't meet your expectations, though we'd like to clarify a few important points.
Our records show that you arrived 40 minutes late to the tour and joined the group directly at the American Legion Post 398 — so you may have missed some important context about the venues along the way.
The space you're referring to as a "house basement" is actually the American Legion Post 398, located in a historic brownstone on 132nd Street in the heart of Harlem. It sits a few steps below street level — a ground-floor entry that is characteristic of classic Harlem architecture, not a basement. This legendary venue is named in honor of Brigadier General Charles Young (1864–1922), the third African American to graduate from West Point and the first Black officer to achieve the rank of colonel. He was also the first Black national park superintendent and a celebrated Buffalo Soldier. The Post is one of the most authentic places in New York City to experience jazz the way it was heard in Harlem during the 1930s, '40s, and '50s — and we are proud to include it on our tour.
Regarding the additional cost, that is an entry fee collected by the venue itself — not by our tour — and it goes toward supporting this important piece of Harlem history.
As for the Blue Note, seating is first come, first served, and given that you were already 40 minutes behind schedule, securing a table there may have been a challenge for you.
Keith_T, Nov 2025
Very interesting & enjoyable tour. Our guide, Doris, was very friendly, & gave us good history and information of the area. We then went onto an enjoyable jazz performance.
Doris then made sure we had very clear directions to get back to the Subway.
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We're thrilled that you had such an enjoyable evening with us. Doris is truly the heart of our Evening Jazz Tour—her warmth, deep knowledge of Harlem's history, and genuine care for every guest make all the difference. We especially love that you noticed her attention to detail, from sharing rich stories about our neighborhood to making sure you had crystal-clear directions back to the subway. That's Doris in a nutshell: she goes above and beyond so every moment of your experience is seamless and memorable. Combined with the incredible jazz performance, we hope it created an unforgettable Harlem evening. We'd love to welcome you back soon!
With gratitude,
Welcome to Harlem
Michael_S, Sep 2025
Doris was very knowledgeable and friendly. She covered many aspects of Harlem’s origins, history, personalities, and architecture.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for sharing your experience on our Evening Harlem Jazz Tour! Doris really does cover it all — origins, history, the larger-than-life personalities who shaped this neighborhood, and the architecture that still tells Harlem's story on every block. She brings such depth to every tour, and it's wonderful to hear that came through for you. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to her.
Thank you for taking the time to review us — we'd love to welcome you back anytime for more music, more history, and more Harlem.
Thank you,
Carolyn
Lorraine_E, Sep 2025
Doris was enthusiastic and well informed in her commentary of the history and the changes in Harlem. She grew up in Harlem and is a lifelong historian of the area. She pointed out buildings of note, where famous politicians and artists lived, and where events occurred. It was a Sunday, so I was surprised anything was going on, but Doris took us to 2 hidden places that had jazz, cocktails and food available. Harlem has changed so much, I would never have known the history without a guide such as Doris. I felt completely cared for and safe on our walk with her.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for this thoughtful and generous review. You captured Doris perfectly — she grew up in Harlem and has spent a lifetime learning, living, and loving this neighborhood. When she talks about the politicians, the artists, the buildings, and the events, she isn't reciting facts — she's sharing the place she comes from. That's the difference, and we're so glad you felt it.
Sunday nights in Harlem can catch people off guard, but Doris knows exactly where the music lives after hours. Those hidden jazz spots are part of the magic of this neighborhood — you just have to know the doors to knock on. Your feeling that you wouldn't have found this Harlem without her is the whole reason we do what we do.
And your words about feeling "completely cared for and safe" — that means everything to us. That's Doris. She treats every guest like family, and it's wonderful to hear that came through so clearly. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to her.
Thank you for taking the time to share such a heartfelt review. We hope you'll come back to Harlem soon — there's always more music, more history, and more hidden corners waiting to be discovered.
Carolyn
Paula_B, Sep 2025
It is a small group walking tour of Harlem.
The meeting point is right in front of the Apollo which is now under construction. So a bit confusing. The history of Harlem while walking through the area enriched the experience. We made it to two of the jazz spots they were both great. The guide is from the area and we felt very safe and comfortable . We will be back and I would do this tour again.
cheryl_c, Aug 2025
Maybe. 3.5. The tour started out great with so much historical and cultural information. But it quickly turned political which was unnecessary. The tour ended in a small room with a $10 cover charge and $6 bottle water
Response from Host, Sep 2025
I'm unclear on what you're referring to; the conversation took a political turn. Political topics are only discussed if the customer introduces them. Additionally, the tour did not conclude in a small room; instead, the group visited The American Legion Post 398. It's important to note that there is a cover charge, and we have no control over their drink prices. You mentioned having a headache and leaving early, but the group remained at the second stop, the Shrine, until 10:00 PM.
Andrew_S, Jun 2025
I have done this tour before with a friend pre Covid, cant remember if it was the same lady who took us. This is an interesting and well thought out tour. Both times i was taken by a lady who has lived in Harlem all her life ( not by a person just doing a job / reading a script ) and who has seen a lot in the hood / changes etc.
The first part is a walking tour of the area. Then we were taken to two jazz events - the first was a concert in a church for a small number of people - very intimate! The second was a bar / venue with different acts every hour - could have stayed all night!
The guide knows her stuff both about Harlem the area, who has played and lived there and the varied jazz scene and took good care of us. Dont miss it, very very interesting tour - twice
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review and for being a repeat customer! It means the world to us to know that you've experienced our Evening Harlem jazz tour twice and found it compelling enough to return.
We're thrilled that you've had the opportunity to experience the authentic perspective that our local guides bring to every tour. You're absolutely right that there's something truly special about being guided by someone who has lived in Harlem their entire life and witnessed firsthand the incredible transformations and rich history of this iconic neighborhood. Our guides don't just share facts from a script - they share their lived experiences, personal stories, and deep connections to the community that make each tour genuinely unique and meaningful.
It's wonderful to hear that you enjoyed both the intimate church concert and the vibrant bar venue with rotating acts. The variety of jazz experiences we offer is designed to showcase the full spectrum of Harlem's incredible music scene, from the more contemplative and spiritual settings to the lively, energetic atmosphere where you could indeed stay all night soaking in the music.
Your recommendation means everything to us, and we're so grateful that you've chosen to share your positive experience with others. Reviews like yours help fellow music and culture enthusiasts discover the magic of Harlem's jazz heritage through the eyes of those who know it best.
Thank you again for your loyalty and for spreading the word about this very special tour experience!
Cierra_W, Jun 2025
The tour was very educational and fun. Ms. Doree was really nice and sweet! My mother and I enjoyed learning about the history of Harlem and ending the night at Shrine, a jazz club.
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Hi Cierra,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful review! It absolutely makes our day to hear that you and your mother had such a positive experience on the tour. Ms. Doris will be thrilled to know how much you appreciated her warmth and knowledge - she truly has a passion for sharing Harlem's rich history and culture with our guests.
We're delighted that you found the tour both educational and enjoyable, and that ending the evening at Shrine provided the perfect jazz club experience to cap off your exploration of Harlem. There's something truly special about experiencing the neighborhood's vibrant musical heritage in such an authentic setting.
Thank you again for choosing us for your Harlem adventure, and we hope you'll consider joining us again in the future. Please don't hesitate to recommend us to friends and family who might be interested in discovering the incredible history and culture that Harlem has to offer.
Barbara_J, Apr 2025
We expected more focus on music. First venue was not expecting us. They scrambled for chairs. As no good was going to be provided on the tour we rushed and ate before only to find a light dinner was provided.
Would not recommend this tour.
Sherry_A, Dec 2024
The entire experience was very rewarding. Doris, our guide was very knowledge and a wealth of information. Seeing the rich history of Harlem was enjoyable and very fulfilling. Ending the night at the jazz club was great. We will visit again during warming weather and consider additional tours.
Barbara_H, Oct 2024
Our guide was Doris who was clearly a formidable matriach in the local Harlem area. She had met nearly everyone that matters in recent Black history and had many accounts of her experiences as we walked around Harlem. Including Doris, there were seven of us in the party which was about right, especially when we got to to 398 Jazz Club. More might have led to a seating problem because the space was small and intimate. The jazz quartet was thrilling and we stayed for two sets.
Doris made sure that we were safely in a cab for the return to mid-Manhattan.
A memorable evening.
Lynne_G, Sep 2024
Doris is an excellent tour guide. She is very knowledgeable about the history of Harlem. We especially enjoyed the Jazz experience.
KristineM_C, Jul 2024
Our guide was totally concerned about our comfort and our safety (we left a little early, and she made sure we found our subway stop), and our appreciation of the incredible history of her Harlem neighborhood. Great evening.
Julian_L, May 2024
Doris was an excellent guide. Would recommend this tour to anyone interested in getting to know a different side of NYC
Response from Host, May 2024
Hi Julian,
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed our Harlem Jammin' Jazz Tour with Doris! She is an outstanding guide who always goes the extra mile to ensure that our clients have an unforgettable time, immersing themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Harlem and experiencing live jazz performances.
Donte_R, Feb 2024
Fantastic, I learned a lot, the guide was very knowledgeable!! Would def recommend this tour to others!
Response from Host, Feb 2024
Hi Donte,
We are glad that you enjoyed the Evening Harlem Jammin Jazz Tour. There was a nice mixture of people on the tour and Doris is a wonderful tour guide. The American Legion Post always exceeds expectations.
Thank you for choosing Welcome to Harlem.
Christine_S, Sep 2023
Tour guide was lovely but we only saw one jazz club with music . When we got to the 2nd place to eat & see the band they were packing up & only did one song for us .
Raghav_P, Jun 2023
It wasn't really a jazz tour we walked around for the first 50 mins with Harlems history that was fantastic. End at a bar for the next 2 hours
Gisela_S, Jun 2023
To visit a typical Harlem home was the best of that evening and Doris who did her best to tell us more about Harlem
myriam_T, May 2023
Doris was our wonderful guide. She is a lovely person, she stayed with us for more than 3 hours. Thanks a lot !
Oliver_S, May 2023
Our tour guide was the greatest; very informative 😊. My mother truly enjoyed this tour for it was her 88th birthday 🥳
Patrice_P, Oct 2022
What wonderful excursion! My friend and I started off running late (ugh). Carolyn was so helpful in helping us connect with the group! Natalie was a wonderful tour guide.. very engaging and knowledgeable of the history of Harlem. The bonus.. we met some amazing new friends. We all met afterwards at the local jazz club and had a blast! This tour is highly recommended!!
Shelley_B, Oct 2022
Meeting at Carolyn’s home in a Harlem brownstone, Nathalie as our tour guide, jazz club, great group of people and only six!
Doug_W, Sep 2022
Felt comfortable with the guide from the very start! She was personable, informative, and helpful. I am going to Hamilton tonight based on her discounted app suggestion! You can tell she really enjoys what she does.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thanks Doug,
We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with Nathalie on the Harlem Jammin Jazz Tour! Our team works hard to make sure our guests have a great experience, so we're grateful that you noticed. We are also glad that you were able to snag cheap tickets to Hamilton - we hope you enjoy the show!
billt928, Nov 2019
We arrived at our starting point on a cool and rainy evening. Carolyn made us feel right at home, even provided an umbrella. We strolled through Harlem, forgetting about the rain. Carolyn was knowledgeable about the history of Harlem, and we learned a lot. She took our photo in front of the famous Apollo Theater. Then we spent some time in a couple of jazz clubs, taking in the music and atmosphere. Carolyn even took us to a third, unscheduled club for us to enjoy. At the end of the evening, she helped us to navigate the NYC subway system in order for us to return to our hotel. Thanks Carolyn, for a fun and unique evening!
Patricia H, Nov 2019
This was the highlight of my holiday to Washington and New York. The music was wonderful. Sheryl our guide was very informative and helpful. We would have eaten in Lenox Saphire had we realised this was possible. Would love togo again if we ever return to New york.
Discover506971, Apr 2019
Loved the experience. Went on a short walk around close by with Cheryl. She was lovely and clearly a true local historian. Ended with an intimate show. Quartet was fantastic- will be back! Definitely recommend.
Tonya K, Apr 2018
This was a lovely way to see parts of Harlem and experience the local flare and community. The 2 jazz bars we went to had great music but I will say the price of the drinks jack daniels and coke were surprisingly high at 12 per drink at the first place but then only 6 for the same drink at the second bar. I wouldn't have expected period but especially since the cost for the tour was roughly 60pp. I would also say I wish there had been more exposure actually seeing Harlem in the daylight but our tour was at least 40 minutes late tour guide was late arriving in getting started so that cut into our precious daylight time.
Christine_B, Jan 2017
Another Viator must do. We were met by our lovely guide on a very wet and windy evening but it didn't stop the enjoyment, walking around the brownstone buildings and then into the jazz club. The jazz was good the surroundings excellent had a couple of cocktails and something to eat and then our guide braved the weather and got us a taxi and negotiated a good price. what a good way to spend an evening.
Matthias T, Oct 2016
Excellent tour ! Great knowlegable guide...Great Jazz at an American Legion Club Post 368 ...memorable evening !
Linda B, Jun 2016
Lovely and very informative leader. We went to three venues. Only one was playing jazz. It got expensive. We bought drinks and were asked to tip the musicians at each. One of the venues had a cover charge which was subsequently refunded by the tour company which I appreciated.
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per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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