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Free Harlem History Tour

Duration: 2h and 15min
Languages: English
Guru: Alex
Quality Verified Registered on February 06, 2023

I am a licensed tour guide, professional blogger, and active member of the Guides Association of New York City. My passion is New York’s food, history, and culture, and my walking tours are one of a kind NYC experiences! I also created, own, and operate a tour agency called Food Strolls Guided Tours right here in New York City.

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  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
  • Accepts electronic payment
    This tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card

Tour description

Join Alex on a Harlem history tour and follow the neighborhood from the American Revolution to the Harlem Renaissance, and beyond.  We’ll learn how the area transitioned from German, Jewish, and Italian, to America’s most influential Black community.

We’ll visit famous churches, theaters, mansions, and some of NYC’s finest residential architecture.  We’ll also discuss events and places considered central to Black identity in the United States, like the Harlem Cultural Festival and the iconic Apollo Theater.

Eventually, we’ll arrive in “Little Senegal”, NYC’s largest West African community. We’ll talk about contemporary West African migration to the United States, visit several local markets, and meet some business owners in the neighborhood.

Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to engage and ask questions.

Tours are casual, flexible, and fun, so bring your curiosity and a comfortable pair of walking shoes!

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    334 Convent Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA
    334 Convent Ave, New York, NY 10031, USA
    View on map

    I will be standing at the corner carrying a clear folder full of black and white images.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Hamilton Grange National Memorial
  • 2
    Outside visit
    The Abyssinian Baptist Church
  • 3
    Outside visit
    Apollo Theater
  • 4
    Outside visit
    Strivers' Row
  • 5
    Outside visit
    Central Harlem Historic District

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

150 ratings
4.9
By category
Professionalism
4.94
Fun
4.7
Expression
4.9
Quality
4.9
Route
4.77
Generic
5 stars
141
4 stars
6
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Piera 08 May 2024
Brussels

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - May 2024
The best tour guide in the city! The best tour in guru walk!
Adailín 07 May 2024

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - May 2024
This was our 1st walking tour with Alex and considering it was a “free” tour, we were pleasantly surprised by the level of professionalism and quality of content that Alex shared. After the tour, we had a good understanding of Harlem and its history. We visited some beautiful architecture on this tour that surprised us with the “reputation” that Harlem used to have. After the high standard of tour that Alex demonstrated, we decided to book more tours with him, Highly recommend this tour with Alex.
Lee 06 May 2024
London

Verified booking
Travelled alone - May 2024
Alex is amazingly knowledgeable and passionate about his tour. I leant so much about Harlem that I would have never known. Highly recommended.
Veronica 03 May 2024
Berlin

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Sep 2023
A friend recommended Alex tour so I had quite some expectations beforehand - nevertheless I was not disappointed, on the contrary! The Harlem tour was extremely informative and entertaining as well, enjoyed it a lot! Hope to repeat!
Laura 01 May 2024
Modena

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Apr 2024
Abbiamo fatto il tour di Harlem ed Alex è stato bravissimo.
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Not suitable for pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
A minimum of 5 people is required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Electronic or credit card payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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