Things To Do While You Are In Harlem
Harlem, a diverse neighborhood located in Upper Manhattan is definitely a place to visit in New York City, which should not be missed. With a rich, diverse heritage, Harlem offers great diversity in music, food, and art which can be seen and felt throughout each of their three unique neighborhoods. Its rich culture has earned nicknames such as “Heaven” and “Black Mecca.” Harlem has a substantial amount of nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century architecture buildings, marvelous parks, world-class museums, and limitless entertainment.
The legacy of Harlem’s past is well-preserved and is an integral part of its culture. Welcome to Harlem’s walking tours, and their Harlem Jazz Series has much to offer and are a perfect way to enjoy Harlem and its rich heritage which will leave you with a very memorable experience.
Here is a list of some ideas for your visit in Harlem:
- The Apollo Theater:
The Apollo Theatre located at 253 West 125th Street was built in 1914, as the Hurtig & Seamon’s New Burlesque Theater, which did not allow African-Americans in its audience. In 1934, the theater was sold to Frank Schiffman & Leo Brecher who renamed the hall the 125th Street Apollo on January 16, 1934, and the rest, as they say, is history. The Apollo’s Amateur Night remains to this day an event which amateur performers grace the stage every Wednesday night hoping to launch a successful career. It is the longest-running variety show in the world! Among the Apollo’s success stories are some of the entertainment industry’s most influential and legendary artists, including jazz singers Ella Fitzgerald (the first female to win amateur at the age of seventeen), Sarah Vaughan, and Billie Holiday; the King of Soul, James Brown; R & B singers Jackie Wilson and Luther Vandross, the Jackson Five and Jimi Hendrix. No visit is complete without a tour of the Apollo Theater with the famous Billy Mitchell! The Apollo Theater was designated a New York City Landmark on June 28, 1983, and added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 17, 1983.
- Welcome to Harlem Walking Tour’s
Mount Morris Park Historic District Walking Tour with Lunch:
The Mount Morris Park Historic District was designated a landmark area in 1971, primarily because of the almost unaltered streetscapes of the late nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century brownstones townhouses and houses of worship. Places you will see on this tour – Apollo Theater, Doctor’s Row, Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Marcus Garvey Park, James VenDerZee studio location, The Theresa Hotel, The Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. statue for starters.
Harlem Renaissance Walking Tour with Lunch:
Explore the 135th Street area in Harlem while learning about the Harlem Renaissance. Places you will see on this tour – The 125th Street area, The National Jazz Museum of Harlem, Astor Row Historic District, Striver’s Row, Abyssinian Baptist Church, 135th Street YMCA and a visit to Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture for starters. The Schomburg is an archive repository for information on people of African descent worldwide. They always have beautiful exhibits and events going on there.
Harlem Gospel and Brunch Tour:
Every Sunday Harlem churches open their doors to the world so they can experience some of the best gospel music and church services. Each experience is unique unto itself and a must for everyone. This tour consists of sightseeing in the 125th street area, Mount Morris Park Historic District, the 116th street area along with a Baptist church service and brunch. So which Sunday are you coming?
- Harlem Jazz tours and Harlem Jazz Series:
Harlem is known for jazz music, and we should all thank the Harlem Hellfighters for introducing the world to this form of music. It has witnessed the music of some well-known Jazz musicians such as Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker and the Gershwin Brothers, Miles Davis and many more. Today in Harlem, you can still hear some of the best jazz that New York City has to offer. The Harlem Jazz Tour is in the evening and consists of sightseeing and a visit to two jazz clubs. If you prefer to enjoy jazz during the day, you can do the Harlem Jammin’ Jazz Tour which consists of sightseeing and the Harlem Jazz Series. The Harlem Jazz Series is a live two-hour jazz concert curated by Craig Harris. It is held every Tuesday afternoon or Friday evening. You decide.
Welcome to Harlem walking tours are one of the best ways to explore and learn about the beautiful, diverse and culturally rich Harlem. So take a tour with a company that is genuinely passionate about where they live and loves Harlem.
