New York City , United States of America

Harlem Sunday Gospel Experience

Active

(46 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

It is an iconic scene often captured in film and photographs – beautifully dressed women with impressive hats in Harlem heading to church for Sunday worship. But, it’s more than fashion or a show, Harlem congregants consider church worship and church family an integral part of life and a source of weekly spiritual sustenance. Sunday Gospel in Harlem invites you to be a part of this custom by respectfully joining a local church family for an hour of worship including gospel.

Please note the entire church service is 90 minutes or more in duration. The tour group stays for a hour, departing before the sermon begins. If you wish to stay on your own for the entire service, please notify the tour guide when checking in. If you choose to stay for the entire service you will be on your own and will miss the walking tour.

If this tour is completely booked, please consider the Wednesday Gospel Praise Music option.

Available options

Harlem Sunday Gospel Experience

What's included

Tour is led by a licensed tour guide and Harlem resident

Detailed itinerary

Visit a local Baptist church for an hour of worship service which includes inspirational gospel music.

Experience the warm welcome of its church members, proud of its spiritual and social ministries, which have stood firm through decades of neighborhood changes.

Experience Harlem's historic 125th Street the main commercial/shopping corridor. Learn and see historic sites associated with its social and political movements contrasting with the new Harlem and changes that are taking place.

Highlights:
-The Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., State Office building,
-Victoria and the Marriott Renaissance New York Harlem Hotel, first hotel to open (June 2023) in Harlem in over 50 years
-Historic Alhambra Ballroom
-Historic Hotel Theresa
-Apollo Theater, Harlem's most famous and world-renowned music and performance venue.

What's not included

Gratuities (optional, but appreciated)

Contribution to the church’s offering plate. We suggest a minimum of $5 each

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.7

18 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.4

28 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Small Backpacks allowed

Recording devices and photographs are not allowed during church service

Dress appropriately and conservatively for traditional Sunday service

Late arrivals (more than 10 minutes) may not be allowed to join once group has left meeting point

A contribution to the donation basket is welcomed and appreciated

Masks are required

Meeting point

The meeting point is next to the subway entrance at 350 W 125th Street (Chase Bank), the southwest corner of St Nicholas Avenue and 125th Street/Martin Luther King.

Subway directions to the meeting point: Take the UPTOWN A, B, C, or D subway line to the 125th Street Station.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information