10 Live Music Tours in New York City That Still Read Well a Year On

1.Harlem Hallelujah! Gospel Wednesday Concert

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,638 reviews · from $25Our pick

Spend an uplifting Wednesday at Convent Avenue Baptist Church in Harlem, where Music Director Anthony Evans leads the Harlem Praise Singers through traditional spirituals and contemporary gospel. This is a concert rather than a regular service, but you are invited to clap, sing, and join the musical fellowship. Allow time for check-in and a $5 church donation.

“I would have liked that they would say more about Gods Word and His will.The songs go's on and on and on..with the same words..”

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2.Harlem Gospel Live Music Concert

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 1,479 reviews · from $28

Spend about an hour with a live gospel choir at Harlem’s Mount Olivet Baptist Church. The Saturday concert is artistically directed by Craig Harris, with hand-clapping, singing, and plenty of audience energy. Doors open at 10:00 AM, and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Bring a face covering as advised.

“It was amazing! I love singing and listening to others sing gospel music”

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3.Gourmet Dinner Cruise with Live Music

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,074 reviews · 3 hours · from $145

You’ll cruise from Pier 36 aboard Louisa of the Seas for skyline views, bridge passes, and a close look at the Statue of Liberty. A plated dinner, live music from New York performers, private-table seating, and drinks are included. Choose regular or VIP seating, and plan your ride home before returning to the pier.

“Classy, staff were very nice. Loved the live music, “The Barnacles” were lovely and did great crowd work. The dinner and experience were well worth the price. Would definitely come back for other occasions/date nights/family outing.”

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4.Harlem Sunday Morning Gospel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 995 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $85

Meet at 9 a.m. near Times Square for a four-hour Harlem tour with a guide such as Alvin, Peggy, or Dwayne. See the Apollo Theater, Sugar Hill, Hamilton Heights, historic homes, and other landmarks before attending a gospel service. Brunch may be added, but confirm what is offered on your date.

“The gospel choir singing. The other places visited were all very interesting lovely guide very knowledgeable”

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5.4-hour Harlem Gospel Tour in New York City

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 935 reviews · 4 hours · from $79

Meet at 8:30 AM near the Sheraton New York Hotel for a four-hour guided tour of Harlem and the Upper West Side. See the Apollo Theater, Sugar Hill, Columbia University, Hamilton Terrace, and other landmarks before attending a Baptist gospel service. Guides may lead in English, Italian, or German.

“Everyone enjoyed the gospel singing, worth the visit. The guide was good, but would have been more helpful if toilet stops were noted and location.”

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6.Harlem Gospel Holiday Celebration Concert

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 828 reviews · 1 day · from $38

Spend one holiday morning at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Harlem for a one-hour gospel concert filled with powerful vocals, familiar Christmas songs, clapping, and community spirit. You will meet at 201 Lenox Avenue, near the Mount Morris Park Historic District. Arrive early, since lines and crowded seating can affect the start.

“Fantastic singers and a perfect show. Really got you into Christmasmood”

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7.Holiday Yacht Cruise with Jazz, Cocoa & Carols

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 568 reviews · 1h 30m · from $134

Spend 90 festive minutes aboard the classic yacht Manhattan or Manhattan II, sailing from Chelsea Piers past Battery Park, the Seaport, Governor’s Island, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy a heated salon, assigned seating, cookies, cocoa, carols, live jazz, and one included champagne, wine, or beer.

“Fantastic live jazz band on board doing all the Christmas classics. Thoroughly enjoyed! Beautiful to see skyline and Statue of Liberty all lit up! Yummy cocktails and cookies too. Highly recommend.”

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8.Harlem: Central Harlem Sunday Gospel with Locals

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 499 reviews · 2 hours · from $25

Meet guide Doris or another local guide at 9:00 AM near Harlem Hospital, then walk through Central Harlem, learn about its churches and Renaissance past, and join a congregation for roughly an hour of gospel worship. Expect singing, praise dance, local stories, and a suggested $5 church donation. The tour often ends near the Apollo Theater.

“Doris, our tour guide was just fantastic. Her in-depth knowledge, pride and love for the area was evident in her commentary. The pace of the tour was also very doable, I have hip issues and had no problem. Doris was very conscious of the needs of the whole party. I can honestly say this tour was one of the highlights of my visit to NYC and I can’t recommend the tour and Doris highly enough.”

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9.Sunday Harlem Gospel Guided Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 438 reviews · 4 hours · from $89

Spend four hours touring Harlem by bus with a live English, French, or Italian guide, then join a local congregation for Sunday gospel. You’ll pass Columbia University, the Apollo Theater, Cotton Club, Schomburg Center, and Duke Ellington’s former neighborhood. Guides such as Peggy, Alvin, and Mahalia have added personal stories and humor to the route.

“The tour guide, Alvin, was so informative and engaging. He really enhanced the tour through the various areas in NY and and into Harlem. Attending the gospel church service was an amazing experience and something I would definitely do again. Highly recommend this tour!”

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10.West Harlem: Gospel Church Service and Sunday Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 411 reviews · 2 hours · from $30

Meet your English-speaking guide near the 145th Street subway station, attend a full gospel church service, then walk through West Harlem. Guides such as Keith, George, William, and Debbie have led guests past brownstones and historic sites while sharing neighborhood stories. Bring a long-sleeved shirt, and leave cameras, backpacks, and recording gear behind.

“Amazing sermon! The preacher spoke out against the Trump administration using metaphors from the bible!”

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