
Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz worth booking?
Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz is a 4-hour experience in New York, United States, from $125 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (12)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $125 per person
This is Big Apple Jazz Tours' most popular tour for the past 25 years. We created a truly immersive experience that walks you in the footsteps of Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellingt
What you get
- In-tour transportation.
- Cover Charges
About this experience
This is Big Apple Jazz Tours' most popular tour for the past 25 years. We created a truly immersive experience that walks you in the footsteps of Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington and Thelonious Monk. Enjoy Harlem's best live jazz in a minimum of two hidden jazz haunts for hours of swinging music. Perfectly integrated into the natural flow of the evening, we pause to see and hear about Harlem’s historic past and dynamic current scene. Learn about the Cotton Club, Savoy Ballroom, Minton’s Playhouse, Swing Street, The Tree of Hope, and the Apollo Theater. If you’re a player or singer, let us know so we can help you join the jam. If you’re feeling sociable, your guide can introduce you to all the cats. Where necessary, all music charges at clubs & transportation included! We create the ideal itinerary each night, so you're guaranteed to hear the best shows available no matter which night of the week you join.
What's included
Included
- In-tour transportation.
- Cover Charges
Not included
- Dinner
- Band Tips in some music venues. Your guide will contribute for the group. You may want to as well.
What you'll see and do
Apollo Theater
We stop for outdoor photos and learn the history of Harlem's legendary and iconic Apollo Theater. When possible, we go inside to see the Wall of Fame and replica of the Tree of Hope in the lobby gift shop.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
New York
Take the A Train to 125th Street. We meet 1 and a half blocks down the street near the world-famous Apollo Theater. Meet your guide just in front of the Victoria. In cold or rainy weather, you will meet your guide just inside the doorway. Confirm your meeting location with guide prior to tour.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The 2/3 and C subway trains are only 3 blocks away.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 11 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Big Apple Jazz Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Memorable Evening!
Gordon, our tour guide, was very attentive, informative, and friendly. He kept us informed the day of the tour and even provided me with suggestions of things to do in the area as we were early. Gordon is extremely knowledgeable about all things jazz! I was very impressed at the end of the night as Gordon advised the owner of the last venue that it was my husband’s birthday. The band sang a personal happy birthday song to him which was unexpected and quite a memorable experience! Great tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a kind review. It was a great pleasure to meet the family and get to share that special birthday in Harlem with Joe. Please keep in touch so I can help you find more great live jazz events throughout the city. Peace, Gordon
via Viator
Outstanding night in the city with Gordon
It was wonderful to get to tap into Gordon’s knowledge of the history and current jazz scene in Harlem and New York in general. We throughly enjoy our tour and have decided to look him up every time we are in the city.
Response from the operator: You guys are amazing. Thanks for sharing your warmth and knowledge and humor, and helping to make it a great night of jazz and football! See you again soon. Let me know the next time you're coming to town, every night can be a different itinerary. Peace, Gordon
via Viator
If you love jazz music, this tour is a MUST!
Gordon was a fantastic host! His extensive knowledge of the past and current jazz scene and key players in NYC was impressive. The food was delicious, bands were jumping, and people met-instant friends. We had a wonderful time!
Response from the operator: Woohoo! I couldn't have asked for a more enthusiastic and good natured group! We all lucked out last Friday! Thanks for bringing the love and curiosity and good will to the Experience; and signing up at the last possible second to make it a really special night. I hope we meet again and get to enjoy more jazzy nights together, perhaps after P. makes NYC his home! Peace, Gordon
via Viator
Such a fun night!
Our family did the Round Midnight tour with Amanda to celebrate my dad’s 86 birthday and it surpassed our expectations. My dad ABSOLUTELY loved it! So much fun and would have never had that same experience going out on our own. Amanda was so much fun and made sure that the night was perfect for our family.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review. We are delighted that your dad got the birthday celebration he dreamed of and you were all able to celebrate together with Amanda and the Harlem jazz scene. Amanda always puts everything she has into making the Experience great. Thanks again for taking the time to share your enthusiasm. Peace, Gordon
via Tripadvisor
Once in a Lifetime Experience
We had an incredible night on the Harlem Jazz tour with Gordon. Gordon has a special bond with the close knit jazz community in Harlem. We started the evening at Bessie’s Place to celebrate the birthday of a local jazz legend with impromptu drop-in performances by local artists..an almost spiritual experience! We finished the evening at a Jamaican restaurant and bar with great food and great music. Gordon is an encyclopedia of New York jazz history and it was a pleasure to spend the evening with him. We highly recommend this tour!
Response from the operator: It was a delight to share this once-in-a-lifetime night with such a charming couple. I’m so glad it worked out so well and we were able to experience all of Harlem’s best vocalists all in one place celebrating Boncellia’s birthday. You got a taste of the Harlem spirit that I fell in love with 30 years ago, and that continues to thrill me to this day. And we had such a nice group of visitors to enjoy it with!! Thanks for adding to the positivity of the night and for such a nice review. I hope we meet again. Peace, Gordon
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 4+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $125 to $139
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for New York.
How much does Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz cost?
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Prices start at $125 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in New York usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in New York is not rushed.
Is Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 12 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in New York, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 4. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 4-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz?
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Around 4 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in New York can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in New York and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Harlem Jazz Tour: NYC Speakeasies and Juke Joints - Live Jazz start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central New York within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in New York?
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New York has more bookable experiences than any other city on Outty, and the quality spread is brutal. Observation decks are commoditised, so we score them on timed-entry reliability and sunset slots. Food tours and borough walks are where the ranking really separates operators, and the top scores in the city all come from small-group guides. On Outty we rank every New York experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Grand Canyon VIP Helicopter Tour, Half-Day Bus Tour of NYC Top Highlights, NYC Bus Tour of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens: Art, Food & Sports. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit New York?
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September to early November, and late April through June. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in New York?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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