Jazz Classes in New York, NY

Join us on a journey through over four centuries as we walk down NYC’s oldest street! Originally a Native American footpath and Dutch farm road, site of the first free Black homesteads, it witnessed gang wars, the bloody Astor Place Riot, & Lincoln’s famous anti-slavery speech at Cooper Union. It was the working-class main street for sailors, shopgirls, gangs, gays, and waves of immigrant Irish, Italians, Germans, Jews, and Chinese. NYC’s first entertainment district, it has seminal links to tap dance, vaudeville, Yiddish theater, Houdini, Stephen Foster, Irving Berlin, Mae West, modern tattooing, Abstract Expressionism, Beat literature, improvisational jazz and punk rock. Though it declined in the 1900s, when flop houses and dive bars proliferated, it nonetheless became home to affordable jewelry, lighting, and restaurant supply stores, and a live-work home for artists like Marc Rothko, Maya Lin, William Burroughs, Robert Frank, and Debbie Harry.

After getting on board this original experience we will travel to the first stop in the prominent Jazz neighborhood of Harlem. The experience continues heading out of Manhattan into the Bronx to admire the grandeur of Yankee Stadium. The exploration of the Bronx continues to the “Joker Steps “and artistic murals- learning more about this famous street art and the history of The Bronx. Our exploration continues in Queens with a lively stroll at the fascinating Flushing Meadows Corona Park. U.S. Open National Tennis Center, Citi Field NY Mets baseball stadium, and Uni-sphere. Brooklyn is where we explore the Williamsburg neighborhood, the largest concentration of Hasidic Jews. The show continues down at Brooklyn’s waterfront, with a view of the world-famous panorama of Manhattan’s skyline and a pace at Domino park. This park’s architecture & landscape is a gorgeous way to admire the New York city bay and landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty & One world trade center.

Are you ready to experience the soulful music that Harlem is known for? Look no further than Harlem's renowned jazz clubs. Every night, passionate performers pay tribute to legendary artists such as Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, and more. Immerse yourself in the immortal sounds and rhythms of Harlem's vibrant jazz scene. But your evening doesn't have to stop there. Take a tour of Harlem's iconic 125th Street, followed by a leisurely stroll along Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Soak in the history and culture of this iconic neighborhood before ending your tour at one of Harlem's best live jazz venues. And don't worry about going hungry – there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious food and drinks while listening to the smooth sounds of live jazz. Make this evening one to remember by taking the A train to 125th Street and kickstarting the party. Don't miss out on this quintessential Harlem experience. (You should bring cash for entry fees, food. and drinks.)

Welcome to Harlem. We are passionate about bringing the authentic live jazz music of Harlem to music lovers everywhere. Our mission is to showcase the best of seasoned and up-and-coming jazz musicians, who bring their A-game to every performance at the Harlem Jazz Series. Join us for an unforgettable experience – a mix of daytime and nighttime jazz sessions, featuring the most talented musicians in the industry. Our weekly sessions take place every Thursday and Friday at 7:00 pm. Ringing through the city – jazz for all No need to wait for the sun to go down or pay hefty prices for great music. With us, you can immerse yourself in the immortal sounds and rhythms of the greatest jazz champions in the world, such as Duke Ellington, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. Our concerts are a tribute to their legacy, and their music continues to ring throughout the city every day.

Sail toward the sun setting behind the Statue of Liberty and return with the Manhattan skyline glittering before you—a view that captures New York at its very best. More than a cruise, this is an homage to the owner’s New York jazz roots, brought to life by a rotating cast of the city’s most accomplished musicians. From smoky ballads to bebop, swing, American standards, and straight-ahead jazz, the music flows seamlessly with the rhythm of the harbor. On deck, the Clipper City channels the cozy elegance of Bemelmans and the iconic energy of the Monkey Bar—intimate, timeless, and full of charm. With up to two glasses of wine included, plus a full bar on board, it’s the ultimate way to celebrate, impress, or simply lose yourself in the magic: sailing aboard New York’s largest Tall Ship, set against the dazzling backdrop of the world’s most vibrant city. A night that feels authentically New York—sophisticated and alive, relaxed yet unforgettable.

Considered the Mecca for African-Americans at the turn of the century, Central Harlem is home to Jazz, Lindy Hop and Swing, and continues today to be one of Harlem’s most vibrant for the arts, dining and shopping.

Discover Harlem, one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods, on a Spanish tour that reveals its history, culture and enormous influence on New York art. We begin the tour of the West Side Highway appreciating the Intrepid aircraft carrier, the Trump Buildings and the Hudson River. We will visit the exteriors of the legendary Cotton Club, scene of great jazz and blues figures, and then the legendary Apollo Theater, where artists such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin and the Jackson Five debuted. We will continue to Columbia University and walk through the picturesque Harlem homes to get an up-close look at its historical evolution, including the famous Mother Hale home. Then we will visit the tomb of General Ulysses S. Grant before entering a Baptist temple to live an authentic gospel Mass with its traditional chants. We will finish the tour at 59th Street in Midtown Manhattan.

Discover the greatest of New York City on this half-day guided tour that visits the most well-known sites in The Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn in addition to the breathtaking vistas of Manhattan. Discover more about the local way of life in these colorful and varied boroughs, which have two of America's finest baseball stadiums, jazz, theater, and street art, among other things! This inspirational tour of the Big Apple offers something for everyone to appreciate, since living in NYC is all about the contrasts of cultures.

Experience Harlem like a local and immerse yourself in its legendary gospel music scene on this unique Sunday adventure. Led by a licensed guide who is also a singer, you’ll explore historic landmarks, hear the inspiring story of gospel music’s evolution from spirituals to jazz, and gain insight into Harlem’s cultural heritage. The tour concludes with a live gospel service at a renowned church, where you can feel the joy and energy of a welcoming congregation. This is more than a tour. It’s a soulful, authentic cultural experience you won’t forget. Two-hour walking tour through Harlem’s iconic sites Live gospel service with a celebrated choir Learn about the origins of gospel music and its role in the Great Migration Perfect for travelers seeking meaningful cultural connections and local insight

- Visit the Hamilton Heights Historic District and Hamilton.Barn, early 19th century house. - Visit the Little Senegal district with discovery of Minton's Playhouse, jazz club where the Bi-Bop was invented. Visit the iconic Harlem brownstones. Visit to Harlem's main thoroughfare, 125th Street. Paul deo Fresco with the artist. _Appolo Theatre mythical scene of African-American culture.

Follow us to discover this 100% American gastronomic destination. During this visit, you will learn the history of this essential district, its architecture, and especially its institutions! Just arrived in New York, you wonder where to taste the best donut, the most colorful cupcake or the most popular burger in town? Do not search anymore! We take you on a discovery of typical American culinary specialties in the charming neighborhood of Greenwich Village. The atmosphere is that of an urban village: small, century-old grocery stores rub shoulders with jazz bars, restaurateurs and waiters greet their customers by name. The sweetness of life in New York!

Step into the heart of New York City’s cultural heritage on this immersive 3.5–4-hour walking tour through Greenwich Village, SoHo, NoLiTa, Little Italy, and Chinatown. Explore five iconic neighborhoods, each with its own charm, history, and flavors. Wander the historic streets of Greenwich Village, known for jazz clubs, townhouses, and secret speakeasies. In SoHo, admire cast-iron architecture and hear how it transformed from an industrial zone to a luxury shopping and art hub. Discover NoLiTa’s stylish vibe and local cafés, then savor the old-world feel of Little Italy, rich with Italian food, history, and nostalgia. In Chinatown, explore vibrant markets, herbal shops, and authentic eateries while learning about the area’s immigrant roots. Along the way, your guide will point out hidden food gems—from classic New York pizza to cannoli and dumplings—offering tips only locals know. Perfect for visitors and New Yorkers alike, this tour blends history, culture, and flavor.

Discover the heart and soul of Harlem on a memorable Harlem bus tour with a live gospel concert experience. Ride comfortably through one of New York City’s most historic neighborhoods while learning about its rich African American heritage, famous landmarks, jazz history, and the influence of the Harlem Renaissance. Along the way, see iconic and historic brownstones, and cultural sites that shaped Harlem into a global center for art, music, and community. The tour’s highlight is an inspiring live gospel concert, where talented acapella singers fill the church with powerful music, uplifting harmonies, and joyful energy. Ideal for tourists, music lovers, and culture seekers, this Harlem sightseeing tour combines history, entertainment, and authentic local tradition for an unforgettable New York experience. Book your Harlem gospel bus tour today and experience the spirit, music, and culture of Harlem like never before.

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 sets our tour apart is the chance to dive deep into the heart of Harlem and experience it like a true insider. This isn’t just a tour; it’s a walking journey through the soul of one of New York City’s most legendary neighborhoods. Explore the authentic side of Harlem, the birthplace of jazz, blues, and Black music—a neighborhood alive with history, culture, and vibrant traditions. Walk the streets where musical legends and notorious figures once made their mark, and uncover stories that have shaped both Harlem and American culture. The tour culminates with an unforgettable experience—a live gospel service. Feel the electrifying energy of Harlem's gospel scene and witness firsthand the passion and rhythm that continues to echo through the community. It’s an experience that will leave you with a deeper connection to Harlem and memories that will last a lifetime. Book now to join a walking tour that goes beyond sightseeing, inviting you to feel the true heartbeat of Harlem!