Big Apple Jazz Tours
Big Apple Jazz Tours
5
Bar, Club & Pub ToursCultural ToursLiterary, Art & Music ToursWalking ToursNight Tours
8:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Full view
About
Specializing in Harlem Jazz Tours since 1997. We have been on the front lines of New York City’s underground jazz scene for 25+ years - Taking small groups down into intimate basement joints and speakeasies where live jazz still thrives in nightclubs from Harlem to Greenwich Village. All live music and transportation costs are included in the public tour price. Our goal is to offer the most intimate, small group tours available to Harlem and Greenwich Village neighborhood nightclubs and juke joints. We also provide insight into the Big Apple jazz scene as it has evolved over the past hundred years. Consider hiring founder, Gordon Polatnick, to take you on a private tour through the late night underground jazz scene of your wildest dreams. It’s easy to access if you know where to go. All ages welcome.
New York City, New York
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
668 reviews
Excellent
615
Very good
39
Average
7
Poor
4
Terrible
3
jamessekab
2 contributions
Feb 2020
Reasons why this tour is great: Exposure to awesome music you wouldn't find on your own. It's a great opportunity to learn about an amazing part of Manhattan in Harlem. The history and knowledge that Amanda has really adds depth to the experience. She cares about everyone on her tours and makes sure they are constantly in a good place. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to see some amazing live music and you'll definitely be in for some fun surprises along the way!!
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explorer257528
2 contributions
Sep 2021
We booked our second Big Apple Jazz Tour Sept. 1st. Amanda was our guide. Because of the impeding weather that night Amanda had to scramble, but put together a great night of jazz, this time in the Village. We went to a couple of small bars (speakeasies) and had a very enjoyable night ( as was our previous tour). The night was memorable, especially because Amanda joined the band and sang one of my favorite Billy Holiday songs. When the weather worsened Amanda's main concern was getting back safely to our apartment.
If you get a chance and like jazz and history, I would highly recommend booking a jazz tour with Big Apple. And if you happen to have tour with Amanda and you can coax her to sing, you are in for a special treat.
If you get a chance and like jazz and history, I would highly recommend booking a jazz tour with Big Apple. And if you happen to have tour with Amanda and you can coax her to sing, you are in for a special treat.
Written September 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mairead M
Newton, MA5 contributions
Jan 2023
We really enjoyed our Harlem jazz tour. Amanda was a phenomenal guide and had so many fun stories to share about various artists and the history of jazz in this part of the city. The performances were great, the food was delicious and the company was unbeatable. Would highly recommend this to any jazz fans visiting the city or New Yorkers looking to explore a new music scene!
Written January 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joshua L
1 contribution
Oct 2022
Gordon's warmth, expert knowledge & low-key demeanor are matched by his passionate love of the music. He has great rapport with club owners and musicians and clearly takes care of his own. I've done the tour twice and recommend it highly to anyone looking for a memorable musical experience in NYC.
Written October 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MACC2
Lakewood, OH56 contributions
Feb 2020
If you, like me, have heard about the Harlem jazz scene your entire life but didn’t have a clue how to go about exploring it, you have found the right place! We had so much fun checking out distinctly different sounds and venues....from a basement to a Senegalese restaurant. IT WAS AMAZING-and we could have never done it in our own with such ease and comfort. Gordon’s familiarity with the schedule, the spaces and most importantly, the musicians, made for a seamless evening of fantastic music and people that we will never forget. Every aspect of the night exceeded our expectations. GO!!!
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
948juditht
2 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Amanda was an incredible host for this amazing Harlem Jazz Tour. Her effervescent and enthusiastic personality helped set the tone for a fun-filled and informative evening. Her knowledge of the history of Harlem Jazz was extremely interesting and made for a great learning experience for our entire group. She went above and beyond to get to know our family ahead of time and had multiple conversations and texts with us so that she could personalize this experience. My son is a piano player and was able to sit in on several songs in the later part of the evening and was truly thrilled to be able to play with such welcoming musicians. We had so much fun and stayed till 3 AM!! We highly recommend this tour to anyone who loves Jazz and wants to experience an amazing vibe of talented musicians.
Written April 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
karen e
2 contributions
Apr 2022
We had a one-of-a-kind experience last night, walking though Harlem with Amanda, learning the local history and enjoying amazing jazz. We went to 2 venues I never would have found on my own, with a guide who's part of the local jazz community, and that made all the difference.
Thanks Amanda for a memorable evening!
Thanks Amanda for a memorable evening!
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ian G
1 contribution
Mar 2022
In March 2022, I had the pleasure of taking a school group of young high school jazz musicians to NYC. Big Apple Jazz Tours tailored the experience to our every need. Gordon planned and booked everything from our meals and music to the subway cards. The food was great, the music was everything we were looking for and my students were even given an opportunity to get on stage and jam at Minton's. I only wish we had more time to hang with Gordon and listen to his storytelling and take advantage of his vast knowledge of jazz history. We have already begun planning for March 2023
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caroline_NewYorkCity
New York City, NY27 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
As a local, it was great to learn more about my own city— and what an awesome, fun and jazzy way to go about Harlem! Ironically, all but one person in our tour group were locals, too. From our pre-tour phone call and emails, our tour guide Amanda was high energy and full of fascinating facts, took us to iconic historical and cultural spots before bringing us to two spots for live music. She took the time to know us and also shared her colorful personal stories! We had many laughs and New York moments to remember forever… like our impromptu group scat on a public bus. Thank you Amanda for a memorable belated birthday celebration.
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
braxlo
Wilmington, NC93 contributions
Oct 2022
Just returned from another trip to NYC where we booked Gordon's Harlem jazz tour again. We liked it so much in 2019 that when we could not decided where to go see jazz on a Sunday evening we figured we would let him lead the way again. Still a great tour and 10/10 recommend it to anyone who wants to get out and have a unique experience. Whenever our next trip to NYC is we will probably book a 3rd time!
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey! How much the tour? And how can we reserve it?
Written October 13, 2024
The most popular tour is called Harlem Juke Joint Tour and you can learn about and book it and all our tours at our website found in Contact links below our profile listing. Or just call Big Apple Jazz Tours and speak to us directly.
Written October 16, 2024
Hey! How much the tour? And how can we reserve it?
Written October 13, 2024
Tours range in cost at this time from $99 per ticket to private tours for groups starting at $500 for up to 10 guests plus expenses.
Written October 16, 2024
We have guests who sign up alone for group tours, or if they prefer a private guided experience, we arrange everything to your tastes and timing. See our Big Apple Jazz Tours website linked to listing here.
Written October 16, 2024
How and where do you book this tour?
Written January 13, 2024
Hello. I agree with the previous post. Book through Get your Guide. Did the around Midnight Jazz Tour with Amanda in Harlem. Highly recommend 😁🎸🎷🎶
Written January 15, 2024
Does everyone in the group have to be over 21 we have a huge jazz appreciator but he's 17
Written September 27, 2021
Great question. You would be surprised to know that we just had a toddler join us last month. We went to a hidden private club with Hammond organ trio playing - the parents and the 1 and a half year old had a blast. We will take anyone of any age into the thrilling world of NYC live jazz - and like Kathy experienced - we may even be able to find them playing opportunities!!
Peace,
Gordon Polatnick
Top Cat, Big Apple Jazz Tours
Written November 17, 2021
Would you do this tour if Jazz wasn't your type of music so much?
Written January 15, 2020
That's a great question. We are in the business to show you a wonderful time while exposing you to the underground scene which would be interesting regardless of the styles of music you prefer. If you are curious about jazz, we are prepared to help you become familiar with the history, the spirit and the best possible places and bands that will help you understand why people love to hang in jazz clubs - particularly in Harlem and Greenwich Village.
Written January 15, 2020
Hi, we love jazz, but prefer Motown, do you have any tours with that theme?
Written January 12, 2020
If you love Motown you'll love the Harlem Juke Joint Tour, where we visit 2 or 3 underground clubs with great swinging bands and singers. Thursdays are great nights where you'll get a taste of some jazz, funky horns, and soulful sax and Hammond organ.
Written January 15, 2020
Hi, planning the trip to NYC in November and study the jazz tours also. Anyway it's too early to do any booking till November.
Written September 28, 2019
It is great please sign up there is A Harlem juke joint tour on nov 2 or 27th. What dates are you visiting in Nov so we can advise you of great nights for jazz. Let us know if you play an instrument and want to jam. Best Amanda
Written September 29, 2019
are you doing a tour today for 7 people? sunday 13th
Written May 13, 2018
Sorry we missed this one. Generally speaking, with enough notice, we can do a tour any night for as many people as necessary. This is a tour company that thrives on flexibility and keeps our creative juices flowing.
Typically, we have at least one tour running every night, the Harlem Juke Joint jazz tour being the most popular, and available by visiting our Big Apple Jazz website.
Peace,
Gordon Polatnick
Written July 23, 2018
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