- Most Popular Tour!
Your jazz guide customizes the best itinerary for each given night, based on the most talented players in Harlem’s most exciting clubs.
Legendary Greenwich Village & Harlem Jazz Tours in New York City
April 2021 Message: NYC Jazz clubs have not fully reopened but that is slowly changing, and we are keeping on top of it - check our BLOG for big updates. The safest, and best way to do a jazz tour in the near future is to book a private tour along with family or people "in your bubble," but as the vaccine roll out continues to ramp up, guests have been booking public tours as well. For the very near future we recommend choosing Thursday thru Sunday Harlem Juke Joint public tours for a chance to join a small group of respectful and sociable (but socially distancing) fellow travelers. From now through June 2021, we may be limited to visiting only one or two clubs at the most, as there are not many to choose from as yet. To support the Big Apple Jazz scene and cast a vote for the long term survival of live jazz in small clubs, please consider buying one of our GIFT CARDS to be used by anyone on a future date. Gift Cards are emailed to recipients and are transferrable. Peace, Gordon Polatnick - Top Cat, Big Apple Jazz Tours
The Best NYC Jazz Tours
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Intimate and Immersive
Jazz Tours – 7 Nights a Week
We know exactly which clubs are swinging each night of the week, and which bands are not to be missed. We show you where it’s at, and introduce you to all the cats!
Since 1997, Big Apple Jazz Tours has been on the front lines of the underground New York City jazz scene – taking small groups of visitors down into the basements where thrilling jazz and blues still thrive in hidden jazz haunts from Harlem to Greenwich Village.
Our guests range from New Yorkers who rely on our insights, connections, and expertise, to visitors from around the globe hoping to have an immersive adventure they could never have expected and will never forget. View our jazz tours in New York City!
#1 of 754 NYC Nightlife Activities on TripAdvisor!
What can I tell you about our host Amanda, other than that she is amazing!? She's loud, vivacious, beautiful, and knowledgeable about all things New York, jazz, and drinking; which makes her the perfect host for a jazz tour around Greenwich Village.
– TripAdvisor
"Enjoyed a great night in Harlem with Gordon taking us to listen to beautiful people play beautiful music. Listening to and meeting these musicians was a highlight of our New York City trip. Being welcomed by the club owners, staff and customers was a plus. Truly wonderful experience."
– TripAdvisor
A fantastic evening of jazz. I would like to thank Amanda, your knowledge is second to none and we hit the jackpot with you being our tour guide for the night. The standard of the musicians was incredible.
– TripAdvisor
Gordon is a great guide. He's knowledgeable not just about jazz, but about Harlem too. We went to clubs, heard different kinds of jazz and ended out night at the American Legion. The walk thru Harlem was a great way to learn about this part of NY.
– TripAdvisor
Great, very personalized access to and peak at a neighborhood in Manhattan we probably wouldn’t have ventured to on our own. The focus was jazz, but vibrant, energetic and engaging tour guide Amanda also wove in connections to history, architecture and neighborhood culture.
– TripAdvisorTripAdvisor ranks us #1
with over 500 EXCELLENT ratings!
Big Apple Jazz is recognized as the only tour company of its kind in New York City with a passion for seeking out the authentic hidden jazz haunts of Harlem & Greenwich Village. Gordon Polatnick founded this company in 1997 to offer intimate, small group experiences to travelers and locals alike who crave authenticity, insight, customer service, and a real good time!
Our extraordinary access even helps the talented players and singers among our guests get on stage and jam with the band. If someone in your group wants to play on your NY jazz tour, just ask, and we will make it happen!