Apollo Theater
Apollo Theater
4.5
About
The legendary Apollo—the soul of American culture—plays a vital role in cultivating emerging artists and launching legends. Since its founding, the Apollo has served as a center of innovation and a creative catalyst for Harlem, the city of New York, and the world.
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Tours & experiences
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Harlem
As a hub of African American culture, Harlem has played a vital role in the history of New York City. Today, the neighbourhood is as vibrant as ever as new businesses and developments go up next to local institutions. The heart of the neighbourhood is bustling 125th Street, where street vendors and historic landmarks like the Apollo Theater mingle with big-name stores. Turn down almost any corner, and you’ll discover some of the most beautiful blocks in the city, filled with handsome brownstones, soul food restaurants, corner shops, and scenic parks. For a taste of a real New York neighbourhood, it’s hard to top a visit to Harlem.
How to get there
  • 125th St • 3 min walk
  • 116th St • 10 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • NSD70
    Wallkill, New York319 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Samara Joy - A Joyful Holiday
    I have not been to the Apollo Theater I. Over 20 years, it is just how I had remembered it. There is so much history in this building. I look forward to another show at the Apollo Theater. Samara Joy’s concert was amazing, what a talented woman.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 14 December 2023
  • Shelly C
    Auburn, New York442 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great experience.
    My mother always wanted to go to the Apollo so we went and saw BeBe Winans and had a wonderful time. I would have liked to seen the double dutch jump rope competition the next day but we had to leave. The theater has so much history and the crowd was fantastic. If you like culture and experience, you need to go.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 January 2024
  • craig1086
    Atlanta, Georgia1,867 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Harlem Landmark
    Was staying down in lower Manhattan, but made a trip up just to be able to see the historic landmark. The area is buzzing. Their's a gift shop in the lobby, but depending on the day, they might not let you in. Love that shows are still happening there all the time. It's right around the corner from the 125th Street station.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 31 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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 waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles646 reviews
Excellent
418
Very good
166
Average
50
Poor
6
Terrible
6

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corky2112
Tea Gardens, Australia36 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
I booked through Ticketmaster and paid a hefty price for front row seats but during the process we received two free tickets to a concert in Austin, Texas, instead of our requested tickets to amateur night at the Apollo, we had been scammed. This seems to happen quite regularly and it must be rectified. We ended up having to pay $70 extra to be seated in nose bleed territory at the back of the balcony.
Other than that the show itself was enjoyable and the usherette who helped us (two elderly people) to our seats was most helpful.
Written 6 October 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.

ktbeenthere2015
New York City, NY270 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2022
The largely foreign crowd at Amateur Night is enthusiastic, ready for some good acts to cheer or boo. Everyone is game for a good time. On the night we went, those competing were talented, but no future Jackson 5 emerged among them (maybe there were 8 or 10 acts). The crowd was not very raucous; boos were not uttered during our show. The show's host has corny jokes to keep the show going. No need to buy the expensive seats because almost all of the acts are vocalists that can be heard from anywhere - the acoustics are very good. Because interaction is encouraged and the acts are short, Amateur Night is more lively than going to a theatrical play. Teenagers and children might enjoy it more. It is not comparable to the talent shows on TV now because it is a much simpler experience, although they do have some modern media activities. Will you see the next social media darling? Maybe....
Written 1 November 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.

Irene Eng
New York City, New York2,371 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022
This legendary music hall in Harlem is locates between 7th Ave & 8th Ave. The interior is nice, walls are filled with memories.

It's the amateur night. The synergy is strong. Taking photos and videos are aggressively appreciated or ordered -:) and noise is encourage.

The performers are ok ... 

The bathroom is so tiny that I've hard time to close the door ...

Overall, it's a fun night.
Written 17 February 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.

Lori M
California1,992 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • Friends
I can't really rate it because we were not allowed inside to see the main theater. What a shame - they are arguable one of the largest draws to get people to Harlem and they only have tours 5x per week (and it's $17 per person) . We were there yesterday and they had a private tour going but they would not let us join in (there were other folks who also wanted to see the theater). they would not even let us peek in. they could really HELP the community by making it easier for tourists to visit!!! we would have seen a show there that night but there wasn't one. the lobby was small but had a beautiful chandelier and a small gift counter. very disappointing visit, they should step it up.
Written 10 April 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.

aldabra007
Trieste, Italy2,493 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
3/4 blocks away from the subway, it is the theater where singers who became famous all over the world began their careers. Young unknown guys with incredible talent that made them immortal. The theater was closed so I went in to see the shop which was quite poor in products. Just some t-shirts and nothing more. The trip is only worth it if you can get in.
Google
Written 24 January 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.

Carrie A
Charlotte, NC671 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Couples
There is nothing showing at the time but you can still go in and look around. Always good for a photo op and to say that you got to see it in person. One of the legendary theaters in Harlem. Would not suggest going at night.
Written 28 September 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.

TheGaragiste
16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
This was our first visit to Harlem and it was well worth the trip. The Apollo is a beautiful old venue and the atmosphere at Amateur Night was terrific. We were made so welcome and of course, the performers were (mostly) superb. Tickets were reasonably priced and the seats were comfortable. Front row recommended!
Written 9 September 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.

Shelly C
Auburn, NY442 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
My mother always wanted to go to the Apollo so we went and saw BeBe Winans and had a wonderful time. I would have liked to seen the double dutch jump rope competition the next day but we had to leave. The theater has so much history and the crowd was fantastic. If you like culture and experience, you need to go.
Written 13 January 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.

craig1086
Atlanta, GA1,867 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • Couples
Was staying down in lower Manhattan, but made a trip up just to be able to see the historic landmark. The area is buzzing. Their's a gift shop in the lobby, but depending on the day, they might not let you in. Love that shows are still happening there all the time. It's right around the corner from the 125th Street station.
Written 31 May 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.

NSD70
Wallkill, NY319 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Couples
I have not been to the Apollo Theater I. Over 20 years, it is just how I had remembered it. There is so much history in this building. I look forward to another show at the Apollo Theater. Samara Joy’s concert was amazing, what a talented woman.
Written 14 December 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.

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APOLLO THEATER (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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