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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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Harlem
As a hub of African American culture, Harlem has played a vital role in the history of New York City. Today, the neighborhood is as vibrant as ever as new businesses and developments go up next to local institutions. The heart of the neighborhood 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 neighborhood, it’s hard to top a visit to Harlem.
How to get there
- 125th St • 3 min walk
- 116th St • 10 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
3,515 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,735 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- TheGaragiste16 contributionsAmateur NightThis 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!Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 9, 2023
- NSD70Wallkill, New York319 contributionsSamara Joy - A Joyful HolidayI 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 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 14, 2023
- Shelly CAuburn, New York418 contributionsA 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 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 13, 2024
- craig1086Atlanta, Georgia1,778 contributionsHarlem LandmarkWas 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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
4.5
644 reviews
Excellent
417
Very good
165
Average
50
Poor
6
Terrible
6
corky2112
Tea Gardens, Australia34 contributions
Sep 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.
Other than that the show itself was enjoyable and the usherette who helped us (two elderly people) to our seats was most helpful.
Written October 6, 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, NY267 contributions
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 November 1, 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 York2,353 contributions
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.
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 February 17, 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
California1,873 contributions
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 April 10, 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
Sep 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 September 28, 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
Sep 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 September 9, 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, NY418 contributions
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 January 13, 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, GA1,778 contributions
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 May 31, 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
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 December 14, 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.
ladymo_uk
Leeds, UK70 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
If you visit with an open mind you'll love the crazy sights & sounds of Harlem. Book Amatuer night tickets (less than £20/$30) & arrive early so you can explore the area (museum & events in square round the corner). I promise you'll enjoy yourself & may even surprisingly be one of the highlights of your NYC trip. And don't shy to boo....!!! if you feel someone's rubbish (but not the child performers though) and hope you get to see/meet a legend. The Jacksons popped in to say hello & Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes performed when I was there. Afterwards go to Harlem Tavern for drinks, food & live music or try Red Rooster prior if you can affort to spend a bit extra.
Written January 25, 2013
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.
Do u have to bring A type of ID if you are 17
Tonie D
New York City, NY4 contributions
I am not sure. Best to call the box office in reference to that question.
moveonup
South East England, UK459 contributions
If there isn't a show I want to see can you do a tour during the day? If so is it good ?
Kasventures
Houston, TX46 contributions
Yeah! Mr Apollo himself did a free, 30 minute tour of the place. We were there early though so you might want to call and ask. But if you're nice and ask politely, you might get a free tour too. Try it
SmokinActuary
Highland Mills, NY280 contributions
How wide are the seats compared to Radio city?
Carole P
Brooklyn, NY24 contributions
They were comfortable enough for my frame. I think they are the conventional size chair for theatre.
bctovegas
Victoria, Canada308 contributions
Hi. Where did you buy your tickets?
HistoryofArt
Missouri City, TX33 contributions
I bought my tickets from ticketmaster. Was able to pick my seats worked well.
Can you take a baby to the theater
Carole P
Brooklyn, NY24 contributions
Personally I would not because of the level of noise, might not be good for baby’s eardrum. People are having fun and noise was what made it more fun.
megantyler85
Melbourne, Australia
Hi, we are spending Christmas and NYE in NYC this year! Is the Apollo Club open over the Christmas period?
Safari378086
United Kingdom11 contributions
Hi there, we are looking to book and the only seats left in our price range are either on towards he middle of the upper mezzanine (3rd level) for $47 or otherwise slightly more expensive right hand orcshestra seats $98. Would prefer the $47 price point, but worried it might be a bit far back from the action. What do people who have been think?
Tracy W
Cambridge, Canada31 contributions
Select the upper mezzanine. Nor too far from action at all .... you will love it. The extra 50 would not be worth it.
nesmavil
Buenos Aires, Argentina1 contribution
Hola, quisiera saber si alguno sabe cuanto dura el espectáculo de Amateur Night.
Gracias.
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