Splendor and Scandal in Brooklyn Heights: A Self Guided Tour

Brooklyn , United States

Splendor and Scandal in Brooklyn Heights: A Self Guided Tour

Active

2h - 2h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Is Brooklyn Heights the most charming neighborhood in New York City? A remarkable number of celebrity residents seem to think so.

No wonder this elegant brownstone wonderland was the first district in the city to be awarded historic landmark status. The leafy enclave where Gilded Age bankers and merchants built handsome townhouses has also been called ”America’s First Suburb”.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll hear about the poets, preachers, abolitionists, suffragists and free love advocates who made the Heights a hotbed of progressive thought. The tour starts outside Plymouth Church, the “Grand Central Depot of the Underground Railroad”. From there, you’ll hear about Reverend Henry Ward Beecher – “the most famous man in America” – and how he profoundly transformed religion, helped Abe Lincoln win the Civil War, did a little gun running, and slept with the wives of his best friends.

Available options

Splendor and Scandal in Brooklyn Heights: A Self Guided Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

App for Android and iOS

Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour

Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

There is no better view of Manhattan than from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. But while other just look, you hear it's story brought to life, and stand in the spot where Washington Roebling supervised construction of the Brooklyn Bridge by telescope from his bed after becoming paralyzed on the job.

Known as "The Grand Central Depot of the Underground Railroad." It was in here that Reverend Henry Ward Beecher -- "The Most Famous Man in America" -- held a live slave auction, raising money set a young woman free. This tour follows Beecher's story including his trial for adultery that gripped America.

All-volunteer woman-run nonprofit that helps homeless cats find furr-ever friends cats. For a small admission fee you can hang out with the feline residents

Designed by Minard Leferve, this gothic masterpiece contains stained glass windows so extraordinary that one is now displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. You'll hear the church's dramatic backstory, from abandoned wreck in the 70's to incubator of a leading arts program and New York's finest prep school.

Brooklyn Height's main shopping street, home to the original Haagen Dazs, the Cat Cafe and the historic Heights Casino, with America's first indoor tennis courts.

This charming street of elegant brownstones will take us by the homes of Henry Ward Beecher, Truman Capote and Arthur Miller, plus the finest examples of the Queen Anne Style in NYC.

The first Romanesque church in America with bronze doors salvaged from the SS Normandie which sank dramatically in New York Harbor.

The first Haagen Dazs ice cream shop, opened by the immigrant family that invented the first super-premium ice cream.

Stop 9 Pass by

Now called the Center for Brooklyn History, this handsome Romanesque revival library was designed by George Post, "Father of the Tall Building."

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Available languages

Audio guide

Written guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The total tour time includes walking the route and passing by the attractions

Meeting point

This tour starts at Plymouth Church, 57 Orange Street. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. You've been sent an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS

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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app

Create an account

Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes

Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.

This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.

When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.

Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Brooklyn

Brooklyn, one of New York City's five boroughs, is a vibrant cultural hub known for its diverse neighborhoods, rich history, and thriving arts scene. From the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to the trendy streets of Williamsburg, Brooklyn offers a unique blend of urban energy and local charm.

Top Attractions

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, offering stunning views of the city skyline and the East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Prospect Park

A large urban park designed by the same architects as Central Park, featuring lakes, wooded areas, and recreational facilities.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions may have fees)

Brooklyn Museum

One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, housing a diverse collection of art from around the world.

Museum 2-3 hours $16 (general admission), discounts available

Coney Island

A historic amusement area known for its beach, boardwalk, and iconic attractions like the Cyclone roller coaster.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction (some free, some paid)

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

A beautiful 52-acre botanical garden featuring a diverse collection of plants, themed gardens, and seasonal displays.

Nature 1-2 hours $20 (general admission), discounts available

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-Style Pizza

Thin, large slices with a crispy crust and tangy tomato sauce, often topped with pepperoni or other classic toppings.

Dinner Vegetarian options available, but not typically vegan or gluten-free.

Pastrami on Rye

A classic deli sandwich featuring thick slices of pastrami on rye bread, often served with mustard and pickles.

Lunch Not vegetarian or vegan, but can be made gluten-free with specific bread requests.

Bagels and Lox

Freshly baked bagels topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often accompanied by capers, red onion, and tomatoes.

Breakfast Not vegetarian or vegan, but vegetarian lox alternatives are available.

Dessert: Black and White Cookie

A classic New York cookie with half black and half white icing, often found at iconic bakeries like Junior's.

Dessert Vegetarian, but not typically vegan or gluten-free.

Popular Activities

Biking in Prospect Park Kayaking in the East River Hiking in Green-Wood Cemetery Picnicking in Brooklyn Bridge Park Yoga in the park Spa and wellness treatments Visiting museums and galleries Attending theater performances

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather and various outdoor events, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks, beaches, and outdoor activities.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Haitian Creole, Arabic
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET) (GMT-5:00, GMT-4:00 during daylight saving time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Brooklyn is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates in most neighborhoods. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 19 km (12 miles)
LaGuardia Airport • 20 km (12 miles)

By train

Atlantic Terminal, East New York

By bus

Atlantic Bus Terminal, Downtown Brooklyn Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway system is the most efficient way to get around Brooklyn and connect to other boroughs. It operates 24/7 with various lines serving different neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Williamsburg Park Slope DUMBO Brooklyn Heights Bushwick

Day trips

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

5 km (3 miles) • Half day

Visit two iconic landmarks in New York Harbor, offering a glimpse into the history of immigration and freedom in the United States.

Coney Island

15 km (9 miles) • Full day

A historic amusement area known for its beach, boardwalk, and iconic attractions like the Cyclone roller coaster.

Green-Wood Cemetery

6 km (4 miles) • Half day

A historic cemetery and National Historic Landmark, known for its beautiful landscapes, historic monuments, and scenic views of Manhattan.

Festivals

Brooklyn Folk Festival • April Brooklyn Book Festival • September Brooklyn Pride • June

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like the Brooklyn Bridge and Prospect Park early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Explore lesser-known neighborhoods like DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, and Park Slope for a more local and authentic experience.
Try local specialties like New York-style pizza, pastrami on rye, and bagels and lox for a true taste of Brooklyn.
Use public transportation like the subway, bus, or Citi Bike to get around the borough efficiently and affordably.
Attend local events and festivals, such as the Brooklyn Folk Festival, Brooklyn Book Festival, and Mermaid Parade, for a unique and memorable experience.