Brooklyn , United States

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of Brooklyn

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(18 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Covering five different neighborhoods, this is the most comprehensive Brooklyn tour available. You'll get to see how diverse Brooklyn truly is: I will show you classic Brooklyn brownstone architecture as well as the 'hipster' side of Brooklyn, street art and vintage shops, hidden bars, amazing Manhattan views, an Orthodox Jewish community and grand historic homes.

You will explore some of Brooklyn's greatest and most fascinating neighborhoods. We will start in hipster Williamsburg, head to artsy Bushwick from there, pay a visit to a Jewish Orthodox community in South Williamsburg and end the tour with a stroll through historic Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights near the Brooklyn Bridge.

To be able to show you as much of this giant borough as possible, we use the subway three times on the tour, but this will give you time to sit down and take a break in between exploring the various neighborhoods on foot.

There's also a short bathroom / snack / coffee break halfway through the tour.

Available options

Half-Day Sightseeing Tour of Brooklyn

What's included

Photos - I'm happy to take photos of you and your family throughout the tour.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

On my Brooklyn tour, you'll get to see and learn more about one of the most iconic bridges in the world: the Brooklyn Bridge.

Stop 2

The tour starts in trendy Williamsburg, where I'll show you some of the best places to visit in what's also known as Brooklyn's "hipster neighborhood". We'll also talk about gentrification, take in some sweeping Manhattan skyline views and learn more about Brooklyn in general.

The second neighborhood on the tour is Bushwick, an artsy up-and-coming neighborhood with a large hispanic community. You'll get to experience a little bit of both there, and if you love street art, get ready for some of the best street art in all of New York City!

Stop 4

The last part of the tour focuses on two historic neighborhoods: Cobble Hill and Brooklyn Heights. Here, you'll learn more about the fascinating history of Brooklyn as well as the distinctive Brownstone architecture.

What's not included

Subway tickets are not included. (8.70 USD)

There is a stop for a quick snack / coffee halfway through the tour, but food & drinks are not included in the tour price.

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Total tour duration includes travel time.

Meeting point

The tour starts in front of the Sweet Chick restaurant in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The address is 164 Bedford Avenue - one block from the Bedford Ave subway station on the subway line L (just one stop from Manhattan).

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.