Brooklyn is a walking tour paradise. Its neighborhoods buzz with energy, art, and stories waiting to be uncovered on foot. Unlike the more touristy parts of Manhattan, Brooklyn’s streets reveal a living canvas of graffiti and murals, especially in Bushwick, which feels like an open-air art gallery. We love exploring Bushwick’s street art with locals who share the stories behind the walls, making it an authentic experience you won’t find just anywhere. For a more natural side of Brooklyn, Prospect Park offers a peaceful escape with waterfalls, wildlife, and quiet paths, perfect for a leisurely stroll. And if you’re into history and industry, the Brooklyn Navy Yard combines the past with modern innovation, revealing what’s happening behind the scenes of New York’s manufacturing scene.
If you’re planning a trip, you’ll want to pick the right tour to suit your interests and schedule. Below, we’ve lined up the top three walking tours in Brooklyn, each with its own flavor and focus. Whether you love street art, natural scenery, or industrial history, there’s something here for you.
1. Brooklyn: Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour
At number one on our list, the Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour offers a vibrant look at Brooklyn’s most colorful outdoor art gallery. For just $20 per person, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours wandering through streets filled with murals, tags, and large-scale murals. What makes this tour stand out is the chance to meet a local graffiti artist from New York City who can explain the stories and techniques behind the artwork. This is a real insider’s look at the evolving street art scene, not just a photo walk.
The guide will take you through the walls of Bushwick, pointing out pieces that range from politically charged murals to playful character art. The stories behind the walls give context to the work, making it more meaningful than just a pretty picture. The tour is perfect for those interested in urban art, culture, or just a lively walk through a neighborhood constantly changing with new murals. The price is very reasonable for the quality of local insights you gain.
Bottom Line: If you crave colorful visuals and authentic local stories, this tour delivers. It’s a quick, budget-friendly way to experience Brooklyn’s most Instagrammable street scenes with a guide who knows the neighborhood inside out.
2. Brooklyn: 2-Hour Prospect Park Guided Walking Tour
Number two on our list is the Prospect Park Guided Walking Tour, which offers a peaceful, nature-focused experience in the heart of Brooklyn. For $25 per person, this two-hour tour explores the park’s natural and historic landmarks, highlighting its waterfalls, woodlands, and waterways. It’s ideal for those wanting a relaxed pace and immersive environment away from city noise.
The guide will point out the park’s most photogenic spots, such as the Waterfall Vista and the Lakeside Walk, while sharing stories about how Prospect Park was designed as Brooklyn’s answer to Central Park. You might see turtles sunning themselves or dogs chasing frisbees, adding a lively, authentic feel to the experience. This tour is great for families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone wanting to learn about Brooklyn’s green spaces in a manageable, accessible way.
Guests often comment on the peaceful atmosphere and the depth of local knowledge, like one reviewer saying, “This was a lovely tour with lots of great information and beautiful sights.” With its focus on natural beauty and wildlife, it’s a perfect escape for a quick break from urban exploration.
Bottom Line: If you want a nature-based walk that’s both scenic and educational, this Prospect Park tour offers excellent value and a relaxing way to see Brooklyn’s famous green space.
Number three takes you behind the scenes of one of Brooklyn’s most historic and industrial areas—the Brooklyn Navy Yard. For $25, this two-hour tour examines the Yard’s legacy of shipbuilding and its transformation into a modern hub for manufacturing and innovation. It’s perfect for history buffs, engineering enthusiasts, and anyone curious about how Brooklyn’s industrial past shapes its current economy.
The guide will show you preserved buildings dating back to 1851, including a dry dock still used today for ship repairs. You’ll learn about the workers who built and repaired ships and see how the Yard has adapted to host hundreds of businesses, including manufacturing, tech, and creative enterprises. What sets this tour apart is the mix of history and contemporary enterprise—visitors get to see how historic infrastructure is still vital now.
While the reviews are fewer (8 reviews with a 4.4/5 rating), those who take the tour often praise the insight into Brooklyn’s working waterfront and the chance to see the dry dock in action. It’s a great choice if you’re interested in industrial history or innovative urban renewal projects.
Bottom Line: For a mix of history and current industry, this tour offers a compelling look at Brooklyn’s maritime legacy and ongoing economic transformation.
How to Choose Between These Brooklyn Walking Tours
When selecting a walking tour, consider your interests, schedule, and what you want to get out of your time in Brooklyn. If street art excites you, the Bushwick Street Art Tour (more info) is a lively, colorful option. For a peaceful, nature-centered experience, the Prospect Park tour (details here) offers a calm escape. Meanwhile, history and industry buffs will find the Brooklyn Navy Yard tour (see more) fascinating.
Budget-wise, all three tours are quite affordable, especially considering the local insights and unique experiences they include. The street-art tour is the cheapest at $20, but the others offer slightly longer experiences with equally good value. Think about your fitness level—these are all walking tours, so comfort with some walking is key.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot. Check each tour’s availability for your specific dates and times, and consider pairing a few for a full day of exploration.
In summary, Brooklyn offers a variety of walking tours that suit different tastes—from vibrant street art and scenic parks to industrial history. The Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour appeals to art lovers, the Prospect Park walk suits nature enthusiasts, and the Brooklyn Navy Yard tour is perfect for history and industry fans. No matter what you choose, booking ahead will help ensure you don’t miss out on these enriching experiences. Happy walking!