Brooklyn is a borough that perfectly blends gritty authenticity with lush green spaces and fascinating industrial sites. It’s a place where street art is a living, breathing part of neighborhood life, and history is built into the very streets and waterways. We especially love the Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour, for its chance to see Brooklyn’s outdoor murals and meet local artists. The Prospect Park Guided Walking Tour offers a chance to see Brooklyn’s most famous green space up close, while the Brooklyn Navy Yard Walking Tour takes you behind the scenes of a historic shipbuilding hub turned modern manufacturing site. Whether you’re into vibrant murals, natural scenery, or industrial history, Brooklyn has a tour for you.
Each of these experiences offers a different way to enjoy Brooklyn’s unique mix of arts, nature, and industry. Below, you’ll find a quick overview of what each tour includes, then detailed descriptions to help you decide which one fits your interests and schedule best.
1. Brooklyn: Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour
At number 1 on our list, the Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour scores a high 4.7 out of 5 from 440 reviews. For just $20 per person and about 1.5 hours, this tour offers an affordable insider look at Brooklyn’s outdoor art gallery. Led by a local graffiti artist, you’ll explore the colorful walls of Bushwick, which has become one of the most famous street art neighborhoods in the world. This tour isn’t just about gazing at murals — it’s about understanding the stories and social context behind the art. The guide shares insights from their own experience as a New York City artist, giving you a richer appreciation of this living art scene.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to meet a real street artist and learn about their craft firsthand. As you walk past murals that often change with new work, you’ll get an authentic look at Brooklyn’s vibrant urban creativity. Tour highlights include discovering the variety of styles, from political messages to whimsical characters, and hearing about the wall’s evolution over the years.
Bottom line: If you want a quick, insightful, and visually stunning experience, this street art tour offers excellent value and a genuine local perspective.
2. Brooklyn: 2-Hour Prospect Park Guided Walking Tour
Ranking perfect with a 5-star rating from just five reviews, the Prospect Park Guided Walking Tour is a great choice for nature lovers. Priced at $25 per person and lasting about 2 hours, this tour dives into Brooklyn’s most iconic green space. The guide takes you past the park’s natural and historic landmarks, pointing out features like waterfalls, woodlands, and wildlife habitats. You’ll learn how the park’s water features, such as its manmade waterfalls, contribute to the landscape and the stories behind the various features.
This tour stands out because of its focus on both natural beauty and the stories of the park’s development. You might see turtles basking in the sun or dogs chasing frisbees, but the real highlight is understanding how this urban oasis was designed to be a natural retreat in Brooklyn. The guide shares interesting tales about the park’s creation and its role in the community, making it a perfect outing for families or anyone looking for a peaceful break from city life.
Bottom line: For those interested in Brooklyn’s parks, wildlife, and landscape design, this well-reviewed tour offers a calm, informative hike through Prospect Park with plenty of photo opportunities.
Coming in at number 3, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Walking Tour offers a fascinating look at Brooklyn’s industrial past and present. For $25, you’ll explore a site that’s been vital to New York’s maritime history since 1851 and is now a hub for modern manufacturing and green industry. The tour includes visits to preserved historic buildings, like a dry dock still in use today, and insights into how the Yard has been transformed into a center for creative and industrial innovation.
What makes this tour compelling is the blend of history and modern industry. You’ll learn about the workers who built and repaired ships here for generations, and see how the yard now hosts hundreds of businesses designing and making everything from ships to tech gadgets. The tour enables you to understand how Brooklyn’s industrial infrastructure keeps the city running, giving a tangible sense of how past and present coexist in this dynamic space.
Guests appreciate the opportunity to see the dry dock from 1851 and learn about its continued role in ship repair. The tour is ideal for history buffs, industrial design fans, or anyone curious about Brooklyn’s changing landscape. Potential drawbacks include the limited number of reviews, but the detailed focus on the site’s history makes it a unique experience.
Bottom line: If you’re fascinated by Brooklyn’s industrial heritage and modern manufacturing, this tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Brooklyn’s most important and evolving sites.
How to Choose the Right Brooklyn Tour for You
Picking between these tours depends on your interests, time, and budget. If street art is your thing, the Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour is a must for its vibrant murals and authentic local flavor. For outdoor lovers seeking a peaceful escape, the Prospect Park Guided Walk offers a relaxing and educational experience in Brooklyn’s most famous park. Meanwhile, history and industry enthusiasts will find the Brooklyn Navy Yard Tour a compelling look at Brooklyn’s shipbuilding legacy and modern innovation.
Consider your schedule — all tours are relatively short, but the Bushwick tour is the most affordable, while the others offer slightly longer, more in-depth experiences. Book early, especially for the popular Prospect Park walk, and check availability ahead of time.
Brooklyn offers a variety of ways to explore its neighborhoods, parks, and industrial sites. Whether you’re art-minded, nature-loving, or history-focused, you’ll find a tour that enriches your visit. For a dose of Brooklyn’s creative spirit, the street art tour is unbeatable, while the Navy Yard and Prospect Park tours provide unique insights into the borough’s industry and natural beauty. Don’t wait — these experiences fill up quickly, and booking in advance will ensure you don’t miss out.
Enjoy your exploration of Brooklyn’s rich tapestry of neighborhoods, parks, and historic sites — each tour offers a different window into this vibrant city.