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17 Best Brooklyn Walking Tours (From A Local!)

By Dale P. This guide to Brooklyn tours contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Are you looking for the best Brooklyn walking tours?

Then you’re in the right place!

This guide shares some of the top tours that will show you the sights and attractions of Brooklyn on foot.

Brooklyn is one of New York City’s five boroughs, located across the East River from Manhattan. While many tourists visit iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge or explore neighborhoods like DUMBO and Williamsburg, that’s only scratching the surface of what Brooklyn has to offer.

A walking tour of Brooklyn is a great way to get to know more about this vibrant, diverse borough.

The following Brooklyn sightseeing tours are perfect for exploring the borough while gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for it.

You’ll find tours for every type of interest — including art, architecture, history, food, photography, and more.

Check out these awesome Brooklyn walking tours for a memorable experience. They are some of the best tours in NYC!

Brooklyn Photography Tours

1. NYC Photo Journey

woman on a private photo tour in Brooklyn
Guest enjoying the view from DUMBO. Photo via NYC Photo Journeys.

Part private walking tour, part photoshoot, this unique excursion from our sister company, NYC Photo Journeys, allows you to see the best of New York while preserving cherished memories.

Your licensed sightseeing guide is also a professional photographer, and will take photos of your group along the way. These photos will be edited and sent to you in a digital, downloadable folder.

A few popular Brooklyn photo tour routes include:

  • Williamsburg Bridge – Williamsburg – Bushwick
  • World Trade Center (Manhattan) – Brooklyn Bridge – DUMBO

In short, if you’re looking for a private Brooklyn walking tour that includes photos, this one is for you!

➡️ Click here for full information and to book.

2. Brooklyn Bridge Photography Tour with NYC Skyline Views

Brooklyn Bridge stretching out over the East River
Snap great photos of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Photo via Alexander Rotker/Unsplash.

Prefer to be behind the camera? Looking for gorgeous NYC skyline tours?

This Brooklyn New York tour is perfect for photography enthusiasts looking to take in awe inspiring views!

On this excursion, you’ll be with an experienced photographer guide who will help you hone your skills as you capture photos of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.

You’ll walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn across the bridge, finishing in Brooklyn Bridge Park where you can get some great shots of the Manhattan skyline.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

Brooklyn Art Tours

3. Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tour

woman posing in front of a mural within the Bushwick Collective on a Brooklyn walking tour
Explore Bushwick on a street art tour. Photo via Jessie Festa.

One of the best Brooklyn walks for art enthusiasts is this Brooklyn street art tour.

Brooklyn is known for its vibrant street art, especially in the neighborhood of Bushwick, which is one of the best places to take in large-scale murals.

Luckily, this walking tour allows you to explore the Bushwick street art scene with a knowledgeable local expert.

You’ll learn about graffiti artists and the importance of the Bushwick Collective to local artists while seeing some of the best murals and public art in all of NYC!

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

4. Brooklyn Art Walk, Drink Crawl & City Views

Manhattan Bridge flanked by brick buildings in DUMBO, Brooklyn
Explore DUMBO on an art tour and drink crawl. Photo via Fabio Fistarol/Unsplash.

Another one of the best Brooklyn walking tours in NYC is this excursion combining art, food, and great views.

On this tour, you’ll explore the lively neighborhood of DUMBO.

Once a warehouse district, DUMBO — which stands for “Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass” — has been transformed into a vibrant neighborhood for the arts.

You’ll get to see local art while enjoying views of the three bridges around this neighborhood that connect Brooklyn to Manhattan: the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Williamsburg Bridge.

You’ll finish the tour at a scenic rooftop bar where you can enjoy snacks and drinks.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

5. Brooklyn Outdoor Escape Game: The Land of Street Art

seeing a giant black and white mural in Williamsburg on a Brooklyn walking tour
Explore street art in Williamsburg on this self-guided tour. Photo via Jessie Festa.

If you’re looking for Brooklyn walking tours that are self-guided, check out this great option that combines an art walk with a scavenger hunt.

On this self-guided tour, you’ll use your smartphone to navigate to some of the best street art locations in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

You’ll be able to get to know the neighborhood while collecting clues that will help you solve an interactive puzzle.

This is a great way to get to know Brooklyn while seeing incredible street art at your own pace.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

Brooklyn Food Tours

6. NYC Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Food Tour

Fill up on delicous local food on this tasty tour. Photo via ROMAN ODINTSOV for Pexels.

When it comes to the best walking tours of Brooklyn, it’s hard to beat a tasting tour.

Foodies will love this Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO walking tour that gives a taste of Brooklyn’s delicious offerings as well as insight into its culinary history.

The tour begins in the historic Brooklyn Heights neighborhood before moving to the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO neighborhood.

You’ll get to sample food from ethnic bakeries and markets and check out Time Out Market — which is filled with celebrated restaurants and food stalls.

You’ll learn how the neighborhood of DUMBO has gone through a revitalization in the past decades, transforming into a thriving destination for culture, food, and the arts.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

Prefer a private tour option?

➡️ Click here for a private Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights & DUMBO food tour.

7. Williamsburg Food Tasting & Walking Tour

trying NYC pizza on a Brooklyn food tour
Try some of the best food in Williamsburg on this tour. Photo via Aurélien Lemasson-Théobald/Unsplash.

Williamsburg is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Brooklyn — and in New York City in general.

Known as the hipster hotspot of the early 2000s, this neighborhood has remained trendy with locals and tourists alike.

On this Williamsburg, Brooklyn walking tour, you’ll get to try some of the neighborhood’s best cuisine, including New York City staples like pizza and bagels — as well as dumplings, empanadas, donuts, and more.

You’ll learn about the different ethnic and cultural influences of Williamsburg and how they shape the food of the neighborhood.

Be sure to come hungry to this tour, which is one of the best things to do in Williamsburg!

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

8. New York Eats Experience: Brooklyn Food, History & Culture Tour

bagels with lox and cream cheese from Shelsky's of Brooklyn
Try places like Shelsky’s in Cobble Hill on this Brooklyn foodie walking tour. Photo via Jessie Festa.

The Brooklyn food scene is known for being incredibly diverse, with influences from many different cultures and an abundance of different options to choose from.

On this tour, a knowledgeable local guide will lead you to some of the best foodie spots in Brooklyn — concentrating on the neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble, Hill, and Carroll Gardens.

You’ll try food from half a dozen local spots, learning about the fascinating history and cultural influences of these largely local and residential neighborhoods as you go. This is a great way to get a sample of Brooklyn’s diverse cuisine.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

9. Underground Donut Tour in Brooklyn

a colorful array of donuts
Try the best donuts in Brooklyn on this tour. Photo via Annie Spratt/Unsplash.

If you have a sweet tooth, you won’t want to miss this food tour. It’s one of the best Brooklyn NY tours for foodies, and in particular donut-lovers!

You’ll explore two Brooklyn neighborhoods — Williamsburg and Greenpoint — sampling delicious donuts along the way at four different bakeries.

Not only will you get to taste different styles and flavors of donuts, you’ll also get to sightsee and learn more about the history of these Brooklyn neighborhoods from your local tour guide.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

10. Brooklyn Food Tour: The Flavors of Williamsburg

woman standing in front of the East River with the NYC skyline in the background on a Brooklyn walking tour
Eat your way through Williamsburg and enjoy iconic views. Photo via Jessie Festa.

Another great Brooklyn walking food tour is this exploration of Williamsburg’s diverse cuisine.

On this excursion, you’ll try local food including traditional Polish pierogis and what is considered to be Brooklyn’s best pizza.

Not only will you get to sample delicious eats, you’ll also learn the backstory behind them thanks to your local Brooklyn tour guide.

Along the way, you’ll also get to explore the streets of Williamsburg and see iconic vistas of New York’s skyline as you wander around this great Brooklyn neighborhood.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

Brooklyn History & Architecture Tours

11. Secrets of the Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour

woman posing on the Brooklyn Bridge  on a walking tour of Brooklyn
Learn the secrets of the Brooklyn Bridge on this walking tour. Photo via Jessie Festa.

This Brooklyn Bridge sightseeing walking tour is one of the best ways to learn the secrets of this iconic NYC landmark.

The famous suspension bridge is more than 130 years old, and it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in Manhattan.

That being said, many people don’t know all the secrets and history behind this architectural icon.

On this NYC architecture tour, you’ll stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge learning about the structure and its most interesting stories.

You’ll also get a chance to explore underneath the Brooklyn Bridge with your knowledgeable local guide. Talk about non-touristy NYC!

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

12. The Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour: “The Brooklyn Revolution!”

cobblestone street in DUMBO with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge in the background
Learn about Brooklyn’s history on this walking tour. Photo via Adam Gong/Unsplash.

History buffs will not want to miss this unique Brooklyn walking tour that focuses on the history of the borough.

On a walk around Brooklyn, you’ll hear stories about the borough’s history dating back to the Revolutionary War.

Your historian tour guide will take you to famous tourist hotspots like the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO, as well as the quiet tree-lined streets of Brooklyn Heights.

If you want to learn more about the borough’s history in depth, this is one of the best Brooklyn tours to do.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

13. Brooklyn Heights, The Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Walking Tour

seeing the colorful houses of Brooklyn Heights on an architectural Brooklyn walking tour
Learn about the history of Brooklyn Heights. Photo via Bernd Dittrich/Unsplash.

If you are looking for Brooklyn Heights walking tours, this is one of the best options.

The excursion begins in Brooklyn Heights, which is known for being one of the most historic and beautiful neighborhoods in Brooklyn.

Specifically, you’ll explore the charming Brooklyn Heights Historic District, strolling iconic streets like Love Lane and Henry Street and learning about local history.

From there, walk the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and take in panoramic skyline views before venturing through the Fulton Ferry District and DUMBO neighborhood.

Here, you’ll marvel at landmarks like Jane’s Carousel and the timeless scenes captured in films like Once Upon A Time In America.

Finally, you’ll finish your Brooklyn adventure with a picturesque walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge, ending in City Hall Park in Manhattan.

Pro tip: There are amazing views almost the whole way, so you’ll definitely want your camera for this tour!

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

Prefer a self-guided option?

➡️ Click here for a self-guided DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights walking tour.

Other Brooklyn Walking Tours

14. Prospect Park Tour

fall foliage in Prospect Park in Brooklyn
Get back to nature in Prospect Park. Photo via Michael Chiara/Unsplash.

While Manhattan’s Central Park is more popular with tourists, Brooklyn’s Prospect Park should not be missed.

Luckily, you can get outside and explore this beautiful park on a walking tour with a local guide.

As you stroll through Prospect Park, you’ll learn about its history while seeing the Brooklyn Public Library and visiting some of the park’s main points of interest — like Long Meadow, LeFrak Center, and the Ravine.

This is one of the best walks in Brooklyn if you want to see a different side of the borough!

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

15. Dyker Heights Brooklyn Christmas Lights Tour

ornate holiday display in Dyker Heights on a Christmas Lights Tour of Brooklyn
This is one of the best Christmas walking tours in Brooklyn. Photo via Gautam Krishnan/Unsplash.

One of the best Brooklyn tours from Manhattan is this guided tour of the Dyker Heights Christmas lights. If you’ll be visiting NYC in winter around Christmas, this is something you can’t miss.

From Midtown Manhattan, you’ll board a comfortable tour bus that will take you to Dyker Heights — a neighborhood in Brooklyn that is known for its festive and over-the-top Christmas light displays.

Once you arrive in Dyker Heights, you’ll be able to explore on foot as you take in the beautiful seasonal light displays and learn more about this unique neighborhood.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

16. Brooklyn Scavenger Hunt: Soaring To New Heights

woman posing with street art in Downtown Brooklyn on a walking tour
Enjoy exploring Brooklyn at your own pace. Photo via Jessie Festa.

If you are looking for a Brooklyn walking tour that is self-guided, this is a great choice.

On this fun and interactive DIY walking tour, you’ll explore the streets of Brooklyn as you find clues to complete a scavenger hunt.

This is a great activity for groups who want to see Brooklyn at their own pace, and the tour will take you to some of the borough’s most famous landmarks.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

17. Brooklyn Bar Crawl

craft cocktail being made during a bar crawl walking tour in Brooklyn
Enjoy Brooklyn’s best cocktails on a bar crawl. Photo via cottonbro studio for Pexels.

Looking for the best night tours in NYC? Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Williamsburg on this fun Brooklyn nightlife tour.

Begin the evening with a cocktail at the meetup point to get to know your fellow tour-goers. From there, you’ll explore some of the neighborhoods top watering holes.

Bonus: your ticket also includes skip-the-line entry at the bars and clubs you visit, so no need to waste time waiting in line!

Note that while this is a great option for groups, it’s also a fun tour for those traveling solo in NYC as the social setting makes it easy to meet new people.

➡️ Click here for more information and to book.

Where To Stay In Brooklyn

Looking to stay overnight in Brooklyn?

There are so many incredible hotels, like the Arlo Williamsburg, the William Vale Hotel, and 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge.

➡️ Click here for a full list of Brooklyn hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

➡️ Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays. It is set to Williamsburg, but you can easily change it to your specific NYC neighborhood.

Brooklyn Travel Insurance

When visiting Brooklyn — or anywhere else in the world — it’s wise to get travel insurance.

One of the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country.

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

Click here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks.

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Jessie Festa standing in front of grafitti wall

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