Top Brooklyn Historical Tours

The food choices in Brooklyn can be overwhelming—but on this small-group walking tour, you'll discover the best of the borough's culinary destinations. Exploring characterful neighborhoods like Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill, you can look forward to trying everything from Middle Eastern baked goods and Italian bites to old-fashioned soda fountain treats and beyond. By the end of the tour, walk away with new local knowledge, and receive tips for the rest of your trip.

Coney Island has inspired dreamers and schemers since the Gilded Age. On this special Made in Brooklyn Tour®, you'll discover how this seasonal world's fair wowed the crowds with the latest and greatest innovations and inventions. Electric lighting to structural steel. Incubators for tiny little babies to towers that rivaled the earliest skyscrapers. And, of course, candy and hot dogs too! At Coney Island's first amusement parks visitors could experience powered flight or even go to the moon. Let your imagination run wild with the stories behind its sensational parks and rides. • Discover Coney Island's dreamers and entrepreneurs, innovators and inventors. • Learn the fascinating origin story of today's amusements and attractions. • Be inspired by the visionaries behind Brooklyn's first great amusement parks. • Explore Coney Island with a Brooklyn native who's been going since childhood.

Discover Harlem's top attractions during a walking tour. Known as a hub for African-American arts since the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, the iconic neighborhood is home to the legendary Apollo Theater, the Abyssinian Baptist Church, the Studio Museum of Harlem, Sylvia's Soul Food restaurant, and architectural masterpieces such as Striver's Row, Shepard Hall at the City College of New York, and the Hamilton Grange National Memorial.

Explore the culture, architecture, and local scenery with a guide on this comprehensive tour of Brooklyn. Navigate five different neighborhoods in a half-day tour that covers Williamsburg, South Williamsburg, Bushwick, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights. Get great views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline; see dynamic street art and classic brownstones; visit fascinating shops, bars, and restaurants hard to find on your own. Your local guide shares fascinating insights throughout

Guarantee your admission to the New York Aquarium in advance—and make your visiting experience seamless—with this convenient pre-booking option. Enjoy the flexibility of an any-day access admission ticket (available in peak and off-peak options), and stop by the aquarium at a time that suits you. This attraction is ideal for travelers with young children, and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Explore the captivating neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO, starting at the historic Brooklyn Borough Hall. Stroll along the picturesque Brooklyn Heights Promenade, soaking in views of the iconic Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge. Discover notable landmarks like Plymouth Church and St. Ann's Church, each steeped in rich history. Enjoy the charm of DUMBO's cobblestone streets, capture a photo with the Manhattan Bridge at Washington Street, and unwind at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Your journey concludes at Empire Stores, a lively hub of shops and eateries, and at Time Out Market, where you can enjoy delicious food with a rooftop view. - Discover Brooklyn Heights Historic District and trendy DUMBO - Enjoy breathtaking views of downtown Manhattan - Enthusiastic guides provide engaging insights - Tour begins at Borough Hall Station, with easy group meet-up location

Head off the tourist trail and get a taste for Brooklyn's food culture on this small-group or private walking tour. Come hungry, and follow your guide to eclectic foodie hotspots in the Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO neighborhoods—many of which only the locals know about. As you go, sample a range of sweet and savory delights, and discover locals-loved food businesses and markets that many visitors overlook.

Discover America’s first suburb through its rich and often overlooked cat history. On this 1.5-mile walk through Brooklyn Heights, our expert storytellers share real stories of the neighborhood’s 19th- and early 20th-century cats—mousers, companions, and silent witnesses to the area’s development. We’ll visit Walt Whitman Park, Brooklyn Borough Hall, and the iconic Promenade, where you’ll hear meticulously researched tales of cats who crossed paths with literary giants and local legends. While this tour focuses on historical storytelling rather than modern cat sightings, feline companions are welcome (in carriers or harnesses). The tour ends near Brooklyn Cat Café—just a few blocks away. It’s not included, but we highly recommend making a reservation to visit after. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a cat lover, this unique perspective on Brooklyn’s past continues to earn glowing reviews and memorable moments.

At the edge of Manhattan, where the city meets the river, stands the Brooklyn Bridge, New York City’s most iconic crossing. As the sun begins to set, the skyline transforms into a glowing masterpiece of light, steel, and history. In this two hour tour, you will explore the charm and beauty of Brooklyn and Manhattan at golden hour. Wander the cobblestone streets of DUMBO, visit Jane’s Carousel, admire historic brownstones and waterfront views, and cross the Brooklyn Bridge itself as day turns into night. Discover stunning photography locations, breathtaking skyline views, and the art, architecture, and stories that make this one of the most unforgettable experiences in New York City.

Begin an 80-minute visit at the museum, exploring century-old machinery, vintage glass bottles, engaging exhibits, and a digital scavenger hunt. Tour the factory to see how a modern seltzer business operates using 100-year-old equipment, and enjoy the chance to spray loved ones with seltzer. Return to the museum for additional fun with a wooden puzzle channel, a selfie station, and unlimited seltzer and egg cream at the bar. Conclude the experience with a visit to the store, offering unique seltzer-themed and museum-themed merchandise such as t-shirts, egg cream kits, books, pins, and stickers—perfect for gifts. This interactive and nostalgic journey provides a glimpse into the history and charm of seltzer-making in a modern context.

The Italian American Food Tour of Williamsburg is deliciously designed to tell the story of Italian American immigration, cuisine, and legacy through a series of mouthwatering food tastings. What to Expect: This is a 3-hour guided walking tour of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. One of our expert tour guides will lead you through the neighborhood, making stops at different locations where you will sample a pre-selected menu of tastings. This tour includes 2 sit-down tastings, 4 takeout tastings, and stops at 2 culturally-significant sites. What you will eat: - Chicken parmesan - Classic Italian deli meats - New York style white pizza - Traditional Roman style pasta - Ancient Roman pizza - Italian hero - Mini cannoli/ Rainbow cookie/ espresso DIETARY RESTRICTIONS: Please be advised that at this time, substitutions cannot be made to the tasting menu unless you are booked for a private tour. This tour is not recommended for those who follow a gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, or pork-free diet.

Explore one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks—and enjoy a more comprehensive way to experience it—on this private walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge. In the early evening, meet your guide in Brooklyn and learn all about the bridge’s history (and how it shaped the city). Then, stroll all the way across the bridge to Lower Manhattan, soaking up top-notch city views along the way.

Hi! I'm Denis, a licensed NYC guide. This private tour offers complete flexibility. Pick an option below, and we can customize the route on the go to match your interests. Choose your option: - ICONIC BROOKLYN (2 Hours): DUMBO & Brooklyn Heights. Classic waterfront views and historic brownstone streets. - CREATIVE BROOKLYN (2 Hours): Bushwick & Williamsburg. The industrial history, neighborhood textures, and street art. - HISTORIC BROOKLYN (4 Hours): DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Downtown, and Fort Greene. A half-day exploring historic layers and classic architecture. - NORTH BROOKLYN & WATERFRONT (4 Hours): Bushwick, Williamsburg, and Greenpoint. The evolution from manufacturing hubs to living community spaces along the river. - THE ULTIMATE BROOKLYN JOURNEY (8 Hours): Bushwick, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Fort Greene, Downtown, Brooklyn Heights, and DUMBO. A full-day experience across the borough's diverse rhythm. Hotel pickup included for 4 and 8-hour tours. We move entirely at your pace.

Immerse yourself in Brooklyn’s one-of-a-kind ambiance, and get an overview of its destination-worthy neighborhoods, on a small-group bicycle tour of the borough. Meet your guide in DUMBO (right below the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges), grab your bike and helmet, and set off on two wheels. See Fort Greene and Prospect Park, explore Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill, and visit other top neighborhoods, all in just half a day.

Discover a side of the New York City Subway that even most commuters never get to see—and learn a wealth of insider stories and facts about the famous rapid-transit system—on this private walking tour. Meet your guide right in a central hub in bustling Brooklyn, and get ready to explore. You’ll visit the borough’s oldest station, admire public artworks, glimpse shuttered stations and closed-off tunnels, and more.

Home to historic brownstones and boasting exceptional, waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Heights is one of Brooklyn’s most in-demand neighborhoods—and this audio walking tour offers a flexible and budget-friendly way to discover it. Upon booking, download the app to your smartphone and use the tour whenever you like. You’ll see Truman Capote’s former house, the Center for Brooklyn History, and much more.

Explore Brooklyn, New York like a local on this private and personalized walking tour. Choose a time period that works for you and join a host that is carefully chosen for you according to your interests. Head out to explore the borough's diverse neighborhoods and discover street art, galleries, music venues, record stores, bars, and more, depending on your preferences.

Explore New York City your way, at your own pace and schedule—and enjoy a cost-effective option for discovering many of the city’s top sights and neighborhoods—using this smartphone audio walking tours package. Download the app and receive six tour itineraries, which cover Central Park, Grand Central Station, Midtown Manhattan, Battery Park, Brooklyn, and Wall Street.

Experience Brooklyn like a local on a small-group cycling tour through the borough’s hippest neighborhoods, including tough-to-reach areas that visitors often miss. Avoid the stress of navigating on your own as you follow a guide to popular landmarks and hidden gems, including possible stops at breweries and distilleries (tastings own expense). Photo stops along the way make this a popular choice for active New York visitors.

New York City is blessed with an incredible array of public sculptures. One overlooked aspect of this collection is its monuments of Black Americans, each with its own remarkable story. Local author David Felsen leads a tour based on his recently published book, “New York City Monuments of Black Americans: A History and Guide” in which attendees will walk from the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Grand Army Plaza through the park to the Marquis de Lafayette Memorial on 9th St and Prospect Park West. Attendees will learn the history and significance of both of these memorials and gain a whole new perspective on the Black characters in them. - Guided tour led by local historian David Felsen - Explore the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch and Marquis de Lafayette Memorial - Learn about the historical significance of Black Americans in NYC - Gain new insights into the stories behind the monuments

I call this a tour of history, hipsters, Hasids, high-rises, hops and more. Join a long-time Williamsburg resident for a walking tour of one of Brooklyn’s most well-known neighborhoods. Beyond the hipsters (are they still around!?) and new high-rises, Williamsburg is so much more. Learn about the early days before the area was part of NYC, who “William” was, and the many groups that have and still call Williamsburg home. We will visit new and old parks, see some of the coolest places to eat in New York, and perhaps have a beer (which has a long history in Williamsburg). There’s a reason this area is so well-known: it is fascinating!

Discover the hidden stories of New York City's iconic Prospect Park on this self-guided walking tour. Starting at the John Fitzgerald Kennedy Memorial, you’ll journey through the stunning Grand Army Plaza and into the park’s serene landscapes. Along the way, you’ll uncover the park’s fascinating history, from its creation by famed architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux to its role as a Revolutionary War battlefield. Highlights include the Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Arch, Brooklyn’s only forest, and the picturesque Prospect Park Boathouse. This audio guide immerses you in the park’s enchanting beauty, offering a fresh perspective on one of Brooklyn’s most cherished green spaces.

Williamsburg is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, but it can be difficult to navigate as a first-timer. Get oriented and discover a curated selection of local sights during this guided walking tour. Venture past historical landmarks, chic boutiques, and hip cafés as you listen to the stories behind each location. Then, visit the waterfront for iconic views of the Manhattan skyline.