The 15 Most Popular Tours & Things To Do In Brooklyn

The 15 Best Tours & Things To Do in Brooklyn

Brooklyn isn’t just a borough; it’s a city of neighborhoods, flavors, and stories waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re craving authentic eats, want to see stunning architecture, or prefer active adventures, Brooklyn offers a wide array of experiences that go beyond the typical tourist trail.

We’re particularly fond of the Food, History and Culture of Brooklyn Tour, which combines a walk through characterful neighborhoods with tasting stops that showcase local mom-and-pop businesses. It’s a fantastic way to get a real sense of Brooklyn’s diverse culinary scene and community spirit.

If you’re after something more active, the Brooklyn Neighborhoods Small-Group Bike Tour is perfect for covering a lot of ground while soaking in the sights. Or if the water beckons, the Private Sail New York with Brooklyn Sail offers a private boat ride with stunning Manhattan skyline views. Whatever your style, Brooklyn’s varied tours promise memorable experiences that reveal its true character.

Quick Overview

Brooklyn shines in its food tours, such as the Brooklyn Food Tour of Mom-and-Pop Culinary Gems, which highlights neighborhood favorites. Art lovers will appreciate the Brooklyn Graffiti Workshop (link), while history and architecture enthusiasts can enjoy walking tours like the NYC Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Food Tour.

Active travelers might prefer the Brooklyn Bike Tours or A Day in Brooklyn Bike Tour. For a splash of water-based fun, the Private Sails and escape rooms provide unique ways to experience Brooklyn.

1. New York: Food, History and Culture of Brooklyn Tour

This small-group walking tour offers an immersive dive into Brooklyn’s culinary scene, covering neighborhoods like Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill.

Over about three hours, you’ll sample everything from Middle Eastern baked goods to Italian bites and old-fashioned soda fountain treats, all while learning about Brooklyn’s immigrant past and vibrant community. The tour emphasizes mom-and-pop businesses and local spots that are often missed by travelers.

Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 495 reviews, this tour is praised for its personal touch and generous tastings that easily turn into a substantial lunch. Guide Mickey’s storytelling brings Brooklyn’s neighborhoods alive with historical anecdotes and foodie insights. A perfect pick if you want to explore Brooklyn’s authentic character and get insider tips for the rest of your trip.

Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want a local experience, this tour balances culinary delights with cultural stories in a friendly, intimate setting.

2. NYC Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Food Tour

This tour combines two of Brooklyn’s most iconic sights—the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO—with a focus on local food. For about three hours, you’ll explore Brooklyn Heights, stroll across the bridge for breathtaking views of Manhattan, and then dive into the trendy DUMBO neighborhood. Along the way, you’ll sample an array of bites from artisan eateries and market stalls that many visitors overlook.

Rated 5.0 from 423 reviews, the tour offers a generous selection of tastings, making it a full lunch plus sightseeing adventure. The choice of a small-group or private experience allows for personalized attention. Highlights include stunning views of the skyline and learning stories behind Brooklyn’s historic neighborhoods.

Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a blend of sightseeing and food sampling in two of Brooklyn’s most photogenic areas, with the option for a more intimate experience.

3. NYC: Brooklyn Graffiti Workshop with Local Artist

In this lively one-hour graffiti workshop in Brooklyn’s Bushwick, you get hands-on experience creating your own mural alongside an experienced street artist. You’ll develop basic technical skills and learn about the underground culture of street art that defines Brooklyn’s visual identity. Whether you’re a total novice or a budding artist, this workshop offers a fun, creative outlet.

Rated 4.8 out of 538 reviews, it’s praised for its approachable instructors and the chance to take home a personalized canvas. It’s a fast-paced, engaging experience that demystifies graffiti art and provides a glimpse into Brooklyn’s vibrant urban art scene.

Bottom Line: Great for art lovers and curious travelers wanting an authentic, interactive experience that results in a tangible souvenir.

4. The Escape Game Brooklyn: Epic 60-Minute Adventures in City Point

Located in Brooklyn’s bustling City Point shopping center, this escape room experience is perfect for those who enjoy puzzle-solving and team fun. With six different themed rooms, including the newest “Cosmic Crisis,” you’ll work against the clock to unravel mysteries in about 60 minutes. It’s family-friendly and offers options suited for all skill levels.

Rated 5.0 from 225 reviews, visitors highlight how immersive and well-designed the rooms are, with excellent customer service. It’s a fantastic option for groups, families, or friends seeking an active, engaging indoor activity that sparks teamwork and creativity.

Bottom Line: Ideal for puzzle fans and families wanting a fun, challenging activity within Brooklyn’s vibrant city center.

5. Brooklyn: Bushwick Street Art Walking Tour

This 1.5-hour walking tour showcases Bushwick, one of Brooklyn’s most colorful neighborhoods, transformed into an outdoor art gallery. Led by a local graffiti artist, you’ll explore walls filled with murals, tags, and stunning street art. The guide shares stories behind the pieces, revealing Brooklyn’s creative pulse.

Rated 4.7 out of 440 reviews, it’s highly recommended for those interested in street art and urban culture. The tour offers a look into Brooklyn’s underground art scene, making it ideal for art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

Bottom Line: Great for anyone interested in Brooklyn’s contemporary art scene, with a local artist providing authentic insights.

6. Brooklyn Neighborhoods Small-Group Bike Tour

Cover more ground on this 4.5-hour bike tour, which takes you through top Brooklyn neighborhoods like Fort Greene, Prospect Park, Carroll Gardens, and Cobble Hill. The tour includes all equipment like bicycles and helmets and offers a mix of scenic parks, historic brownstones, and local stories.

Rated 5.0 from 133 reviews, travelers love how personalized and comprehensive this tour is. You’ll get a good sense of Brooklyn’s distinct areas while staying active, with stops at places like the Raaka Chocolate Factory and Widow Jane Distillery.

Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers eager to see a variety of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods in one day with minimal hassle.

7. Private Sail New York with Brooklyn Sail

For a truly memorable experience, rent the entire boat for a private 2.5-hour sail. Leaving from Brooklyn, you’ll cruise past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline, with views that are particularly stunning at sunset. Bring your own food and drinks to customize your outing.

Rated 5.0 from 118 reviews, this is highly rated for its exclusivity and spectacular views. It’s ideal for romantic getaways, special celebrations, or simply escaping the city hustle for a peaceful cruise. The captain’s local knowledge ensures a smooth and scenic ride.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking a private, scenic escape on the water with unmatched views.

8. New York Private Airport Transfer to City Center

Starting your Brooklyn trip with a stress-free transfer, this private service offers quick and comfortable rides from the airport to your accommodation. With over 6 years of experience and a 4.8-star rating, it’s reliable and efficient.

Rated 5.0 from 104 reviews, travelers appreciated the friendly service and punctuality. It’s a practical choice if you want to skip the chaos of public transit or hailing cabs after a long flight.

Bottom Line: Excellent for a hassle-free start or end to your Brooklyn visit, especially if you value comfort and reliability.

9. Brooklyn Food Tour of Mom-and-Pop Culinary Gems

This three-hour food tour explores Brooklyn’s culinary diversity, focusing on beloved local shops specializing in Italian, Middle Eastern, and other cuisines. You’ll visit small businesses that serve authentic, often family recipes, supporting Brooklyn’s local economy.

Rated 4.8 out of 161 reviews, many mention how much they enjoyed the wide variety of foods and the friendly, knowledgeable guide. It’s an ideal choice for foodies who want to taste their way through Brooklyn’s neighborhoods.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a deep dive into Brooklyn’s culinary traditions and lively neighborhood atmosphere.

10. NYC: Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo District Walking Tour

This 2.5-hour walking tour highlights the Brooklyn Bridge’s engineering marvel and the charming Dumbo neighborhood. You’ll learn about the bridge’s dramatic story and enjoy stunning views of Manhattan while walking across or around the bridge.

Rated 4.7 out of 194 reviews, it’s praised for its balance of history, architecture, and photo opportunities. It’s a straightforward way to combine sightseeing with cultural storytelling, especially if you love iconic landmarks.

Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and photography enthusiasts seeking a scenic, educational walk.

11. Brooklyn Donut Adventure and Walking Food Tour

A sweet treat for any traveler, this two-hour donut tour visits four top bakeries, from modern favorites to old-school classics. Starting in Williamsburg, you’ll sample different flavors, learn about Brooklyn’s donut culture, and explore two vibrant neighborhoods.

Rated 5.0 from 78 reviews, it’s highly recommended for those with a sweet tooth and an interest in local culinary traditions. The tour is a perfect way to indulge while discovering Brooklyn’s lively streets.

Bottom Line: Great for dessert lovers wanting a fun, flavorful walk with plenty of sampling.

12. A Day in Brooklyn Bike Tour

This five-hour guided bike tour offers a deep dive into Brooklyn’s top sights, from Williamsburg to Red Hook. You’ll visit Prospect Park, Brooklyn Navy Yard, and local breweries or distilleries (own expense). The tour includes stops at historic sites, parks, and scenic streets.

Rated 5.0 from 56 reviews, it’s praised for its comprehensive coverage and knowledgeable guide. This is an excellent choice for active travelers who want to see a lot in one day, with the flexibility of a small-group experience.

Bottom Line: Best for outdoor lovers ready for an immersive, full-day ride through Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods.

13. From Manhattan: Half-Day Brooklyn Food and Culture Bus Tour

This half-day guided bus tour offers a taste of Brooklyn’s multicultural diversity, with stops in Greenpoint for pierogies and kielbasa, and other neighborhoods to explore local markets and sights. It combines comfort with a rich cultural experience, ideal if you’re tight on time but want a rundown.

Rated 4.9 from 61 reviews, travelers enjoy the mix of food, scenery, and cultural insights delivered comfortably via air-conditioned vehicle. It’s perfect for those who prefer not to walk long distances but want a broad taste of Brooklyn.

Bottom Line: A practical option for time-limited visitors eager to sample Brooklyn’s culinary and cultural highlights.

14. From Manhattan: 2-Hour Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour

This 2-hour bike ride takes you across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan, with stops for photos and views of landmarks like the Empire State Building and Statue of Liberty. The route covers about 12 miles, making it suitable for those comfortable on a bike.

Rated 4.4 out of 229 reviews, it’s appreciated for its scenic route and iconic sights. It’s a quick, energetic way to connect Brooklyn and Manhattan on two wheels, especially if you’re short on time but want a memorable experience.

Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers wanting a fast-paced ride with unforgettable skyline views.

15. The Best of New York Food Tour

This three-hour tour explores Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights, offering stunning skyline views from the promenade and five dishes from award-winning restaurants. You’ll stroll along cobblestone streets, enjoy local eats, and learn about Brooklyn’s culinary scene.

Rated 5.0 from 42 reviews, it is lauded for its delicious food and scenic stops. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a mix of sightseeing and tasting in one compact experience.

Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers seeking both iconic views and top-quality Brooklyn cuisine.

How to Choose the Perfect Brooklyn Tour

Selecting the right experience depends on your interests, budget, and activity level. For a culinary deep dive, the Food, History and Culture of Brooklyn Tour and Mom-and-Pop Food Tour are excellent options. Want a more active day? Consider the Bike Tours or A Day in Brooklyn Bike Tour.

For art enthusiasts, the graffiti workshops offer authentic insights, while water lovers can’t go wrong with a private sail.

Your choice should align with your travel style. If you’re on a budget, many tours offer great value with included tastings and small groups. For a special occasion, a private sail or exclusive tour might be worth the splurge. Book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slots.

Brooklyn’s diversity of experiences makes it a top destination for many types of travelers. Food lovers will relish the chance to taste authentic neighborhood favorites, while culture seekers can explore street art, historic bridges, and waterfront views. Active explorers can cover neighborhoods by bike, and those seeking a relaxing day on the water will find private sails unforgettable.

No matter what you choose, Brooklyn’s vibrant energy and local charm promise an experience worth savoring. Consider your interests, pick a tour that excites you, and book early to ensure your spot in this lively borough.