Things To Do In Brooklyn for Tourists
Brooklyn has so much to offer tourists, from hip eateries to trendy galleries, world-class art museums to relaxing gardens. This NYC borough is known for its diverse neighborhoods and cutting-edge culture. Here, you'll truly find something for every traveler. In fact, there's so much to do, see, taste and experience in Brooklyn, that tourists may want to start with our list of top local activities and attractions, including...
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Brooklyn Museum of Art
- Weeksville Heritage Center
- Jewish Children's Museum
- New York Transit Museum
- And more!
Free Entry with The New York Pass®
Free entry to many of these popular New York attractions and activities are included on The New York Pass®. Used by over 3.5 million travelers, the New York Pass is the ultimate sightseeing pass, which includes admission to 90+ attractions, Fast Track Entry at select attractions, a free guidebook, & much more. Learn more about the New York Pass benefits & how to save up to 70% off attractions.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden makes it easy to get back to nature, even in the heart of the city! For over 100 years, this historic garden has delighted, inspired, and educated visitors with 52 acres of lush plant collections. Relax in the calm of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, travel back in time in the Shakespeare Garden, or learn about New York's wildflowers and woodlands in the Native Flora Garden. Even winter visitors can enjoy green foliage and colorful blossoms in the climate-controlled plant pavilions and greenhouses; there's even a plant-themed gallery for the art enthusiast. Admission: Brooklyn Botanic Garden tickets are included with the New York Pass.
Brooklyn Museum of Art
Calling all art lovers: you'll want to take your time exploring the Brooklyn Museum of Art. With five floors and more than 1.5 million pieces, this institution is the U.S.'s second-largest art museum. Displays cover thousands of years of human artistic endeavors, ranging from ancient Egyptian works to contemporary masterpieces. You'll find world-famous pieces by Rothko, O'Keefe, Rockwell, and more as well as special exhibits and displays. Admission: Brooklyn Museum of Art tickets are included with the New York Pass.
Weeksville Heritage Center
Travel back in time to the 19th century at the Weeksville Heritage Center. This interactive museum is located in one of the first free African-American communities in the country. Here, you'll find carefully preserved local history and learn about life in the 19th and 20th centuries. Explore this historic site, enjoy lunch at the cafe, attend a performance and experience day-to-day life from another era.
Jewish Children's Museum
If you're visiting Brooklyn with little ones, don't miss the Jewish Children's Museum. Interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and special programming make learning about Jewish culture and history fun. You can join a craft workshop, climb on the 50,000-square-foot wire structure, and play in the museum's two state-of-the-art computer labs. Young tourists will love the mini-golf course on the museum's roof, as well as the game show studio and game gallery.
Brooklyn Historical Society
Delve into the borough's rich history at the Brooklyn Historical Society. This combination museum, library and educational center has been documenting the borough's history since it opened its doors in 1863; today, the Brooklyn Historical Society serves as community and civic center in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Located in a stunning landmark building, the Society offers exhibits, maps, manuscripts and photos, all related to 400 years of local history.
New York Transit Museum
New York City is home to the largest public transportation system in the U.S.; visitors to the New York Transit Museum can learn all about this amazing network. Housed in a decommissioned 1936 subway station, the museum provides visitors with an immersive, interactive experience. Learn about the long history of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority as you explore how engineering, technology, and hard work transformed New York's transit system. The museum features a working platform level, vintage cars, city buses and exhibits that explore the past — and future — of transportation. Admission: New York Transit Museum tickets are included with the New York Pass.
Liberty Helicopters
See Brooklyn — and a lot more — from the air as you soar over the city with Liberty Helicopters. New York City's largest and most experienced helicopter fleet gives you a bird's-eye view as you soar above the city. With safety and security as the top priority, you can choose from two helicopter tour options. Get your camera ready, because these views are unparalleled! Tip: New York Pass holders can receive a 15% discount on their Big Apple or NY, NY Tours from Liberty Helicopters.
Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn
Brooklyn is known for its urban art, and graffiti/street art is a prime example of this creative, cultural phenomenon. On the Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn, you'll take to the streets of Bushwick to uncover works by some of the city's prominent local artists. Your experienced guide will provide both historical and sociological context for the many works you'll encounter on the tour. Expect a glimpse into the colorful, vibrant and creative world of street art. Admission: Graffiti and Street Art Walking Tour of Brooklyn tickets are included with the New York Pass.
Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg
No exploration of Brooklyn would be complete without exploring one of the borough's most famous neighborhoods, Williamsburg. As you stroll the streets of this artsy district, you'll find boutiques, galleries, eateries and lofts galore, a.k.a. the quintessential Brooklyn experience. Keep your eyes peeled for historical buildings and street art as your tour guide illuminates Williamsburg's development over the years, including the influx of "hipsters" and the effects of gentrification. Admission: Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg tickets are included with the New York Pass.
Remember to Save on Admission
As you can see, there's plenty of great attractions to visit in Brooklyn. Make the most of your trip by visiting more attractions and saving more money with the New York Pass. If you're a New York Pass holder, you can easily show your pass for free entry at over 90 attractions in New York City as opposed to paying admission at each venue. For more information on the New York Pass, click here.