Explore Brooklyn With a Year-End Plethora of Guided Tours

Take advantage of the cooler temps and stroll through the streets of Brooklyn on a guided tour to soak up some knowledge about the borough’s history. We’ve rounded up a variety of guided walks so you can spend the final months of the year exploring the past, present, and future of a variety of Brooklyn neighborhoods and historic landscapes. There is even a virtual walk for those who want to learn without leaving home.

Clinton Hills’ Gold Coast Streets
Saturday, November 8
2-4 p.m.
Join the Municipal Art Society (MAS), Morgan Munsey, and Brownstoner columnist Suzanne Spellen on a wander by the impressive mansions of Clinton Hill’s Washington and Clinton avenues. The duo will delve into the social and architectural history of an area that once attracted some of the borough’s wealthiest people. Tickets are $35 and $25 for MAS members and can be purchased online.

Prospect Park
Saturday, November 8 and 15
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Led by Turnstile Tours, the guided walks through Brooklyn’s backyard include a look at the evolution of the landscape from its geology, the vision of park designers Olmsted and Vaux, and how contemporary Brooklynites engage with the space today. Tickets are $25 per person with lower ticket prices for seniors and children. You can buy tickets and take a look at other Prospect Park Alliance programming online.

Cobble Hill
Saturday, November 22
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join MAS and guide Zach Rhodes for an exploration of the social and architectural history of Cobble Hill and a look at some of the artistic and culinary touchstones in the neighborhood. Tickets are $35 and $25 for MAS members and can be purchased online.

Discover Green-Wood Trolley Tour
Saturday, November 22
1-3 p.m.
The historic Green-Wood Cemetery has a generous number of tours throughout the season, including this exploration of its 478 acres from the comfort of a temperature-controlled trolley. Tickets are $30 and $24 for members. This tour is offered regularly so if this date doesn’t work you can check out the full calendar of events online.

Carroll Gardens
Saturday, December 6
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Another tour with MAS and guide Zach Rhodes, this one leads participants through Carroll Gardens with a look at the immigrant communities that have called it home. Highlights on the tour include the wee doors of Dennett Place, social clubs, and a “famed mobster’s wedding venue.” Tickets are $35 and $25 for MAS members and can be purchased online.

Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway Apartment District
Tuesday, December 9
6-7:30 p.m.
For those who want to soak in some knowledge without leaving home, MAS is offering a virtual tour with Suzanne Spellen. She will delve into the rich history of Eastern Parkway and the grand apartment buildings and cultural institutions found along the thoroughfare. Tickets are $25 and $15 for MAS members and they can be purchased online.

Gowanus Transforms
Saturday, December 13
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Architectural historian Matt Postal will be leading tour goers through Gowanus for an MAS tour on the changing neighborhood. Explore the rich architectural history and the contemporary architecture that has arrived along the banks of the Gowanus Canal. Tickets are $35 and $25 for MAS members and can be purchased online.

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