Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, is hands-down, one of our favorite neighborhoods in New York.
Strolling through Brooklyn Heights is like entering a genteel, bygone era. Indeed, it was New York’s first suburb and the nation’s first designated historic district. Today, Brooklyn Heights’ tree-shaded streets are lined with 19th-century homes and churches, among other must-see sights!
Here’s what to know about visiting Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, including the key things you can see, and how to get there from Manhattan (it’s easy, we promise!).
Getting to Brooklyn Heights
By Subway:
Take the 2 or 3 train from Manhattan to Clark Street — right in the heart of Brooklyn Heights. Or hop on the A or C train to High Street–Brooklyn Bridge (a short walk to the Promenade). Alternatively, the R train to Court Street or the 4/5 train to Borough Hall also drop you nearby. Travel time is around 10–15 minutes from Lower Manhattan.
By Foot:
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge — about 30 minutes — and you’ll arrive right by Brooklyn Heights and the famous Promenade with stunning skyline views.
By Car or Taxi:
Cross the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge and follow signs to Brooklyn Heights. Note that street parking is limited, but there are garages nearby.
By Ferry:
Yes — there is even a ferry service that gets you close to Brooklyn Heights via NYC Ferry. You can take a ferry from lower Manhattan (for example, Pier 11 / Wall Street) to Fulton Ferry and then walk or connect via local streets into Brooklyn Heights.
A walking tour of Brooklyn Heights
So, now you know how to get there, once you arrive … it’s time to explore! Here’s an easy-to-follow walking tour that hits the Brooklyn Heights highlights.
Fulton Ferry Landing
1. Start at a place fundamental to the founding of Brooklyn (and even the nation): Fulton Ferry Landing.
Ferries to Manhattan have operated here since 1642. This is where Robert Fulton’s steam ferry began connections in 1814. This led to the growth of Brooklyn Heights as a residential enclave.
It was also here, in 1776, that George Washington smuggled his defeated troops across the river. Under the cover of darkness and fog… he saved them, and the nation, from conquest by the British Army.
Brooklyn Bridge / Brooklyn Bridge Park
Today, here at the foot of the mighty Brooklyn Bridge, there are spectacular views of both the bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Nestled under the bridge itself is the famed River Cafe, which has been delighting local clientele and visitors from around the world since 1977.
The lovely Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches to the south (to your left, if you’re facing the river) and includes lawns, cafes, restrooms, and events. Continuing north is more waterfront park, plus the trendy neighborhood of DUMBO, where old warehouses and factories have been converted into art galleries, performance spaces, apartments, shops, and restaurants.
Old Fulton Street
2. Walk up Old Fulton Street and stop at the first corner (on the south side). The redbrick fortress before you is the Eagle Warehouse and Storage. This was once the site of The Brooklyn Eagle, the newspaper edited by Walt Whitman from 1846-1848. Whitman lived nearby, and his Leaves of Grass was first printed a few blocks from here.
The white cast-iron building on the corner of Old Fulton and Front Streets (look for the line of people outside) is the famous Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, which some claim is New York’s best. Take a rest and try a slice, or two, and see if you agree that it is “The Best Pizza” in NYC.
Everit Street / Columbia Heights
3. Turn right and proceed on Everit Street (soon changing to Columbia Heights). Walk up the hill and under the bridge connecting two large yellow buildings. At the top of this former factory, you’ll see the words, “Watchtower,” indicating it is the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ headquarters.
Middagh Street/Willow Street
4. When you reach the top of the hill, turn left onto Middagh Street (which looks like more of a path, next to the playground), then walk to Willow Street. This block of Middagh Street between Willow and Hicks holds some of the oldest homes in the city, dating back to the founding of Brooklyn Heights.
Numbers 31-33 were built in 1820 and served as a “men’s hairdressing parlor” and paint store. While the clapboard house at #30 dates to 1824. Built in 1820, the Federal-style house at #24 is believed to be the oldest house in the neighborhood. Continue south on Willow Street (the street numbers will increase) and look for #37, one of the nation’s first apartment buildings.
Be Moonstruck on Cranberry Street
5. At the northeast corner of Cranberry and Willow is 19 Cranberry St, home of the Castorini family in the 1987 film Moonstruck.
Many of the film’s exterior shots were filmed here, including Cher’s wistful stroll down this block kicking a can.
As you continue down Willow, note the plaques on #45 (dated to 1820) and #57 (1825).
Plymouth Church
6. Turn left on Orange Street and walk a block and a half east to #57, Plymouth Church (1849). This historic church was known as the “Grand Central Depot of the Underground Railroad” for the many escaped slaves it sheltered.
However, it was made famous by its dramatic abolitionist preacher, Henry Ward Beecher. Among those who came to hear Beecher were Mark Twain, Booker T. Washington, and Abraham Lincoln. In fact, so many flocked to hear his sermons that special “Beecher boats” were needed to ferry the throngs from Manhattan!
In contrast to the church’s simple, barn-like exterior, its interior is laid out in a theater style. Designed by Beecher himself, it features remarkable stained-glass windows (some by Tiffany) and a piece of Plymouth Rock. In the adjoining garden, you can see a statue of Beecher and a relief of Lincoln.
7. Return to Willow Street and continue south (or left). The “modern” building on the southwest corner is a Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, one of 30 buildings the group owns in Brooklyn Heights.
Truman Capote’s home
In fact, this neighborhood has been home to many great writers, including Arthur Miller, W. H. Auden, Thomas Wolf, Carson McCullers, and Norman Mailer and Truman Capote.
70 Willow St. was once Truman Capote’s home; and it’s here that the author wrote Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood. This house sold for $12 million in 2012 – a bargain considering the original asking price: $18 million – setting a record for the highest residential sale in Brooklyn at the time.
Willow Street
The long block of Willow between Clark and Pierrpont Streets also features several notable homes. These include:
- #102, the Danish Seaman’s Church (a remnant of the area’s busy waterfront)
- #108-112, ornate Queen Anne buildings with flamboyant terra cotta decoration
- #151, a former carriage house converted into a luxury home
- and the Federal-style row houses at #155-159. Look for the skylight in the pavement before #157, which once lit a tunnel leading from #159 to a stable.
Brooklyn Promenade
8. Turn right on Pierrpont Street and head to the Brooklyn Promenade (or Esplanade) for fantastic views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.
The sound of traffic can be heard from the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, which runs beneath the Promenade. The construction of this highway (and demolition of historic homes) was the catalyst for residents’ demands for landmark status, ensuring the neighborhood’s protection.
Herman Behr House
9. Return to Pierrpont St. and walk four blocks east, past beautiful 19th-century homes in a variety of styles. Notable is the 1890 Herman Behr House (at the corner of Henry St.), with its bays, turrets, and terra cotta sculptures.
It later became a hotel, apartment house, and even a brothel run by Xavier Hollander (also known as the “Happy Hooker”!). Number 106 has a unique Art Nouveau style, with stained glass over its bay windows and front door.
At the intersection with Monroe Place, you’ll find the imposing New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division (seemingly out of place in this residential neighborhood!) and the 1844 Gothic Revival First Unitarian Church. The Brooklyn Chamber Music Society performs here (an excellent way to see the church’s Tiffany stained glass windows!).
Brooklyn Historical Society
10. At the corner of Clinton Street is the Brooklyn Historical Society, home to permanent and changing exhibits and an extensive library focused on Brooklyn and New York. The 1880 building has impressive interiors, and its façade includes terra cotta sculptures of a Viking and Native American over the entrance, as well as busts of Columbus and Ben Franklin higher up.
The first stained glass installation in America
11. Turn right on Clinton St. and walk to the corner of Montague. Here, you’ll find the 1847 Gothic Revival St. Ann and the Holy Trinity Church. It has a stunning interior of intricate sculpture and stained glass windows by William Jay Bolton (making it the first major installation in America). In addition to worship services, St. Ann’s also has concerts and performances.
Montague Street has always been the main commercial thoroughfare of Brooklyn Heights. The block north of Clinton St. includes three notable banks (all designed to appear monumental): #177 with a grand, vaulted ceiling, #183 resembling a classical temple, and #185 with intricate Art Deco relief work. Montague Street also is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants—great for a relaxing snack or meal.
Cadmen Plaza
12. Walk east on Montague to Court St. and Cadmen Plaza. Lining the plaza are the New York Supreme Court Building, the Victorian Romanesque General Post Office (and a statue of Henry Ward Beecher), and Borough Hall, which was Brooklyn’s City Hall until the borough was consolidated into New York City in 1898.
From here, you can catch the 2,3,4,5, N, or R subway lines.
Bonus stops
Still have stamina? Then read on for more great sights south of Montague Street!
A. Walk west on Montague (toward the river) and take a left on Hicks St. to Grace Court Alley, which is lined by brick stables and carriage houses that have been converted to luxurious duplexes. Note the protruding metal hooks that once hoisted supplies to the second floors!
B. From Hicks St., Joralemon is a cobblestone street descending to the river (as other west-bound streets did before being cut off from the waterfront by the expressway). This block is lined with modest Greek Revival row houses. Note the blackened windows of #58, which was gutted and serves as a ventilation chamber for the Lexington Ave. subway line tunnel.
C. Numbers 43-49 Willow Place are an 1846 “Colonnade Row” that resemble an antebellum mansion. Across the street at #46 is a home whose columned porch gives it the look of a fading Southern plantation.
D. Continuing east on Joralemon Street, note the mansion at 236 Henry St., with its working gaslight lanterns. 129 Joralemon St. is a Romanesque mansion with dragon decorative sculptures, and #135 is an 1833 white clapboard house with a wrought-iron porch and lovely garden.
E. At 140 and 142 Clinton St.are two 1855 white houses with distinctive gables and black cast-iron lintels.
FAQ´s – Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
How long does this walking tour usually last?
Based on the above, a full exploration of Brooklyn Heights would likely take about 2.5 to 3 hours if you follow the main highlights at a relaxed pace, including stops to admire historic homes, churches, and the Promenade.
If you include bonus stops (like Grace Court Alley, Joralemon Street, and the Colonnade), plus optional rests or snacks at places like Grimaldi’s Pizzeria or cafes along Montague Street, the tour could extend to 3.5–4 hours.
For a quicker experience that hits just the major landmarks (Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Cranberry & Willow Streets, Plymouth Church, and the Promenade), you could do it in around 1.5–2 hours.
Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes! Brooklyn Heights is very walkable with mostly flat streets. However there may be cobblestone paths or stairs in certain historic areas, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Can I take photos of the houses in areas like Brooklyn Heights?
You can freely take photos of homes from the sidewalk or street. You’re allowed to photograph exteriors, architectural details, and the general streetscape. But, be respectful and courteous : Avoid using zoom lenses to peer into windows or private gardens, and keep your distance from front doors and stoops. If a resident asks you not to take pictures, respect their request. Most people understand photographers, but manners go a long way.
If you love exploring Brooklyn Heights on your own, why not take it a step further? Join a guided tour with Take Walks and discover the NYC neighborhoods with a local expert—hear the stories behind historic homes, hidden gems, and iconic landmarks that you might otherwise miss. Check out all New York tours and book your experience today with Take Walks – New York.
