Bushwick Brooklyn’s Award Winning Graffiti & Street Art Tour

When it comes to street art, few neighborhoods in New York City can match the vibrant, ever-changing tapestry of Bushwick, Brooklyn. This award-winning graffiti and street art tour, offered by New York City By Foot, promises an immersive journey into the neighborhood’s creative pulse. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it’s a fantastic way to understand and appreciate this underground art scene.

Two standout features catch our eye. First, the knowledgeable guides—local artists themselves—bring authenticity and insight that go beyond just admiring murals. Second, the tour’s focus on history and storytelling helps visitors see Bushwick’s walls as more than just pretty pictures but as reflections of a neighborhood in flux.

One potential consideration is the duration—just around two hours—which is perfect for a quick taste but leaves some visitors craving more time to explore. Still, this tour is best suited for art lovers, curious travelers, or anyone keen to see Brooklyn’s vibrant street culture through a local artist’s lens.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Guidance: Led by Brooklyn-based artists, providing genuine insights.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Includes murals, galleries, and community hubs, giving a well-rounded view.
• Cost-Effective: At $49, it offers excellent value for the depth of experience.
• Family & Accessibility Friendly: Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
• Includes Historic & Community Spots: Such as Roberta’s and Maria Hernandez Park.

Introduction: Why This Tour Is Worth Your Time

This graffiti and street art tour in Bushwick, Brooklyn, is more than just a walk past colorful walls. It’s a chance to see one of New York’s most dynamic neighborhoods through the eyes of local artists who breathe life into its streets. The guide’s role is crucial here—being a local artist means they don’t just point out murals but share stories about how and why they were created, revealing the neighborhood’s evolving identity.

We love that this tour doesn’t just focus on the art itself but also explores the spaces surrounding it—the galleries, the community parks, and the creative hubs like The BogArt and The Loom. These stops paint a picture of a neighborhood that’s continually reinventing itself, making the experience both visually stimulating and culturally meaningful.

A key benefit is the small group size—max 15 people—making it easy to ask questions and get personalized insights. The tour’s price of $49 per person also offers good value considering the depth of information and unique access you’ll gain.

That said, if you’re looking for a leisurely, museum-style experience or prefer guided tours with transportation, this may not be your perfect fit. It’s best for those who want an active, street-level adventure that highlights Brooklyn’s creative spirit.

The Itinerary: What Makes Each Stop Special

Stop 1: Roberta’s Pizza

Starting at Roberta’s, famed for its wood-fired pizzas and eclectic vibe, sets the tone for the tour. While most visitors might just see this as a pizza joint, it’s also a hub of Brooklyn’s artsy culture. It’s a popular spot that embodies the neighborhood’s creative energy. The tour doesn’t include a meal—just a quick stop of about 5 minutes—but it’s a good introduction to the neighborhood’s lively scene.

Stop 2: Bushwick Collective Street Art

Next, the tour heads into the heart of Bushwick’s famous street art. Here, murals by artists like Buff Monster, known for his signature pink, and Skewville, recognized for tossing sneakers over telephone wires, showcase a mix of playful, provocative, and technically impressive works. The Bushwick Collective is an open-air gallery—an ever-changing outdoor exhibit that makes it easy to feel like you’re walking through a living art museum.

The guide’s storytelling shines here, explaining how some murals are commissioned, while others evolve spontaneously. One review noted, “This tour doesn’t just show you walls with art; it tells the story of a neighborhood constantly reinventing itself through creativity.” That’s a great way to frame what you’ll see—art as a reflection of community change.

Stop 3: The BogArt

From murals, the tour moves into The BogArt, a vibrant art hub housed in a converted warehouse. It’s a hub for local artists, galleries, and exhibitions, offering insight into Brooklyn’s broader creative scene. The quick 10-minute stop allows you to appreciate the space’s energy and its role in fostering artistic projects.

Stop 4: The Loom

Next is The Loom, a former textile factory turned mixed-use space. It’s a microcosm of Brooklyn’s transformation—an area where small businesses, artists, and community groups converge. The guide may highlight how spaces like The Loom help sustain Brooklyn’s artistic community and provide affordable venues for creatives.

Stop 5: Maria Hernandez Park

A brief visit to Maria Hernandez Park lets you see how public green spaces serve as gathering places for locals and artists alike. It’s a reminder that street art isn’t just on walls—it’s part of the neighborhood’s communal fabric. The park’s role in community life adds depth to your understanding of Bushwick.

Stop 6: The Bushwick Collective (Again)

The tour rounds out with more exploration of the Bushwick Collective, this time focusing on murals from artists worldwide. Founded in 2012, it’s an evolving canvas that wraps around the neighborhood’s streets. The guide can share stories about how this collective transformed Bushwick into an internationally recognized street art destination.

What We Loved About the Tour

The biggest takeaway is the expert guidance—local artists who not only point out murals but explain their significance, techniques, and stories behind each piece. As one reviewer said, “The guide was super knowledgeable and made the tour exciting with cool stories about the artists and murals.” This insider perspective makes all the difference, turning murals into stories and community expressions.

Another highlight is the tour’s balance of art, history, and community. You’ll walk past vibrant murals, but also learn about the neighborhood’s evolution, its challenges, and its ongoing creative revival. Visiting locations like The BogArt and The Loom offers a broader context for Brooklyn’s vibrant street culture.

Authenticity and Community Focus

This tour’s focus on local art and community hubs means you’re not just looking at pretty pictures but engaging with Brooklyn’s cultural heartbeat. It’s a real experience—less about touristy snapshots and more about understanding how street art fuels neighborhood identity.

Value for Money

At $49, it’s a budget-friendly way to spend a couple of hours. Given the small group size and the depth of stories, it delivers excellent value. Plus, the tour’s availability in a mobile ticket format makes booking and joining straightforward.

Practical Details: What to Know Before You Go

The tour starts at 49 Bogart Street and ends near the corner of Wyckoff Ave and Jefferson Ave. It usually involves a 2-hour walk at a relaxed pace, with stops that allow plenty of time for photos and questions. The group size is limited to 15 people, so booking in advance—especially during peak seasons—is wise, as most bookings are made about 45 days ahead.

The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with service animals allowed. It’s conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to access from other parts of Brooklyn or Manhattan.

Since gratuities are not included, tipping the guide for a job well done is customary but optional. It’s worth noting that the tour provides an immersive, street-level experience—no transportation is included, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready for some outdoor walking.

The Bottom Line: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour offers a rich look at Brooklyn’s street art and community through the eyes of local artists, making it an ideal choice for art enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and curious travelers wanting an authentic experience. It’s especially perfect if you’re interested in understanding Brooklyn’s ongoing transformation and how street art reflects neighborhood stories.

The small group setting and knowledgeable guides ensure an engaging and personal experience, providing insights you simply wouldn’t get from a self-guided walk. For those with a brief visit or limited time in Brooklyn, it’s an efficient way to see and learn about one of NYC’s most dynamic neighborhoods.

And if you’re into street art’s history or just love colorful murals, this tour will leave you with a new appreciation for Brooklyn’s creative spirit—sure to inspire your own artistic curiosity.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, walking through various neighborhoods and art installations.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 49 Bogart Street and finishes near Wyckoff Avenue & Jefferson Avenue in Brooklyn.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, and it is family-friendly, but parents should be mindful of outdoor walking and urban surroundings.

What’s included in the cost?
You get a guided walking tour led by local artists, exploring Brooklyn’s street art and community spaces.

Are tips included?
No, guide gratuities are not included but are appreciated if you feel the guide provided a great experience.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves walking around Brooklyn’s streets, so some mobility considerations may apply.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, as most bookings are made about 45 days in advance, and the tour limits group sizes to 15 travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a free cancellation policy if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

This graffiti and street art tour in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood offers a compelling blend of urban art, community storytelling, and local culture. Led by passionate, knowledgeable guides—often local artists—it provides an authentic window into Brooklyn’s ongoing creative transformation. The small group size, reasonable price, and focus on meaningful experiences make it a standout choice for those eager to see Brooklyn beyond the typical tourist spots.

Whether you’re an avid graffiti enthusiast, a photographer chasing colorful murals, or simply curious about Brooklyn’s street culture, this tour delivers a balance of education, entertainment, and genuine local flavor. It’s an excellent way to spend a couple of hours, walking through one of New York’s most vibrant, ever-evolving neighborhoods.

If you’re looking for a hands-on, street-level experience that combines art, community, and history—all delivered by passionate local guides—this Bushwick Graffiti & Street Art Tour is worth every penny. It’s perfect for creative souls and cultural explorers eager to see Brooklyn’s true colors.