Discover Brooklyn Heights: A Self-Guided Tour of Charm & History
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Discover Brooklyn Heights, often called one of New York City’s most charming neighborhoods. With its historic brownstones and tree-lined streets, it’s no wonder celebrities and history buffs alike flock here. This self-guided tour takes you through the neighborhood’s rich past, from the Gilded Age to modern times.
Starting outside Plymouth Church, known as the "Grand Central Depot of the Underground Railroad," you'll learn about influential figures like Reverend Henry Ward Beecher. His story is filled with drama—he helped free a young woman through a slave auction, faced a scandalous trial, and shaped American history in unexpected ways.
As you explore, you'll pass iconic spots like the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, the historic Heights Casino, and the first Haagen Dazs shop. Each stop reveals fascinating stories about the neighborhood’s residents, architecture, and cultural significance. This tour offers a deep dive into Brooklyn Heights’ scandalous, inspiring, and revolutionary past—all at your own pace.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Brooklyn Heights self-guided tour?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours to 2 hours and 20 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore comfortably.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, it's designed for adults aged 6 to 99. Children can join in, especially if they enjoy history and walking tours.
What do I need to bring?
You’ll need your smartphone and headphones to enjoy the audio guide. The tour is accessible via the app on Android and iOS devices.
Can I do this tour if I have mobility issues?
Absolutely. The tour is wheelchair accessible, and infants or small children can ride in strollers or prams.
What’s included in the tour?
You get lifetime access to the tour in English, offline audio, maps, geodata, and the app for your device. You explore at your own pace with GPS guidance.
Are there any exclusions?
Yes, you'll need your own smartphone and headphones, and personal expenses for attractions not included are on you.
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.
Reserve now
Check a date here, then finish booking with our partner. Payment options are confirmed at checkout.
Duration 2 hours – 2 hours 20 min
Check availability to see start times.
Guided experience
English
Key facts
What's included
Included
- Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
- Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
- App for Android and iOS
- Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
- Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start
Not included
- Smartphone and headphones
- Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Itinerary
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Stop 1
From the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, enjoy the best views of Manhattan and hear stories about Washington Roebling supervising the Brooklyn Bridge’s construction from his bed after becoming paralyzed.
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Stop 2
Visit the site known as "The Grand Central Depot of the Underground Railroad," where Reverend Henry Ward Beecher held a slave auction to raise funds for freedom. Learn about his trial for adultery that captivated America.
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Stop 3
Meet the cats at a volunteer-run nonprofit helping homeless felines find forever homes. For a small fee, spend time with the residents.
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Stop 4
Explore a gothic church designed by Minard Leferve, featuring stained glass windows, one of which is displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Discover its history from abandoned wreck to arts incubator and prestigious prep school.
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Stop 5
Stroll along Brooklyn Heights' main shopping street, home to the original Haagen Dazs, the Cat Cafe, and the historic Heights Casino with America’s first indoor tennis courts.
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Stop 6
Walk down a charming street lined with elegant brownstones, including homes of Henry Ward Beecher, Truman Capote, and Arthur Miller, plus stunning Queen Anne Style architecture.
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Stop 7
Visit America’s first Romanesque church, featuring bronze doors salvaged from the SS Normandie, which sank in New York Harbor.
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Stop 8
Check out the original Haagen Dazs shop, opened by the immigrant family that invented super-premium ice cream.
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Stop 9
End at the Center for Brooklyn History, a beautiful Romanesque revival library designed by George Post, known as the "Father of the Tall Building."
Meeting point & pickup
Meet at the starting point
This tour begins outside Plymouth Church at 57 Orange Street. Before arriving, install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed instructions will be available after download.
Open in Google MapsCancellation & confirmation
Free cancellation
Cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.
- 100% refund if cancelled at least 1 day before
- 0% refund if cancelled within 24 hours
Instant confirmation
Your booking is confirmed immediately after checkout.
From $14.99 per person
- Free cancellation
- Secure checkout with our booking partner
