Carroll Gardens Tours

A South Brooklyn gem, Carroll Gardens’ brownstone-lined blocks are ideal for an afternoon stroll. Small cafés, antique shops, and boutiques abound on Smith and Court streets. And for foodies, Carroll Gardens—known for its bakeries, pizzarias, and white-tablecloth Italian restaurants—is a haven. Arrive with an appetite.
The Basics
Carroll Gardens is named for Charles Carroll—a signer of the Declaration of Independence—and honors its namesake by preserving tradition. First settled by the Dutch, and later by Irish and Italian immigrants, Carroll Gardens is a family neighborhood. Visit tree-lined Carroll Park and the Carroll Gardens Historic District for a taste of old New York architecture. Several neighborhood cafés and long-standing pizzerias offer traditional, wood-fired Neapolitan pies.
Consider booking a pizza walking tour to taste the best local offerings. Guided tours, which tend to last a few hours, stop at two or three standout pizzerias. If you have a sweet tooth, you can visit the neighborhood's old-school Italian bakeries, or book a chocolate-tasting tour to get the most out of an indulgent afternoon. Most tours include transportation, making it easy to get around.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
Carroll Gardens is best accessed by subway. Take the F or G train to the Carroll Street station. Alternatively, take the R train to the 4th Avenue–9th Street Station, then walk west on 9th Street, cross the Gowanus Canal, and stop at Smith or Court streets. If driving, note that metered street parking is free on Sunday, but expect traffic on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) every day of the week.
When to Get There
It’s best to visit Carroll Gardens in spring, summer, and autumn—when the weather is inviting. Winter in New York can be windy and bitterly cold, though still atmospheric. Arrive in the evening for dinner, but aim to show up early, since many restaurants—particularly popular restaurants—are first come, first served.
Explore Adjacent Red Hook
Carroll Gardens is a short walk or cab ride from Red Hook, a rapidly gentrifying, artsy neighborhood south of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Venture into Red Hook along bustling Van Brunt Street and head for its museums, galleries, and eateries. A popular stop is the furniture megastore IKEA, which offers a free-on-weekends water taxi to Wall Street’s Pier 11. Enjoy views of Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty along the way.
The Basics
Carroll Gardens is named for Charles Carroll—a signer of the Declaration of Independence—and honors its namesake by preserving tradition. First settled by the Dutch, and later by Irish and Italian immigrants, Carroll Gardens is a family neighborhood. Visit tree-lined Carroll Park and the Carroll Gardens Historic District for a taste of old New York architecture. Several neighborhood cafés and long-standing pizzerias offer traditional, wood-fired Neapolitan pies.
Consider booking a pizza walking tour to taste the best local offerings. Guided tours, which tend to last a few hours, stop at two or three standout pizzerias. If you have a sweet tooth, you can visit the neighborhood's old-school Italian bakeries, or book a chocolate-tasting tour to get the most out of an indulgent afternoon. Most tours include transportation, making it easy to get around.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Carroll Gardens is great for foodies, and history buffs love the neighborhood’s historical buildings.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as it’s best to explore Carroll Gardens on foot.
- Weekend train service to and within Brooklyn is inconsistent, so check the subway schedule.
- The neighborhood’s sidewalks are accessible to wheelchairs; some businesses may have steps at entry.
How to Get There
Carroll Gardens is best accessed by subway. Take the F or G train to the Carroll Street station. Alternatively, take the R train to the 4th Avenue–9th Street Station, then walk west on 9th Street, cross the Gowanus Canal, and stop at Smith or Court streets. If driving, note that metered street parking is free on Sunday, but expect traffic on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) every day of the week.
When to Get There
It’s best to visit Carroll Gardens in spring, summer, and autumn—when the weather is inviting. Winter in New York can be windy and bitterly cold, though still atmospheric. Arrive in the evening for dinner, but aim to show up early, since many restaurants—particularly popular restaurants—are first come, first served.
Explore Adjacent Red Hook
Carroll Gardens is a short walk or cab ride from Red Hook, a rapidly gentrifying, artsy neighborhood south of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Venture into Red Hook along bustling Van Brunt Street and head for its museums, galleries, and eateries. A popular stop is the furniture megastore IKEA, which offers a free-on-weekends water taxi to Wall Street’s Pier 11. Enjoy views of Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty along the way.
Address: Caroll Gardens, Brooklyn, New York, USA
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Carroll Gardens
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Shared 3 Hours Local Flavors of Brooklyn Small-Group Walking Tour
91
Get a taste for Brooklyn's food culture as you visit some of its tasty eateries and small food shops during this small-group walking tour of the Carroll Gardens neighborhood. Come hungry and join your guide for a walking expedition that includes stops for tastings at an eclectic range of ethnic eateries and foodie hotspots. During your walk, you have the chance to sample sweet and savory delights, and visit diverse establishments, from artisanal cooking shops to long-standing Middle Eastern markets.
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From
$79.00
From
$79.00

Lonely Planet Experiences: Brooklyn Food, History & Culture Small Group Tour
110
The food and drink choices in Brooklyn can be overwhelming, but foodies that explore this bustling borough with a guide can eat and drink the best of the best. With this tour, indulge in some of Brooklyn's best cuisine. You can try New American, Middle Eastern, and Italian food including pastries, cheese, and bread. Listen to commentary on the culinary history of the neighborhood and New York City as you go, and even take home a map so you can continue independently.
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From
$79.00
From
$79.00
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Brooklyn Pizza Walk to Discover New York's Best Slices
8
There are few things that New Yorkers are more passionate about than their pizza, but it takes a local to uncover the city’s top slices. Sample Brooklyn’s best on this pizza walk and learn about the evolution of NYC-style pizza as you follow your guide to beloved pizzerias. Sample traditional Neapolitan pizza, wood-fired pies, and thin-crust slices while you meet the pizzaioli and hear the secrets behind making the perfect slice.
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From
$60.50
From
$60.50
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
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