How long does it take to walk through the Bushwick murals?

A thorough walk covering the main highlights typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. The distance is roughly 1.5 miles, but you will want extra time for photography and viewing the details of the art.

Is the Bushwick street art free to see?

Yes, the street art is entirely free as it is located on the exterior walls of private buildings and warehouses. It is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, though daylight is recommended for visibility.

What is the best time of day to visit Bushwick for photography?

Late morning or early afternoon is best for photography to avoid harsh shadows from the tall warehouse buildings. Weekdays are less crowded, making it easier to get unobstructed shots of the murals.

Is Bushwick safe for a self-guided walk?

Yes, the main areas of Bushwick featured in this route are generally safe and active during the day. Like any urban area, it is best to stay aware of your surroundings, especially if exploring alone in the evening.

Can I see the murals if it's raining?

You can, but since the murals are all outdoors, you will be exposed to the elements. Some colors can appear more saturated when wet, but a clear day is generally preferred for the full experience.

Are there good places to eat along the Bushwick walking route?

Absolutely. The route starts at the famous Roberta's and ends near numerous cafes and restaurants around the Jefferson Street L station, offering everything from tacos to vegan fare.

How do I get to Bushwick from Manhattan?

The easiest way is to take the L train (Grey line) from 14th Street in Manhattan toward Brooklyn. For this route, exit at the Morgan Avenue station to start at Roberta's.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 50 min

Duration

6

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Bushwick is more than just a Brooklyn neighborhood; it is a living, breathing canvas that represents the raw creative energy of New York City. This self-guided walk invites you to explore an industrial landscape that has been transformed by a global community of muralists and rebels. As you wander through the streets, you will witness the evolution of an area that shifted from a manufacturing powerhouse to a world-renowned destination for contemporary street art and avant-garde culture. The route balances the neighborhood's gritty past with its colorful present, leading you past former warehouses that now house artisanal pizzerias, cinematic bars, and legendary performance spaces. One of the defining features of this neighborhood stroll is the sheer scale of the murals. Unlike traditional museums, this outdoor gallery is constantly in flux, with new pieces appearing overnight and older works fading into the brickwork. You will explore the heart of the Bushwick Collective, a curated project that has brought international artists to these specific blocks to display their craft. Along the way, the route takes you through Maria Hernandez Park, a vital green space that serves as the community's anchor, reflecting the local history and activism of the area. This walking route New York City offers a deep dive into the intersection of gentrification, artistic expression, and community identity. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect shot or a culture seeker wanting to understand the modern Brooklyn vibe, this independent exploration provides the context needed to appreciate the murals beyond their aesthetic value. From the cult-favorite food scene at Roberta’s to the boundary-pushing atmosphere of the House of Yes, you will experience the diverse layers that make Bushwick a global cultural phenomenon. It is an essential walking tour New York City experience for those who prefer to discover the city's hidden gems at their own pace, away from the typical tourist trails of Manhattan. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

World-class murals at the Bushwick Collective
The legendary 'pizza cult' atmosphere of Roberta's
Maria Hernandez Park, the neighborhood's vibrant green heart
Cinematic warehouse vibes at Syndicated
The avant-garde exterior of the House of Yes
Dense clusters of street art along St. Nicholas Avenue

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Roberta's

Start your self-guided walk at a place that arguably put Bushwick on the modern culinary map. Roberta’s is more than a pizzeria; it’s a cultural landmark housed in a former garage. Since opening in 2008, it has evolved into a sprawling complex with its own radio station and rooftop garden. The aesthetic here—a mix of salvaged wood and industrial grit—perfectly encapsulates the 'New Brooklyn' vibe. While the menu is famous, take a moment to look at the surrounding walls, which often feature early examples of the area's street art. This spot serves as a gateway from the more industrial Morgan Avenue area into the heart of the neighborhood’s creative district.

2

Syndicated Bar Theater Kitchen

A few blocks away, you'll find Syndicated, a prime example of Bushwick’s adaptive reuse of industrial space. This 1940s-era warehouse was once a woodworking shop, but today it functions as a boutique cinema and restaurant. The architecture maintains its rugged roots but adds a touch of Art Deco elegance. It represents the neighborhood's shift toward becoming a destination for the arts beyond just painting. While the interior is impressive, the building's presence on the block highlights how local businesses have integrated into the existing industrial fabric rather than replacing it entirely, maintaining the neighborhood's distinct visual character.

3

Maria Hernandez Park

This six-acre park is the literal and metaphorical center of Bushwick. Named after a local community activist who fought against the drug trade in the 1980s, the park is a testament to the neighborhood's resilience. As you walk through, you'll likely see a cross-section of the community: long-time residents playing handball, dog owners, and artists sketching on benches. It offers a brief, leafy respite from the surrounding asphalt and brick. The park serves as a reminder that before the murals and the trendy bars arrived, Bushwick was, and still is, a deeply rooted residential community with a history of grassroots activism.

4

House of Yes

Prepare for a burst of glitter and neon as you approach the House of Yes. This world-renowned venue is a temple of circus arts, nightlife, and radical self-expression. While it is best known for its wild evening performances, the exterior itself is a piece of art that reflects the venue's inclusive and avant-garde ethos. The House of Yes represents the 'anything goes' spirit of the Bushwick arts scene, providing a home for performers who might not find space in more traditional Manhattan venues. Note that the murals and decorations here are highly volatile and change frequently to reflect current themes or events.

5

The Bushwick Collective

You are now entering the epicenter of the neighborhood's street art scene. The Bushwick Collective was started by local resident Joe Ficalora as a way to transform the neighborhood's industrial landscape through color and creativity. This is a curated outdoor gallery where some of the world’s most famous muralists—like Shepard Fairey or Blek le Rat—have left their mark. Because street art is ephemeral by nature, some pieces you see today may be gone tomorrow, replaced by new visions. This area is the most concentrated collection of large-scale works in New York City, turning entire city blocks into an immersive artistic experience.

6

Saint Nicholas Avenue & Troutman Street

Concluding your neighborhood stroll at this intersection puts you at the most photographed spot in Bushwick. Every surface here, from the roll-up garage doors to the upper stories of the warehouses, is covered in intricate murals. The density of art here is staggering, ranging from hyper-realistic portraits to abstract graffiti styles. This corner captures the essence of the 'Safari'—it's a place where you can spend an hour just looking at a single block. As you finish your independent exploration, consider how these walls have turned a once-overlooked industrial zone into one of the most visited cultural sites in Brooklyn.

Frequently Asked Questions

The highest concentration of street art is located within the Bushwick Collective, specifically around Troutman Street and Saint Nicholas Avenue. This area features large-scale, curated murals from international artists.