Street Art Tours in New York City

Street art is by no means a new phenomenon in New York’s urban landscape but this ever-changing art form remains a key part of the NYC identity. Many regard New York as the birthplace of graffiti with roots that go back to the early 1900s.

It has developed into a widely respected art form that sheds light on pressing issues, cultural identities and social structures, giving a voice to often marginalized artists. Sink your teeth into this colorful and poignant part of urban life with a street art tour in New York.

Here's all you need to know about street art, one of the best options for sightseeing tour in New York City.

What are the best street art tours in New York?

Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tour

Explore the diverse and immersive street art hidden around Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood. This industrial area is being transformed by artists who find inspiration in the mundane, creating art on every stationary surface imaginable.

Seek out these inspiring artworks with the help of a native New Yorker who knows all the best-kept secrets of the urban art scene in Brooklyn. You will learn about the artist's personas, identify their styles and get insight into the culture of “tagging”, all in the most fascinating urban environment.

Brooklyn Street Art Bike Tour

Street art is not limited to a small neighborhood, so opt for a bike tour of New York street art to cover more ground and see more art. You will visit the neighborhoods of Bushwick, Fort Greene, Williamsburg and DUMBO to see how street art has infiltrated every fiber of New York’s façade.

You will cruise past waterfront vistas, enjoy a glimpse of the Brooklyn Bridge and see reformed industrial treasures like the old Domino Sugar Factory along the way. This 3-hour tour is limited to only 8 riders, making it an intimate experience.

Street art of Brooklyn Exploration Game

We get it, tour groups aren’t for everyone. If you are constrained by time, like to follow your own pace or simply don’t enjoy large groups, opt for the New York street art mobile exploration game. This is a unique take on a walking tour that sends you on a scavenger hunt with puzzles and clues.

The Questo app allows art lovers to take their time and explore Brooklyn’s street art at their leisure or get a group of friends together to explore the art collectively. See something cool and interesting while playing? Simply pause the game and take in the sights of New York before continuing when you are ready!

Private Downtown New York Art Tour

Book a private tour to delve into the art treasures of Lower Manhattan and learn about the diverse melting pot that sprouted from New York’s first artist colony. Start in the artistic heart of the city, Soho, where you will admire the characteristic architecture and the impactful art that decorates the streets.

Stroll down to Little Italy and Chinatown to learn about the immigrant past of New York and see how various diaspora has left a mark on the community and the art scene. Finish the tour in the Lower East side where even more magnificent rotating murals are on display, showcasing the best street art of New York.

Which places in New York City are visited?

Street art tours in New York focus mainly on the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. This is the largest collective of murals and artworks in the city. Some tours include Soho, Lower Manhattan and other neighborhoods in Brooklyn with a few stops in between.

Throughout, the focus remains on the art. Your tour guide will point out some of the architectural attractions of New York, but street art is the main attraction. Street art is also an ever-changing platform, so tour highlights change along with the murals.

How much do NYC street art tours cost?

Basic street art tours in New York cost between US$20 and US$30 per person, depending on the length of the tour.

You can book a private New York street art tour for US$190 for a group of 8 or choose a longer tour of Manhattan for 5 people for US$320.

A bike tour of Brooklyn’s street art costs US$50 per person and includes the use of a bicycle.

The New York street art exploration game costs US$8 per download but many people can play the game together.

What do they include?

All tours are guided by an enthusiastic English-speaking guide who won’t leave a stone unturned during your walking tour.

If you book a bike tour, you will have access to a bicycle and a helmet to take on the streets of New York.

Some private tours include a snack along the way, but gratuities are excluded from the tour price. Private tours offer hotel pickup services, but there are also central points to connect with your tour guide.

The exploration game is valid for one download, but several people can play the game and you have access to a 24/7 help desk.

Where do tours start?

Most street art tours in New York start in East Williamsburg in Brooklyn but each tour operator has a different preferred starting point. You will receive explicit instructions on meeting locations once you confirm your booking.

Guides are easily recognizable and will wear branded clothing or hold up a sign to help you find them. They usually meet outside a popular coffee stop to get guests caffeinated before departure.

What is the average tour duration?

Most street art tours in New York last around 2 hours. Cycle tours often last around 3 hours and private tours can also last between 3 and 4 hours. The exploration game usually also takes 2 hours to complete.

When is the best time for a street art tour in New York City?

There are New York street art tours at all times of the day but the most popular spots are over lunchtime. These tours are between morning and afternoon rush hours, but everyone knows New York never sleeps, so don’t expect completely calm streets.

Take this tour early on during your stay to gain an appreciation for the city’s diverse art landscape. You will learn what to look out for and how to identify different artists, a skill that might come in handy during the rest of your stay in New York.

Travel tips

• Wear sensible shoes, as lots of walking is involved in New York street art tours.
• Bring your own water to keep hydrated, especially during the summer.
• Wear sunscreen as you will be outside for the duration of the tour.
• New York street art tours continue in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately.
• Book your spots early, especially on bike tours, as numbers are limited.
• Fully charge your phone if you do the mobile exploration game.