Walking Route Williamsburg – Greenpoint in New York

Are you looking for a walking route through Brooklyn to discover local life? Then this walk through Williamsburg and Greenpoint is just the thing for you. Stroll past street art, doughnut shops and cosy breweries, through neighbourhoods where New Yorkers do their shopping and pick up their coffee. I’ve created both the route and the photos myself, and by walking it regularly, I keep everything up to date. You can open the Williamsburg walking tour in my Eric’s New York App and set off whenever it suits you, entirely at your own pace.

Download the app and buy your walking route for New York here

Highlights of the Williamsburg & Greenpoint Route

You start the Williamsburg walk at Marcy Avenue and head from there towards the water to reach Domino Park. The site of the old sugar factory on the East River is now a public park, and you’ll immediately be treated to one of the most beautiful views of Manhattan, with the Williamsburg Bridge right next to it.

From the park, you walk into Williamsburg, and that’s when the real exploring begins. The street art is everywhere here, from full-scale murals to small pieces you might easily overlook, and it’s precisely those little things that make this neighbourhood such a pleasure to stroll through.

In Greenpoint, things are a bit quieter. This neighbourhood has a character all of its own, with bakeries and shops you won’t find anywhere else in New York. Together with Williamsburg, it shows just how different two neighbouring areas can be.

As you walk through both neighbourhoods, you’ll pass the donut shops and breweries for which this part of Brooklyn is famous. Do take a moment to pop into one; this Brooklyn walking tour is perfect for it.

At each stop, I’ll tell you what there is to see and why that particular spot is well worth a visit. That way, you’ll discover the New York that most visitors never get to see.

How’s this walking route?

This self-guided walking tour of Brooklyn is 8 km long and takes about 3 hours. Most of the route is flat and follows the streets of both neighbourhoods. Please bear in mind that, at the end, you’ll need to climb some steps to cross the bridge.

You can take a break anywhere along the way, and that’s actually part of the charm of this route. With all the cafés, breweries and bakeries along the way, you’ll find plenty of places to sit down for a while. You set your own pace, and the walk is suitable for children too.

The Neighbourhoods along this Brooklyn Walking Route

Williamsburg and Greenpoint are two of the best places to walk around in Brooklyn. Although they are neighbouring neighbourhoods, they both have their own distinct atmosphere. You’ll notice the difference as soon as you start walking around.

Walk in Williamsburg

In recent years, Williamsburg has become one of Brooklyn’s most popular neighbourhoods. Old factories have been transformed into shops, bars and hotels, and the walls are covered in street art. Yet, above all, it is a neighbourhood where people live: on weekdays, New Yorkers do their shopping there, and on weekends it is packed with people from all over the city.

Walk in Greenpoint

Greenpoint is right next door, but the pace of life there is a lot slower. While Williamsburg gets packed on weekends, things remain quieter here, with small shops, cafés and residential streets where everyday life carries on as normal. What’s more, from the waterfront you can enjoy views of the Manhattan skyline once again.

Practical Information

• Starting point: Marcy Ave subway station
• Distance: 8 km
• Duration: approximately 3 hours
• Price: from $2 as part of a package
• Best time: This walk is ideal for the weekend, especially from around 11:00 in the morning when everything comes to life.

Pairs well with:
Do you enjoy walking? With the route package, you can explore every part of New York at your own pace. For example, you could combine this route with the DUMBO & Brooklyn Bridge route, so that in just two walks you’ll get a good idea of what Brooklyn has to offer.

How does the walking route work in the app?

All you need for this walk is my Eric’s New York App. The route works offline, so even without a signal, you’ll know exactly where you’re going. It only takes a few minutes to get everything ready:

1. Download the free Eric’s New York App from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Tap the ‘Routes’ icon at the bottom, or the menu button in the top right-hand corner of the home screen.
3. Select the Williamsburg & Greenpoint walking route.
4. Tap ‘Buy route’ and complete the payment.
5. You’ll now see the full route in the app, with all the points you’ll pass. At each point, you’ll find my stories, tips and photos.
6. On the map, click on the green figure to view the route and your own location. That way, you won’t get lost along the way.

If you buy the route before you set off, you can take your time at home to have a look at what you’ll be seeing along the way. Once you’re in New York, simply follow the app’s map. You’re, of course, welcome to stop for a coffee or take a detour; after that, just pick up where you left off.

If you’re on your mobile, you can open this link directly to the walking routes in the app

Tip: Budget-friendly walking routes through New York

Are you planning to walk more than one walking route during your city break? If so, go for the package in the app. It allows you to buy several routes in one go, which works out cheaper than buying them individually. That way, you can discover the most beautiful parts of New York on foot in just a few days.

View all walking routes and packages in the app