Street Art Tour in New York City with Local Expert Guide

The Street Art Tour in New York City with a Local Expert Guide offers a lively exploration of Brooklyn and nearby neighborhoods, all for $159 per person. Lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour is designed for small groups capped at 10 participants, ensuring a personal experience with plenty of opportunities to hear the guide and see the art up close. It departs from 20 Jay St. in DUMBO at 9:00 am and includes options for pickup and a mobile ticket for convenience.

This tour stands out as a great way to see the city’s outdoor art scene beyond galleries and museums. It features a mix of graffiti, digital, and painted murals, showcasing the diversity of New York City’s street art across multiple neighborhoods and boroughs. While the tour covers a lot of ground, it emphasizes authentic street art, which might be a point of contention for those expecting curated or gallery-style pieces. However, the chance to learn from an expert local guide makes it a compelling choice for anyone interested in the city’s dynamic urban art.

Key Points

• Affordable, guided 2-hour street art tour in Brooklyn and other neighborhoods
• Small group size of up to 10 participants for a personalized experience
• Visit renowned murals and graffiti hotspots across Brooklyn, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side
• Includes visits to iconic sites like the DUMBO Walls, Bowery Mural, and High Line Art
• Expert local guide provides insider tips on art, history, and post-tour recommendations
• Focus on street art such as graffiti, murals, and urban installations

The Tour Starts at DUMBO Walls on 20 Jay Street

The tour begins at the DUMBO Walls located at 20 Jay St. #510. This space is a collaborative project involving the Jonathan Levine Gallery, the DUMBO Improvement District, and Two Trees Management Co. Its eight walls showcase murals by acclaimed artists such as Shepard Fairey, CAM, Faith47, DALeast, MOMO, and others. These murals exemplify the scope of curated street art in Brooklyn, making it a striking first stop.

Adjacent to the DUMBO Walls, visitors can explore the Brooklyn flea market, a lively spot where vendors sell a wide variety of items. This adds a touch of local life to the art-focused visit, and the market is open for browsing during the stop. The 15-minute visit allows for photos and initial impressions before moving on to the next neighborhood.

Exploring Little Italy’s L.I.S.A. Project Murals

The next stop is the L.I.S.A. Project located on Mulberry St. in Little Italy. This initiative has commissioned international artists over five years to create striking street art throughout Little Italy and nearby areas. The L.I.S.A. Project has produced a diverse collection of murals, including works by Sonny Sundancer, Nick Walker, GATS, KaNOkid, Crash, and BKFOXX.

While walking between stops, visitors can see the Tenement Museum and the International Center of Photography Museum, both within walking distance. These cultural institutions add context to Brooklyn’s vibrant arts scene, though no entrance fees are included in this tour.

Discovering Graffiti at Freeman Alley in the Lower East Side

Freeman Alley is a hidden gem filled with graffiti and street art, located in the Lower East Side. Artists like ASVP, Army of One, and Hanksy have contributed murals and graffiti tags to its brick facades. The alley features a recent mural called Love Wall by James Goldcrowns, a collage of colorful spray-painted hearts, making it a lively spot for urban art photography.

In the vicinity, the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral adds a historical contrast to the gritty alleyway. The 15-minute stop provides a glimpse of artistic expression in an authentic setting, with no admission costs.

Bowery Mural: From Keith Haring to Contemporary Artists

At 76 E. Houston St., the Bowery Mural showcases over 40 years of street art evolution. Originally painted by Keith Haring, the space has become a canvas for contemporary artists like Os Gemeos, Shepard Fairey, Kenny Scharf, and Ron English. This mural wall exemplifies the transformation of a vandalized concrete surface into a celebrated outdoor art gallery.

The site involves free access, and the recent collaborations demonstrate how historic and modern street art coexist on the same canvas. The 15-minute stop offers a snapshot of New York City’s street art history that continues to evolve.

Exploring the First Street Green Cultural Park

Located at 33 E. First St., the First Street Green Cultural Park is an open-air art space established in 2008. It hosts murals by a variety of artists, including Vernon OMeally, Karlis Rekevics, Jeromy Velasco, and others, who have won competitions in this community-driven setting.

The park highlights diverse artistic styles and international participation, making it a lively example of public art in the Lower East Side. The 15-minute visit to this free outdoor gallery provides insight into how local communities support street art.

The Centre-Fuge Public Art Project on E. First St.

The tour continues at the construction trailers on E. First St., transformed into murals as part of the Centre-Fuge Public Art Project. Begun in 2011, this project turns boring construction sites into vibrant outdoor exhibitions. Recent contributors include Cycle 21, Julia Cocuzza, Mike Kuhn, Damien Miksza, and Col Wallnuts.

The 15-minute stop gives visitors an understanding of how art can bring color to urban development zones and enhance community spaces. It’s a practical example of street art’s role in city renewal.

The SoHo Mural Honoring Hip-Hop Culture

In SoHo, the tour features a mural dedicated to hip-hop and graffiti culture. The artwork pays homage to 1970s New York and celebrates rap and breakdancing with iconic imagery like a graffiti-covered subway train, a boombox, and a pin by Doze Green from Rock Steady Crew.

This mural captures the spirit of New York’s street art origins and its connection to the city’s musical and dance heritage. It’s a vivid reminder of how street art continues to honor the city’s cultural history.

Visiting the Whitney Museum, Ground Zero Museum Workshop, and Art Galleries

Near E. Houston St., the tour pauses at prominent cultural spots—Whitney Museum of American Art, Ground Zero Museum Workshop, and David Zwirner Gallery. While entrance fees are not included, these locations offer additional options for those interested in contemporary art and history.

This cluster of venues underscores the rich arts scene in New York City, complementing the outdoor murals seen earlier. It’s an ideal stop for art lovers wanting to extend their exploration beyond street art.

Final Stop: High Line Art on the West Side

The tour concludes at the Linear Park on the West Side, part of the High Line. The elevated park features High Line Art, with murals and installations by artists like JR and Kobra. These large-scale murals are visible from the walkway, offering panoramic views of lower Manhattan.

Guests can enjoy 15-minute views of artwork and cityscape, making this a fitting ending to a tour celebrating outdoor urban art. The free access and public art installations make this stop accessible and visually compelling.

Final Thoughts on the Street Art Tour in NYC

This guided tour offers a comprehensive look at Brooklyn’s street art and nearby neighborhoods in just 2 hours, led by an expert local guide. Its focus on authentic murals, graffiti, and public art distinguishes it from more curated or gallery-based experiences.

While the tour provides valuable insights and visits to renowned murals and art spots, it emphasizes street art and graffiti, which may not satisfy those seeking more polished or museum-style works. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for clearer views and conversations.

Ideal for art enthusiasts, urban explorers, or anyone interested in the city’s cultural fabric, this tour balances history and street art to give a vivid picture of New York’s outdoor art scene. It’s best suited for those prepared for moderate physical activity and eager to see a wide variety of pieces across neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour departs from 20 Jay St. in DUMBO at 9:00 am.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Is the tour suitable for all physical fitness levels?
Yes, but travelers should have moderate physical fitness to comfortably walk between stops.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are not included unless specified; most stops are free.

Can I join this tour with a group larger than 10?
No, the maximum group size is 10 participants for a more intimate experience.

Does the tour include transportation?
The tour features pickup options and is designed as a walking experience.

What kind of art will I see?
Expect to see graffiti, murals, digital pieces, and urban street art across various neighborhoods.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. The focus is solely on outdoor street art.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

What makes this tour different from other city tours?
It emphasizes outdoor street art and graffiti, led by a local expert guide in small groups, with visits to iconic murals and lesser-known alleyways.