The Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo Tour

I recently had the pleasure of joining a walking tour of Brooklyn led by a fantastic guide named John, and it was an experience I won’t soon forget. From the moment we started, John’s enthusiasm for the borough was infectious. He kicked things in a park overlooking City Hall and then we headed across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge—yep we also saw the Instagram spot everyone raves about. But John didn’t just let us snap photos and move on; he dove into the history of the area, explaining how it transformed from an industrial hub to the trendy, arty neighbourhood it is today. As we wandered through Brooklyn Heights, John pointed out charming brownstones and shared stories about the famous writers who once called this place home—think Walt Whitman and Truman Capote. He had this knack for blending historical facts with little anecdotes that made the streets feel alive. I particularly loved his tale about the secret tunnels that supposedly runs nearby; it’s the kind of quirky titbit that sticks with you. The pace was perfect—not too rushed, with plenty of stops to soak in the sights or grab a quick coffee or avail of a toilet break. John clearly knew his stuff, but he didn’t overwhelm us with dry dates or jargon. Instead, he kept it conversational, encouraging questions and even tossing in some local food recs. John’s passion, humor, and deep knowledge made this tour a standout. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime New Yorker, his Brooklyn walk is a must-do. Five stars, hands down!

Jon is the BEST! This was not a tour, but an entire experience. I felt like I was walking through history. Every direction we looked there was a story and an opportunity for photos. This was one of the coolest tours I've ever been on and I highly recommend it. Thank you Jon!