Walking Brooklyn: The Prettiest Streets To See

The prettiest streets in Brooklyn

New York City is a dazzling feast for the eyes at just about every turn. But amidst the soaring skyscrapers and twinkling marquee signs are arresting scenes of a much different kind. And many of these scenes can be found in the sleepy neighborhoods of Brooklyn. Featuring historic buildings and brownstones, lush trees, and a welcoming, laid-back vibe, the prettiest streets in Brooklyn offer the perfect excuse to get lost on an afternoon stroll.

Joralemon Street

Marked by historic, Greek-revival townhouses and tree-lined cobblestone, Joralemon Street in Brooklyn Heights is one of the city’s most picturesque spots to wander with no destination in mind. Starting at Henry Street, you can enjoy the magnificent views all the way down to the East River.

Directions: Take train lines R, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to Court St/Borough Hall Station

Grace Court Alley

Actually a dead-end between Joralemon and Remsen Streets, Grace Court Alley was once a private family-owned horse stable. While the stables have been turned into very expensive residential properties, this quant spot still holds the historic charm of its former life.

Directions: Take train lines R, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to Court St/Borough Hall Station

Cranberry Street

We could do a whole spotlight feature on the prettiest streets in Brooklyn Heights, but we’ll end our coverage with Cranberry Street. In the film Moonstruck, the Castorini family lived at 19 Cranberry and the memorable scene of Cher kicking a can was shot on the block.

Directions: Take train lines R, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to Court St/Borough Hall Station

Prospect Park West

Running along Prospect Park, Prospect Park West encapsulates the Gilded Age of Brooklyn when the borough began to flourish economically and culturally. The street’s renaissance revival brownstones dating to the late 1800s are stunning and were built so the wealthy Brooklynites to take full advantage of the park views.

Directions: Take train lines 2 or 3 to Grand Army Plaza Station

Marlborough Road

Marlborough Road in Ditmas Park offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Stunning Victorian houses decked out with columns and wrap around porches, stained glass, and lawns populate this tree-lined street that runs through the Victorian Flatbush area of Brooklyn.

Directions: Take train lines Q or F to Beverly Road Station

Washington Street

You’ve probably seen a photo that stares down the iconic Brooklyn Bridge taken from the vantage point tucked back in a building lined street. Well, that street is Washington Street in DUMBO. And we’ll just say that no photo even comes close to seeing the view in person.

Directions: Take train lines A or C to High Street Station

Kent Street

If you find yourself in Greenpoint, be sure to visit Kent Street between Manhattan and Franklin Avenues. From the grand views of Manhattan and Transmitter Park to the lovely townhouses, this spot hits all the marks for a leisurely afternoon walk.

Directions: Take G train to Greenpoint Avenue Station

South Oxford Street

Architectural historian Francis Morrone declared Fort Greene’s South Oxford Street “the best brownstone street in the five boroughs. Period.” Located between Lafayette and Dekalb Avenues, this picturesque row is lined with stunning brownstones and mansions of Italianate and Greek Revival in style dating to the mid-1800s.

Directions: Take C train to Lafayette Avenue Station

Garfield Place

With its amazing Public Park, beautiful brownstones, and relaxed feel, Park Slope is one of the hottest (and most expensive) real estate tickets in town. Just because you can’t actually afford one of these magnificent homes doesn’t mean you can’t look. Start your tour at Garfield Place between Fifth and Seventh Avenues.

Directions: Take train lines B, D, N, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, or 5 to Atlantic Ave/Barclays Center Station

Court Street Subway photo by Eric Barao. Cranberry Street photo by Catherine Ku for Untapped Cities. Garfield Place photo by Reading Tom via Flickr. 

Also one of the prettiest streets in Manhattan. And there are so many reasons to love Brooklyn Heights.

Plus, living in Cobble Hill.

Posted on October 9, 2018