Updated: Jan 25th, 2020
What is the Brooklyn Tour?
Its a full day driving/walking tour of Brooklyn where we explore about 6 distinct neighborhoods not very easily reached otherwise. While there will be plenty of interesting food involved, the tour is more of a cultural immersion experience with the goal to show visitors the “real” New York
What time does it start and finish?
9 am to around 4-5 pm although an earlier finish time can be requested. I’m usually around the pickup location 15 minutes prior.
How much does it cost?
At the time of this writing its $100 per person for 3 or more people in the tour (regardless if its the same group or not), and $125 per person for just 2 people. Private tours can be arranged as well.
Is Food included?
Yes. In all three tours (East Village, Hell’s Kitchen, Brooklyn) food is always included
Can I come solo?
Yes! But as long as I can combine you with another group. Many solo travelers have joined this tour, and its a great way to meet other people. But I need at least two people for the tour. If I dont have any tours scheduled on your dates, I would dot your name/email and contact you as soon as I schedule a tour
When should I book?
As early as possible, and as soon as you know your dates. Considering the size of the tours, these book fast
How do I book?
Just send me an email with your dates, and the number of people. EatingWithZiggy@gmail.com
How many people can the tour include?
4 to 5, or as many as I can fit into an SUV with a folding third raw. 4 comfortably plus 1 smaller person in the back.
Where is the pickup location?
Mattress Firm Tribecca – 140 Church St. Thats in downtown Manhattan, not Brooklyn. Its very convenient to most subway lines and our purpose. The goal is to leave Manhattan asap and have as much time as possible in Brooklyn. I may on occasion, depending on the situation pick from convenient locations in Brooklyn (most Brooklyn locations like Williamsburg are not very convenient for this tour)
Where is the drop off location?
Just across the river in or near Brooklyn Heights. Traffic patterns in the afternoon often make it very difficult to drive to/from Manhattan, but I will make it as convenient as I possibly can for you. Many prefer to be dropped in Dumbo and walk Brooklyn Bridge back, concluding a wonderful day in Brooklyn. Some prefer to be dropped at the most convenient subway station. Its just one quick subway stop from the pickup location.
What neighborhoods are we going to see in Brooklyn?
Dumbo – Brooklyn’s most scenic, Instagrammable hood
Red Hook – One of NY’s most trendiest, up and coming neighborhoods.
Green-Wood Cemetery – Possibly the most beautiful and important cemetery in the US. Once the number one attraction in the city.
Brighton Beach – The nations biggest Russian speaking neighborhood.
Coney Island – Perhaps the most iconic Brooklyn neighborhood.
Sunset Park – Home to the most genuine Chinatown in the US, and largest in NYC.
Brooklyn Heights – Brooklyn’s oldest and most affluent neighborhood.
If we have time: Prospect Park South – An historic district consisting of large homes in a park-like environment
What are we going to eat?
All sorts of good stuff. Nothing is set in stone as some places close sometimes and the tour does change on occasion (it gets better). But it may include a visit to a chocolate factory, experience the best key lime pie in NYC, Portuguese egg tarts, Chinese, Uzbek, Uyghur, Georgian. We will also visit some International stores and supermarkets.
Should I make dinner plans?
No! Unless its late, after 8:30 or so. You will probably not be hungry for a while. This may be a good day to have some late pizza and I can certainly help with that.
What about gluten-free, vegetarian, allergies?
Yes, all can be accommodated. The only thing I cant promise is avoiding the possibility of cross contamination. Also, many of the people working in some of these places have extremely limited English but I will do my best.
My husband is a very picky. Will he starve?
I had plenty of picky eaters so far that came back very satisfied. If anything, some of this may change your views on food. And there’s always Nathan’s!
You are not available for my dates. Can you recommend a similar tour?
I get this asked often. I’m not aware of anything remotely close to this tour unfortunately. The closest I know are the various pizza tours like A slice of Brooklyn and Scott’s Pizza Tour. These are bigger, more organized bus tours that are fun no doubt, but you can get amazing pizza in Manhattan as well. I concentrate on the things you cant.
Can I customize the tour with you?
Only if you are the only people in the tour. If you want to see other parts or eat other foods like pizza, we can.
How much walking is involved?
Not much. Between 15 to 30 minutes in each neighborhood with plenty of stops to rest
What about rain, hurricanes, sharknedo?
I normally dont cancel unless its severe weather… snow storm or 100% heavy rain throughout the day. Most of the time this can only be predicted the morning of, or the night before.
What movies can I watch in preparation for the tour?
Moonstruck
Saturday Night Fever
Mister Robot (TV show)
Brooklyn
The Warriors
Lord of War
Sophie’s Choice (Let me know if you watched it as I may need to take a detour)
What if I fall asleep in the car. Will you drive around the drop off location for a while until I wake up, and put some easy listening in the process?
Yes, I’ve done that too.
August 10th, 2017 Update:
Apparently its called a Stationary Front. Where two air masses collide and neither strong enough to move each other. Sort of like drunk sumo wrestlers leaning against each other. But at some point they simply fall down and get dragged out of the rink ending in a tie. But not before they piss on themselves.
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