Carroll Gardens

The Basics

Carroll Gardens is named for Charles Carroll—a signer of the Declaration of Independence—and honors its namesake by preserving tradition. First settled by the Dutch, and later by Irish and Italian immigrants, Carroll Gardens is a family neighborhood. Visit tree-lined Carroll Park and the Carroll Gardens Historic District for a taste of old New York architecture. Several neighborhood cafés and long-standing pizzerias offer traditional, wood-fired Neapolitan pies.

Consider booking a pizza walking tour to taste the best local offerings. Guided tours, which tend to last a few hours, stop at two or three standout pizzerias. If you have a sweet tooth, you can visit the neighborhood's old-school Italian bakeries, or book a chocolate-tasting tour to get the most out of an indulgent afternoon. Most tours include transportation, making it easy to get around.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Carroll Gardens is great for foodies, and history buffs love the neighborhood’s historical buildings.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as it’s best to explore Carroll Gardens on foot.

• Weekend train service to and within Brooklyn is inconsistent, so check the subway schedule.

• The neighborhood’s sidewalks are accessible to wheelchairs; some businesses may have steps at entry.

How to Get There

Carroll Gardens is best accessed by subway. Take the F or G train to the Carroll Street station. Alternatively, take the R train to the 4th Avenue–9th Street Station, then walk west on 9th Street, cross the Gowanus Canal, and stop at Smith or Court streets. If driving, note that metered street parking is free on Sunday, but expect traffic on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE) every day of the week.

When to Get There

It’s best to visit Carroll Gardens in spring, summer, and autumn—when the weather is inviting. Winter in New York can be windy and bitterly cold, though still atmospheric. Arrive in the evening for dinner, but aim to show up early, since many restaurants—particularly popular restaurants—are first come, first served.

Explore Adjacent Red Hook

Carroll Gardens is a short walk or cab ride from Red Hook, a rapidly gentrifying, artsy neighborhood south of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Venture into Red Hook along bustling Van Brunt Street and head for its museums, galleries, and eateries. A popular stop is the furniture megastore IKEA, which offers a free-on-weekends water taxi to Wall Street’s Pier 11. Enjoy views of Governors Island and the Statue of Liberty along the way.

Ways to explore

Carroll Gardens is named after Charles Carroll, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and has a long history of welcoming immigrant communities, starting with the Dutch in the 1600s, and later Irish and Italians.

Thanks to its multicultural heritage, the area is known for its great eateries. Consider booking a pizza walking tour to sample the best local offerings—several neighborhood cafés and long-standing pizzerias serve traditional, wood-fired Neapolitan pies. Guided tours typically stop at two or three standout pizzerias and last a couple of hours. If you have a sweet tooth, visit the neighborhood’s Italian bakeries or book a chocolate-tasting tour to get the most out of an indulgent afternoon.

Accessibility

The neighborhood is wheelchair accessible, but some businesses may have stairs. While the nearest subway stations are not wheelchair accessible, New York does have an accessible taxi service.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Phone, money or credit card, snacks, water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing—layers or sun hat—as you’ll likely be outside while exploring the neighborhood.

Not allowed

Complaining about the G train. (We already know.)

Amenities

Cafés, restaurants, shops; Carroll Park has public restrooms, bocce courts, a playground, and Wi-Fi hotspots.

Address

Carroll Gardens is located in South Brooklyn, across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan. It is best accessed by subway. If driving, you may be able to find metered parking.

Driving

You can typically find paid metered parking in Carroll Gardens, though you’ll want to watch for parking restrictions, as parking enforcement is vigilant. You can also easily take a cab or book a rideshare.

Public transportation

Take the F or G train to Carroll Street station. Alternatively, board the R train to the 4th Avenue–9th Street Station, then walk west on 9th Street to Smith or Court streets.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the evening for dinner, but aim to show up early, as many restaurants, particularly popular venues, are first-come, first-served.

Best days to visit

Visiting on weekdays will make parking and restaurant dining easier.

Best months to visit

It’s best to visit Carroll Gardens in spring, summer, and autumn, when the weather is inviting. Winter in New York can be windy and bitterly cold.

Special events

The Court Street Brooklyn Festival in April, and the Smith Street Sunday Funday event in May.