Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an urban botanic garden situated on 52 acres in the heart of Brooklyn, fostering delight and curiosity in the world of plants while inspiring an appreciation and sense of stewardship of the environment. The Garden also offers weddings and private event catering at the Palm House and Atrium, in a beautiful outdoor setting. Please note, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. Be sure to visit bbg.org/visit before plan your visit.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Prospect Park
How to get there
- Eastern Parkway – Brooklyn Museum • 5 min walk
- Botanic Garden • 6 min walk
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See what travelers are saying
- DesmondJH87 contributionsThe best bonsai exhibit anywhereMidwinter, but there is plenty to see. Topping the list id the extraordinary Bonsai exhibit. No matter what your experience with bonsai is, you will recognize the magnificence of the specimens in Brooklyn. Astonishing in every way. There are also very good greenhouse exhibits with a variety of climates and hundreds of plants. A beautiful spot.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 27, 2023
- FarwriterLondon, United Kingdom134 contributionsDon't go in February!I went at completely the wrong time of year so actually there was nothing to see except dead brown plants, but it would be unfair to mark it down because of that. There are glasshouses with ferns and bonsais but be aware that these close earlier than the garden itself so I didn't even get to see them either. They looked very nice when I pressed my nose against the glass... It is worth saying that the $18 entry is only a "suggested amount" but this wasn't entirely clear to me in advance so I paid $18 for a cold walk around a large dead garden. Perhaps the suggested amount should be less in winter - anyway, if you visit in winter definitely do not pay $18, but in summer that would be well worth it I'm sure!Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten March 17, 2024
- Justin WHasbrouck Heights, New Jersey6,535 contributionsYou cannot miss Daffodil Hill when it is full bloom. Starting in mid March, the gardens show colorful magic.When you visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in the late Winter/early Spring, you get to see all the beautiful flowers of the early season. I visited the gardens the seconded week of March to see crocus hill in full bloom and it was really beautiful to see a sea of purple along the side of the garden. The Linwood plants and snow drops were also in bloom with. Few of the cherry trees started to bloom. A week later I visited the gardens again before a major rain storm to see Daffodil Hill, hundreds of trumpet daffodils in bloom along the hill. It is one of the most spectacular views in any of New York’s parks. The cherry blossoms were starting to come out in the Japanese Garden. There will so much to see from this point forward.Visited March 2024Traveled soloWritten March 23, 2024
- Ellen BBear, Delaware521 contributionsA beautiful escape in the cityWe planned a trip here plus the Brooklyn Museum. What a beautiful spot in the middle of a huge city. With the exception the cherry tree alley (they were in full bloom and glorious looking), the place never felt crowded. We loved looking at all the different varieties of tulips and being able to see and smell many lilac varieties (my favorite). Also loved the native plant area as well. Well worth a visit!Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 21, 2024
- JoeyRatesBrooklyn, New York36 contributions5/5, its huge so plan accordingly! Parking area (fee)I had an amazing experience! Walking among the cherry blossoms was great. What's even better is that they offer a map for locating the cherry blossoms. The park features distinct sections that impressed me, including a rainforest area that requires a downstairs walk. Just a tip: considering the vast area, it's advisable to plan your visit thoughtfully. Additionally, having a designated parking area adds to the convenience even though you have to pay. :)Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 22, 2024
- Lisa HAmherst, New Hampshire17 contributionsCherry blossom season is a must see!This place is unreal in cherry blossom season! The flowers are so beautiful and I probably could have stayed forever! If you have young kids discovery cove is so neat where kids can do activities and learn from the amazing staff! Can’t wait to visit again when different things are blooming! I feel like you won’t see the same thing twice.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 29, 2024
- David BBrooklyn, New York1,709 contributionsMothers Day VisitCame For Mothers Day as this is one of my wife’s favorite place to visit. The weather was overcast with a few sprinkles here and there but cleared up as the day went on. The gardens were very nice but if it were sunnier the flower and all that bloomed would’ve made a much nicer experience. They have a new gift shop so of we got a few things for our apt and got my daughter a moss covered rock that had googly eyes on it.Visited May 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 12, 2024
- Susan HBethesda, Maryland20 contributionsWonderful experience!We really enjoyed the Brooklyn Botanical garden. We took the subway from Manhattan which was very easy. The stop is right next to the gardens. There was no line and we used our AHS membership to get in. It's a large garden with a fabulous rose garden, herb garden, and many others. There were no spots available at the Cafe so we ate at the canteen (grain bowl is very good). The bonsaii collection is impressive! All in all, a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 13, 2024
- Amy DMission, Texas1,052 contributionsBotanical GardenBeautiful, we came in March, before spring. Lots and lots of walking. Will definitely come back after spring to see all the beautiful colors. They have multiple greenhouses. In each, they house the plant life from a specific geographical area. We especially loved seeing all the different flora and fauna in each separate conservatory section. There are several entrances. We came in through the museum side and came out through the conservatory section. It’s a long trip from Manhattan. We took the train to and from. Come here for a day trip to Brooklyn, with additional excursions. Don’t come here simply for the garden.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 2, 2024
- Justin WHasbrouck Heights, New Jersey6,535 contributionsI visited to see the lotuses in bloomI try to visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden when certain flowers come in bloom and the lotus pool was in full bloom. It is such a colorful display of water flowers. The lotuses only have a certain period and when they do you are treated to an array of beautiful colors and shapes. It is the reason why the Egyptians worshipped them so much. They are such a brilliant flower. The gardens were blooming all sorts of flowers and the beds were awash with colors.Visited July 2024Traveled soloWritten July 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Jason
3 contributions
Aug 2020
This review has nothing to do with the gardens themselves, which are beautiful and we always enjoy our time visiting.
This review is for the visitor services team, specifically the Director of Visitor Services.
We purchased tickets to the gardens for Sunday 8/16. After I purchased the tickets, I realized that there was an option to choose "Free Week" tickets. Unfortunately, the website did not state when "Free Week" was, it just gave you the option to select free tickets. I did not want to run into an issue when we arrived (since they were operating with timed ticket entrance during the pandemic) and I opted to just purchase the tickets at full price. Upon inquiry to the visitor services team, I was told that it is in fact "Free Week" and that they agreed that they should probably put the dates up on the website. I proceeded to ask if I could get a refund on my full price tickets, so I could choose the free ones instead.
This turned into a long email chain of back and forth with both the visitor services team (multiple staff members) AND their ticket service provider. Ultimately, the Director of Visitor Services told me that she felt that all of the necessary information for Free Week was up on the website and that it was entirely my fault for purchasing full priced tickets. She did not seem to understand that I reached out 4 days before our trip to request an exchange or a refund, that we NEVER went to the gardens and redeemed our full price tickets, and that it was ultimately my fault and "per their policy" she would not be giving me a refund. Even though there was zero exchange of value or resources.
It certainly felt like a power trip experience and I am baffled that they would not refund two tickets to two people who never even redeemed the tickets and tried to reach out more than 72 hours in advance.
10/10 - We always recommend the gardens to friends and family
0/10 - We do not recommend any interaction with Visitor Services as they are not very nice. Do not expect flexibility, understanding, or human decency.
This review is for the visitor services team, specifically the Director of Visitor Services.
We purchased tickets to the gardens for Sunday 8/16. After I purchased the tickets, I realized that there was an option to choose "Free Week" tickets. Unfortunately, the website did not state when "Free Week" was, it just gave you the option to select free tickets. I did not want to run into an issue when we arrived (since they were operating with timed ticket entrance during the pandemic) and I opted to just purchase the tickets at full price. Upon inquiry to the visitor services team, I was told that it is in fact "Free Week" and that they agreed that they should probably put the dates up on the website. I proceeded to ask if I could get a refund on my full price tickets, so I could choose the free ones instead.
This turned into a long email chain of back and forth with both the visitor services team (multiple staff members) AND their ticket service provider. Ultimately, the Director of Visitor Services told me that she felt that all of the necessary information for Free Week was up on the website and that it was entirely my fault for purchasing full priced tickets. She did not seem to understand that I reached out 4 days before our trip to request an exchange or a refund, that we NEVER went to the gardens and redeemed our full price tickets, and that it was ultimately my fault and "per their policy" she would not be giving me a refund. Even though there was zero exchange of value or resources.
It certainly felt like a power trip experience and I am baffled that they would not refund two tickets to two people who never even redeemed the tickets and tried to reach out more than 72 hours in advance.
10/10 - We always recommend the gardens to friends and family
0/10 - We do not recommend any interaction with Visitor Services as they are not very nice. Do not expect flexibility, understanding, or human decency.
Written August 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ6,535 contributions
Aug 2022
I went to the first "Members Night" at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden that we had since before the pandemic. We normally have a Movie Night that is open only to the members every year and they show films like "Moonstruck" or "The Goonies" that are family but more adult like films. They showed this film that was so bad that it did not make sense and people were walking out halfway through the film. I never saw so many people leaving the gardens during a film.
The evening before it got dark was very nice though. We had time to tour the gardens, that were in full bloom, before it got dark. That was very impressive as many of the beds were lined with colorful flowers of the end of the summer and the lotuses were in bloom in the fountain beds.
Everything was so green at the garden and members could sit on the lawns and have picnics with their families. That was very nice. I brought in a Banh Mi sandwich from a place around the corner and just relaxed by one of the gardens and ate my dinner.
I toured the gardens for the rest of the evening before I joined the other members on the Cherry Blossom Lawn for the film. When I left about a half hour into the film, I would say about 50 people were leaving with me.
I still had a nice time regardless to the film and it was fun to tour the gardens in the late summer. They are so impressive at any time of the year. Some of the Rose beds were still in bloom and the Shakespear Garden was so colorful.
The evening before it got dark was very nice though. We had time to tour the gardens, that were in full bloom, before it got dark. That was very impressive as many of the beds were lined with colorful flowers of the end of the summer and the lotuses were in bloom in the fountain beds.
Everything was so green at the garden and members could sit on the lawns and have picnics with their families. That was very nice. I brought in a Banh Mi sandwich from a place around the corner and just relaxed by one of the gardens and ate my dinner.
I toured the gardens for the rest of the evening before I joined the other members on the Cherry Blossom Lawn for the film. When I left about a half hour into the film, I would say about 50 people were leaving with me.
I still had a nice time regardless to the film and it was fun to tour the gardens in the late summer. They are so impressive at any time of the year. Some of the Rose beds were still in bloom and the Shakespear Garden was so colorful.
Written August 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ6,535 contributions
Mar 2022
I went to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens on the first day of Spring to see what might be in bloom and the whole garden was starting to wake from the Winter months.
Daffodil Hill was starting to bloom, and the crocuses were starting to open up and the gardens started to look more colorful. We still have at least a week or so before they peak. The Magnolia Trees are starting to bloom and the smell is nice around the gardens and the grass is greener than before. Spring is on its way.
What is also nice is that they have a ten minute music presentation every hour on the hour in the Cherry Blossom court and it is nice to just relax on the lawn and listen to the music.
Daffodil Hill was starting to bloom, and the crocuses were starting to open up and the gardens started to look more colorful. We still have at least a week or so before they peak. The Magnolia Trees are starting to bloom and the smell is nice around the gardens and the grass is greener than before. Spring is on its way.
What is also nice is that they have a ten minute music presentation every hour on the hour in the Cherry Blossom court and it is nice to just relax on the lawn and listen to the music.
Written March 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert C
2 contributions
Jun 2022
My sister took us to the Botanic Garden. A guide at the front desk gave us a concise summary of what was blooming and helped us plan an itinerary. A most friendly and engaging fellow. The gardens were spectacular, and we were thrilled to see the number of school children there: lots of positive energy. Our tour was short and sweet, however, we could imagine coming back just to soak in the beauty and serenity. Fabulous!
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg Harris
Bronx, NY2,125 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
The Brooklyn Botanical Garden, located in Mount Prospect Park of Brooklyn, NY is a breathtaking and beautiful garden and one that boasts an incredible amount of gorgeous attractions.
In August of 2021, I brought and treated my wife and myself for a visit to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and we were both amazed and dazzled by its specialty gardens.
We loved exploring the Japanese Hill & Pond Garden and we took great pictures of the garden’s architectural elements such as the wooden bridges, stone lanterns and a Japanese temple dedicated to Inari. Both my wife and I found the pond to be the garden’s highlight due to its calm serenity, and great blending with the garden’s architectural features.
We also did some sightseeing of the Steinhardt Conservatory and enjoyed viewing the aquatic plant house, and the three climate themed plant pavilions.
All in all, both my wife and I very much loved our visit of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and we highly recommend for everyone to visit this stunning attraction!!!
In August of 2021, I brought and treated my wife and myself for a visit to the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and we were both amazed and dazzled by its specialty gardens.
We loved exploring the Japanese Hill & Pond Garden and we took great pictures of the garden’s architectural elements such as the wooden bridges, stone lanterns and a Japanese temple dedicated to Inari. Both my wife and I found the pond to be the garden’s highlight due to its calm serenity, and great blending with the garden’s architectural features.
We also did some sightseeing of the Steinhardt Conservatory and enjoyed viewing the aquatic plant house, and the three climate themed plant pavilions.
All in all, both my wife and I very much loved our visit of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden and we highly recommend for everyone to visit this stunning attraction!!!
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
old-man-orange
Orange, CT347 contributions
Dec 2021
We went on a Saturday night to wander around BBG after dark to see Lightscape.
The entire experience was so well done. The ticketing and admission on my iPhone was good, the check in process smooth.
You begin at the Washington St entrance and wandered along the route throughout the entire Gardens. The various displays were outstanding and all different and many had music. Since it was dark the flow was in one direction and exited at the side which was well thought out.
Overall this is a great way to visit the garden in winter - as we always go in warm weather during daylight.
The entire experience was so well done. The ticketing and admission on my iPhone was good, the check in process smooth.
You begin at the Washington St entrance and wandered along the route throughout the entire Gardens. The various displays were outstanding and all different and many had music. Since it was dark the flow was in one direction and exited at the side which was well thought out.
Overall this is a great way to visit the garden in winter - as we always go in warm weather during daylight.
Written December 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LnS2004
Cypress, CA8,923 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
We really enjoyed our brief visit to this park with our son and his family on a sunny Friday afternoon. He has annual membership and this is one of their favorite place to spend quality family time outdoors. We could readily see why this peaceful space could be very enticing: the garden was gorgeously lush and picturesque; and the absence of noisy crowd and active foot traffic gave it a calming aura. Our walk started with the beautiful photogenic Japanese section followed by the rose garden, ending at the field lined by cherry blossom trees which must be a glorious sight in Spring.
Written October 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandra
Rovello Porro, Italy1,892 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Wonderful botanical garden, huge, next to Prospect Park.
Infinite species of beautiful plants and flowers.
The fountains with water lilies are beautiful and the Japanese garden is absolutely not to be missed. The adult ticket costs 19.59 USD while children under 12 years old do not pay!
Infinite species of beautiful plants and flowers.
The fountains with water lilies are beautiful and the Japanese garden is absolutely not to be missed. The adult ticket costs 19.59 USD while children under 12 years old do not pay!
Written August 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terrin B
8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We had a great day visiting the museum and garden. The garden was beautiful and spacious. Great meandering paths and ominous trees frame the property. A beautiful lake and a Japanese style landscape which appears somewhat tropical with the application of a variety of foliage and flowers. They have a great bonsai collection under Glass and beautiful gardens. There is plenty of open space and grass areas as well and a beautiful rose garden! This is a qualified review because I was a landscape designer in South Florida for my whole career and just recently retired.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights, NJ6,535 contributions
Aug 2020
I went to a Private members night at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and was really disappointed. I had not been in the Gardens since last October and since the COVID-19 pandemic they have been closed since early March for touring. Because of this, I missed most of the floral displays in the gardens.
Understanding this, I could not believe how over-grown the gardens had become. Bushes were over-grown, flower beds really needed a good weeding and every thing just looked like it had not been taken care of in months. This is understandable since the staff is probably just getting back to work but I would not have opened the gardens until things were more organized.
I really feel that staff of the gardens should have been given a chance to get in there and get the place into better shape for viewing before they opened them to the tourists. I realize how hard they must work to upkeep them.
It was a nice night though and there were not that many people in the gardens but still it was uncomfortable wearing a mask on a humid night in the gardens. I know that this is a sign of the times but it was not the most enjoyable experience. Maybe with time and the staff getting back to work things will get better in the future.
It really is a beautiful place and I understand now how much it takes to upkeep the place.
Understanding this, I could not believe how over-grown the gardens had become. Bushes were over-grown, flower beds really needed a good weeding and every thing just looked like it had not been taken care of in months. This is understandable since the staff is probably just getting back to work but I would not have opened the gardens until things were more organized.
I really feel that staff of the gardens should have been given a chance to get in there and get the place into better shape for viewing before they opened them to the tourists. I realize how hard they must work to upkeep them.
It was a nice night though and there were not that many people in the gardens but still it was uncomfortable wearing a mask on a humid night in the gardens. I know that this is a sign of the times but it was not the most enjoyable experience. Maybe with time and the staff getting back to work things will get better in the future.
It really is a beautiful place and I understand now how much it takes to upkeep the place.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am planning on attending this event. I am coming from Stamford, CT. What is the easiest / suggested way to get from Grand Central Station in Manhattan to the BBG Lightscape location ?
Written November 24, 2024
ישראל מ
Ramat Gan, Israel
is it recommended to visit the garden during the end of March-Beginning of April?
Written February 19, 2024
Hello, I just had a quick question about tickets/reservations:
I recently got a membership pass from a local museum to visit the garden, but I went onto the BBG website and it said that I needed to purchase tickets and make a reservation to visit the garden?
I'm just a tad confused on how I should proceed, and wondered if anyone else has been in this situation, and how you handled it.
Written May 8, 2021
I am a fellow member and when you order your time tickets, you have to order them as a member. When you set the order up, click down to membership and order them under that category.
If there are any problems, call the membership office. They are really nice.
Written June 5, 2021
If anyone has gone recently, kindly tell me if it makes a difference as to which entrance you use. I'm driving so it doesn't really matter which is closest to subway :) Thanks!
Written August 20, 2020
There is no difference in the three entrances to the Gardens. It just depends on what direction you are coming in. When you order the tickets online for what time you will be coming to the park, they will assign the time with the entrance you will be coming in on.
Written June 5, 2021
so all that would like to know 1. plenty of parking drive in and park for the Gardens and the Museum small parking fee will be paid when leaving, if your going nows the best to see all trees flower all in full bloom. weather is hot so take it easy if your walking out side, drink your water and have some fun I walked almost 5 miles to view all, places to eat are there
Written July 4, 2019
to respond ,while your walking for almost 5 miles it's well for me to carry a bottle of water while walking is a good thing that i like . I didn't.think was in school
Written July 5, 2019
Is it safe to visit the garden now? We heard there is a Measles outbreak in Brooklyn. Please let us know how is the situation now. Thanks
Written April 16, 2019
AFAIK measles outbreak is in other neighborhood then Botanics Garden is located in
Written April 17, 2019
Parking? There website says parking is at: 900 Washington Avenue. is this a big parking lot or garage? is it close walking distance to the gardens? from map, it looks like right by the gift shop? Planning out my trip and will have a car
Written February 11, 2019
I used public transportation and Uber as that's best way to get around.
Written February 12, 2019
Would you say this attraction would be worth it in February?
Written January 13, 2019
I think yes. There are greenhouses at least, with Banzai (small Japanese trees, which fit on desk) and with tropical and desert plants. I've just visited it today.
Written January 20, 2019
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