New York Botanical Garden Vs Brooklyn Botanic Garden: Which NYC Oasis Wins?

Craving a break from concrete and car horns? New York City might surprise you with just how green it can be—if you know where to look. The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are two of the city’s most beautiful natural escapes, offering blooming flowers, peaceful walking trails, and some serious garden envy. But which garden should you visit? We’ve compared them leaf to leaf to help you choose the best botanical experience for your NYC adventure. 

The Lowdown 

New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) 

• Located in the Bronx, next to the Bronx Zoo 

• Covers 250 acres, including forests, meadows, and curated gardens 

• Features a stunning Victorian-style glass conservatory 

• Home to over one million plants from around the world 

• Seasonal exhibitions like the Holiday Train Show and Orchid Show 

• Offers tram tours and guided walks 

Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG) 

• Located in Prospect Park, Brooklyn 

• Covers 52 acres of themed gardens and plant collections 

• Known for its Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and Cherry Esplanade 

• Features a bonsai museum and native flora garden 

• Accessible, walkable, and perfect for a shorter visit 

• Offers art exhibits, tours, and kids’ programming 

Sounds Good, Tell Me More... 

New York Botanical Garden 

The NYBG is a sprawling paradise—big, bold, and filled with plant life from every corner of the planet. It’s perfect for a day of slow wandering, thanks to expansive walking paths, wooded trails, and vibrant seasonal displays. Highlights include the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a 1902 glasshouse brimming with tropical, desert, and aquatic plants, and the 50-acre Thain Forest, one of NYC’s last natural woodlands. Annual shows like the Orchid Show and Holiday Train Show transform the space into an immersive wonderland. With multiple cafés, a gift shop, and a tram to help you get around, it’s as practical as it is peaceful. 

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

If NYBG is a sweeping epic, BBG is a beautifully curated short story. It’s easier to explore in a couple of hours, but no less magical. The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden is a meditative masterpiece, with bridges, koi ponds, and cherry blossoms in spring. The Cherry Esplanade is one of NYC’s most Instagrammed springtime spots, while the Shakespeare Garden offers blooms mentioned in the Bard’s plays. BBG is deeply integrated with the surrounding community and features art installations, a Discovery Garden for kids, and events that make it feel lively but never overwhelming. 

Which One Is More Fun? 

BBG feels a bit more playful. Its seasonal festivals, interactive kids’ areas, and themed gardens offer little surprises at every turn. NYBG leans more into grandeur and educational programming, which can feel more formal—but the sheer range of exhibits makes it deeply rewarding for curious minds. 

Which Is More Beautiful? 

This one’s subjective, but let’s break it down. NYBG’s vastness and forested areas give you nature at its wildest and most impressive. The Victorian conservatory is jaw-dropping. BBG, though, is more about artistic landscaping and tranquil moments—especially in the Japanese Garden. If you’re chasing serenity and poetry, BBG wins. If you want awe and grandeur, NYBG delivers. 

Which Has The Better View? 

BBG’s views are about curated harmony—think flowering cherry trees, koi ponds, and skyline glimpses through the trees. NYBG offers sweeping landscapes, hidden woodland paths, and elevated viewpoints of the Bronx River and native forests. If you want variety in scenery, NYBG has more to explore. 

Best Choice For Families, Couples, Or Friends 

Families will love both, but BBG is more manageable with younger kids and has a great Discovery Garden. NYBG is a dream for couples and friends planning a full-day nature date. For romance, the conservatory at NYBG is a stunner. For casual strolls and catching up with friends, BBG is a lovely backdrop. 

I’ve Got Fidgety Kids To Entertain – Which Has More ‘Hands-On’ Activities? 

BBG takes this one. The Discovery Garden is full of hands-on fun, and seasonal programming keeps kids engaged. NYBG has educational signage and occasional activities, but it’s more about exploration than interactivity. 

What’s The Accessibility Like? 

Both gardens are well-equipped with paved paths, accessible entrances, and rest areas. NYBG has a tram system, which is helpful for guests with mobility needs due to its size. BBG’s compact layout makes it easy to get around on foot or with a stroller or wheelchair. 

Where Are The Best Photo Opportunities? 

At NYBG, head to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory for tropical plant shots, or snap a serene photo in the Thain Forest. BBG offers picture-perfect moments in the Japanese Garden, the Cranford Rose Garden, and along the Cherry Esplanade in spring. BBG is especially photogenic in April and May when the cherry blossoms explode into color. 

We’re Finished And Thirsty – Is There A Decent Bar In The Area? 

Near New York Botanical Garden 

• Bronx Beer Hall – Casual, friendly, and packed with local flavor 

• Zero Otto Nove – Elegant Italian spot with a great wine list 

• Emilia’s – Cozy trattoria with strong drinks and classic dishes 

Near Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

• Bar Meridian – Chill neighborhood bar with great cocktails and natural wine 

• Tooker Alley – Craft cocktail bar with vintage vibes and outdoor seating 

• Covenhoven – Quirky beer bar with a backyard garden and great tap list 

Whether you’re wandering through the wilds of the Bronx or strolling the sculpted serenity of Brooklyn, both of these botanical gardens offer an unforgettable NYC escape. The New York Botanical Garden is big, bold, and packed with plant-life wonders. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is smaller, sweeter, and ideal for a slower-paced visit. With Go City®, you can explore either one—and save while you stop to smell the roses (and orchids, and lilacs, and bonsai...). Take your pick, or better yet, plan for both. 

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