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

Two lush gardens. One city. Where will you stop and smell the roses?

Last updated: August 11, 2026
New York Botanical Garden

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. 

Okay, So Which One Is Most Impressive? 

Okay, So Which One Is Most Impressive? 

In terms of size and diversity, NYBG is the heavyweight champion. It’s one of the largest botanical gardens in the U.S. and feels like a full-day escape. BBG impresses with charm, accessibility, and thoughtful design. Both are stunning—but NYBG wins if you’re going for scale and variety. 

 

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. 

 

How Do I Get There? 

How Do I Get There? 

New York Botanical Garden 

  • Address: 2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx 

  • Subway: Take the B, D, or 4 train to Bedford Park Blvd, then a short bus ride or 20-minute walk 

  • Metro-North: Just 20 minutes from Grand Central to Botanical Garden station 

Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

  • Address: 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn 

  • Subway: Take the 2, 3, 4, 5 to Franklin Avenue or the B, Q, S to Prospect Park 

Both are accessible by public transport—BBG is more centrally located for most travelers. 

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. 

Best Lunch Spots Nearby? 

Best Lunch Spots Nearby? 

Near New York Botanical Garden 

  • Arthur Avenue Market – A short walk to Little Italy in the Bronx, packed with amazing Italian eats 

  • Mike’s Deli – Inside the market, known for huge sandwiches and cannoli 

  • Bronx Beer Hall – Great local beers and bar snacks right by the market 

Near Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

  • Olmsted – Michelin Bib Gourmand pick offering inventive farm-to-table dishes nearby 

  • LunÀtico – Cozy wine bar with great tapas and occasional live jazz 

 

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 

  • 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 

Any Other Good Stuff Nearby? 

Any Other Good Stuff Nearby? 

Near New York Botanical Garden 

  • Bronx Zoo – One of the world’s best zoos, right next door 

  • Arthur Avenue – The Bronx’s Little Italy, perfect for food lovers 

Near Brooklyn Botanic Garden 

  • Prospect Park – Vast and full of hidden gems, just across the street 

 

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. 

Ready to ramp up your New York experience? Discover Free Experiences Just Steps From The Statue Of Liberty  and Things to do Near Top of the Rock

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®.   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® - just choose a pass to get started! 

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

Blog

New York in June

Looking for the ultimate summer in New York experience? Wherever your interests may lie, the city is the perfect destination with fantastic activities, spectacular landmarks, and world-class cultural amenities to embrace your sense of wonder and thrill. Head out for a day of kayaking at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, enjoy some sweet tunes at the Blue Notes Jazz Festival, or have a blast at the Coney Island Mermaid Parade – this place has it all! Whatever you choose to do, we promise you won’t leave disappointed! With Go City, you can see more, for less. Experience the Culture of the City New York comes alive in the summertime with some great musical events. From June 15th right through to August 15th, audiences can catch contemporary jazz masters doing what they do best, as hosted by the Blue Note Jazz Club. The annual jazz festival features over 80 acts at a variety of city venues, but we think that the best place to hear some tunes is right against the backdrop of Central Park – honestly, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon. A well-recognized intellectual hub, New York presents a wide array of incredible museums for visitors all year round. Celebrating the city’s rich concentration of culture, the Museum Mile Festival provides the opportunity for visitors to view some of the area’s most revered art and history repositories. Stretching along Fifth Avenue, the block party includes some of the city’s finest institutions, such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Museum of the City of New York. With specialities ranging from modern, contemporary and historic art to Latin American and Jewish history, there’s a little something for everybody here. Get the perfect taste of New York from favorite local vendors as you explore the Bronx across the Harlem River. Run by a diverse, female-operated team, the Bronx Night Market seeks to showcase the vibrancy of the area through its food and culture. A total feast for the senses, the event features a broad array of delicious provisions at super affordable prices. Whether you’re more savory or sweet, one thing’s for sure – you won’t be leaving on an empty stomach! In addition to all the great food, the market also offers some interesting stalls to browse as well as live performances from local musicians. Try Something New Summers in New York can get, shall we say, a little humid? If you’re looking for a fun way to cool down, why not try kayaking? Running from the beginning of the month, visitors can head down to the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse to for a free session. All paddlers are accompanied by friendly watersport experts and provided with proper kayaking equipment to ensure full safety. Granting amazing views of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, this truly one-of-a-kind experience should be at the top of everyone’s itinerary! When the summertime rolls around, many of the city’s renowned cultural institutes transform themselves to suit the weather. A cornerstone of New York City culture, the Lincoln Center consolidates art with nature with a number of outside programs. During the month of June, visitors can relax in the outdoor reading room or catch live jazz performances and cabaret concerts under the stars. In addition, the establishment's newly designed park serves as the perfect place for fun and recreation after a busy day’s exploring. One of our favorite things to do for June in New York is head down to Brooklyn to catch the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. Eccentric and lively, the event is the country's largest art parade and one of the city's greatest summer events. Bringing together creatives from all over the nation, the festival celebrates ancient mythology whilst serving as a total flourish of self-expression. A must-do for lovers of all things campy, this one-of-a-kind fiesta involves outlandish nautical-themed costumes, huge floats, and fun marching bands. Artsy, exciting, and downright ludicrous - hey, isn’t that what New York City is all about? Get Festive June in New York brings a whole host of fun and festivities. Drawing in tens of thousands of participants and millions of spectators each year, the city’s pride parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ marches in the world. If you’re looking to join in on the fun, head down to Fifth Avenue towards the end of the month to experience the incredible and vibrant parade take to the streets. Complete with rainbow-colored floats, high-spirited dancing and iconic performers, you won’t want to skip this one. Those familiar with New York can attest that the city provides a wide array of fun festivals for visitors throughout the summertime. Kicking off towards the end of the month, Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of African-American slaves and celebrating diversity in culture. Perhaps the most conventional way to celebrate the holiday is by rocking up to the Juneteenth NYC, which kicks off at 5 p.m. in Brooklyn each year. In addition, the city hosts many cool and unique ways to celebrate black culture across all five boroughs, including special screenings at the Museum of Moving Image, Broadway productions celebrating black performers, and Juneteenth Freedom Fest NYC: Block Party. Those who are looking for a fun and affordable ways to experience the city might be interested in the next item on our list. Originally created in the aftermath of 9/11, the River to River Festival was presented with the intention to soothe and celebrate the city’s strength through art. Starting from mid-June, the event features everything from music and dance performances to live installations and screenings. With an incredible atmosphere and so much to see, this one is fun for all the family. New York is what vacation destination dreams are made of. Whether you’re a foodie, an artsy type, or a music lover, you’ll be spoiled for choice with great things to do in the city. Explore the area to its full potential with Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook.
Sarah Harris
USS Intrepid
Blog

A complete guide to visiting the USS Intrepid Museum

The USS Intrepid Museum packs aircraft carriers, Cold War submarines, Concorde and the Space Shuttle Enterprise onto one Manhattan pier. We explored the decks, squeezed through submarine corridors and tested interactive exhibits to round up everything worth seeing – plus handy tips for planning your visit.
Blog

Things To Do In NYC For Chinese New Year

Spending time in NYC for Chinese New Year? This year it falls on January 25 and it’s the Year of the Rat. There are plenty of special events taking place in the Big Apple where you can celebrate. After ringing in the traditional New Year holiday on January 1, it’s round two with Chinese New Year. From firecracker celebrations and wild dance performances to martial arts demonstrations, there’s a whole host of ways to have fun during the many events in the city. The streets of New York turn outlandishly festive during the celebration of the Chinese New Year. What is the Year of the Rat? The rat is known to be the first of the cycle of 12 Zodiac signs. In Chinese culture, rats were viewed to be a sign of wealth and surplus, and those born in the year of the rat are deemed to be quick thinkers and successful... Here’s our list of 9 fun things to do in NYC for Chinese New Year including: Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival Chinatown Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony The New York Philharmonic Lunar Concert The Temple Bazaar The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) And more... 1. Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival 18th Annual New York City Lunar New Year Parade (Image credit: betterchinatown.com) This celebrated parade is vibrant and colorful with its dragon dancers, lion dancers, marching bands, and floats. This year, 2020, it’s the “Year of the Rat.” The parade route stretches from Mott to Chatham Square to East Broadway and towards Grand Street right next to Sara D. Roosevelt Park. This street party welcomes in the Year of the Rat with all sorts of themed food and drink vendors. The parade also features some amazing firework displays and entertainment. Admission to the Lunar New Year Parade is free and open to the public. 2. The Chinatown Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony The Better Chinatown Society organizes the Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony where hundreds of thousands of sparkling fireworks are launched into the sky. The pounding pyrotechnics are designed to ward off bad spirits for the new year. Afterward, there are a number of colorful dance performances. It’s a can’t-miss event. You can even book a Chinese dinner cruise on the Hudson River to see the fireworks. Circle Line Cruises offers a gourmet 12-course dinner. Admission to the Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony is free and open to the public. Tickets to the Lunar New Year Fireworks Cruise are separately ticketed. 3. The New York Philharmonic Lunar Concert The New York Philharmonic puts on an annual Lunar Concert to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year sees the return of conductor Long Yu, the US premiere of the sensational Zhou Tian’s Gift, and the New York premiere of Texu Kim’s ping pong–inspired Spin-Flip. Tickets to The New York Philharmonic Lunar Concert are available for purchase online. 4. The Temple Bazaar The Temple Bazaar is truly a sight to behold. Here, Chinese New Year is celebrated with bright red lanterns floating through the streets. Enjoy Chinese music and awe-inspiring martial arts demonstrations; learn Chinese crafts like calligraphy and paper cutting. You can even munch on authentic, mouth-watering food from Taiwan and Shandong. Admission to The Temple Bazaar is free and open to the public, some events and activities may be separately ticketed. 5. Savor the Dim Sum You can’t experience Chinese New Year without indulging in some timeless and authentic delicacies. New York’s Chinatown is home to one of the largest communities of Chinese people outside of Asia, and settlers brought with them their much-beloved cuisine. To get a taste of the very best of it, you can embark on a walking tour of Chinatown (and surrounding neighborhoods) and learn through taste how this fascinating area grew and grew. Following your tour, you’ll be an expert on the area and well-deserving of a delectable dim sum lunch! We recommend visiting the Nom Wah Tea Parlor for some mooncakes. It’s the oldest dim sum parlor in NYC and dates back to 1920. The SoHo – Little Italy – Chinatown Neighborhood Walking Tour is included on the New York Explorer Pass. 6. Madison Street to Madison Avenue Parade This action-packed festival is all day long. There’s shopping, dance performances, and family entertainment. There’s also traditional Chinese face-changing, colorful lion dancers, and calligraphy demos. It’s just one more way to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year, the colorful celebration will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Admission to Madison Avenue Parade is free and open to the public. 7. The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) One of the best ways to fully appreciate your trip to NYC for Chinese New Year is to take a visit to the Museum of Chinese in America. Here you can learn all about Chinese culture and the traditions you’ll be celebrating with the Lunar New Year, and discover what life in NYC and beyond is like for its large Chinese population. The MOCA is a former machine shop inspired by a Chinese house with rooms extending from a central courtyard. It has exhibits that trace the development of Chinese communities along with mixed-media displays of Chinese restaurants and Laundries in New York. Tickets to the Museum of Chinese in America are available for purchase at the door or in advance online. 8. The New Kam Hing Coffee Shop Get your sugar and caffeine fix at the New Kam Hing Coffee Shop. This 30-year-old coffee shop doesn’t look like much but serves up the best boat-shaped white-sugar cake, coffee, and green tea. It also has an angel-food-like interior that is light and airy. What’s more, take the time to shop for some great Asian cuisine at the Hong Kong Supermarket. It’s a Chinatown megastore that has everything for Asian food fanatics. Get fermented black beans, fresh noodles, and dumpling wrappers. Everything’s fresh, and the sushi stall offers tasty to-go fresh rolls. 9. Concerts at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall How better to end this list than with the prospect of world-renowned symphonies featuring film and harp projections. There’s even a pre-concert reception where you can dine with the artists. Previous performers include Jiaxin Tian and conductor Gregory Singer. Orchestral performances are some of the finest in the world at the hallowed house of high arts: the Lincoln Center. Tickets are available for purchase online. Guided Lincoln Center Tour tickets are available on the New York Explorer Pass. So, from dazzling fireworks shows and colorful parades to great museums and concerts, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of things to do in NYC for Chinese New Year. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, no place celebrates the Chinese New Year better than the Big Apple. Remember To Save on Attraction Admission If you’re looking for things to do in NYC for Chinese New Year, spend some time in Chinatown checking out all of the festive events, and be sure to add some New York City sightseeing to your itinerary, too. Remember, some of these great options are available on the New York Explorer Pass, where you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the New York Explorer Pass.
Samuel Ford

Get your free guidebook!

Plan your perfect trip with our insider guide – top attractions, itineraries and local tips straight to your inbox.