Bushwick: New York’s Street Art neighborhood
Bushwick is a New York neighborhood famous for its giant murals and graffiti. Welcome to the world of street art, where urban creativity transforms entire blocks into open-air galleries.
What You Should Know About Bushwick
- Bushwick is one of the New York neighborhoods worth visiting. That said, until the late 1990s, I would never have recommended a trip there. This neighborhood of over 110,000 residents sits north of Brooklyn, at the border with Queens. Back then, Bushwick was one of New York’s most dangerous areas, marked by violent crime and drug trafficking.
- Things changed dramatically in the mid-2000s. New York City invested heavily in a neighborhood rehabilitation program called “The Bushwick Initiative.” The goal was to improve quality of life for residents and tackle crime, especially drug trafficking. This effort was carried out in close partnership with the New York Police Department, the NYPD.
- Today, Bushwick presents a much more peaceful face. More importantly, the neighborhood began attracting artists in large numbers. Bushwick has become New York’s street art capital. It’s now an essential stop on any New York visit.
What to See in Bushwick
- Exit at Jefferson St subway station and head up Jefferson Street toward St Nicholas Avenue. You’ll encounter the first giant murals of the Bushwick Collective. This project, launched by New Yorker Joe Ficalora, brings together major names in American and international street art. To discover more murals, continue through the neighborhood along Troutman Street to Cypress Avenue. Also explore Gardner Avenue.
- The murals on the neighborhood’s walls change regularly as new works appear. You’ll have plenty of reason to return on your next New York visit.
- Heading toward Morgan Av subway station, you’ll find many more murals throughout the neighborhood. You’ll see a great selection along Morgan Avenue. Then head down Harrison Place toward the subway to check out BogArt, at 56 Bogart Street. This former four-story factory now houses artist studios and art galleries. It’s a perfect reminder of how much the neighborhood has transformed.
Explore Bushwick with Our Guides
To make the most of Bushwick, book a guided tour with our team. For more information, visit the page dedicated to guided tours of Brooklyn. A highlight of the tour: our route evolves as new major murals appear over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Bushwick?
From Manhattan, the fastest and most affordable way to reach Bushwick is by subway. Take the L line and get off at DeKalb Av station. You’ll be closest to the street art murals of the Bushwick Collective. For your return, you can take the L line further east, for example at Jefferson Street or Morgan Avenue, depending on where you’ve explored in the neighborhood.
Is Bushwick a safe neighborhood?
Thanks to the positive energy of street art, Bushwick is now one of Brooklyn’s most popular neighborhoods with visitors. You’ll encounter plenty of people during the day and can walk the streets without concern. Of course, stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, as you would in any other New York neighborhood or major city.
Street Art Murals Gallery
Visitor Reviews of Bushwick
Reviews of Bushwick from our Destination New York Facebook group
- Aurélie N.: “Bushwick is incredible for its murals.”
- Axelle H.: “We loved the Bushwick neighborhood. Really cool and good vibes.”
- Xavier C.: “Bushwick is a real treat, an open-air art gallery.”
- Maxime G.: “We weren’t disappointed by Bushwick: it’s a feast for the eyes.”
- Susanne E.: “In Bushwick (more toward the J-train side), there are walls managed by Jmzwalls, among others, which gives young artists the chance to paint and dedicates an entire street to female artists. The walls in Bushwick (on the L-train Jefferson side) are managed by the Bushwick Collective, which favors well-known artists in the graffiti and street art world.”
- Flora S.: “I loved walking through Bushwick because I’m a street art fan.”
- Wilfried B.: “I found the street art very beautiful. However, I’m not sure if it was just that day, but I found the neighborhood quiet, with nobody on the streets except tourists taking photos. I have to admit it was a bit unsettling. That said, it’s worth visiting if you love street art.”
- Sami R.: “It’s amazing how quickly the murals get refreshed!”
Where to eat and shop in Bushwick
Eating in Bushwick
- For a quick bite during your Bushwick visit, try Taqueria Al Pastor for authentic Mexican food. This small spot serves delicious, affordable tacos. You can eat in or take away. It’s a favorite with locals. Address: 128 Wyckoff Avenue, Brooklyn.
Shopping in Bushwick
- For shopping, don’t miss L Train Vintage. This clothing boutique is an institution in Bushwick. You’ll find a huge selection of vintage clothes at very competitive prices. Address: 204 1st Avenue, Brooklyn.