Andrew's Veteran's Day tour of Prospect Park/Windsor Terrace/Park Slope was eye opening. I've lived here 35 years and he pointed out details in the urban and natural landscapes that I had never noticed or hadn't known about. I especially appreciated his inclusion of women's history and dissenting history. Bravo. The unique combination of live-streamed walking tour guide and slide presentation made the virtual presentation singular among those I have watched during these stay-at-home times. I learned so much more seeing the photos along with the actual sites. read more

Turnstile Tours - Prospect Park's World War One Memorial - Tours Near Me

The Brooklyn Navy Dock Yard tour is a hidden gem in the heart of NYC's many tourist and cultural attractions. This a history tour of a major ship building site and the location for Jenifer Egan's brilliant new novel 'Manhattan beach'. The tour started in the museum and visitor centre in building 92 - we explored the site and saw how this ship yard was a major hub in the naval building programmes that dare back to the 18th C - the place where many of the US navy's biggest and most famous first and second world were battle ships were built. To the navy yard is a hub of modern high tech industry and arts and crafts - the new Chelsea Market and Sycon valley for the 21st centre! For those of you interested in history, urban farming, ecology and industrial archeology there much to experience and photograph. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable and it's a good value tour in terms of your dollar. read more

Great tour with Sarah. It was her last tour but she conduct excellent tour about Navy Yard. I even can't imagine that such much history behind long walls of Flushing Avenue. Surprisingly was to see Admiral's mansion on Vinegar Hill. It is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Brooklyn along with Brooklyn Heights. It is like city within the city: ship docks, warehouses, factories, houses. Historical, old pictures were very helpful. Driver was good as well. They were flexible to reschedule my Bike Tour to Bus Tour. Would highly recommend these tours for everyone, it is not only about ships. read more

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I went on the financial district food cart and truck tour with Brian Hoffman, he was awesome. He was very personable and showed he had a passion for the food venders of NY. From his range of knowledge to the excitment of the food venders when they saw brian come around i knew this was going to be a good tour. The tour was a exciting way of seeing and tasting a part of NY. This tour is a 2 hour long tour where you meet at a designated location and take a stroll. At the meeting location Brian gets to play a fun game of lets find for the lost looking tourists. I was so excited by this tour when he mentioned he was doing another one in midtown i was set. off again for some more amazing street food - wonderfuly accompanied by Brian. And of corse he always leaves the best for last.(it was same on both tours, but the fact i bought extra both times, shows there is no way you could be dissapointed). You'll have to go and taste for yourself. Brian himself got so excited on the second tour he took us to a bonus truck for some extra delightful treats. mmmm so good. Thank you again brian for showing me the wonders of the food cart and truck industry of New York. I hope to come back to NY again soon with more friends and family and bring them on your tour! read more

My friend and I recently went on a tour of the Financial District Food Carts and it might've been my favorite part of our trip! I happen to be a Foodie myself so I really enjoyed learning about all the food trucks and laws in NY and not to mention tasting all the great places we visited. We had food from the Banh Mi Cart, Souvlaki GR, Adel's #1 Halal, Halal Gyro Express, Biyani House, and Wafels & Dinges. ALL the food we tasted was perfection and the people delivered good service! Brian was all great tour guide and you can really tell he enjoys his job because he really knows what he's doing! He made us enjoy every bite! read more

We took the two hour WW2 Brooklyn Naval Yard tour today with Alex and it was really fantastic-- informative, fun, and interesting. If you're anything like me, the Naval Yard is some mysterious place you have walked by a million times but you're not quite sure what happens in there. Enter Turnstile Tours. I can now say I know *a LOT* about dry docks, and the role of the Naval Yard in WW2. And Alex was a fun guide who clearly gets excited by sharing his knowledge with others, and genuinely enjoys fielding questions from folks in the group. Two notes about this tour: First, it is not a walking tour. It's mostly a sitting tour (you will be escorted around the Naval Yard in a big blue school bus). I didn't mind this, but you need not worry that you will be hiking miles and miles. Second, at least for the WW2 tour, there's one portion (near the old hospital) where there are a lot of mosquitoes-- in fact, I'm pretty sure our guide ended up with a mosquito bite on his face; had I known, I would have brought bug spray. I recommend you bring some if this is the tour you choose. read more

We did the financial district food cart tour with Brian and it was great. Brian knows the area and food very well. The selection of food experience was very good. He gave Us a god understanding of the development of food carts as well as local history and sites. Very personable and had good stories. Nice small group and a compact area to roam around and eat. The breeze off the water made a hot July day feel pretty good. We are going to try the midtown tour next. Well worth the time. read more

I would emphatically recommend any tours from Turnstile to absolutely anyone. I did a Prospect Park tour with Cindy, and it was easily the best tour I've ever done in any of the many countries I've visited and lived in. She was just so knowledgeable and so caring, and I learned so much while also enjoying the beauty of the park and all its plant and animal inhabitants. The best thing I've done in New York. read more

We did the "Brooklyn Navy Yard: Past, Present, & Future Tour" and it was great. The tour mostly focused on the Navy Yard's long and interesting past, which was what I was mainly interested in. Though it was cool to see what's going on in the Yard today and the future plans. Getting to see parts of the yard closed to the public (like the abandoned hospital) was great. read more

The new Prospect Park Tour reveals the history of a park I know and love. It was a treat to imagine what the park was like for my grandparents and great grandparents, who lived in current-day Prospect Heights/Flatbush in the early 1900's. This tour is great for Prospect Park lovers and newcomers alike. The guide was informative and easy to follow, equipped with primary historical sources and knowledge of paths to parts of the park unknown to me. The other participants enhanced the tour by contributing their knowledge of the park and city, some of whom had been frequenting the park since the 70s. I look forward to taking other tours offered by Turnstile Tours, and will definitely recommend this tour to any visiting friends and family, and may even take it again myself. read more

We took the Midtown Food Cart tour with Andrew as our guide. It was well worth it!!! Everybody sees the food carts on the corners of the Big Apple, and if you were like us, you might have been a bit sceptic about the quality. But have no fear! The quality is amazing. We learned about the history of the food carts of NYC, the quality control, the diversity of the food carts, and so much more! Our guide, Andrew, was fantastic. His knowledge and enthusiasm made us even more excited. On our tour, we tried Trini-Paki food, Mexican food, Korean food, Indian food, waffles, and so much more. We got so full! The variety was really good, and the food was very tasty. Try the tour. You won't be disappointed. read more

Picture yourself as an arriving out-of-country tourist in manhattan and wanting to sample some street food. We're accustomed to the food trucks back home, but totally unfamiliar with the scene in NYC. In addition, without roaming cell/mobile/Internet, we couldn't instantly run though the eat.st app, crawl though twitter or scan the various blogs to find out the good stuff in NYC. Enter turnstile tours, an offshoot of the more established Urban Oyster tour-co. We found the midtown manhattan street food tour online and called in our registration with our credit card (simple process). Arrival/checkin was simple (instructions for Bryant park). Be aware that this tour of Midtown focused primarily on foodcarts, rather than the more foodTRUCK-centric financial district. Not a huge difference, but foodies may want to acknowledge the distinction. Our tour guide Brian, was knowledgable, describing the food carts and the people running them. He also talked about the history of nyc's food Cart Industry as well as the recent vendy awards for street food. He was also a "nice guy" to talk to, very approachable--not to be underestimated. The walk was comfortable, and a nice way in and of itself to traverse midtown. At the end of the tour, we were provided a convenient postcard mapping out each of the featured foodcarts. Portions were smaller than what a regular entree order would be--think 'small side dish'. Based on the portion size, we felt it was an average value. We understand that if they gave us full size samples, we'd be bursting full halfway through the tour. However,since there can't be much operating overhead (no licensing, machinery or transportation), we didn't feel that the tour price reflected the actual food-cost. Perhaps they can add a 'second participant gets a discount' value-ad? Where it DID deliver was in helping us sort out the notables from 'random-food-cart-on-the-side-of-the-street', otherwise they all look the same. In the end, it was a fun experience and a good way to navigate nyc foodcarts over an afternoon. Recommended to others. read more

This is easily the best tour I've ever been on in my life--and I had no idea it was in the same borough I've lived in for the better part of a decade. A friend had taken visiting relatives on the past present future Navy Yard tour and raves about it, so I took my family the next weekend. We had such a great time, learned so much, saw cool stuff I'd never see and understand on my own--I left feeling inspired and loving Brooklyn even more than I had before I got there. It's cheesy, but this tour and my guide truly did show me a side of my own city I hadn't seen before. I can't wait to take the other tours! read more

We did the Immigrant Foodways Tour in Brooklyn. This was a two hour tour exploring a small area of East Williamsburg, including the Moore Street Market. Along the way we got to eat plenty of delicious food, and while the food was excellent, what really exceeded my expectations was the amount of historical and cultural knowledge of the area provided by our tour guide, Cindy. Some highlights to this tour included the Moore Street Market itself, as well as surrounding restaurants, a small Mexican grocery store, farmer's market, record store and butcher shop. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone that enjoys learning about food and NYC history. I would gladly take another tour run by Turnstile tours, and likely will in the future. read more

Took Turnstile Tours' wonderful new tour of Prospect Park, being given in celebration of the park's 150th anniversary. I highly recommend this tour! It was very informative, great old photos, and history of the park. Of course, having the great venue of Prospect Park doesn't hurt either. I give tours as a volunteer and am, therefore, highly judgmental and critical of tour guides. Turnstile Tours did not disappoint. I'm definitely planning to go on one of their other tours. read more

Brian Hoffman is one of NYC's original and most knowledgeable food cart/truck writers and bloggers. He knows his stuff! Our tour of midtown food vendors was enjoyable, enlightening and, of course, delicious. We were joined by a British family who were in town for a few days and looking for a real taste of New York, so to speak. They seemed to be enjoying themselves greatly and said that it was exactly the kind of experience they were looking for. Five stars. Highly recommended. read more

The Brooklyn Army Terminal was my first tour with Turnstile Tours and it was a great experience. Andrew is an awesome tour guide. He's very knowledgeable, easy to understand, and patient. He didn't rush, and allowed me to take my time in photographing the many points of interest. He's easy to interact with, and does a very good job of keeping the tour fresh and interesting. I had a very nice time, and plan on doing more tours with this fine organization. I highly recommend them. read more

My husband and I did the Gourmet Food Cart Tour. It was FANTASTIC! We had a great guide- he was super and very knowledgable. The food was delicious, and we met some great people. Sampled foods such as Mexican, Middle Eastern, from Belgium, and Bangladesh, just to name a few. They provide one bottle of water per person, so I'd bring another one. Much of the food has some spice to it, but it was SO good. Great tour. DO IT!! read more

Just took the Brooklyn Navy Yard tour and learned a ton I wouldn't otherwise have known. Unless you're on the tour, you can't get into the Navy Yard without a business purpose, so the access is unusual--and well worthwhile. read more

So good! The tour "Brooklyn Navy Yard: Past, Present, & Future" was great and very informative, especially for New Yorkers. The only downside is the price. $30 is really steep for a tour but after much consideration I think it is worth it for the information and unique view. You can walk around Rockefeller Center without a tour guide, but not the Navy Yard... do it! read more

The Brooklyn Naval Yard Overview tour is really fantastic. I learned a lot about the history of the area as well as the future plans for the site, but really the highlight is getting to see parts of the city that are otherwise off limits to the public: the dry docks (and views of Manhattan) are incredible and the old hospital and surgeon's house are otherworldly. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly. It was a very hot Sunday when I did this tour, but the bus had great AC, so it wasn't uncomfortable at all. I highly recommend this tour as a way to see and learn about a part of the city that usually goes unnoticed. read more

We did the Midtown food cart tour and were blown away!! Amazing food and the guides give great information and stories Also were able to find out about the vendors themselves which was great Definitely recommend read more

I took the Urban Ecology bicycle tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, led by Doug on Sep. 1. It was a great overview of all things related to environmental sustainability at the Navy Yard, from oyster restoration, ... to green building initiatives, to nature taking over on its own. The Brooklyn Grange rooftop farm provides a unique perspective of the NYC skyline that alone is worth the tour. The first half of the tour is on foot, and the 2nd by bicycle. The bicycle portion really provides a feeling for the scale and different landscapes of the Navy Yard. For years I have been curious about what was there. Bicycle rental from Ride Brooklyn on Bergen St. was really easy. The store is almost right next door to the #2/3 train station. They took a reservation a week in advance, and were all ready for me when I arrived. The ride to the Navy Yard was about 12-15 minutes from the store. read more

We will never look at a food carts the same, after taking the Financial District Food Cart's Tour within New York City. Brian was our guide, and did an outstanding job educating us on the various aspects of New York City's tastiest food carts! As one who knows his subject, Brian was witty, knowledgeable and friendly. His enthusiasm was infectious as he led us through the streets of New York's financial district, lending us some very tasty food cart cuisine! When you think of it, those food carts located within the financial district would likely be the very best, because they, unlike those in touristy Manhattan, survive on repeat/local business (you know...those white collar types who really know what good food is). Thus, our tour was one we'll remember, not only because of the tasty treats we were given, but because of the wealth of interesting facts Brian provided about the cart's history, what one must go through to even get a cart on the street, the cleanliness factor of the carts, and even the history of many of the characters who operate them. Our tour was one of the most fun things we did while in The Big Apple (and we visit annually and do lots of stuff). The food from the several carts was tasty (we're not talking hot dogs here), and Brian was the perfect guide, gentleman and entertainer! Plan to walk a bit...not a tour for those who have difficulty navigating the sidewalk. We heartily recommend this tour without abandon! read more

Took the Brooklyn Navy Yard Past Present and Future tour yesterday. Great day, great tour, interesting history (don't skip Bldg 92 museum), with a knowledgeable and well organized tour guide. Wish we'd been able to visit ruins of Admiral Row, but they are dangerously decrepit. The abandoned Navy Hospital was the highlight, overgrown and gothic. Wish we'd had more time for photos. Will take the photo tour next, which happens four times a year. Big recommend all around. read more

Fantastic tour of food carts and trucks in midtown NYC with Brian on Friday October 5/2012. It was absolutely fantastic. Brian is personable and knowledgeable. Cindy was extremely helpful online. A must do for any foodie visiting New York. Great value and a wonderful experience. Highly recommended to all!! read more

Went on the midtown food cart tour with Cindy. Great experience, great food and learned a lot about the history and challenges of being a food cart owner. Cindy was a really outstanding tour guide, who has great personal relationships with the food cart owners and a passion for their craft. read more

This tour of Prospect Park was really solid- good price, nice balance of walking and explanation, and super knowledgeable guide. All the participants were native New Yorkers. The tour went fairly deep into the history of the park and "lesser-traveled" parts. read more

Loved our financial district food cart tour with Brian . Went to 6 different carts and enjoyed each one . He also incorporated history and politics of the food cart industry. Brian was a great leader and a true " foodie. " Had a great afternoon and Definitely Thinking of doing another one. Highly recommend this tour . read more

We did the Navy Yard tour with friends from NJ (we live in Brooklyn). We got a good sense of the Yard's history as well as its present. I remember when the Yard closed (I was a child in the suburbs but the NYC news made clear that this was tragic) and as an adult I've sniffed out the edges of the Yard on my bike. It's huge and you quickly get a dose of its impact on the neighborhood through the ages. The water views are beautiful and unique. The information about the Revolutionary War and WWII is very interesting. Visiting the hospital was particularly special--to be in an abandoned place, with a row of elm trees, lots of other flora, the promise of fauna, the stillness where there was once intense activity, and to know we were in the middle of NYC was fabulous. Plus we learned what new businesses are doing--LEED buildings etc. read more

Tours for the intelligent. Love this company's sophisticated tours, a deeper look at New York with guides who really know what they're talking about. read more

I recently took the World War 2 tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Our guide made the historic sites come alive with very interesting anecdotes and personal stories. I not only learned a lot about a significant part of the war effort but the revitalized green industrial park to date and its plans for the future. The tour in combination with the terrific museum and the delightful cafe made the trip well worth it; I highly recommend Turnstile Tours. read more