How much walking is involved?

The tour covers about 2 miles of walking over cobblestone and paved streets, suitable for most participants.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes, tastings at several local spots including Hometown BBQ and Raaka Chocolate are included, along with water at most stops.

Is the ferry ride included in the tour?

Yes, you will take the unique “IKEA” ferry for scenic views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline.

Can children join the tour?

Children ages 3 and under are welcome for free, but they require a ticket if food tastings are desired.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, weather-appropriate clothing, and consider sunscreen during warmer months.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, this tour is not accessible due to the cobblestone streets and ferry boarding.

Behind the Scenes Red Hook Tour with Like A Local Tours

Red Hook, Brooklyn, is a neighborhood that defies typical city boundaries. Sitting on the water’s edge with sweeping views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor, it’s a place where industrial grit meets a thriving creative community. Like A Local Tours invites you to spend three immersive hours discovering Red Hook’s distinct character through their Private Red Hook Brooklyn: Behind the Scenes Neighborhood Tour. Far from a standard stroll, this experience offers a balanced blend of history, culture, and taste—a chance to see first-hand what makes Red Hook a unique destination in New York City.

This guided tour embarks from Hometown BBQ, a revered barbecue joint where you’ll get priority tastings of some of NYC’s most celebrated smoked meats. From there, wander cobblestone streets shadowed by former warehouses now buzzing with artisan workshops and community spaces. Delve into Red Hook’s maritime and industrial past as knowledgeable guides share stories about the neighborhood’s evolution from a shipping hub to a creative enclave.

The culinary itinerary continues with exclusive visits to Red Hook Winery, where local grape varietals are showcased, and Raaka Chocolate, offering an interactive look at bean-to-bar chocolate making. The tour also includes Steve’s Key Lime Pies for a behind-the-scenes peek at their iconic desserts, and Van Brunt Stillhouse for handcrafted spirit tastings.

One of the day’s highlights arrives with a scenic ferry ride aboard the “IKEA” ferry, presenting panoramic, uninterrupted vistas of the Statue of Liberty, Governors Island, and Manhattan’s skyline from the waterfront. This ride connects the coastal and cultural elements of Red Hook, underscoring its rare blend of natural beauty and urban vitality.

What sets this tour apart is Like A Local Tours’ commitment to social impact—supporting community initiatives and building authentic local connections. Every stop and encounter is carefully curated to foreground the people and stories behind the neighborhood, making your visit more than sightseeing but a meaningful engagement with Brooklyn’s evolving landscape. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a city native seeking new perspectives, this tour reveals Red Hook’s layered identity through its flavors, sights, and spirited community.

About Like A Local Tours

Like A Local Tours operates guided walking tours and food experiences across New York City, with a focus on Manhattan and Brooklyn neighborhoods. The company offers private and group tours that combine culinary tastings, local history, and neighborhood architecture. Many itineraries highlight community engagement and social impact by featuring women- and minority-owned businesses, artisan makers, and local vendors. Tours include bakery and pastry tastings, pizza, bagels, cannoli, and savory bites, as well as architecture walks that showcase landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal and the Chrysler Building.

Neighborhood options span Chelsea, the High Line, Hudson Yards, Greenwich Village, Hell’s Kitchen, the Lower East Side, Chinatown, Little Italy. Williamsburg, Red Hook, Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, Nomad, and the Flatiron area. Local guides lead walking tours with behind-the-scenes access to markets, workshops, and street art sites, and some experiences combine hands-on elements like graffiti workshops. Offering a mix of private, small-group, and larger group formats, Like A Local Tours aims to connect visitors with neighborhood stories and local entrepreneurs. Reservations can be made for private industry visits, dessert-focused excursions, architecture-focused walks, or sustainable food and fashion tours. Descriptions emphasize authentic neighborhood culture, culinary discovery, and support for community initiatives. Like A Local Tours presents factual, neighborhood-centered experiences designed to highlight local businesses and the history that shaped each area.

Tour lengths and group sizes vary to accommodate private bookings, celebrations, and corporate outings, and detailed itineraries are provided at booking to clarify inclusions such as tastings, access, and mobility considerations.