Green-Wood Cemetery is one of my favorite places to unplug in New York: a quiet walk full of art, nature, and a whole lot of history.
And the best part? It's a great spot for views of the Manhattan skyline, with nobody blocking the view.
Founded in 1838, it spreads across a hill just south of Park Slope, in Brooklyn. What started as a rural cemetery is now also an open-air museum, an arboretum, and a living cultural center.
During the 19th century, every important New Yorker wanted to be buried here, and that's exactly what happened.
What to see at Green-Wood Cemetery
You can wander freely across its 478 acres, about 60% the size of Central Park, exploring sculptures, mausoleums, centuries-old trees, and landscapes that feel like they belong to another century. And as I mentioned, when you reach the highest points of the cemetery, you get panoramic views of Manhattan.
I recommend starting at the main entrance (500 25th Street, Brooklyn), where you'll find the welcome center, built alongside a restored Victorian greenhouse.
You can pick up maps there or use the restrooms. Plus, the historic architecture gives you a preview of what's waiting inside.
This entrance is the most convenient if you're arriving by subway (the R line, 25th Street station).
Historical figures buried here
More than 570,000 people rest here, among them composer Leonard Bernstein, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and even the inventor of Morse code, Samuel Morse.
There are plenty of other notable figures. Just to name a handful: pianist William Steinway, the founder of the FAO Schwarz toy store, Frederick August Otto Schwarz, Louis Comfort Tiffany (whose stained glass you can see at the Queens Museum), mobster Joey Gallo, dozens of Civil War veterans, and many baseball stars.
How to explore Green-Wood Cemetery
You can explore on your own. It's worth wandering with no set route, since you'll find surprising spots in every corner of this park.
But if you're short on time and don't want to miss the highlights, this PDF map will help. It's packed with information, the iconic sites of Green-Wood Cemetery, and suggested routes.
There's a historic tour on a vintage trolley that comfortably walks you through the past of this place (American Civil War battles were fought here), its monuments, and its most important spots.
You can also book a private guided visit for groups. You'll find all the booking information on the cemetery's official website.
Green-Wood as a cultural experience
Green-Wood is much more than a cemetery these days. Throughout the year it hosts contemporary art exhibitions, temporary installations, and events like themed guided tours, night visits, and family activities.
There's even a permanent piece by artist Sophie Calle that invites you to leave a secret in the marble. Every visit can be different depending on the time of year.
On several weekends they organize nighttime walks with flashlights, concerts among the graves, or themed visits that blend art, history, and mystery.
It's worth checking the events calendar on the cemetery's website before you go, because there's always something unexpected happening. The experience changes completely depending on the time of day or the season.
Plant spotting at Green-Wood Cemetery
Green-Wood also functions as an arboretum. Its trees, some older than the cemetery itself, help absorb carbon dioxide and filter Brooklyn's rainwater. A walk here doubles as an ecological break.
Nearby attractions
Before or after your visit to Green-Wood Cemetery, I recommend checking out a couple of other important Brooklyn spots nearby:
