Williamsburg
Home to all things hip, Williamsburg is known for its eclectic shops, street art, and waterfront parks. Dig a bit deeper and you’ll find some surprises, too.
Grand Army Plaza
Brooklyn, New York, 11238
The Basics
Created in 1867 and remodeled in the 1890s, Grand Army Plaza was declared a US National Historic Landmark in 1975. Its centerpiece is the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch—a monumental arch honoring the Union servicemen of America’s Civil War. Other highlights include a statue of John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the US, the art deco Bailey Fountain, and the popular Saturday Greenmarket.
Visit the plaza, one of Brooklyn's major landmarks, to feel the pulse of the borough. See it on a walking or adventure tour of Prospect Park; pedal by on a bike tour of Brooklyn’s highlights; or book a themed tour such as a Brooklyn-area scavenger hunt. You can also view the plaza on a hop-on hop-off tour—buses on select routes stop right outside.
Loved all the history and...
Loved all the history and stories of the park. Our guide was very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.
Melissa_H, May 2022
Why you are seeing this
Things to Know Before You Go
The Grand Army Plaza interests those who want to explore Prospect Park and Brooklyn.
Allow about 30 minutes to see the plaza’s monuments.
The plaza is largely wheelchair- and stroller-friendly and has a public restroom.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza is via subway: take the B, Q to Seventh Avenue, just a stroll away. Alternatively, take the 2, 3, 4 to Grand Army Plaza. If you drive, be prepared for congestion and look for paid street parking or garages nearby.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Grand Army Plaza is open daily, 24 hours. There’s no bad time to visit, but know that it gets busy on weekends, especially in summer. To beat the crowds, aim for a morning visit to avoid the peak times between 2pm to 6pm.
Attractions Near the Grand Army Plaza
Once you’ve seen the plaza’s monuments or the artisanal food stands of its weekly Saturday Greenmarket, explore more at nearby sights. Stroll around leafy Prospect Park, admire the striking Brooklyn Public Library, view the art at the Brooklyn Museum, or discover the plants, herbs, and wildlife at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden—they’re all within walking distance.
- Brooklyn Public Library, Central Branch (Central Library)
- Brooklyn Museum
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Barclays Center
- Prospect Park
- Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
- Brooklyn Children's Museum
- Carroll Gardens
- Brooklyn Tabernacle
- Jewish Children's Museum
- Flatbush Avenue
- New York Transit Museum
- Brooklyn Navy Yard
- Green-Wood Cemetery
- Brooklyn Grange