Grand Army Plaza (Brooklyn), New York City - people walking near road beside concrete houses
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Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn

4.6
·3k reviews·, United States

A grand public plaza featuring the iconic Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch and a vibrant Saturday Greenmarket.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Greenmarket buzz & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
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Grand Army Plaza (Brooklyn), New York City - people walking near road beside concrete houses

Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Greenmarket buzz & fewer crowds

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A grand public plaza featuring the iconic Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch and a vibrant Saturday Greenmarket.

4.6
(3k reviews)

"The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is a true Brooklyn landmark, especially stunning at golden hour."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Public Transport is Key

Take the 2, 3, B, or Q trains to avoid parking stress.

🍎 Market Day Tip

Vendors may be fewer in cold weather. Check Grow NYC for alternatives.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch

Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch

Center of Grand Army Plaza

An iconic triumphal arch commemorating Civil War soldiers and sailors. A true Brooklyn landmark.

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket

Eastern side of Grand Army Plaza

A vibrant Saturday farmers market offering fresh produce and local goods. A taste of Brooklyn's bounty.

Central Fountain

Central Fountain

North end of Grand Army Plaza

A beautiful focal point, especially when illuminated. Perfect for a moment of calm amidst the city.

Planning Your Visit

Navigating Grand Army Plaza

Grand Army Plaza is a bustling hub. Consider using public transport like the 2, 3, B, or Q trains to avoid parking hassles. The area can get busy, especially on market days.

Market Day Essentials

The Greenmarket is a Saturday highlight, but vendors may be sparse in very cold weather. Check Grow NYC for other market schedules if you miss it.

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Greenmarket buzz & fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter, great for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Golden hour
Why
Arch & fountain glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you skip Brooklyn, you didn’t really see New York 🫣 📍 Brooklyn Heights Promenade 🚇 Closest subway stops: Clark St (2/3), High St (A/C), Borough Hall (2/3/4/5), Court St (R) ✨ Best at golden hour… t...
@viverenewyork
56.4K likes • 464.9K views

🎯 Public Transport is Key

Take the 2, 3, B, or Q trains to avoid parking stress. TikTok

🍎 Market Day Tip

Vendors may be fewer in cold weather. Check Grow NYC for alternatives. Reddit

What’s good at Grand Army Bar? Everything, really. The food—hot dogs, oysters, tots, tots, and more tots—rules. So do the drinks, which come cold, fast, and flawless. A better question might be: What’...
st_agrestis
218 likes • 0 views
reddit.com

Any tips for the car rental place in Grand Army Plaza (Union St.)? Always seems like chaos there.

🚴 Bike Routes

Several safe bike routes connect to the Brooklyn Bridge. Reddit

📸 Arch Photo Ops

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is stunning, especially at golden hour. TikTok

reddit.com

Best route from Grand Army to Brooklyn Bridge (and back)?

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Public Transport is Key

Take the 2, 3, B, or Q trains to avoid parking stress. TikTok

🍎 Market Day Tip

Vendors may be fewer in cold weather. Check Grow NYC for alternatives. Reddit

🚴 Bike Routes

Several safe bike routes connect to the Brooklyn Bridge. Reddit

📸 Arch Photo Ops

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is stunning, especially at golden hour. TikTok

🚗 Car Rental Caution

The Grand Army Plaza car rental can be chaotic; consider alternatives if possible. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Grand Army Plaza for its iconic Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch and the lively Saturday Greenmarket. It's seen as a beautiful public space and a convenient transit hub. Some find the car rental services in the area chaotic.

"We passed by the plaza on the way to the library. The plaza just finished its construction, so it opened up again. While there isn't much decor on the arch, it's still pleasant to admire. The fountain behind the arch shoots water high into the sky and will occasionally sprinkle you when the wind blows."

Andrew Lam

"Grand Army Plaza is one of those places that somehow feels both grand and familiar. The arch is absolutely stunning, especially when it catches the late afternoon light. On weekends, the plaza is buzzing with life—families heading to the park, farmers market stands full of fresh produce, people biking past in every direction. It’s like the neighborhood’s front porch.

What I love most is the energy. It’s where Brooklyn shows off a little, but still feels grounded. Whether you’re taking a break on a bench or just passing through on the way to Prospect Park, it always leaves an impression."

maciek macak

"The farmer's market is great, pleasant area to grocery shop and get treats. Easy to incorporate a walk in Prospect Park. Near the library. 25¢ bathroom on the Flatbush corner is cool. Tourists - go here instead of Times Square!"

Paul

What People Like

Iconic Arch
Vibrant Greenmarket
Public Space

What People Dislike

Chaotic Car Rental

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most convenient way to reach Grand Army Plaza Brooklyn is via public transportation. The 2 and 3 trains stop directly at Grand Army Plaza, and the B and Q trains stop nearby at Prospect Park. Many Redditors recommend using these subway lines to avoid the hassle of parking in the area. TikTokReddit

Yes, Grand Army Plaza is well-connected by bike lanes. Several Reddit users suggest routes that utilize Vanderbilt, Bergen, Smith/Jay, and Tillary streets for a safe ride, especially if heading towards the Brooklyn Bridge. Reddit

While street parking might be available, it can be challenging to find, especially on market days. Some users mention car rental locations in the area can be chaotic, so public transit or biking is often preferred. Reddit

For a safe and efficient route from Grand Army Plaza to the Brooklyn Bridge, consider biking. Reddit users suggest routes like Vanderbilt to Bergen, then to Smith/Jay, and finally Tillary, or using Lincoln Road to 4th Ave, then Bergen, Smith/Jay, and Johnson. Reddit

The primary subway lines serving Grand Army Plaza are the 2 and 3 trains, with a station located directly at the plaza. The B and Q trains also stop nearby at Prospect Park, offering additional access. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Grand Army Plaza itself is a public park and does not require tickets for entry. You can freely explore the plaza, admire the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch, and enjoy the fountains. TikTok

Grand Army Plaza is generally accessible at all times as it's an outdoor public space. However, specific attractions within or around the plaza, like the Greenmarket, will have their own operating hours. Reddit

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is a monument and a public landmark. While you can admire it from the outside, access to climb to the top or explore its interior may have specific hours or require a ticket, though this is not commonly highlighted in visitor tips. TikTok

The Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket operates every Saturday. However, the number of vendors can vary significantly depending on the weather, with fewer vendors appearing during colder months. Reddit

During warmer months, the library near Grand Army Plaza often hosts free outdoor music and film events. Additionally, the Greenmarket itself is a free community gathering. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is a prime subject for photography, especially during golden hour when the light is soft and warm. The central fountain also offers beautiful shots, particularly when illuminated. TikTok

For stunning photos, aim for the 'golden hour' shortly after sunrise or before sunset. This time provides beautiful, soft lighting that enhances the architecture of the Arch and the ambiance of the plaza. TikTok

Drone usage in public parks and around major landmarks in New York City is heavily regulated. It's advisable to check FAA and NYC Parks Department regulations before attempting to fly a drone in this area. TikTok

A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both the grandeur of the Arch and wider plaza shots. A wide-angle lens can be useful for emphasizing the scale of the Arch. TikTok

General photography for personal use is usually permitted. However, commercial photography or videography may require permits. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. TikTok

🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining

While Grand Army Plaza itself doesn't have dedicated restaurants, the Saturday Greenmarket offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods. Nearby streets also have numerous dining options. Reddit

The Greenmarket typically features seasonal fruits and vegetables, artisanal cheeses, fresh bread, honey, and sometimes prepared foods like hot dogs or empanadas, depending on the vendors present. Reddit

Yes, the area surrounding Grand Army Plaza, particularly along Flatbush Avenue and Vanderbilt Avenue, is packed with diverse restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to various tastes and budgets. Reddit

Grand Army Plaza is a public park, and picnicking is generally allowed. It's a pleasant spot to enjoy food purchased from the Greenmarket or nearby eateries. Reddit

Popular items often include seasonal berries, fresh corn, artisanal bread, and local honey. Some vendors also offer ready-to-eat snacks and meals. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Grand Army Plaza offers a pleasant outdoor experience for families. The open space around the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch and the central fountain provides room for kids to move around. The Greenmarket on Saturdays can be an engaging experience, allowing children to see and taste fresh produce. Reddit

While there aren't specific playgrounds directly within the plaza, its proximity to Prospect Park means families can easily extend their visit with a trip to the park's playgrounds and attractions. Consider packing snacks or enjoying treats from the market for a family-friendly outing. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Pedestrian Explorers

For those who prefer to explore on foot, Grand Army Plaza is a great starting point. It's a beautiful public space to admire the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch and the fountain. From here, you can easily walk to nearby attractions like the Brooklyn Museum or the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, both just a short distance away. TikTok

If your goal is to reach the Brooklyn Bridge, walking is an option, though it's a longer trek. Alternatively, you can use the excellent subway connections from Grand Army Plaza to get closer to the bridge entrance. TikTok

🚴 Cyclists

Grand Army Plaza is a cyclist-friendly area with good access to bike lanes. As highlighted in Reddit discussions, several routes are recommended for safely reaching popular destinations like the Brooklyn Bridge. Reddit

Whether you're commuting through or looking for a scenic ride, the plaza serves as a convenient hub. Remember to utilize the bike racks if available and always follow local traffic laws. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch: A Brooklyn Icon

The Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch is the undisputed centerpiece of Grand Army Plaza. Designed by architect John H. Duncan, this monumental arch was completed in 1892 to honor Union soldiers and sailors from the Civil War. Its grandeur is inspired by Roman triumphal arches, featuring intricate sculptures and reliefs that tell stories of valor and sacrifice. Many visitors are struck by its sheer scale and detailed craftsmanship, making it a must-see landmark. TikTok

While the exterior is impressive, some sources suggest that limited access to the interior or upper levels might be available, offering unique perspectives of the plaza and surrounding Brooklyn. It's worth checking local listings or signage for any special tours or openings. The arch serves not only as a memorial but also as a significant piece of public art and a symbol of Brooklyn's rich history. TikTok

Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket: A Saturday Delight

Every Saturday, Grand Army Plaza transforms into a vibrant hub with its renowned Greenmarket. This farmers market is a fantastic place to experience the local flavor of Brooklyn, offering a wide array of fresh, seasonal produce directly from regional farmers. Beyond fruits and vegetables, you can find artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, local honey, flowers, and sometimes even prepared foods. Reddit

It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for high-quality ingredients or a delicious snack. However, as Reddit users point out, the number of vendors can be significantly affected by the weather, with fewer stalls appearing during very cold periods. Despite this, it remains a beloved community gathering, offering a lively atmosphere and a chance to support local agriculture. Reddit

Navigating Brooklyn: Biking and Routes

For those looking to explore beyond Grand Army Plaza, particularly towards iconic spots like the Brooklyn Bridge, biking is a highly recommended option. Reddit discussions highlight several well-planned routes that prioritize safety and efficiency. These routes often involve a mix of dedicated bike lanes and quieter streets, making the journey enjoyable rather than stressful. Reddit

Popular routes mentioned include using streets like Vanderbilt, Bergen, Smith/Jay, and Tillary. These paths are designed to connect you smoothly through Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, these suggested routes offer a great way to see more of the borough while heading to major attractions. Reddit

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