Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Street Art Fans in Williamsburg
Top Things to Do in New York City for Street Art Fans in Williamsburg
1. Mona Lisa of Williamsburg
A four-story hand-painted adaptation of Steven Paul’s “Lost Time” overlooks the George B. Post Plaza at the foot of the Williamsburg Bridge, framing skyline views with a moody, cinematic portrait.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the Southside’s calling card—massive scale, dramatic light, and a quintessential shot that pairs art with bridge-and-downtown vistas.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or golden hour to avoid heavy traffic and harsh shadows across the plaza.
✓ Insider Tip:
Stand near the median of Bedford Ave (when safe) to align the mural with One World Trade Center in the distance.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors gush over its striking realism and the way it anchors any Williamsburg street art walk.
2. Fight for Street Art (Warhol & Basquiat) by Kobra
Eduardo Kobra’s kaleidoscopic homage to Warhol and Basquiat in boxing gloves explodes with color just off the Bedford Avenue corridor.
✓ Why Go:
It blends pop culture and graffiti lineage—an Instagram favorite that also nods to NYC art history.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings; weekends get crowded with shoppers from nearby boutiques.
✓ Insider Tip:
A 24–35mm lens captures the full wall while fitting in vibrant street life on Bedford Ave.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Often described as “iconic” and “must-see,” especially for first-time mural hunters.
3. Peace & Love Wall by Chris Riggs
Layers of hand-painted “love” scripts cascade over a Southside wall, broadcasting a simple, upbeat message in saturated color.
✓ Why Go:
It’s pure feel-good street art—bold typography that turns into a vibrant backdrop for portraits.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon when the facade glows and colors pop.
✓ Insider Tip:
Shoot from across Marcy Ave to flatten the lettering into a clean, graphic composition.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for its optimism—many call it their happiest Williamsburg photo stop.
4. Donut & Heart Mural by Jason Naylor
Brooklyn artist Jason Naylor’s neon-bright sweets-and-hearts palette turns Bedford Ave into a burst of positivity.
✓ Why Go:
If you love color-forward, message-driven murals, this one delivers joy and crisp lines that photograph beautifully.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning before Bedford Ave foot traffic peaks; overcast days intensify the hues.
✓ Insider Tip:
Compose with nearby signage for a ‘street still life’ that screams Williamsburg.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Frequently called “instant mood-lifter” and a top Williamsburg selfie wall.
5. Raccoons by ROA
Belgian muralist ROA’s monochrome, photo-real critters scale a corner wall—the kind of raw, nature-meets-city piece he’s famed for.
✓ Why Go:
A contrast to colorful works nearby, it showcases technical mastery in black-and-white shading.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Midday for even light on the upper wall details.
✓ Insider Tip:
Angle from N 9th St to capture the full length without severe distortion.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Street art fans praise its detail and the way it breaks up the rainbow-heavy circuit.
6. Sun And Air Mural
A bold “Brooklyn” wall wraps a bike shop near the bridge approach—simple lettering, big impact, classic neighborhood pride.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a perfect Southside anchor and an easy add-on to a bridge-to-bedford stroll.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning shade keeps glare off the painted letters.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a coffee inside, then frame cyclists passing for motion-rich shots.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Seen as a quintessential ‘you-are-here’ mural—clean, graphic, and very Brooklyn.
7. Warby Parker Mural by Stephen Powers (ESPO)
The eyewear brand’s N. 6th St flagship wears a two-story ESPO love-letter style facade—smart wordplay meets sign-paint swagger.
✓ Why Go:
It’s where retail blends with street aesthetics; an easy stop between Bedford Ave shops.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for warm side-light; evening works under storefront glow.
✓ Insider Tip:
Peek inside—there’s more ESPO art beyond the exterior.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it “peak Williamsburg”—polished yet playful.
8. Brooklyn Snail by Mike Makatron
A surreal, giant snail creeps along a Southside wall near Bedford—whimsical details reward close inspection.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a neighborhood favorite that pairs street fantasy with gritty texture.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning or bright overcast to preserve color and detail on the curved forms.
✓ Insider Tip:
Step back across S 3rd St to avoid keystoning and include passing street scenes.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Often described as “unexpected and delightful” amid the area’s tougher facades.
9. Song to the Siren by Naveen Shakil Khan
A striking black-and-white portrait series at Bedford & S 2nd channels emotion through expressive faces and flowing hair.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a powerful, community-rooted mural that photographs beautifully in monochrome.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Golden hour side-light enhances tonal range; nights can work with nearby storefront spill.
✓ Insider Tip:
Shoot in B&W to lean into its contrasty, documentary vibe.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised as moving and personal—many linger longer than expected.
10. MS 50 x Los Muralistas de El Puente
A two-story school mural along Roebling St celebrates Southside heritage with vivid scenes and community narratives.
✓ Why Go:
It spotlights Williamsburg’s activist art roots and the role of youth in shaping local walls.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekends or after school hours for clear sidewalks and unobstructed views.
✓ Insider Tip:
Walk the length of the wall to catch smaller details and embedded stories from the neighborhood.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and art fans alike call it inspiring—a living lesson in culture and place.
