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The Ultimate Guide to NYC's Coolest Borough, Brooklyn

Best time to go, things to know, how to get around, best hotels, best restaurants, things to do, best shopping, neighborhoods to know, apps to download.

Welcome to Brooklyn, home to everything people miss when they visit New York — the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Bridge, and the best hot dogs in the city at Coney Island. Whether you're here for the French press-scented Williamsburg or the quieter life in Park Slope, there's something in Brooklyn for everyone — and that thing is Brooklyn pizza.

Historically, Brooklyn has been home to the offbeat and untraditional, from its incredible LGTBQ+ history to the Brooklyn Museum's entire floor dedicated to protest art. It's not built along a grid, inviting travelers to explore as they like through neighborhoods large and small. Brooklyn is also a popular destination for movie and TV buffs, given how frequently it appears in our most beloved media. You can see the police station used in Brooklyn Nine-Nine 's exterior shots as you mosey toward Vanderbilt Street for some of Little Cupcake Bakeshop's Brooklyn Blackout Cake, or walk through idyllic Prospect Park and get a good look at the famous carousel.

Beautiful and less crowded than Manhattan, Brooklyn deserves as many accolades as the most popular tourist areas across the river.

Year-round. Like the rest of New York, Brooklyn is full of things to do, whether it's the height of summer or the cozy comfort of winter. Some things to keep an eye out for include:

The Greenpoint Film Festival , which features four categories of films (documentary, narrative, experimental, and animation) and Q&As with filmmakers, is held every spring (usually May) at the Wythe Hotel on Wythe Avenue. You'll be in the center of all of Greenpoint's best food and fun.

Afropunk Fest , known to its fiercest devotees simply as Afropunk, happens every summer from June through August in Fort Greene's Commodore Barry Park. Years past have featured performances from FKA Twigs, Alicia Keys, D'Angelo, SZA, and more. Afropunk is also a fashion destination for those with an eye for the freshest, most innovative streetwear.

The Brooklyn Book Festival is a fall staple, returning annually for a week in September to thrill book lovers worldwide. It's the largest free literary event in America. Yes, you read that correctly: The entire event is free, talks and signings included. Parties, events, and screenings fill the week leading up to the headline event at Borough Hall in Brooklyn on the final day of the festival. The festival's marketplace is a wonder in and of itself, and well worth a wander to grab special-edition copies of your favorites or snap up brand-new titles.

Don't miss ice skating at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park — this hidden gem boasts two outdoor rinks in the middle of the picturesque park. At $11 for weekend access to the rink and $8 for a skate rental, it's one of the most affordable ways to spend a memorable, classic New York winter day.

Eastern Standard Time

Tourism in Brooklyn isn't as big an industry as it is over the river in Manhattan, so hotel deals are easier to snag. If you have a specific neighborhood in mind, it's a good idea to research that area before you go; many neighborhoods have a central hub for public transportation, but are primarily serviced by one or two specific lines. Save yourself the headache by knowing which ones in advance. Brooklyn sidewalks are often narrower than those in Manhattan. It's important to be mindful of the people around you — in groups, try not to take up the entire sidewalk. Native Brooklynites will thank you for it.

Currency: U.S. Dollar

Language: English

Trains: Trains are accessed by Metrocard in all of New York. Each ride is $2.75, no matter how long you stay on the train. You can purchase Metrocards in most subway stations, and add value (such as $30 flat) or time (such as a week of unlimited rides for a set price). Brooklyn is serviced by almost all of the trains in New York City, but different lines go to different neighborhoods. Central hubs for transfers between lines are at Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center, Jay Street-Metrotech, and Lorimer Street. North Brooklyn is primarily serviced by the L, M, J, and G trains. South Brooklyn is primarily serviced by the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, B, F, D, G, N, Q, and R trains. The G train goes north to south in Brooklyn and does not cross over into Manhattan. It's a good way to move between the two areas.

Buses: Brooklyn has extensive bus lines, and buses can be accessed with a regular Metrocard. Buses cost the same as a subway ride, but in Brooklyn, they are sometimes easier ways to get from place to place instead of transferring between trains. All Brooklyn buses start with B — for instance, the B65 is Brooklyn route 65. Bus stops are clearly marked on the sidewalks with what buses stop there and which directions they go. Consult a map or an app such as MyMTA in advance to see if a bus will get you where you need to go more easily than a train.

Taxis: Taxis are pea-green in Brooklyn! Green taxis are borough taxis, meaning they can bring you into Manhattan, but their purpose is to bring people in and out of the boroughs other than Manhattan. You can find taxis on any main thoroughfare, such as Atlantic Avenue or Flatbush Avenue. You hail them as you would a taxi in Manhattan, by standing near a place the taxi can easily pull over and holding up your hand. A taxi is empty if the number on its roof is lit, and in service with a customer if that number is dim.

Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are always good options in Brooklyn, particularly if you're not in the mood to find a main highway or are far enough away from one that you don't feel like walking. Rides are plentiful and, as always, you can order a private car or join a carpool.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

Address: 60 Furman St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (347) 696-2500 Book Now

A tourist favorite for its central location and stunning view of the iconic Manhattan skyline, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge boasts luxuriously appointed rooms and waterfall showers. Decorated with warm neutrals and lush plant life, it's a great option for those who want an oasis away from the bustle of the city. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers suites as well as connecting rooms for larger groups and families, and their 2,000-square-foot Riverhouse Suite is famous for its stone soaking tub.

Wythe Hotel

Address: 80 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249 Phone: (718) 460-8000 Book Now

Wythe Hotel opened in 2012 in a restored factory building and has maintained the rustic-meets-industrial charm of Williamsburg. With exposed brick, original timbers, and huge windows, the rooms are chic and comfortable and feel like Brooklyn personified. Located along the river in Williamsburg, the Wythe boasts a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline and easy access to all that Brooklyn has to offer.

Address: 85 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (718) 852-8585 Book Now

A boutique property situated on cozy Smith Street in Downtown Brooklyn, NU Hotel houses rooms with murals by local artists and other unique touches, like hammocks and bunk beds. The hotel is walking distance to many great Brooklyn neighborhoods, and close to the great dining and dive bars on Atlantic Avenue, as well as the boutique shopping on Smith Street.

Hotel Indigo

Address: 229 Duffield St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (718) 254-7800 Book Now

Part of the Indigo hotel collection, this Downtown Brooklyn location features local art and a boutique atmosphere. Centrally located to most trains and right next to City Point, this is a great option for anyone who wants to check out all that South Brooklyn has to offer.

Aloft New York Brooklyn

Address: 216 Duffield St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (718) 256-3833 Book Now

Located near City Point, Aloft is a boutique hotel arm of the Marriott, and as such, it has the comfort and amenities of old pro hotels with some unique touches that offer a different experience. There are several different room sizes available for those traveling in groups or as a family.

The Tillary Hotel

Address: 85 Flatbush Ave. Ext., Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (718) 329-9537 Book Now

Comfortably appointed at the north end of Brooklyn Heights, The Tillary is an upscale urban spot roundly considered one of the best hotels in Brooklyn. With spacious, beautifully decorated rooms, an incredible view, and easy access to four of the main subway lines in Brooklyn, it's easy to see why The Tillary is a top choice for travelers.

Hotel Le Bleu

Address: 370 4th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215 Phone: (718) 625-1500 Book Now

If you're looking for a hotel to explore Prospect Park from, Hotel Le Bleu is ideal. One block over from Park Slope's famous shopping and a 15-minute walk from the park itself, Hotel Le Bleu is a great option for travelers who prefer to stay in quieter neighborhoods for relaxation between days spent on the go.

The Brooklyn

Address: 1199 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216 Phone: (718) 789-1500 Book Now

A luxurious mid-century modern hotel, The Brooklyn is the height of sophistication, lushly appointed and beautifully decorated. However, you need not drain your savings — it's also reasonably priced, especially if you book far in advance.

The William Vale

Address: 111 N 12th St., Brooklyn, NY 11249 Phone: (718) 631-8400 Book Now

Located in Williamsburg near the East River, this is one of Brooklyn's trendiest hotels. It's a great home base for street art aficionados who will find plenty to appreciate about the neighborhood. Each room comes with its own private balcony, a rarity in New York. The hotel's best feature, however, is the epic 60-foot outdoor pool on its roof.

Colonie (Traditional American)

Address: 127 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (718) 855-7500 Website

Chef Jared Braithwaite's menu is full of unexpectedly paired flavors — a delicious and eclectic mix of Italian, Jewish, and American influences. Colonie sources as much of its ingredients from local farms as possible, and the freshness is apparent with every bite. Don't miss the squid ink pasta or any of the desserts.

Five Leaves (New American)

Address: 18 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222 Phone: (718) 383-5345 Website

A Greenpoint brunch staple, Five Leaves' Instagram-worthy aesthetic is almost as good as its ricotta pancakes. With a range of simple to complex dishes, there's something for everyone at this sweet bistro. Make reservations in advance — tables go quickly.

Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop (Bakery)

Address: 727 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222 Phone: (718) 389-3676 Website

Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop has been a neighborhood staple for over 60 years, and every weekend, the line is out the door for their crisp-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside cake donuts and fluffy yeast donuts. Their recipe is unchanged, and fresh donuts are added constantly. Try the sour cream cake donut or the s'mores yeast donut — and don't forget a cup of simple, delicious drip coffee to go with it.

Tacombi (Mexican)

Address: 25 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217 Phone: (347) 294-0647 Website

With authentic Mexican food born in a converted VW bus on the beaches of the Yucatan, Tacombi has six locations and, luckily, one of them is in Brooklyn. Grab a plate of tacos — all of them excellent — and wash it all down with Brooklyn's best horchata.

Roberta's Pizza (Pizzeria)

Address: 261 Moore St., Brooklyn, NY 11206 Phone: (718) 417-1118 Website

Roberta's has expanded to multiple New York locations and one in California, but the original spot can be found in Bushwick — and it's well worth the trek to get there. In addition to its signature wood-fired pizzas, Roberta's is known for its delectable appetizers and highly curated wine selection.

Momo Sushi Shack (Sushi)

Address: 43 Bogart St., Brooklyn, NY 11206 Phone: (718) 418-6666 Website

A Bushwick icon, Momo Sushi Shack is fronted by some of the neighborhood's famous street art. Community seating is more cozy than off-putting here, with an open kitchen that allows you to watch your sushi being made. If you're not a sushi person, Momo Sushi Shack is also known for its exceptional ramen.

Bagel Pub (Bakery)

Address: Multiple Locations Website

With two convenient locations, there's no excuse (unless you're gluten-free) not to treat yourself to Brooklyn's best bagels. Bagel Pub bagels are dense and chewy and big enough to fill you up for a morning of adventuring. Get one with lox, cream cheese, or butter, or opt for one as an egg sandwich — but definitely get one.

Sottocasa (Italian)

Address: 298 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (718) 852-8758 Website

What would Brooklyn be without pizza? Sottocasa's brick oven ensures you won't ever have to know. If for whatever reason you'd prefer a classic caprese salad or a hot, cheesy calzone, Sottocasa delivers on that, too. Go on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to enjoy the heavenly burrata pizza, available exclusively on the weekend.

Darna Falafel (Turkish)

Address: 200 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (347) 799-1673 Website

Don't miss this adorable Turkish bistro's incredible falafel, never dry and always flavorful. Their chicken shish kebab has rave reviews, too, and their homemade hummus is good enough to get in a tub and take home with you. Try the Turkish bread — one order gets you a whole fresh loaf, cut in half and great to pair with the hummus.

The Crabby Shack (Seafood)

Address: 613 Franklin Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11238 Phone: (718) 484-1507 Website

Owned and operated by two Crown Heights natives, The Crabby Shack serves simple, delicious fare: crab — perfectly steamed and seasoned — accompanied by your choice of fresh sides and homemade sauces. If someone in your group isn't a shellfish fan, worry not — The Crabby Shack makes a mean mac and cheese, and their vegan crab cakes are just as delicious as the meat-eater's version.

Ample Hills Creamery (Ice Cream Parlor)

Address: 623 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11238 Phone: (718) 483-8199 Website

Ample Hills Creamery has a few locations outside of New York now, but they started in a parlor shop in Brooklyn, which still boasts the widest array of daily flavor offerings. Famous for their ice cream's texture and creative, delicious flavors, there's something here for everyone, whether you prefer a chock-full of toppings or simple vanilla. Be prepared to wait in line if you visit in the warmer months, but the parlor is open year-round to solve any winter ice cream cravings.

Peter Luger

Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211 Phone: (718) 387-7400 Website

This historic Brooklyn establishment is regularly recognized as the best place to order a steak in New York City. Peter Luger has been serving up prime USDA cuts of beef for decades, dry aging only the highest quality steaks in house. The restaurant has earned a coveted Michelin star for its efforts, but whatever you do, don't try to pay with a credit card. This is one restaurant where credit cards aren't accepted, and cash is king.

Paulie Gee's Slice Shop

Address: 110 Franklin St., Brooklyn, NY 11222 Website

You can't come to New York and not grab a slice of pizza. But with so many choices on every corner, where's a hungry traveler to start? Skip the dollar slice joints and head straight to Paulie Gee's in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. This very Brooklyn pizza place is one of the best in the city. It's cheap and far from fancy, but it's authentic, and both the hot honey pepperoni slice and white pizza slice aren't to be skipped.

Brooklyn Museum

Address: 200 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn, NY 11238 Phone: (718) 638-5000 Website

The Brooklyn Museum is very Brooklyn in its collections, from a well-preserved section of the Egyptian "Book of the Dead" to a floor dedicated to feminist and protest art. Best known for having Judy Chicago's "The Dinner Party" on ongoing display, the Brooklyn Museum has gained recent fame for innovative and thoughtful special exhibitions, such as a history of David Bowie's career and an exhibit about Frida Kahlo's personal expression of self. The main museum is free, with suggested contribution amounts. Special exhibitions are ticketed, usually around $35.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Address: 990 Washington Ave or 455 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225 Phone: (718) 623-7200 Website

With indoor and outdoor plant life, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a lovely place to spend part of your day regardless of the time of year. Many travelers enjoy combining their Botanic Garden visit with a trip to the Brooklyn Museum, and it is possible to buy combination admission tickets. The annual Sakura Festival every spring is worth a visit to Brooklyn all on its own, and the Botanic Garden's various special exhibitions are fascinating and beautiful. $15 for adults, $8 for seniors, students with student ID, and children over 12; free on Fridays before noon and for children under 12.

Brooklyn Bridge

Address: Enter at Cadman Plaza East or where Boerum Pl. meets Tillary St. in Brooklyn Website

If the weather is nice, a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge is well worth your time. With a view of the Empire State Building, the Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges, and the Manhattan skyline, the walk is as beautiful as it is bracing. The bridge slopes gently upward until the center, and then gently downward into Manhattan. It's an easy, lengthy walk. Be mindful that wheelchairs and strollers can be a bit difficult to navigate at periods of high foot traffic. Free.

Prospect Park

Address: Enter at Grand Army Plaza or off of Flatbush Ave. Website

The number of things to do in Prospect Park could each get their own entry, from boating to roller or ice skating to the carousel to the Prospect Park Zoo. Smaller than Central Park, Prospect Park is nevertheless still quite sizable, with several possible entrances (though the Grand Army Plaza entrance is the most iconic). The park has well-marked trails and great sledding hills in the winter. Be sure to check the Prospect Park Alliance's website to see if there are any festivities to join in with at the park! Free.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Stretching from Downtown Brooklyn to Cobble Hill, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a pedestrian walkway along the East River with easy access on and off from any intersecting street. Lined with grand mansions and townhouses, the Promenade is part of Brooklyn's first Historic District. The Promenade is a wonderful place to get some good pictures of the Brooklyn Bridge from afar; there's a recreation complex off of Pier 2, including a roller rink with rentable roller skates. Free.

Nitehawk Cinema

Brooklyn's first dinner-and-a-movie theater often hosts screenings of classic movies and out-of-theater favorites alongside themed drinks and snacks. It's a great option for any current blockbuster, but it's also worth checking to see if there's an old favorite screening when you visit. $13 per ticket; senior discount available.

Coney Island Boardwalk and Beach

Take the D, F, N, or Q train to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Website

Home to an aquarium, theme park, beach, minor league baseball stadium, and Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs, the Coney Island boardwalk is the epitome of summer fun. Ride the Ferris wheel or roller coaster at Luna Park or get some color on the beach. The New York Aquarium is open year-round, but Coney Island's other attractions are seasonal. Coney Island hosts the Mermaid Parade every summer, as well as other fun annual events and markets. Check ahead to see what's happening when you visit. The beach is free; rides at Luna Park are ticketed per ride.

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

Address: 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217 Website

Brooklyn's very own multi-arts center and performance space is spread over three buildings and includes a movie theater and several live performance venues. Check the schedule for unique performances — ballet, modern dance, theater, and music — and be sure to see if one of BAM's many in-conversation events with authors, actors, musicians, and other artists will be available during your visit.

Books Are Magic

Address: 225 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11231 Phone: (718) 246-2665 Website

Owned by celebrated author Emma Straub, Books Are Magic is a store for book lovers. Aesthetically, it looks like the inside of someone's imagination, with high ceilings, a spare pastel color palette, and lots of greenery. Books Are Magic hosts frequent events with established and up-and-coming authors. Enjoy a talk during your visit, and grab a few books (or just hang out in the reading nook) while you're at it.

Smith Street

Address: Start at Atlantic Ave. and head south

Charming Smith Street, and Court Street one block over, are the boutique shopping heart of southwest Brooklyn. Home to locally owned gift shops; book, shoe, and clothing stores; and all the coffee shops and food you could ask for, you could easily spend a day walking up and down Smith Street without getting bored.

Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store

Address: 232 5th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215 Phone: (718) 522-9848 Website

An adorable gift shop owned and operated by women, Annie's Blue Ribbon General Store in Park Slope is the perfect place to grab unique souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones. It truly is a general store: Toys, jewelry, art supplies, bags, T-shirts, mugs, bath supplies, and household supplies are all available at Annie's.

The Shops at City Point

Address: 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Website

For a collection of shops both big and small, head to City Point. A few chains, like Target, Century 21, and MAC, are featured in the building, but there are several boutique options as well, in addition to rotating themed marketplaces for local vendors most weekends.

Greenlight Bookstore

Address: 686 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY 11217 Phone: (718) 246-0200 Website

Another locally owned bookstore, Greenlight is historic and famous for its frequent signings and exclusive events. A must-see for any book lover, Greenlight is small but densely packed with books new and old.

Out of the Closet

Address: 475 Atlantic Ave., 2nd Fl., Brooklyn, NY 11217 Phone: (718) 637-2955 Website

A thrift shop that provides community service in the form of free HIV testing and counseling, Out of the Closet is an LGBTQ+ nonprofit in a bubblegum-pink building with some truly spectacular finds. Shop here knowing your money is going to a great cause.

Brooklyn Women's Exchange, Inc.

Address: 55 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn, NY 11201 Phone: (718) 624-3435 Website

Founded in 1854, the Brooklyn Women's Exchange is a not-for-profit arts and handcrafts exchange featuring work from women local and beyond. Currently, they stock the work of 250 craftspeople across America, making this a great stop for a one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or a loved one.

Address: 490 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211 Phone: (718) 383-3700 Website

New York's premiere plus-size boutique and the first store of its kind in Brooklyn is a must for any plus-size person looking to score some incredible Brooklyn fashion. With a collection curated by plus-size owner Alexis Krase, Plus Bklyn stocks a variety of hard-to-find new styles as well as plus-size vintage clothing.

Bedford Avenue

While you're in Williamsburg, don't forgo shopping on Bedford Avenue — with the kitschy Mini-Mall, iconic jewelry store Catbird, and many other quirky boutiques steps away from each other along Bedford Avenue, you might want to take a second suitcase just for all of your shopping.

Williamsburg: While its hipster reputation may be earned, Williamsburg is host to an avalanche of delicious restaurants across a host of price points, unique shopping, and some truly iconic tourist attractions. With its panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline along the river and its easy access to lower Manhattan and Union Square, it's easy to see why Williamsburg is a favorite Brooklyn destination.

Greenpoint: Nestled between Queens and Williamsburg is Greenpoint, an up-and-coming neighborhood boasting two parks and a Rite Aid that was once a roller rink and still has the disco ball to prove it. Eclectic and fun, Greenpoint is a vibrant mix of young and old, with trendy restaurants popping up next to decades-old neighborhood institutions.

Park Slope: If you're looking for a classic Brooklyn brownstone experience a stone's throw from beautiful Prospect Park, visit Park Slope. Family-oriented and quiet with lush, ivy-covered brownstones, Park Slope has been featured in many movies and TV shows as a gorgeous Brooklyn backdrop.

DUMBO: Just across the Manhattan Bridge is DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass — get it?), home to a historic waterfront and the first stop for anyone looking to explore South Brooklyn. With its combination of towering high-rises and old-Brooklyn charm, DUMBO has a little of everything, and the view can't be beat.

Cobble Hill: Scenic and cute, Cobble Hill is a hidden gem of Brooklyn with great coffee and a relaxing atmosphere. Retire here between more crowded destinations for a rejuvenating break in the small local park. Cobble Hill is also a favorite neighborhood for celebs who are somewhat over SoHo, and it features some of the coziest and most chic bars and restaurants in the city.

Crown Heights: Home to the Brooklyn Children's Museum and an easy walk from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Crown Heights is the neighborhood to be in for incredible Ethiopian, Sudanese, and Indian food, as well as fantastic nightlife.

Brooklyn, like much of the East Coast, is subject to fickle weather in spring and fall and occasional extremes in winter and summer. Rain is common between March and May and September and November, and temperatures often break 90°F in July and August. Winter is a little less predictable — but Brooklyn's handling of snow is different than Manhattan's, and it'd be well worth packing some waterproof boots if you plan to travel to Brooklyn in the winter with snow in the forecast.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by season.

Winter: 27° to 42°F

Spring: 35°F to 70°F

Summer: 64°F to 85°F

Fall: 42°F to 76°

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21 Top Things to Do in Brooklyn

Walk across the iconic bridge to explore one of New York City's most famous boroughs.

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Stroll along an iconic bridge, ride a famous carousel, enjoy a delicious slice of pizza and more in the vibrant city of Brooklyn, New York.

Once an independent city and now the most populous of the five boroughs of New York City , Brooklyn boasts enough exciting things to see and do to last a lifetime, let alone a short visit. This epicenter of groundbreaking music, art and cultural centers is overflowing with history and creativity on every block. Immigrants have called Brooklyn home for generations, and the borough remains a multicultural utopia – 1 in 4 Brooklyn residents identify as Jewish, for example. With so much diversity here, Brooklyn has near-endless options for dining, drinking and shopping; its business owners represent nations across the globe. Particularly ingrained in the local culture and a must-try for visitors are Brooklyn's bagels and pizza, brought over by European immigrants.

Brooklyn contains distinct neighborhoods, tons of public parks and strong environmental programs alongside its flea markets and cozy coffee shops. Visitors to the borough can also find plenty of free things to do, including live concerts, unexpected nights out and distractions for kids such as Coney Island. Though residents may keep relatively tight-lipped about their favorite haunts (lest they become too popular), you'll find your own "secret" spot in no time. Use this list of top things to do in Brooklyn as a framework for exploration but don't be afraid to read – and sightsee – between the lines.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Coney Island

If you start on Manhattan's Upper East Side and ride the Q train to the end, you'll arrive in the peninsular neighborhood of Coney Island . This entertainment area is historic, just like the century-old subway line you can take to get there. At the turn of the 20th century, Coney Island saw its heyday as an amusement park destination , dazzling visitors with electric lights, roller coasters and sideshow peculiarities. Following years of economic troubles spurred by the Great Depression, Coney Island is once again an iconic Brooklyn attraction, teeming with eateries and entertainment year-round.

Its annual Mermaid Parade in June is a head-turning event celebrating art and maritime whimsy, while the world-famous hot dog-eating contest – a tradition hosted by Nathan's that is now more than a century old – takes place each Fourth of July. But most well-known is Luna Park, home of iconic boardwalk arcade games, the fan-favorite Cyclone coaster and the Wonder Wheel, a Ferris wheel so famous there's even a film of the same name starring Kate Winslet. During the summer months, catch a Brooklyn Cyclones (Minor League Baseball High-A affiliate of the New York Mets) game at Maomonides Park, or in the offseason, check out Coney Island for its ice skating.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Putting foot to pavement and traversing the borough's most famous bridge is a journey for anyone who wants to say they've truly seen Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge, built in 1883, connects Brooklyn to Manhattan across the East River and is one of the country's oldest suspension bridges; its upper level is for pedestrians only. Beginning your jaunt in Brooklyn affords incredible views of Manhattan's skyline; you can find the Brooklyn Bridge Walkway starting point by heading to the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place downtown.

Join the millions who have completed the crossing, including presidents, celebrities, dignitaries and even 21 elephants (P.T. Barnum used the stunt in 1884 to prove the safety of the bridge). Expect to spend up to an hour heading one direction, with time built in for breaks and photo stops along the walk. The bridge runs about a mile each way, but including pedestrian entrances, it's more like 1.6 miles. You'll want to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable walking shoes and know it will be windy with very little sun cover.

Prospect Park

Bordering the moneyed Park Slope neighborhood is Prospect Park, Brooklyn's version of Central Park – it was designed by the architects behind that iconic Manhattan park. Within its more than 500 acres you'll find the Prospect Park Zoo, a carousel, an ice rink and an open-air band shell that hosts the popular – and often free – Celebrate Brooklyn! summer concert series. Human-made wetlands and a chunk of indigenous forest make a fitting place for the nation's first urban Audubon Center, which offers environmental educational resources to the public. The Boathouse, built in 1905, is a romantic venue in Prospect Park and one of the first buildings in the city to be declared a historical landmark. The park is dog-friendly, with select off-leash hours and locations, so your four-legged companion can accompany you. Rent a pedal boat, go for a bike ride – visitors can even ride a horse here, so there's no shortage of things to do in Prospect Park.

Stroll the Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Part of Brooklyn's first Historic Preservation District, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade runs along the East River past some of the borough's historic town houses and mansions, boasting stunning views of Manhattan. Also known as the Esplanade, this pedestrian walkway is about a third of a mile in length and cantilevered over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. Visitors call it a green oasis with a relaxed atmosphere, and some applaud restrictions on bicycles that make it truly a pedestrian haven. People-watch on a bench or simply view the sun sinking behind lower Manhattan. You can stand where Cher stood in the film "Moonstruck," or find the plaque along the promenade that supposedly marks where George Washington met with his generals during the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn (also called the Battle of Long Island), the Revolutionary War's biggest battle. The promenade is one of the many free things to do around Brooklyn.

Bushwick Collective

Museums are fantastic places to find art, but sometimes the best gallery is on the street. The Bushwick Collective is a mecca for street art and graffiti, located in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn off Flushing Avenue. There are nearly 100 blocks featuring art by local and international artists, so it's possible to spend a full day here; you'll find some of the best art on Troutman Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. A pay-what-you-wish tour of the outdoor art space is hosted by Free Tours on Foot. Travelers who explore the Bushwick Collective say it's a quirky and immersive experience that is well worth the detour. The Bushwick area features plenty of chic bars and restaurants, so stick around after your experience at the Collective to sample its culinary offerings, such as the beloved pizza at Roberta's.

Domino Park

This waterfront park just north of the Williamsburg Bridge gets its name from the Domino Sugar Refinery development it's located within – the site of a once-operational sugar refinery. The 6-acre green space opened in 2018 and there are nods to its industrial past throughout, including the turquoise shipping cranes that once helped unload the sugar from cargo ships and the elevated Artifact Walk, which runs five city blocks with great views of the Manhattan skyline. A factory-inspired playground offers entertainment for youngsters in the park, and water features will help kids cool down on hot summer days in the city. You'll also find bocce and volleyball courts, along with a dog run and a gourmet taco stand.

Ride Jane's Carousel

Jane's Carousel, a wooden structure built in 1922 and originally installed in Ohio, now resides in the Empire Fulton Ferry section of Brooklyn Bridge Park, located in the popular neighborhood of Dumbo (an acronym that stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge). The 48 horses and both chariots were carved by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Riders note that Jane's Carousel has been beautifully restored and is a nostalgic way to take a spin with riverfront views. Enjoy this low-cost, antique carousel in its glass pavilion before checking out the rest of what Empire Fulton Ferry has to offer: You can pack a picnic, explore a Civil War-era building that's now a mall or catch a show at St. Ann's Warehouse.

Wander the historic neighborhoods of BoCoCa

The portmanteau "BoCoCa" never really caught on among New Yorkers, but the area around Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens that the term describes is well worth a visit no matter what you call it. These three tree-lined neighborhoods are an ideal way to spend a morning with a coffee in hand, strolling their enchanting streets and exploring local shops and eateries. Warren Place Mews, a block in Cobble Hill, is an especially historic and unexpected development: Built as affordable housing for local workers in the 19th century, Warren Place now comprises multimillion-dollar homes with Gothic-style architecture. With many less than 12 feet across, these cottages are narrow but highly coveted real estate. They are private property, so respect the privacy of the homeowners, but a peek at this preserved Brooklyn history is worth a trip.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The massive botanical gardens of Brooklyn have three public entrances and an herbarium with 300,000 specimens of preserved plants for research. The major draw, of course, is the living flora; no matter the season there are always plenty of plants to discover in the gardens. Spring draws crowds when the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's cherry blossom trees are in bloom, but there is much more to discover year-round, from the sweetly scented Fragrance Garden to the serene Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. The grounds also house art collections, conservatories and interactive family-friendly programming. Gardengoers advise putting aside a few hours to explore the spacious grounds, though guided tours may be available with the price of admission on select days.

Each year the Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts featured exhibitions such as "For the Birds," a program series that explores the avian connection to plants. Inspired by the birds of Brooklyn, artists created site-specific birdhouses that you can visit around the gardens among other programming.

Carb-load with bagels and pizza

New Yorkers take their carbs very seriously – pizza and bagels above all. When in Brooklyn, you'll likely want to sample both to see what all the fuss is about. Try out Bagel Pub or drop by La Bagel Delight (both shops have various beloved Brooklyn locations) for a fresh and delicious ring of dough. Pizza, meanwhile, is the holy grail of NYC cuisine. If you're visiting Brooklyn you may consider braving the line outside to snag a table at Grimaldi's, a chain whose flagship restaurant sits under the Brooklyn Bridge. A true Brooklyn classic since 1939 is L&B Spumoni Gardens, specializing in Sicilian-style pies; its original location is in the Bensonhurst neighborhood. Diners say it might be slightly off the beaten path, but the square slices can't be beat, and even if the lines look long, they move quickly. For something a bit more modern, go for the namesake slice at Artichoke Basille's Pizza, with three franchises in Brooklyn (and some at the JFK and LaGuardia airports too, for that last-ditch craving).

The Brooklyn Academy of Music and BAMcafé Live

Home to emerging artists and masters for 150 years and counting, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-arts institution for creators and audiences. The center hosts a variety of events including theater, opera, dance and music performances.

In the spring and fall, BAM hosts an energetic lineup of free live music acts under the moniker "BAMcafé Live." The series is hosted in the Adam Space, a bar and lounge within the Peter Jay Sharp building, which has been a venue for diverse and emerging artists since 1999. Discover new artists performing genres from jazz and world to R&B, in addition to established performers like TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone. After a two-year hiatus, the concert series welcomed the 2022 season from February to June. Its next season is set to begin in fall 2022.

Look for announcements and updates about upcoming seasons, and sign up for the email newsletter to stay informed about these well-attended shows. Beyond BAMcafé Live, be on the lookout for indie movie festivals, opera or dance performances and other emergent art at BAM.

The Brooklyn Museum

Jonathan Dorado | Courtesy of Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum features no shortage of variety in its collections and exhibitions. Its displays represent an array of cultures across the globe; the museum's American offerings include feminist art, African American works that tackle abolitionism and racial identity, and Lenape pieces that center Brooklyn's Indigenous inhabitants. As one of the largest art museums in the United States, the Brooklyn Museum has five floors filled with myriad types of medium – from textiles and wooden masks to modern photography and found objects. If what's on display isn't enough to sate your visual hunger, the permanent Visible Storage installation is perhaps one of the most intriguing features here, as it gives a glimpse into the inner workings of the museum: On the fifth floor, patrons can see about 2,000 "stored" works of American art – a fraction of the thousands in storage – including Tiffany glass and Native American objects.

Museumgoers appreciate both the permanent and special exhibits, saying they're worth the cost of admission. Tickets are currently on a timed entry and advance purchase is highly recommended. If you plan your visit just right, the museum hosts free evening programming called First Saturdays once each month (but you must register beforehand). If you're hoping to visit the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on your trip, these two attractions offer Museum & Garden combo tickets that grant access to both.

Play shuffleboard at the Royal Palms

Courtesy of Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club

Rethink shuffleboard as a game for Floridian retirees and consider it for one of the best nights out in Brooklyn, according to those who have played at The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club in the Gowanus area. Flanked by cocktails (don't miss the pina colada) and a rotating lineup of food trucks that might offer Moroccan cuisine or Italian sandwiches, the 10 shuffleboard courts stand at the ready. Pucks and poles – known as "biscuits" and "tangs" in the lingo – are rented out by the hour, and players recommend only starting once you have your drinks in hand as the time goes quickly. The 17,000-square-foot game hall accommodates shuffle regulars and newbies alike, with a staff on hand to give tips as needed. The shuffleboard court welcomes anyone 21 and older on a walk-in basis; reservations are not required.

Green-Wood Cemetery

Cemeteries are peaceful places full of history; from France to New Orleans, living visitors walk among the dead as a pastime. Green-Wood Cemetery, adjacent to the Greenwood Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, has served as a tourist attraction since the mid-1800s. Today the cemetery welcomes respectful visitors to its nearly 500 acres, which apart from graves also feature art installations (even an artist in residence), an arboretum and opportunities for birding in the middle of the city. Founded in 1838 as one of the country's first rural cemeteries, Green-Wood is now the final resting place of more than half a million individuals.

Download a map for a self-guided walk, or use an app intended to help visitors explore the art, nature and history of Green-Wood. You may be able locate the graves of some of the more famous permanent residents here, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Leonard Bernstein. Tours of Green-Wood Cemetery aren't limited to walking; informative trolley tours cover a lot of ground and can be booked with expert guides who are on hand to answer all of your questions.

Industry City

Courtesy of Industry City

A makers' paradise has taken shape at Brooklyn's Sunset Park near the Barclays Center. Industry City, a massive complex spread across 16 buildings and plenty of green space, houses a community of collaborators in its studio space, office space and kitchens – walk-ins certainly reap the rewards. A visit to Industry City can provide groceries, artisanal drinks and plates, and some of the most authentic souvenirs you'll find throughout the boroughs. There's even a Morbid Anatomy Library and Gift Shop with hundreds of unique books and artifacts.

A couple dozen culinary vendors specialize in everything from avocados to Korean comfort food and a Mediterranean grocer. Beverages are equally exalted with a courtyard devoted to brewing and distilling, which includes New York's first sake brewery. Shopping takes you across the globe to examine fine Moroccan textiles or Japanese toys. The Makers Guild means you might be able to meet the maker behind the item you're purchasing, from soaps to shirts. Those who have wandered in remark that it's a one-stop destination to spend a fun night with friends or the family.

New York Transit Museum

Housed in a former subway station, the New York Transit Museum sits about a mile from Fort Greene Park. Recent patrons call it a must for anyone interested in the history of New York's subways and labyrinthine transportation system. As the largest museum in the country devoted to urban public transportation history, the museum includes artifacts like restored former train cars and photographs from the inception of the city's rail system. If you're visiting in the summer, the seasonal "Nostalgia Rides" give the public access to the trains New Yorkers rode on a century ago. Be on the lookout for other events and programming that may coincide with your museum visit. The museum is located down two flights of stairs, but an accessible entrance is located at the corner of Schermerhorn and Court streets.

House of Yes

The House of Yes has been open for several years in its current iteration and has firmly established its place on the scene as one of Brooklyn's top nightclubs and performance spaces for New York's underground arts community. The House of Yes was born in Brooklyn in 2007 as a creative live-work space; followers may find pop-ups throughout the country – or even in London – but its home base is still in Brooklyn. The venue today is situated in the Bushwick neighborhood. Check out burlesque-style shows, themed dance parties, drag competitions and more on the club's events calendar. The House of Yes is an inclusive space that features LGBTQ artists and dancers and regularly hosts queer nights. Clubgoers say the space is eclectic and ideal for those looking to put their inhibitions aside – but be prepared for pricy drinks and even pricier bottle service.

Brooklyn Children's Museum

Winston Williams | Courtesy of Brooklyn Children's Museum

Much of Brooklyn may feel like it's designed for young adults and an older crowd, but there are spaces in the city dedicated to children, and one of the best is the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Sensory stimulation and tactile play are all part of the experience here. Littles can play and climb on a rooftop structure called The NEST (made from local reclaimed water tower cedar), or play make-believe at pint-sized versions of real businesses called World Brooklyn. The ColorLab studio lets artists of all ages explore their creativity through workshops on print-making, collage, sculpture and more; its programming is inspired by Black artists, with a different muse chosen each month. Recent visitors appreciate the diversity on display in this museum and note that it's geared toward younger kids. The museum recommends purchasing tickets in advance, particularly since it's a cashless facility.

Rummage through the Brooklyn Flea

Courtesy of Brooklyn Flea

New York City has some of the best thrift shops and record shops in the world. Go on your own treasure hunt at the Brooklyn Flea, held on weekends between April and December at Pearl Plaza in Dumbo. More than 40 vendors sell everything from tchotchkes to period furniture to the aforementioned records and vintage clothes. Since rummaging works up an appetite, this flea market began an affiliated food market called Smorgasburg, which features the best of Brooklyn's food scene with about 100 vendors; find it Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in Prospect Park's Breeze Hill from April through October.

Another player in Brooklyn's long history of upcycling is Big Reuse, a facility that sells, repurposes and even composts. Its store, located on 12th Street in Gowanus (about 3 miles south of the Brooklyn Flea), offers true hidden gems that could include signed artwork, collectibles and antique furniture at a bargain.

Take a hip-hop bus tour

Brooklyn's in the house – and it would be nearly impossible to appreciate the borough fully without acknowledging its role in hip-hop history. Brooklyn has produced the likes of Jay-Z, the Notorious B.I.G., Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Lil' Kim – the list goes on. Hush Tours offers cultural hip-hop tours of Brooklyn as well as Harlem and Queens. Take a bus tour or walking tour of Brooklyn with some of the local legends who have contributed to the genre from this state-certified Minority and/or Women-owned Business Enterprise. Reviews rave about the passionate, energetic and engaging tour guides, saying you don't have to be a fan of rap music to appreciate hip-hop culture and the place that helped shape it. See the murals, landmarks and venues that have influenced generations of hip-hop artists; you might even land on Biggie Smalls' former doorstep.

Witness the lights of Dyker Heights

Everyone has their favorite season in New York – and you should really experience them all – but East Coast winter blues are expelled annually by citywide holiday cheer. In Brooklyn, that cheer is concentrated into the blinding beacon of the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Amid the rich diversity in this borough you'll find holiday displays ranging from a house lit up in blue for Hanukkah to one that spells out "Merry Christmas" in Greek. What started in the 1980s as a friendly competition among neighbors has become a tradition for many families – the ones who decorate and the ones who simply visit. Decorating budgets grow with each year, with some professional installations estimated to cost $20,000 or more. Some websites have organized maps of each year's must-see lights displays; repeat visitors advise keeping to 11th through 13th avenues (also called Dyker Heights Boulevard) between 83rd and 86th streets. Out-of-towners say it's one of the most festive displays they've ever seen. Wait until mid-December to get the most out of your stroll, and be sure to go before 9 p.m. when some homeowners head to bed and unplug to save on their electric bills. Take care, though, not to trespass on any private property or disrupt the displays.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top New York City Tours
• The Top Observation Decks in New York City
• The Top Things to Do in Long Island
• The Top Romantic Getaways in New York
• The Top Weekend Getaways from New York City

Tags: Travel , New York Vacations , US Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

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20 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Brooklyn, NY

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Meagan Drillinger was born in Brooklyn and spent nearly 20 years living in New York City.

If Brooklyn was a separate city, it would be the fourth largest city in America. With a population of approximately 2.5 million, Brooklyn is one of the most populous areas in the country. But with that comes massive diversity, rich history, and a plethora of things to do.

From iconic Coney Island to the brand new Barclays Center , and distinct neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, and Park Slope, you will have your choice of activities and places to visit throughout the year.

A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or a subway ride from Manhattan will bring you to happening neighborhoods and attractions like museums, gardens, parks, food markets, and more. For something a little more interesting, try seeing the sights on the NYC Ferry System by hopping on the East River Ferry.

On your day trip or a weekend getaway to Brooklyn, don't miss a chance to see the Brooklyn Cyclones play at MCU Park, have a picnic in Prospect Park , wander the gardens at Brooklyn Botanic Garden , and admire masterpieces at the Brooklyn Museum. Top it all off with a stop at an outdoor food market to taste diverse foods and mingle with New Yorkers.

For more ideas on places to visit in one of New York City's coolest boroughs, see our list of the top things to do in Brooklyn.

1. Brooklyn Bridge

2. brooklyn bridge park, 3. brooklyn heights promenade, 4. brooklyn botanic garden, 5. brooklyn museum, 6. green-wood cemetery, 7. new york transit museum, 8. prospect park, 9. williamsburg, 10. christmas lights in dyker heights, 11. coney island, 12. mcu park, 13. barclays center, 14. brooklyn flea, 15. williamsburg smorgasburg, 16. dekalb market hall, 17. bam harvey theater, 18. brooklyn grange, 19. bushwick collective, 20. brighton beach, where to stay in brooklyn for sightseeing, brooklyn, ny - climate chart.

One of my favorite landmarks in New York City is the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Nothing says I've arrived home more than seeing the beautiful brick engineering masterpiece.

Drive, bike, or saunter across the bridge, which connects Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn Heights. Appreciate the massive towers built from limestone, granite, and cement and the incredible views of the world-famous skyline from various vantage points on the pedestrian walkway.

Brooklyn Bridge was the first bridge built across the East River; it took 24 years and opened in 1883. It once held the title of the longest suspension bridge in the world, until Japan's Akashi-Kaikyo bridge came along.

Since this is one of the top attractions in New York City , when you visit during high season, you may be rubbing shoulders with other tourists; go early in the morning or at night for a more relaxing experience.

Once you reach the Brooklyn side, it's a popular stop for tourists to visit Grimaldi's Pizza for a legendary brick-oven pie. Keep in mind the line does get long, but it will be worth the wait. You can also explore Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Nestled on the shores of the East River lies the 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park, an appealing place to relax and enjoy views of the bustling New York harbor, Statue of Liberty, and both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.

The park features a 1920s restored carousel, playgrounds, piers, and lawns for picnicking. Visitors can enjoy events like outdoor movies, concerts, fitness classes, rowing, kayaking, and more. Other amenities include basketball courts, an in-line skating rink, and a small beach for non-motorized boat launch. A seasonal ferry brings folks from the park to Governors Island.

The park is a buzzing hot spot, especially in the warmer months thanks to its slew of outdoor cafes and restaurants, plus its high-end and boutique shopping. Grab a coffee at Kaigo Coffee Room or a delectable ice cream cone at Oddfellows Ice Cream Co and sit on one of the grassy knolls overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

Speaking of the Manhattan skyline, some of the very best views of Manhattan can be spotted from Brooklyn Heights along its beautifully manicured promenade.

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is an outdoor walkway that overlooks Downtown Manhattan , the East River, and the Brooklyn Bridge. You'll also find some of the oldest mansions and architecture along the promenade in one of the most historic neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

The pedestrian walkway is lined with benches and lovely flowerbeds, making it a popular spot to sit and people-watch. But it's also one of Brooklyn Heights' favorite places for exercise. Runners, rollerbladers, and cyclists love to pound the pavement here.

Not far from the promenade are some of Brooklyn's best restaurants and boutiques. Near Brooklyn Bridge Park are a wide variety of dining options, as well as rooftop terraces from which to drink in the views.

Get lost in nature as you wander through carefully tended gardens at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden , situated next to Prospect Park on 52 acres. You'll find peaceful gardens like the Cherry Esplanade, Fragrance Garden, Herb Garden, Magnolia Plaza, Cranford Rose Garden, Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and the new Woodland Garden, among others.

Even during winter, take comfort in the warmth of the greenhouses with lush tropical flora and desert cacti. Don't miss the Sakura Matsuri Festival in the spring, which attracts thousands of locals and visitors to the blooming Cherry Esplanade.

Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, New York

Admire masterpieces by Cézanne, Monet, Bierstadt, Rothko, and other renowned artists in this gorgeous space near the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park. The prestigious Brooklyn Museum houses a massive collection of Egyptian antiquities, along with African, European, Japanese, Oceanic, and American art, with the goal of helping people understand the world better. It's especially known for presenting the feminist piece by Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party.

The Brooklyn Museum houses nearly 1.5 million works in a 560,000-square-foot space. Even though it's the third largest museum in the city, it sees a lot fewer visitors than Manhattan's world-famous art museums, giving you a chance to take in famous pieces without many others around.

For over 21 years, the museum has hosted a First Saturday program, with free programming for visitors each month. Programming includes art classes, music and dance performances, art workshops, and gallery talks, as well as musical performances and film screenings.

Address: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York

In the late 19th century, Green-Wood Cemetery competed with Niagara Falls in terms of visitor numbers. With dramatic Gothic arches at the entrance, and bucolic, rolling landscape spread across 478 acres, New York City's first rural burial ground was the preferred final resting place for many wealthy New Yorkers.

Today, the site still attracts those drawn to the countryside setting and the secrets it holds. Green-Wood is on the Civil War Discovery Trail, where you will see monuments to the fallen soldiers, from both sides.

The cemetery is also a bird-lover's paradise. A colony of blue-green monk parakeets nests in the spires of the arches, and the ponds within are teeming with herons, egrets, sandpipers, geese, and ducks. The cemetery is part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System and offers birding walks.

Pay homage to one of the oldest public transit systems in the country at the New York Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn. Housed in a decommissioned train station, the museum showcases vintage subway cars and buses from the early 1900s.

Learn about the history of mass transit in the metropolis since 1976 through memorabilia, reconstructed subway platforms, and long-term and rotating exhibits. Attend an educational program with kids and stop by the gift shop for a souvenir to remember your experience.

During the holidays, the Holiday Nostalgia Rides give you a chance to ride in a 1930s R1-9 train car on Sundays between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

Address: 99 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, New York

Beginning at the Grand Army Plaza's Triumphal Arch and encircled by the neighborhoods of Park Slope, Crown Heights, and Windsor Terrace, 526-acre Prospect Park is a happening gathering place for local residents. You can see them using the paths for running, biking, dog-walking, exploring the Ravine forest, and picnicking on the Long Meadow and Nethermead.

The bucolic park, with its intricate man-made wetlands and trees, is designed by the same architects behind New York's Central Park : Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It includes similar attractions such as a boathouse, zoo, lake, sporting fields, ice rink, carousel, band shell, and an array of playing fields and recreational activities.

Prospect Park also boasts the first urban Audubon Center, run in partnership between Audubon New York and the Prospect Park Alliance. On Sundays near the Breeze Hill entrance, a Smorgasburg Prospect Park food festival serves a range of cuisines from local restaurants from April to October.

One of the hottest neighborhoods in the country continues to be Brooklyn's own Williamsburg. Once a neighborhood marked only by warehouses and factories, today it is one of the hottest real estate markets in the world.

Development over the past decade has brought glitzy high-rise condos, incredible restaurants, museums, concert venues, a sleek waterfront promenade, art galleries, festivals , and amazing hotels. Today Williamsburg may even be considered a standalone destination within the city of New York.

Hop on the ferry or ride the L train to Bedford Avenue to begin exploring one of the most vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods in the world.

Holiday time in New York City is one of the most special times to be in the five boroughs. While Manhattan's Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center get the lion's share of the holiday cheer tourism, Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood is legendary for its vibrant festive spirit .

The neighborhood in Brooklyn comes alive during the month of December with historic houses and mansions that are dripping head-to-toe in Christmas lights, Santa displays, sleighs, and snowmen. Some homes even set up speakers to fill the streets with holiday music.

The best times to see the Christmas lights are between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, between sunset and 9pm. The area best known for the lights is between 11th and 13th Avenues and 83rd to 86th streets.

You can get to Dyker Heights by taking the D train to 79th Street and New Utrecht Avenue. You can also tour the lights via a bus tour like this New York Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour.

Coney Island is a popular summer destination at the southern tip of Brooklyn. Known for its carnival rides and great eats from Totonno's and Nathan's Famous, this sandy playground is just a subway ride away from Manhattan.

Allocate an entire day to make the most of your time at this buzzing attraction, which features minor league baseball at MCU Park, an aquarium, an amphitheater, and thrilling roller coasters at Luna Park amusement park.

Of course, don't forget to enjoy the beach, that is if you can find yourself a spot. Coney Island in recent years has been the location for the annual Mermaid Parade, attracting costumed fans from all boroughs to take part in a lively celebration of the water nymphs.

Glimpse into the future of America's pastime at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. This Class A Short Season Mets Affiliate is sure to delight fans of all ages. Bring your friends and family for a fun minor-league baseball game.

Enjoy special promotions like Kids Eat Free Monday, Everyone Runs the Bases, and the hilarious Tribute to Seinfeld Night. Savor top-notch refreshments, including Nathan's Famous from the comfort of your box seats or luxury suite.

MCU Park is conveniently located adjacent to the Boardwalk and Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station.

Home to the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA, the Barclays Center takes center stage in downtown Brooklyn. Opened in 2012, this multi-purpose indoor arena is also used for New York Islanders hockey games and a number of concerts and comedy shows.

The venue can accommodate up to 19,000 attendees and is conveniently located close to the Long Island Railroad and multiple subway lines at the Atlantic Terminal transportation hub. As you take the stairs up from the underground railroad, you can't help but admire the venue's standout exterior, made up of 12,000 weathered steel panels, representative of the brownstone blocks that surround it.

Address: 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, New York

If you are into antiques, vintage clothing, furniture, and people-watching, the Brooklyn Flea is a must-visit. This seasonal market, taking place on the second-level patio of the Williamsburg Hotel on Saturdays and under the Manhattan Bridge at Pearl Plaza in Dumbo on Sundays, brims with vendors selling wares, collectibles, jewelry, clothing, food, and more.

Even if you can't bring anything on the plane back with you, the sheer joy of browsing through hundreds of interesting items at one of the greatest markets on the planet makes the trip to the Brooklyn Flea worth it.

The trendy hipster neighborhood of Williamsburg and the shopping and dining on Bedford Avenue, are big draws, but the Smorgasburg Food Market in East River State Park is something one has to check out on a visit to Brooklyn, especially if you are already spending your day at the nearby flea market at the Williamsburg Hotel.

The open-air market, organized in collaboration with the Brooklyn Flea Market and the New York Greenmarket, is the largest weekly food market in the country, attracting 20,000 to 30,000 people each weekend, most of them local to the area.

If you find yourself in Brooklyn on a Saturday between April and November, head to the Williamsburg Smorgasburg to savor delicious (and cheap) food from a wide selection of vendors, mingle with New Yorkers, and enjoy views of the city skyline.

A recent addition to the food market scene in Brooklyn is catching up to the others with a year-round, indoor venue boasting diverse food vendors, like A Taste of Katz's deli, Arepa Lady, Paella Shack, Chicks Isan, Ample Hills ice creamery, Cuzin's Dozen (selling mouth-watering mini donuts), and more.

Also within the DeKalb Market Hall that opened in 2017, you'll find a Trader Joe's and Han Dynasty restaurant, and a never-boring scene of residents and tourists mingling over delicious food. The market is located in the lower level of City Point, near Fort Greene Park and several subway lines at the Atlantic Terminal.

BAM Harvey Theater , is a cultural space putting on films, plays, and opera. Built in 1904 as the Majestic Theater, the impressive stage hosted musicals, vaudeville, and plays that went on to Broadway.

In the 40s, the building served as an elegant European-style movie house, until the advent of television, and closed in the 60s. It resurrected again as a prominent cultural center in the late 80s, as part of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), while still maintaining its original architectural elements. Visitors can choose from multiple shows daily.

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a not-for-profit corporation, inhabiting three mixed-used venues, including the Peter Jay Sharp Beaux Arts-style building (housing Howard Gilman Opera House and BAM Rose Cinemas), the BAM Harvey Theater, and the BAM Fisher. Those looking for dinner and a show can visit the BAMCafé, a restaurant hosting live music and readings, in the Peter Jay Sharp building.

All these buildings, situated near Downtown Brooklyn and Barclay's Center, make up the cultural mecca of Brooklyn, putting on the annual world-renowned Next Wave Festival , featuring avant-garde cultural shows in the fall.

It may come as a surprise to many, but New York City has the largest rooftop soil farm in the world, growing more than 50,000 pounds of organic produce each year. Brooklyn Grange , located at the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard, is a 5.6-acre farm serving local restaurants and markets.

The Grange company has two other rooftop urban farms in Brooklyn and Long Island City, Queens. Visitors can learn about organic farming, beekeeping, floral design, and mushroom cultivation, among other farm-centric activities. Or go on a tour of the farm and enjoy views of the green space overlooking the city skyline.

Address: 63 Flushing Ave., Building 3, Roof, Brooklyn, New York

New York is famous for its street art, graffiti, and murals. The building walls across the five boroughs are often used as blank canvases for local and rising artists to express themselves in bold designs. In Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood, the Bushwick Collective represents some of the very best street art in the city, and visitors can make either a DIY walking tour, or sign up for a local one, to see what's on display.

The open-air gallery is curated by Bushwick native Joe Ficalora, and brings artists from all around the world. What started in 2012 has quickly evolved to become one of the top tourist attractions in the city.

To find it, take the L train to Jefferson Street. Most of the murals are along Troutman Street between Irving and Cyprus Avenues.

South Brooklyn is full of deep pockets of untapped Brooklyn secrets. Brighton Beach is one of them. Once home to mostly Russian immigrants, the beachfront neighborhood has blossomed into an international community, as well as a destination for locals and visitors to hit the beautiful beach.

Yes, a beach! Brighton Beach is named for the lovely, wide beach on which it sits. Today the beach has hotels and restaurants – the majority of which are Georgian, Uzbek, and Turkish, earning the neighborhood the nickname, "Little Odessa." Brighton Beach was named for the English seaside resort town. During the summer months, the boardwalk is always bustling with activity, and the sand is usually packed with sunbathers who come down from their apartment buildings to enjoy the biggest asset of their neighborhood.

Luxury Hotels:

• The Williamsburg Hotel in the hip neighborhood by the same name is a stylish luxury boutique property with a retro-modern ambience throughout. The rooms have amenities like white noise machines, pillow menus, and Bluetooth speakers. Many also have balconies with Manhattan skyline views. The property is pet-friendly and has an all day restaurant that also serves high tea on the weekends. Also don't miss the rooftop pool with fabulous views.
• Another modern luxe option in Williamsburg is The William Vale . This trendy, pet-friendly hotel boasts elevated green spaces for guests and a rooftop swimming pool with city skyline views. There are also three distinct restaurants, including one serving burgers out of a 1974 Airstream trailer. The rooms and suites come with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies.
• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is located right on the East River waterfront on Brooklyn Bridge Park near the bridge itself. The 10-story building has almost 200 rooms and suites that are done up in modern design with lots of wood accents. Amenities at this family- and dog-friendly property include a swimming pool, a lounge serving light bites and awesome NYC skyline views, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• One of the best mid-range choices is Franklin Guesthouse . It features well-appointed rooms and suites with lots of light, and modern art on the walls. Some of the suites come with full kitchens and sitting areas. Amenities include an on-site sauna, workout room, and self service laundry facilities. Bike rentals are also available.
• At the corner of North Henry Street and Norman Avenue, the Henry Norman Hotel is a boutique 3-star option in a converted 19th-century warehouse. The 52 rooms and suites have a trendy vibe with modern art on the walls and hardwood floors. Guests can hang out on the rooftop terrace, work out in the fitness center, or sweat in the on-site sauna.
• Hotel Le Jolie is another good-value choice. The boutique property in the Williamsburg neighborhood features modern rooms with dark wood accents, blackout curtains, and work desks. A free breakfast is offered, and there is free parking and a 24-hour front desk.

Budget Hotels :

• If you just need a bed and a bathroom in a tiny but tidy space, then check out the budget-friendly Pod Brooklyn . In a central Williamsburg location with easy access to everything, the rooms have just enough space for sleeping, but they do have private bathrooms and are soundproofed. Amenities include bike rental, a workout room, and 24-hour check in.
• For a more traditional sized hotel room that is still affordable, check out La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Brooklyn Downtown . Located about five blocks from a subway station with access to Manhattan, the hotel is pet friendly and also offers a free breakfast.

More on New York

Your insider guide to Brooklyn beyond baristas and brownstones

Sep 15, 2021 • 5 min read

New York's expansive subway and bus system makes getting around Brooklyn quick and easy © Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

Just a few decades ago, Brooklyn was seen as the poor cousin of glamorous Manhattan – industrial buildings and working-class immigrant communities were the hallmarks of this NYC borough. That all changed when Manhattan real-estate prices skyrocketed and New Yorkers crossed the East River in search of precious space.

Brooklyn has become a hub of creativity for artists, and a byword for anything considered cool, while also retaining the strong community bonds that have thrived here for generations. Who else is better placed to parody the hipsters that descend upon the borough than the witty, wonderful locals? Brooklyn's big and there's a lot to cover so we've distilled the very best here; a handy guide to the artistic and creative hub of NYC.

Where to go for the best music, performing arts and film

The vibe: historic venues, new artists and vibrant creativity

The creative energy that makes Brooklyn pulse is not new – just look at the Brooklyn Academy of Music for proof. With roots that go back to 1861 when it was founded as the home of the Philharmonic Society of Brooklyn, today it’s a major destination with three gorgeous historic performance spaces hosting a dazzling roster of daring or even avant-garde theater and opera companies, musicians and dance troupes from around the planet. There’s also a cinema and bustling café.

With an influx of young artists has come the arrival of many galleries and concert venues. The Music Hall of Williamsburg , Bell House  and Brooklyn Bowl are dependable go-to’s for indie bands, from emerging and buzzed-about to noted national acts, DJs and burlesque performances. Chat to other gig goers and follow the crowd to the after-party – you'll have some of the best nights of your life when you go with the flow in Brooklyn and skip from party to party with new friends.

The number of film legends who have called Brooklyn home (see: Spike Lee, Barbra Streisand, Rita Hayworth, Anne Hathaway and Mel Brooks to name just a few) gives a little insight into why it's still a hotbed for movie production and home-grown talent. If you're a film buff in need of a fix, you can't leave Brooklyn without experiencing one of its independent cinemas.  Nitehawk , a cinema known for serving restaurant-caliber food, local beer and craft cocktails you can enjoy while the movie’s playing, has locations in Williamsburg and Prospect Park. First-run films, thematic series and showings of 35mm movies are on the calendar. For something a bit quirkier, the Spectacle Theater in Williamsburg screens arthouse films, B-movie classics and more in a former bodega.

Where to eat

The vibe: food trucks and halls, high-end dining, all with global cultural influences

Brooklyn wouldn’t be Brooklyn without its vast assortment of food trucks, progressive restaurants, homesteaders and food-centric startups. Of course, Brooklynites always enjoyed good eats, especially immigrant enclaves, so there are plenty of longstanding institutions to explore, too. Among the many, check out the family-run Italian joint Bamonte’s, the famous slices at Di Fara , the filling borscht at Varenichnaya in Brighton Beach and the pierogis at  Karczma , one of the few remaining Polish eateries in Greenpoint . 

But the locals’ entrepreneurial spirit is especially evident in the countless creative businesses that have proliferated the city in the 21st century. Steve’s Key Lime Pie , which has been turning out its indulgent namesake dessert since 2002, sits by the water in Red Hook. Ample Hills Creamery , known for its inspired ice cream flavors and organic ingredients, has 15 shops around the country but its factory store in Red Hook is a must for a supreme scoop. 

Food halls have become a sensation in a number of American cities, and Brooklyn is certainly no exception. After all, they’re an excellent way for new small businesses to grow. Downtown Brooklyn has DeKalb Market , which features stalls by well-known food purveyors, like Katz’s Deli, interspersed among newer operations. Gotham Market at the Ashland is conveniently located near BAM and the Barclays Center . And the food hall at Industry City , six million square feet of renovated warehouse space, features plenty of options for people who gather at the waterside complex here to shop for local goods, stock up on Japanese groceries from Japan Village, watch free outdoor movies or enjoy a concert.

New York City's 8 neighborhoods that are must visits this fall

Only in Brooklyn

The vibe: museums, bars and unique treasures you'll only find in Brooklyn

Brooklyn didn’t become a barometer of cool by following the pack. A large part of its allure is the fact that you find things here that are singular enough to warrant a trip from Manhattan – or from anywhere for that matter. There’s the century-old carousel in Prospect Park, and the stately Victorian-era Weir Greenhouse across from the equally old Green-Wood Cemetery , which is presently being converted into the cemetery’s visitors center. There’s plenty in the nightlife arena likely to turn heads, too, like the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club , a bar where the geriatric pastime is reborn as a hipster sport du jour, no irony required.  

Museums are similarly one in a million here. The Puppet Library, tucked away in a Brooklyn College building, presents over 100 puppets arranged on bleachers in a gymnasium. The City Reliquary , in Williamsburg, is a goldmine of New York City ephemera, memorabilia and vintage treasures of civic life from long ago. Does anyone remember subway tokens?

For a grander, more focused look at New York’s history, check out the New York Transit Museum . Set in a subway station that was decommissioned in 1936, it chronicles the city’s complex public transportation system through artifacts, maps, construction equipment, engineering devices and vintage cars. If there’s anywhere to get a thorough understanding of how NYC is constantly on the move, it’s here. It's a great kid-friendly attraction for vacationing families.

This article was originally published on September 24, 2019.

You may also like: Spending diary: what a long weekend in Brooklyn cost me Why fall is the perfect time for a trip to NYC 16 things you have to do in New York City

This article was first published Sep 30, 2019 and updated Sep 15, 2021.

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10 Best Things to Do in Brooklyn, New York

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 10 Best Things to Do in Brooklyn, New York

There are countless things to do in Brooklyn , thanks to its wide array of art, food, and culture. Many people consider Brooklyn to be the best of NYC’s boroughs since it’s not as chaotic as Manhattan but still offers lots of attractions. Also, as it’s located on Long Island , you can even enjoy some cool beaches in the summer.

Brooklyn’s ethnic diversity means you can find all kinds of different cuisines and buildings here, not to mention some of the most interesting shops. There are also beautiful green spaces, so you can enjoy a more leisurely pace and many family-friendly Brooklyn activities .

If you want to visit Brooklyn but you’re not sure where to begin, I can help with this guide to the best places to visit in Brooklyn . There is something for everyone here, whether you want to explore the area with kids, enjoy a day out with your partner, or have fun with friends.

So, keep reading to discover the top 10 things to do in Brooklyn, New York !

1. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, the best thing to do in Brooklyn at night

The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Brooklyn , and all of New York, so you can’t miss it. With a span of 6,000 feet, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge until 1903. Today, the Brooklyn Bridge is nearly 140 years old, but it’s completely safe for you to walk, bike, or drive across. It’s one of the most beautiful bridges in NYC .

I recommend going on foot so you can admire the NY skyline views and the different perspectives of the city. The views are gorgeous after dark, and walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best things to do in NYC at night .

While you’re visiting this massive Brooklyn attraction , it’s also worth checking out Brooklyn Bridge Park , along the East River. In addition to the views of the waterfront, the park offers a variety of outdoor spaces and recreational areas for sports, activities, and leisure. From bocce and shuffleboard to basketball courts and playgrounds, there is something for everyone.

2. Check out DUMBO, a fun thing to do in Brooklyn, NYC

Not far from the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll find DUMBO , one of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn . Short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, DUMBO is one of the trendiest places in Brooklyn with lots of interesting shopping and dining venues.

For example, you can enjoy hot Brooklyn-style pizza at Grimaldi’s or Juliana’s , then go browsing for trinkets and treasures at the Brooklyn Flea , the most popular flea market in NYC . DUMBO is also home to Jane’s Carousel , a popular Brooklyn tourist attraction between the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge.

I also recommend trying to get a photo of the Manhattan Bridge viewpoint along Washington Street. This is one of the hottest photography spots in the city, and you’ve probably seen pictures of it online or on postcards. This is a must-do in Brooklyn , especially if you love photography!

Besides, the surrounding area of Washington Street is full of unique stores, cafes, and breweries, so it’s a great sightseeing experience.

3. Visit Williamsburg, an interesting thing to do in Brooklyn

Williamsburg is another vibrant neighborhood in NYC that I recommend checking out. There are all kinds of fun things to do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn , from visiting cultural institutions and green spaces, to enjoying the local nightlife.

One of the coolest places in Brooklyn ’s Williamsburg section is Domino Park . This expansive park is next to the Williamsburg Bridge and faces the East River, providing lovely waterfront views. In addition, it’s the site of an old Domino Sugar Refinery, which somehow blends in with the park’s playgrounds, fountains, volleyball courts, and bocce grounds.

Williamsburg may have a hipster vibe, but it’s also the home of lots of ethnic groups like Italian Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Dominicans. There is a large population of Hasidic Jews here, so you’ll probably run into traditional temples or stores with signs in Yiddish.

When the sun goes down, Williamsburg’s evening entertainment comes to life. Along with a few movie theaters, you’ll find the BKLYN Comedy Club and the Brooklyn Bowl , a bowling alley and live music venue.

Without a doubt, Williamsburg is one of the best places to visit in Brooklyn , so if you’re short on time, make the most of your visit with this culture and history walking tour .

4. Spend the day at Coney Island, the best thing to do in Brooklyn with kids

Coney Island may be a bit out of the way, but it’s worth visiting since it’s one of the best things to do in Brooklyn with family . Located in southwestern Brooklyn, Coney Island has long been a popular day trip for New Yorkers.

As the name suggests, Coney Island is on a small peninsula, so you can enjoy the surf and sand at Coney Island Beach or Brighton Beach. That said, what makes Coney Island an iconic Brooklyn site are the two amusement piers, Luna Park, and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, the best places to visit at Coney Island .

First, Luna Park is a replica of the original Luna Park from 1903 with an arcade, family attractions like the B&B Carousel, and the famous Cyclone rollercoaster. Spending the day at Luna Park is one of the best things to do in NYC with kids , and you can get your ticket here .

Moreover, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park is named after the legendary Wonder Wheel, a 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel with stationary and traveling cabins. The park is full of fun attractions like kiddie coasters, a carousel, bumper cars, and the thrilling Phoenix rollercoaster.

If thrill rides aren’t your thing, you can visit the Coney Island Museum or see a performance at the amphitheater or the Coney Island Circus Sideshow . When you get hungry, you’ll find your favorite boardwalk foods like Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs , funnel cake, French fries, and pizza.

5. Stroll through Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a romantic thing to do in Brooklyn, NY

If you’re looking for things to do in Brooklyn as a couple , I highly recommend visiting Brooklyn Botanic Garden . Here, you can stroll through 52 acres of specialty gardens, so it’s the ideal spot for a romantic, outdoor date.

One of the most notable areas of the garden is the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden , which features cherry blossoms, Japanese maples and irises, and a Shinto shrine. There is even a traditional wooden bridge and torii (gateway), so it’s like having a little piece of Japan in Brooklyn.

The Cranford Rose Garden is gorgeous, as is the Shakespeare Garden , which mimics an English cottage-style garden. There is also an Herb Garden , a Rock Garden , and a Native Flora Garden where you can learn about the plants and flowers that once grew all over the New York City area. The Water Garden has lots of pretty trees, ferns, and aquatic shrubs, so it’s also worth seeing.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is also home to the Steinhardt Conservatory , which contains a bonsai museum, themed plant pavilions, a glass aquatic plant house, and an art gallery. Without a doubt, spending the day here is one of the best things to do in NYC as a couple .

6. Check out Brooklyn Museum, something to do in Brooklyn if it rains

If the weather doesn’t cooperate during your trip, don’t worry because you can find fun things to do in Brooklyn on a rainy day . For example, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the best museums in NYC , with over 500,000 art pieces.

The museum is housed in an impressive Beaux Arts-style building and has an extensive permanent collection of art from around the world. Some of the most notable galleries include those dedicated to Asian, Islamic, Egyptian, and American art. There are also beautiful decorative art examples from the 1880s to now, which you can explore through period rooms.

In addition, the Brooklyn Museum hosts temporary exhibits, and it has a sculpture garden with dozens of ornamental statues, sculptures, and facades. So, if you love art, this is a great Brooklyn attraction for you, whether it’s a rainy day or not.

Moreover, Brooklyn is home to other museums and cultural institutes, so if you want to museum-hop, I also recommend the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and the New York Transit Museum .

7. Relax in Prospect Park, one of the best things to do in Brooklyn

Prospect Park is one of the best New York City parks , and one of those places in Brooklyn you must visit. The park, which encompasses 526 acres, is a New York Scenic Landmark, and it’s not hard to see why.

Here, you’ll find sprawling expanses of green spaces and lawns, historic structures, quiet walking paths, and all kinds of recreational activities. There is something for everyone here, any time of year, which makes it one of the top tourist attractions in Brooklyn .

Year-round, you can peruse the Greenmarket at Grand Army Plaza , located at the park’s northern entrance. During the summer, you can catch live performances at the Bandshell or enjoy a picnic in the Long Meadow.

At the southern end of the park, there is Prospect Park Lake and the Parade Ground , which is now an athletic park with sports fields. The LeFrak Center next to the lake offers indoor and outdoor activities like boating and ice skating.

To the east, you can see the beautiful Prospect Park Waterfall and the Beaux Arts-style Boathouse , as well as take a quiet stroll through the Ravine , the only forest in Brooklyn. I recommend relaxing here as long as you can, although if you don’t have much time, this tour will show you the highlights of the park.

8. See the art at the Bushwick Collective, another cool thing to do in Brooklyn, New York

The Bushwick Collective is a series of outdoor art and murals, and one of the best free things to see in Brooklyn .

The Collective originated in 2011 and has grown to include works from local, national, and international artists. Combining graffiti, street art, and murals, the collection includes pieces on social commentary, lighthearted themes, visual interpretations of emotions and thoughts, and more. For all these reasons, it’s one of the best museums in Brooklyn .

If you want to do a self-tour of the Bushwick Collective, a good starting point is Flushing Avenue, near Jefferson Street Station. However, if you want to make sure you don’t miss anything, I recommend this Brooklyn street art tour .

Also, if you’re visiting in the summer, check out the Collective’s free annual street art showcase with music, food, artists, and local vendors.

9. Enjoy the views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Also known as the Esplanade, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a pedestrian walkway alongside Brooklyn Bridge Park. It leads to the Brooklyn Bridge so it’s a great place to do some leisurely sightseeing.

The Promenade is lined with trees and has lots of benches, so you can take your time walking along the pathway. Depending on which part of the Promenade you’re on, you can get beautiful views of Manhattan’s Lower East Side, Staten Island, or the Statue of Liberty. You can also see Governor’s Island and Ellis Island.

Best of all, the Promenade is a free Brooklyn attraction and is typically open from dawn to dusk. The entrance is under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway at Remsen Street, and the walkway ends right before Brooklyn Bridge Park.

10. See the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, something to do in Brooklyn during the holidays

Finally, if you’re visiting New York City at Christmastime , I recommend going to Dyker Heights , a popular spot in Brooklyn during the holiday season.

The Dyker Heights neighborhood is in southwestern Brooklyn and is known for its strong Christmas spirit. Many of the neighbors here decorate their homes with elaborate displays, transforming a few city blocks into a glittery atmosphere of holiday cheer.

You’ll see everything from sparkling lights and lawn ornaments to Christmas-themed setups with garland and wreaths. Some people even go all out and include music and synchronized light shows. So, take a break from the Manhattan festivities and check out Dyker Heights because it’s one of the best things to do in NYC in the winter , especially as a family.

The Christmas lights stretch along Dyker Heights Boulevard from 83 rd Street to 86 th Street, and they’re usually lit until around 9 p.m. If you want to experience everything and mingle with some locals, check out this bus tour through the Dyker Heights displays.

Where to stay in Brooklyn

With all the different areas to visit in Brooklyn , you may decide to spend the night. In that case, these are my top picks for where to stay:

• The Williamsburg Hotel – This luxurious resort is one of Brooklyn’s best hotels and boasts elegant rooms with private balconies. There is also a 24-hour gym, and a gourmet restaurant, and it’s one of the few hotels in Brooklyn with a pool .
• Pod Brooklyn – This is one of the best cheap hotels in Brooklyn and a great option if you’re traveling solo. In addition to the clean, cozy rooms, there are communal spaces like a courtyard and a rooftop bar.
• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – This 5-star, eco-friendly hotel is perfect for families, thanks to its lounge area, pool, spa, and large rooms with city views. It’s one of the best boutique hotels in Brooklyn .

You can find more ideas and recommendations in our guide on where to stay in NYC .

Map of Brooklyn, NY

I hope this guide helps you plan your visit and choose which Brooklyn activities you want to do. I’m also leaving this map with all the Brooklyn attractions and hotels I mentioned.

If you have any other questions or you’d like to share your favorite things to do in Brooklyn , feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d be happy to hear from you! Until then, have a great time exploring Brooklyn, NY!

Ascen Aynat

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What to Do in Brooklyn

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My guide of what to do in Brooklyn – it is definitely worth carving out a day of your New York City itinerary to dedicate to exploring Brooklyn.

Brooklyn has become a destination in its own right – full of restaurants, shops, museums, and parks to explore. Thirteen years ago when I moved to New York City, someone told me, “no one moves to New York City to live in Brooklyn”. That has definitely changed. Today the borough is a haven for young families and hipsters alike, and home to some of the most coveted real estate in the country.

People unfamiliar with Brooklyn may be tempted to view Brooklyn as a neighborhood, instead of as a borough filled with different neighborhoods. I spent my time in Williamsburg, Park Slope, Bushwick, Dumbo, and Bedford-Stuyvesant, and each neighborhood has its own vibe and personality. Parts of Williamsburg with their perfectly manicured three flats look more like movie sets than a neighborhood. Glass and steel high-rises are encroaching on the brick row homes, and shops like J.Crew, Whole Foods, and Apple sit beside locally owned boutiques and thrift stores. Brooklyn is rapidly changing.

In Manhattan, you are just one in a sea of tourists. It can be busy, overcrowded, and overwhelming. Brooklyn doesn’t have that vibe, many tourists overlook it – or only go across the Brooklyn Bridge and immediately return to Manhattan. Brooklyn is a nice change of pace. Sure, if it is your first time in New York City, you may want to stick to the highlights and stay in Manhattan. But, if you have done the highlights and want something new to discover, head to Brooklyn.

You can hit the Brooklyn highlights in a day or two – luckily the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Zoo, and Prospect Park are all next to one another. Then you can head to Williamsburg for shopping and dinner.

The ideal time to visit Brooklyn is a weekend in the summer. This way you can take advantage of all the seasonal events, restaurants, and bars. I happened to be there in April and again in February, and while it was a little chilly, I was still able to take advantage of the borough’s year-round attractions and things to do.

Getting to Brooklyn

Table of Contents

I opted to take the ferry, mostly because I thought it would offer the opportunity to take photos (it didn’t). You could take the train, which is faster and easier, or if you want a photo opportunity you should walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Regardless, count on the trip taking 30-45 minutes from Manhattan.

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens was the primary reason I chose to go to Brooklyn. It was mid-April and the magnolias were in full bloom and the cherry blossoms were just beginning to bloom. By going on a Wednesday I was able to avoid the weekend crowds. Later in the year there are rows of roses and other flowers blooming throughout.

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens has a busy events calendar – they host everything from a chile pepper festival to a Halloween costume parade. Even if you aren’t there for a special event, the strolling through the gardens is a great way to spend a couple of hours in the sun.

Take Photos at Washington Street

Both professional and amateur photographers flock to Washington Street to capture the image of the Manhattan Bridge, and Empire State building, and the cobblestone street. You may recognize this specific view since it was featured on Gossip Girl and was depicted as being outside the Humphrey home. The spot you want is the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street.

St Ann’s Warehouse

A performing arts center that has been presenting theater productions for 40 years. Both plays and concerts take place here, and the theater describes itself as being at the intersection of theater and rock and roll. Hamlet is running through March 8th and The Jungle premieres on April 2.

The Brooklyn Museum

This museum has an incredibly diverse permanent collection. The collection includes everything form a portrait of Snoop Dogg to ancient Egyptian sculptures and and entire Art Deco style study with paneled walls and furniture.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

It is such a scenic walk, and it is a practical way to get to Brooklyn. If you don’t want to walk, you can rent a bike.

Brooklyn Brewery

I am a huge fan of the beers produced by this Brooklyn based brewery. You can book tickets for a small batch tour on Mondays – Thursdays, or you can join a bigger public tour on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Jane’s Carousel 

A historic carousel built in 1922 with carved wooden horses located in front of the Time Out Market. The carousel is open year-around, but not everyday.

Brooklyn Bowl

This isn’t just a bowling alley, Brooklyn bowl is a bar, restaurant, music venue, and a bowling alley!

Parks in Brooklyn

Prospect Park

Manhattan has Central Park and Brooklyn has Prospect Park. Located right between the zoo and the botanic garden, Prospect Park is a 526-acre public park with bike paths, ponds, and sports fields. The park is home to Smorgasburg a weekend food market that takes place on Sundays from April through October.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

An elevated walkway that takes you past stunning Brooklyn brownstones and offers views of the East River and the Statue of Liberty.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

This park includes a series of piers run along the East River south of the Brooklyn Bridge, many of these piers are parks and athletic fields. Pier 2 has covered basketball, handball, and bocce courts plus ping pong and a turf field. Pier 5 is a soccer field. Pier 6 has playgrounds and beach volleyball courts.

Domino Park

Marsha P. Johnson State Park  (formerly East River State Park)

A park along the river with sports fields. In the summer the park becomes a concert venue for the free SummerStage concert series.

North 5 th Street Pier and Park

Located just south of the Marsha P. Johnson State Park, ferry service to Manhattan runs to this park.

McCarren Park

A park in Williamsburg with several athletic fields, a dog run, a pool, and a play center.

Where to Eat in Brooklyn

Roberta’s Pizza

Roberta’s is credited with putting Bushwick on the map. This sprawling restaurant/patio/pizzeria is an Anthony Bourdain favorite and it is one of the most beloved restaurants in America. I dropped in for lunch on a rainy Wednesday and I grabbed a spot at the bar. My first order of business was ordering a beer. The #Pizzagate is a lighter American Pale ale exclusive to Roberta’s and made in collaboration with LIC Beer Project. Roberta’s is known for their pizza, but at lunchtime they are also known for their Double Cheeseburger. This burger rivals the best burgers in Chicago, and is made with prime dry-aged beef. Not only is the burger excellent, it is an ideal pick for a solo diner, since you may not be able to finish an entire pizza.

Sunday in Brooklyn

This restaurant serves brunch everyday. They are known for their giant fluffy pancakes, and I love the cheddar scramble which comes with bacon, hash browns, and toast.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Grimaldi’s is perhaps the most well-known eatery in Brooklyn. This pizza joint specializes in coal fired pizzas, which have been named the best in New York. There are a couple things that you need to know, they don’t sell slices, only whole pies, they do not take reservations, and you should expect a wait for a table.

The William Vale

This trendy hotel in Williamsburg has three restaurants: Mister Dips, an airstream that serves burgers and ice cream, Westlight, a chic rooftop bar with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline, and Leuca a sunny garden level restaurant serving Southern Italian cuisine.

I discovered Pok Pok in Portland, Oregon and they have a location on the waterfront in Brooklyn. Pok Pok is  known for their traditional Thai cuisine including noodle soups, and their wings.

The Butcher’s Daughter

A sunny plant-based restaurant that serves fresh juices, smoothies, and both vegan and vegetarian meals. I love the pesto mozzarella quesadilla.

Cafe Mogador

I have been to this Moroccan restaurant’s East Village location, and it is a personal favorite. The bastille (filo pastry filled with chicken, almonds, and cinnamon) is incredible, as are the tagines. Moroccan food isn’t very easy to find in America, but it is a delicious treat and Cafe Modagor is the place to try it.

Hugo & Sons

A family-friendly neighborhood Italian joint in Park Slope, this sunny and welcoming restaurant serves classic pasta and seasonal farm to table cuisine. I had the most delicious agnolotti filled with ricotta and topped with mushrooms and toasted pine nuts when I dined there.

Junior’s

Famous for their cheesecake, you will find Junior’s landmark location at the corner of Flatbush Avenue Extension and DeKalb Avenue. In addition to cheesecake, the restaurant has a large menu of American food including corned beef, pastrami, beef tongue, and brisket sandwiches,  burgers, and seafood entrees.

Dellarocco’s

A pizzeria that serves up thin crust brick oven Neapolitan style pies. The menu has a good selection of white and red pies, plus vegan options. Gluten-free crust is available too.

Taco Cina 

A taco stand in Domino Park that serves tacos and margaritas with picnic tables that give guests views of Manhattan.

I chatted with a real estate broker while I was dining at the bar at Roberta’s and he had the best things to say about this restaurant in Clinton Hill. The menu focuses on pizza, along with a couple of pastas, and a burger made with dry aged beef.

Momofuku Milk Bar

One of Milk Bar’s locations is in Williamsburg, and if you haven’t had their cereal milk ice cream or the crack pie, you need to add that to your to-do list.

Four & Twenty Blackbirds

A pie shop with a few Brooklyn locations, Four & Twenty Blackbirds serves up pies including Chocolate Cheese, Bittersweet Chocolate Pecan, Brown Butter Apple Streusel, and Salty Honey.

One Girl Cookies

I happened upon this cute little shop that sells two-bite sized cookies, and I bought a whole bunch and snacked on them for the next couple of days. The Lucia (chocolate and caramel on shortbread), the Olga (mint chocolate ganache between sugar cookies), and the lemon rosemary cookies were lovely. One Girl Cookies has three locations in Brooklyn.

An ice cream shop that makes small batch ice cream with creative flavors. This is the sour cream, dulce de leche, and chocolate cookie bits ice cream.

The Bakeshop by Woops

A coffee/bakery with a large selection of pastries including macarons, cookies, and more. They also host macaron workshops.

Radegast Hall and Biergarten

A German-style beer hall with long communal tables inside and a biergarten outside. They serve a menu of traditional German food and have live music.

Food Halls in Brooklyn

DeKalb Market Hall

You will find this food hall in a basement of a shopping mall next to a Trader Joes in Downtown Brooklyn. The food hall’s 40 vendors represent the diversity of Brooklyn and even iconic restaurants like Katz’s Deli have locations here. Examples of the global cuisine represented at DeKalb Market include arepas, curries, pierogi, banh mi, jerk chicken, and pad thai.

North 3 rd Street Market

A food hall in Williamsburg with over a dozen different vendors serving up meals like pierogies, Vietnamese noodle salads, ramen, dumplings, pizza, bagels, tacos, lobster rolls, tapioca crepes, and hummus.

Time Out Market

A new food market in Dumbo with views of Manhattan and the bridges, the vendors at this market were selected by Time Out editors to represent the city’s best restaurants, bars, and cultural experiences. The market is on the ground level and the rooftop. The rooftop has a terrace and wonderful views of Manhattan.

The restaurants here serve a wide variety of cuisines so there is something for everyone. Try pizza, pasta, pancakes, sushi, Mexican, ramen, seafood, or steak.

Coffeeshops in Brooklyn

Cafe Grumpy

When I think of Brooklyn, the television series Girls comes to mind. The series did for Greenpoint what Roberta’s did for Bushwick. If you watched the series, you may recognize the Cafe Grumpy in Bushwick as the shop where Ray and Hannah worked. It turns out lots of people work at Cafe Grumpy, the coffeeshop is filled with headphone wearing twenty-somethings typing away on their MacBooks. It isn’t really worth going out of your way to go the Cafe Grumpy from Girls – but it was raining and I had time on my hands. There are Cafe Grumpy locations all over, and the one in Greenpoint is a bit of a no mans land.

Devoción

This coffee shop has multiple Brooklyn locations that promises to bring customers freshest coffee possible. They work with farm partners to control the process of exporting coffee from Columbia and then they roast the coffee in Brooklyn. Beans are harvested year-round and the beans can make it from farm to cup in as little as 10 days.

Salter House

Part shop and part coffee house, Salter House serves tea, coffee, and vegan and gluten-free baked goods. The shop has a variety of home goods.

Where to Shop in Brooklyn

Bedford Avenue

This street in Williamsburg is home to shops including the Bedford Cheese Shop, Whisk (a fun kitchenware shop), Catbird jewelry, and plenty of boutiques selling men’s and women’s clothing.

Grand Street

When Bedford Avenue meets Grand Street, turn onto Grand Street and explore shops including Package Free (a shop that sells products to help you reduce your waste), Bird (an upscale boutique featuring emerging designers), Fuego (which sells handcrafted jewelry, art, and homewares), and Pintrill (which sells pins).

Beacon’s Closet

This vintage boutique with multiple Brooklyn locations, and inventory is constantly changing and you never know what you will find.

Artists and Fleas

Over 100 individual sellers including artists, designers, and vintage collectors occupy the Williamsburg shop each weekend. I do want to point out that the locations in Soho and Chelsea are open daily, which gives you more opportunity to check out Artists and Fleas.

Brooklyn Flea

A weekend flea market that takes place in Industry City on Saturdays and in Dumbo on Sundays. It is the place to find a mix of vintage items, clothing, antiques, and food.

This shop on Grand Avenue sells gorgeous home accessories including linens, pillows, ceramics, and art.

Brooklyn Industries

This shop sells graphic tee shirts as well as other items of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.

Goose Barnacle

A menswear shop/art gallery on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn Heights that sells casual clothing for the sophisticated man. The owner is a fifth generation Brooklynite who sees his shop has a community gathering place.

Quiet Storms

A fine jewelry boutique in Williamsburg that features work by independent designers. The jewelry ranges from formal to whimsical and the prices are reasonable.

Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co

A store for those who love nature and the outdoors, this Brooklyn Heights store sells apparel, outerwear, shoes, and gear for camping and exploring.

Package Free

Learn to live more sustainably at this shop that sells reusable food storage containers and tote bags, plus sustainable beauty and personal hygiene products.

Mini Mall on Bedford Avenue

A small shopping center with independent shops selling vintage clothing, beauty products, gifts, books, and more.

Collyer’s Mansion

A home goods boutique that embraces color, print, and patterns. This shops proves that your home can look sophisticated while still being fun. They sell furniture, rugs, pillows, blankets, bedding, artwork, and more.

Sprout Home

There are a pair of Spout Home locations in Williamsburg. One focuses more on tableware and the other has a large selection of plants.

A shop that specializes in selling unique, handcrafted, and ethically made toys and clothing. They have a large selections of blocks, puzzles, and educational toys.

Located in Williamsburg, Beam sells colorful and classic furniture, tableware, and home accessories.

A women’s clothing store with a big selection of dresses, tops, jeans, jewelry, handbags, and accessories. The prices are affordable and the clothing is colorful and unique.

Things to Do in Brooklyn in Summer

Smorgasburg.

This food-centric event takes place from April through October. On Saturdays it is held in Williamsburg’s East River State Park and on Sundays it is in Prospect Park. Smorgasburg is the largest weekly open-air food market in the country, and it features over 100 local food vendors. The New York Times calls it “The Woodstock of Eating”.

This 100-year-old wooden schooner has been transformed into an oyster bar parked at Pier 6. Since this is outside, it is only open seasonally. Fun fact – the ship has circumnavigated the world twice!

Movies in Vale Park

In the summer months, Mister Dips hosts an outdoor movie series. And it is free to attend!

Read More About NYC:

250+ Things to do in New York City A 3-5 Day New York City Itinerary NYC Neighborhood Guides NYC Packing List 26 Foods to Try in New York City Cheap Meals in NYC Gossip Girl Filming Locations Sex and the City Filming Locations What to do in Lower Manhattan What to do in Soho What to do in Greenwich Village and Chelsea What to do in the Meatpacking District What to do in Tribeca What to do in Union Square What to do in Midtown What to do in the Upper East Side What to do in the Upper West Side What to Do in the West Village What to do in Murray Hill, Gramercy, and Kip’s Bay What to do in the East Village What to do in the Lower East Side What to do in Brooklyn What to do in Williamsburg What to do in DUMBO What to do in NYC at Christmastime What to Know about Visiting New York City Which NYC Airport to Fly Into 24 Hours in NYC and a Visit to Roosevelt Island

Have you been to Brooklyn? Did I miss anything in my list of what to do in Brooklyn?

From Art To History: The Ultimate Travel Guide On Brooklyn & Things To Do

The ultimate travel guide to Brooklyn, New York City showcases everything to do and what sights to prioritize.

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Best time to go, best ways to get around, top things to do, guide to popular neighborhoods, where to eat, where to stay in brooklyn, brooklyn, nyc tips to know, how to spend the perfect day in brooklyn.

New York is considered one of the most vibrant cities in the US, and there is always something new to discover there. Brooklyn, a province with a rich and colorful history, is among the coolest neighborhoods in NYC to check out. The history of Brooklyn goes back further than one expects and is just as deserving of praise as the most well-liked tourist destination across the river since it is stunning and less congested than Manhattan.

Brooklyn has a reputation for having a world-class night scene and cutting-edge food, but there is entertainment for people of all ages. Visitors can enjoy it all with a visit to an alfresco food market where they can sample diverse cuisines and meet New Yorkers. Here is a comprehensive guide to visiting Brooklyn.

Locals and travelers agree that fall and springtime are the perfect weather to visit New York. Visitors can count on comfortable temperatures between April-June and from September-November.

The warmest times during the year are typically July and August, with January being the coldest. The month of October appears to be ideal for travel because the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

RELATED: 10 Chic Brooklyn Hotels That Are Worth Booking

The rough winter period between January to March is the least expensive to go to New York when the hotel prices are the lowest.

There are many pros and cons of staying in Brooklyn but the best is that it shares New York City's reputation for having vast underground and public transit networks.

Except for Red Hook and some areas of Eastern Brooklyn, where visitors might want to explore bus service, the subway has been the most convenient way to travel around Brooklyn.

It is possible to walk around some parts of Brooklyn, mainly near the attractions. So visitors should make their plans accordingly.

Brooklyn offers various activities, a rich heritage, and a diverse culture. Visitors must not pass up the opportunity to tour the marvels when in Brooklyn for a day excursion or weekend getaway. There is a lot to explore, from parks, restaurants and bars, museums, and everything else that makes it an ideal vacation.

The Coney Island

Coney Island has been a well-known summertime getaway at the southernmost point of Brooklyn. The beachfront playroom is noted for its carnival rides and delicious food from Nathan's Famous and Totonno's and is the ideal place to spend the whole day.

The popular destination offers minor league baseball at MCU Park, exhilarating roller coasters at Luna Park amusement park, an amphitheater, and an aquarium.

Additionally, there is a beachfront where folks can unwind. Everyone can enjoy the wild Mermaid Parade, movie nights, music, and other events.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Visitors could lose themselves in nature while strolling through meticulously maintained gardens in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

The Cherry Esplanade, Herb Garden, Fragrance Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Cranford Rose Garden, Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Magnolia Plaza, and the new Woodland Garden are just a few examples of the tranquil gardens one can visit.

People can enjoy some peace in the greenhouses filled with luxuriant tropical vegetation and desert cacti despite the cold. Visitors shouldn't skip springtime's Sakura Matsuri Festival, which throngs the Cherry Esplanade with hundreds of residents and tourists.

Brooklyn Museum

NYC boasts many museums and Brooklyn's top museum is a less congested substitute for Manhattan's more famous locations.

The ground-breaking and significant works visitors will find there are just as noteworthy as anything they will encounter in the city. Intending to improve public understanding of the world, the acclaimed Brooklyn Museum includes a good selection of Egyptian antiquities with works of art from America, Africa, Europe, Japan, and the Pacific.

In this stunning location, visitors can see works by Monet, Rothko, Cézanne, Bierstadt, and other well-known painters, as outstanding specimens of Early American Artwork, period chambers, and more.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

One of the best things people can do in the area is walk the Brooklyn Bridge . The Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers sights of the Statue of Liberty, the lively New York port, and both the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, is tucked away on the banks of the East River.

The park has picnic areas, piers, playgrounds, and a carousel that has been refurbished to its 1920s appearance. In addition to other activities, visitors can take in concerts, outdoor movies, fitness courses, kayaking, and rowing.

RELATED: One Day In Williamsburg: Explore It Like A Brooklyn Local

Additional amenities include a small shore for non-motorized sailboat launches, an ice skating rink, and basketball courts. Brooklyn’s Prospect park is also very famous .

Brooklyn has some of the top neighborhoods in NYC. While the city's biggest attractions receive a lot of attention, visiting the neighborhoods is the ideal way for tourists to get to know Brooklyn on a more existential level.

Visitors can explore Brooklyn districts that range from hip to upscale. So let's look at some of the best places to visit.

Fort Greene

Throughout the years, artists of all genres have been drawn to Fort Greene's tree-lined lanes.

A visit across the East River is worthwhile to explore the neighborhood's diversified entertainment life and cultural centers, which exude a strong sense of creativity.

People can also have some moments of fun here, whether they wish to attend a sporting event or musical performance at Barclays Center, an artistic production at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, or visit MoCADA. Alternatively, stop by to check out Mule Filmworks or Spike Lee's film studio's façade at 40 Acres.

Williamsburg

Williamsburg is undoubtedly among the most interesting neighborhoods in Brooklyn to visit. It is one of the "coolest neighborhoods in Brooklyn" because of its urban culture, performers, and an abundance of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.

In addition to its location in a very trendy suburb with attractions spanning from night clubs with city skyline, art museums, and pop-up reveals, waterfront gardens with Midtown panoramas.

Williamsburg features more for the young lot searching for cool antique stores in Williamsburg, posh restaurants, and visually appealing coffee houses. Visitors can also explore some street art here.

Bushwick is among Brooklyn's top districts for clubbing and graffiti art. Owing to the Bushwick Collective, an outdoor art gallery that has covered all the buildings and establishments in the neighborhood, Bushwick is considered one of Brooklyn's best neighborhoods for street art .

Not to mention, this neighborhood has a strong artistic aura and features several galleries.

Related: DUMBO: Why This Brooklyn Neighborhood Is So Famous

Travelers can have a delicious food tour in Brooklyn . The borough has some of the best eateries and pubs in NYC and far beyond, making it among the world's top culinary destinations.

There are also many outdoor restaurants in Brooklyn to dine at . Visitors can spend an eternity exploring the borough's fantastic brunch, pizza, and Barbeque selections.

There are also many Brooklyn breweries that are worth the price of a pint.

So let's check out the best choices available in the region.

• Best spots for breakfast: Tom's Restaurant , Five Leaves , Okonomi , Champs Diner , Cafe Mogador
• Top recommendations for lunch: Buttermilk Channel , Olmsted , Chez Ma Tante , Vinegar Hill House
• Best dinner spots: Clover Hill , Leland Eating & Drinking House , Hometown Bar-b-que , Nura , Gage & Tollner , Sofreh
• The finest bars: Clover Club , The Long Island Bar , Elsa , Westlight , Goldie's Bar

RELATED: Boerum Hill: Meet Brooklyn's Most Walkable Neighborhood

It goes without saying that Brooklyn would likewise have its fair number of hotels, given that New York is home to some of the top hotels in the nation . Travelers can enjoy their visit to NYC by booking iconic Brooklyn hotels .

Visitors can stay conveniently in the borough and choose from various accommodations, including luxury and affordable hotels.

Luxury Hotels

The Williamsburg Hotel

• Cost: Starts at $438 per night
• Address: 96 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Amenities: Swimming Pool, Bar and Restaurant, Fitness Center

The William Vale

• Cost: Starts at $652 per night
• Address: 111 North 12th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• Amenities: Restaurant, Fitness Center

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

• Cost: Starts at $838 per night
• Address: 60 Furman Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Amenities: Spa and Wellness Center, Restaurant

Budget Hotels

Hotel RL Brooklyn

• Cost: Starts at $197 per night
• Address: 1080 Broadway, Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, NY 11221
• Amenities: Game Room, Bar

Even Hotel Brooklyn, an IHG Hotel

• Cost: Starts at $238 per night
• Address: 46 Nevins Street, Downtown Brooklyn
• Amenities: Bar, Restaurant, Fitness Center

Fairfield Inn & Suites By Marriott

• Cost: Starts at $245 per night
• Address: 181 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217
• Amenities: Fitness Center, Family Rooms
• Plan to visit in the springtime or the fall. Brooklyn has chilly winters and stifling summers. Plan the vacation during the calmer months if people would like the pleasure of touring the neighborhood on foot.
• Ensure to carry cash. All major cards are accepted at several tourist locations. Nevertheless, Brooklyn continues to be a cash area. Cash is the only form of payment for many quaint shops and corner retailers.
• Like all residents of New York, Brooklynites are outspoken. Keep in mind that they tend to growl rather than strike.

Brooklyn is a wonderful city to explore, and while seeing it all in one day could be challenging, it is doable. Start with the park and the Brooklyn Bridge. Taking in the local beauty is the ideal way to start the day.

The best spot to go after that is Williamsburg to visit some art museums. With so many classy restaurants around, it's also a fantastic area to have lunch. Fort Greene is the next stop, where guests can enjoy some exquisite performances at Barclays or BAM.

Related: The History Of The Brooklyn Bridge Is Fascinating, And This Is How Best To See It In-Person

Bushwick is the ideal neighborhood for clubs because there are many top-notch establishments there. Additionally, visitors can eat dinner at any of the leading eateries in the vicinity. It is just the perfect place to end the day.

Q: What's the nicest part of Brooklyn?

Brooklyn includes some of New York's top neighborhoods. Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn are regarded as two of the best places to explore in the Borough. There is everything between from business offices to recreation in both areas. Fort Greene is the perfect location because it has some incredible street art to see for artists visiting Brooklyn. Additionally, if visitors want to go clubbing, Bushwick is the perfect place.

Q: Why do people love Brooklyn so much?

Brooklyn is home to many fantastic sites and stunning outdoor areas, from calm city parks to exhilarating Coney Island carnival rides . These are just a couple of the factors that folks adore living in Brooklyn; it's difficult to resist the neighborhood vibe, sense of belonging, and accessibility to fantastic outdoor places.

Q: Is it worth it to go to Brooklyn?

Brooklyn is a really impressive region to discover when visiting New York City. It is only across the river from Manhattan's bustling district . Since NYC isn't only about Manhattan, this neighborhood is definitely worth considering while in the city and has galleries, vintage shops, parks, and hip pubs.

The New York Times

Travel | 36 hours in brooklyn.

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Travel | 36 Hours

36 hours in brooklyn.

By FREDA MOON FEB. 9, 2017

South of Williamsburg, you can find an older Brooklyn: boisterous and beautiful, worldly with working class roots. Related Article

Recent decades have brought big, fraught, much-discussed changes to Brooklyn. But south of Williamsburg, the borough’s character — both boisterous and architecturally beautiful, worldly with working-class roots — remains. The waterfront no longer teems with longshoremen and heavy industry, but century-old river barges are enjoying second acts as unconventional arts venues, and a commercial pier has been reclaimed as a public park that draws families from across the borough. For better or worse, several high-profile projects like the former Brooklyn Navy Yard, an industrial park for high-end food manufacturers and movie studios, and Barclays Center, home to music and sporting events, have transformed areas of central Brooklyn. But many neighborhoods cater almost entirely to their local communities, from the Russian enclave of Brighton Beach to the Jewish Orthodox populations of Midwood, from Caribbean Flatbush to Sunset Park’s Chinatown.

36 Hours in Brooklyn, New York

Explore street view and find things to do in Brooklyn.

1) 4:30 P.M. Along the Waterfront

For a scenic arrival in Brooklyn from Midtown, take the East River Ferry ($6 on weekends), which skirts the waterfront of Queens and northern Brooklyn before delivering riders to Brooklyn Bridge Park in the Dumbo neighborhood. Then, take a spin on a beautifully restored, colorfully painted wooden horse or chariot. Housed in a glass box with views of the city skyline, Jane’s Carousel ($2) is open year round and lit at night, creating a reverse snow globe effect during winter storms. Walk along the water through Main Street Park to Brooklyn Roasting Company , an industrial space decorated with globes, books and vintage vinyl records. Get a kick of caffeine with a Maple Shay espresso drink or snack on a ham and Cheddar croissant ($5) or one of the yeast doughnuts from the popular Bedford-Stuyvesant bakery Dough , in flavors like passion fruit and horchata.

2) 5:30 P.M. Get Lit

A former warehouse district, Dumbo — or Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass — houses some of Brooklyn’s most beloved bookstores and art galleries. The neighborhood hosts a gallery walk the first Thursday of each month. But you can design your own art tour by visiting Art in Dumbo ’s gallery listing ( artindumbo.com ). Don’t miss Powerhouse Arena , a bookstore and event space that has hosted readings by authors like Anthony Bourdain, Salman Rushdie and Joyce Carol Oates, and has an excellent children’s book corner.

3) 7:30 P.M. Move with the Music

Moored at the base of the Brooklyn Bridge, Bargemusic is a 118-year-old, 100-foot-long former coffee barge turned floating concert hall. Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the venue presents some 200 annual chamber music concerts; tickets typically from $35. (Free “Music in Motion” family concerts are offered on Saturdays at 4 p.m.)

4) 10 P.M. Only in New York

Go for a Spanish-style late dinner at La Vara . In New York City, it’s wise to seek out meals so exceptional you’re unlikely to find anything like them anywhere else. La Vara is such a restaurant. On an unassuming residential block in brownstone Cobble Hill, a husband-wife team, Eder Montero and Alex Raij, serve regional cuisine that celebrates two cultural and historical influences in Spain: the Jewish and Muslim North African influences of the Moors. Dishes include such offerings as pincho de ceuta (grilled chicken hearts with a salad of fresh herbs and lime-date vinaigrette, $13) and crispy suckling pig, slow-cooked with a rose petal-quince sauce and chimichurri ($30).

5) Midnight; Out With Bang

For a nightcap, walk through the back streets of Brooklyn to Hank’s Saloon , a century-old dive with a sticky wooden bar, a ceiling strung with Christmas lights, and raucous rock shows with free or cheap admission. For a more cerebral evening, try Littlefield , a performance and art space in a 6,200-square-foot 1920s textile warehouse in Gowanus that hosts big-name comedy acts like Wyatt Cenac, live-band karaoke and a cocktail menu by the mixologist Tona Palomino of the Wylie Dufresne restaurant WD-50, which closed in 2014.

6) 11 A.M. Boutiques and Brunch

Take the 2, 3 or 4 train to the Brooklyn Museum stop and head to Crownside (formerly Bar Corvo), the sister restaurant to Park Slope’s beloved Al Di La Trattoria . It has recently undergone renovations and is set to reopen in late February. Try the avocado toast with pickled carrot, cilantro, jalapeño aioli and poached egg, or a fried chicken biscuit with spicy honey and pickles, in the heated backyard. Afterward, window-shop along Washington and Vanderbilt Avenues, the diagonal borders of Prospect Heights. Stop into vintage shops, boutiques like O.N.A. for women’s fashions and Güreje for hand-dyed and embellished clothing for men and women, or Planet Cute , for novelty items, plush toys and Hello Kitty cuteness.

7) 3 P.M. Skate City

Take the Q train to the Prospect Park stop and walk down to the 1905 Beaux-Arts-style boathouse on the eastern edge of Prospect Park Lake. Note the gnarled limbs of the camperdown elm , a 145-year-old tree. The nearby LeFrak Center at Lakeside , the most ambitious addition to the park in 150 years, opened in 2013. During the winter, there is ice skating ($6 to $9, plus $6 for skate rentals), curling and broomball. On summer nights (Fridays, May to October), Lola Star’s Dreamland Roller Disco brings 1970s and ’80s glam outdoors for adult-only themed skate nights, which celebrate the likes of Prince, Madonna and David Bowie. The 26-acre, $74 million Lakeside project also has boat rentals, a splash pad and specialty bikes , like the single surrey, which fits three adults and two children ($25 an hour).

8) 5:30 P.M. A Walk in the Park

Next, walk south to Ditmas Park for an early dinner at the cozy, brick-walled neighborhood Austrian restaurant Werkstatt , where the back room has a wine bottle chandelier, a peaked skylight and wood piled for a corner fireplace. The food (crepes stuffed with sauerkraut and smoked white fish, with mushroom cream sauce and sautéed greens, for $15, or beef goulash with spaetzle, for $19) is excellent, modern without being highbrow, and the happy hour, 5 to 7 p.m., welcomes all comers. En route, be sure to get onto the side streets to see the grand historic mansions. For a drink before your next stop, head for the Lodge, a heated backyard tent and food court, at Sycamore Bar & Flower Shop on Ditmas’s main drag, Cortelyou Road.

9) 8 P.M. The King of Flatbush

Once one of the five original Loew’s “Wonder Theaters,” the grand Kings Theater , deep in the heart of Flatbush, is a beautiful performance space. Reminiscent of the famed Avalon Theater on Catalina Island in California, the spectacularly restored space has a honeycomb ceiling with ostentatious flourishes of red velvet drapery and ornate molding. The $95 million restoration project is so gorgeous that one could be forgiven for focusing more intently on the venue than on the eclectic performers it draws, which have recently included Bon Iver, R. Kelly and John Prine.

10) 8 A.M. The Russian Way

Get off the Q train at Neck Road, and walk three blocks to the Russian Baths of Brooklyn , where you can sweat out a weekend’s worth of indulgence in the Russian sauna or Turkish steam room — or have it beaten out of you with a platza treatment, in which a spa worker slaps you with a bushel of water-soaked oak leaves, which is said to remove toxins (admission to the Baths, $45). For lunch, continue on the Q to Brighton Beach to the seven-table Cafe at Your Mother-in-Law , which opens at 11 a.m. With its odd name, peach walls, Asian paper lanterns and a Russian-language TV program playing in the corner, the family-run cafe serves the food of the Korean Uzbeki — the descendants of Korean nationals who settled in Uzbekistan, mingling two very different food cultures in fascinating and delicious ways. Try the samsa — a flaky triangle filled with beef and onion ($3) and an assortment of à la carte sides, simply called “salads,” which are similar to banchan, the small dishes served before a Korean meal.

11) 12:30 P.M. Island Life

Brooklyn’s southernmost coast, Coney Island, feels like an outpost of Old New York. During the summer, Luna Park is a scene unto itself. But even during the off-season, when the amusement park is closed, Coney Island has an odd appeal. Old men sit shirtless along the boardwalk, tanning in bracingly cold temperatures. A block off the beach, Coney Island Brewing pays homage to the strip’s sideshow culture with colorful labels of tattooed mermaids and winter “polar bear” swimmers. For indoor amusement, there is the New York Aquarium (entrance, $11.95), which has been reopened after flooding during Hurricane Sandy , and the Coney Island Museum, a nonprofit museum and arts space ($5) that celebrates the pop cultural legacy of “Brooklyn’s Beach” and is operated by Coney Island U.S.A., the organizers of the flamboyant Mermaid Parade in June.

For many travelers, Airbnb remains a good option in Brooklyn, where there are still relatively few midrange hotels. The new Hilton Brooklyn (140 Schermerhorn Street, 718-834-8800; hilton.com ), which opened in November in Boerum Hill, starts at around $150 during off-peak weekends.

Lefferts Manor Bed & Breakfast (80 Rutland Road, 347-351-9065; leffertsmanorbedandbreakfast.com ), a bed-and-breakfast in the Prospect Lefferts neighborhood, just around the corner from Prospect Park, offers an authentic brownstone Brooklyn experience and exceedingly reasonable prices (starting at $69).

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Brooklyn Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Brooklyn travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Brooklyn is one of the most vibrant and diverse boroughs in New York City.

Located just across the river from Manhattan, it’s easy to get from Brooklyn to Manhattan or vice versa. This makes Brooklyn a great place to stay or visit on your trip to New York City.

There are so many cool places to visit in Brooklyn, from interesting museums to picture-perfect neighborhoods to beaches and amusement parks, and more. Brooklyn is also known for its great dining, shopping, and nightlife.

You should definitely make time to explore Brooklyn while in New York. Whether you’re interested in art, food, culture, activities, or nature, there is something for everyone in Brooklyn.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to Brooklyn in NYC, including a local’s guide to Brooklyn and advice on what to do and what to see in Brooklyn.

Note: This ultimate Brooklyn guide contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Brooklyn Map

Use this Brooklyn tourism map to begin planning your trip to this incredible destination!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Brookyln Travel Guide

The Ultimate Travel Guide To Downtown Brooklyn

12 Quirky & Fun Things To Do In Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Walking Over The Williamsburg Bridge From Manhattan To Brooklyn (Itinerary Includd!)

8 Delicious Restaurants In Cobble Hill, Brooklyn

Fun Things To Do In Bedstuy, Brooklyn

What To Eat & Drink In Red Hook, Brooklyn

21 Best Things To Do In Bushwick (From A Local)

17 Best Brooklyn Walking Tours (From A Local!)

15 Best Brooklyn Food Tours (From A Local!)

New York City Travel Tips

Best Views In NYC For Free

21 Fun & Cheap Things To Do In NYC

27 Of The Most Instagrammable Cafes In NYC

52 Most Instagrammable Places In NYC

21 Best Views In NYC At Night To Take in The Manhattan Skyline

61 Quirky & Delicious NYC Restaurants

73 Romantic Things To Do In NYC (Beyond The Empire State Building)

My Favorite Streets Of New York (Not Broadway)

31 Uniquely NYC Experiences That Shouldn’t Be Missed

41 Unique Ways To Explore NYC In Spring

5 Places To Go Hiking In Manhattan

A Fun Guide To Walking The Manhattan Bridge (Itinerary Included!)

Best Bottomless Brunch In NYC: 31 Must-Try Boozy Restaurants

41 Fun Things To Do By Yourself In NYC

64 Best Non-Touristy Things To Do in NYC

41+ Best New York Souvenirs & Authentic NYC Gifts

17 Things To Do In NYC After Midnight

Why Is New York So Popular? 15 Reasons To Love NYC!

13 Best Manhattan Skyline Tours For Amazing Views

Ultimate Guide To Living In A Hotel In NYC

15 Best New York Architectural Tours By Walking, Boat & Helicopter

Is There A Walmart In NYC? Ultimate Guide!

59 Best Things To Do In NYC On A Rainy Day

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Is NYC An Island? New York Geography + Island Hopping Guide

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Best Brooklyn Tours

Explore local culture with a Brooklyn tour guide through these unique NYC excursions :

• Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Food Tour
• A Day In Brooklyn Bike Tour
• Coney Island & Brighton Beach Food Tour
• Brooklyn Street Art Walking Tour
• Pub Crawl In Williamburg, Brooklyn

Click here for a full list of Brooklyn tours !

Hotels In Brooklyn

Click here to browse the best Brooklyn hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use the map below to search for local stays. It’s set to Williamsburg in Brooklyn, but you can easily change the location to your specific destination:

Getting Around Brooklyn

Most of the neighborhoods in Brooklyn typically visited by tourists — like DUMBO, Williamsburg , and Bushwick — are very walkable. This is one of the best ways to get around as it’s free and allows you to feel the beat of the borough!

Love cycling? Citi Bike stations are all over Brooklyn, and offer a budget-friendly way to get around in an eco-friendly way that also allows you to see the sights.

In terms of public transportation, the best way to get around Brooklyn is via subway, which gets you anywhere you may need to go for just $2.75 — no need to wait in traffic.

Additionally, Brooklyn (and the rest of NYC) is connected via other public transportation options like buses and even ferries. While buses are operated by the MTA, just like the subway, you’ll want to download the NYC Ferry app to see schedules and buy tickets for the ferry.

Prefer a private car service? Uber and Lyft are plentiful in Brooklyn, though do note that cabs tend to be much cheaper. You can hail a cab on many main streets, which is the cheapest option, or use an app like Arro or Curb to order one.

Driving? It’s much easier to find parking in Brooklyn than it is in Manhattan, though you can always use the SpotHero website and app to snag super discounted parking spots. This is especially recommended if you end up driving into Manhattan, where finding parking is a nightmare.

Renting A Car In Brooklyn

Need a rental car for your Brooklyn trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Brooklyn Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Brooklyn tour. When visiting Brooklyn — or anywhere else in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Brooklyn travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Brooklyn Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in Brooklyn .

Q: What food is Brooklyn known for?

Like all of New York, Brooklyn is known for its diverse ethnic cuisine.

Some of the most famous foods to try in Brooklyn include a hot dog from Nathan’s Famous at Coney Island or a cheesecake from Junior’s Restaurant in Downtown Brooklyn .

If you’re looking for the best pizza in Brooklyn, many people will suggest the legendary Grimaldi’s, which is popular with tourists because of its convenient location in DUMBO near the Brooklyn Bridge.

For a classic Brooklyn dessert, head to Brooklyn Farmacy, an old-school soda shop in Carroll Gardens, and order an egg cream.

Q: What are the top things to in Brooklyn?

There are so many great things to do in Brooklyn.

One of the most popular activities is walking or biking across the Brooklyn Bridge. This attraction is one of the many reasons why New York is so famous .

If you have limited time in Brooklyn, you can cross the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan, and spend an afternoon or day exploring the DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods.

Note that if you’ve already walked the Brooklyn Bridge and want to try something different, you can walk across the Manhattan Bridge from Chinatown into DUMBO.

If you have more time, some other can’t-miss activities in Brooklyn include visiting the Brooklyn Museum, strolling through the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, or hitting the amusement park and beach at Coney Island.

Q: What are some non-touristy things to do in Brooklyn?

If you want to explore Brooklyn like a local, there are many non-touristy things to do in NYC in the borough.

Prospect Park , Brooklyn’s answer to Central Park, is a popular place for locals to relax. Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon lounging on the grass while doing some people-watching.

If you love shopping, don’t miss Brooklyn Flea , the famous weekend-only flea market in DUMBO. This is the place to go for vintage clothing, art, home decor, antiques, and collectibles. Bonus: It’s a great spot to find some of the best NYC souvenirs , too!

For street art and graffiti, don’t miss Brooklyn’s trendy and artistic Bushwick neighborhood. Graff Tours  even offers graffiti workshops where you can make your own street art!

Q: What are some must-visit Brooklyn neighborhoods?

Brooklyn is made up of dozens of diverse neighborhoods, each one with something unique to offer.

Two must-visit Brooklyn neighborhoods are Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO . Both are located just beyond the Brooklyn Bridge. Brooklyn Heights is filled with picture-perfect brownstones on tree-lined blocks, while DUMBO is a former industrial area that is now filled with restaurants and shopping.

Williamsburg , once a hipster haven in the early 2000s, is worth visiting for its great selection of restaurants, cocktail bars, and boutique shopping.

Meanwhile, Bushwick is described as what Williamsburg was 15 years ago, and is filled with street art and warehouse art galleries. You’ll also a find a lot of late-night parties and clubs here if you’re looking for things to do after midnight in NYC .

Park Slope is a picturesque, family-friendly neighborhood that is adjacent to Prospect Park. Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill are two more areas with a local neighborhood feel.

Q: What are the best places to visit in Brooklyn?

Looking for the best places to visit in Brooklyn? Here are some of the top places to check out!

The Brooklyn Museum is an incredible art museum that rivals the Met. Another extremely unique museum in Brooklyn to check out is the New York Transit Museum , which is dedicated to the history of the New York City subway and bus system. As these are indoors, they also make for great rainy day NYC activities .

For foodies, DeKalb Market Hall should not be missed. This massive food hall is home to over 40 vendors. In the summer months, the outdoor Smorgasborg food market is another great place to visit in Brooklyn.

If you have kids, be sure to visit the Brooklyn Children’s Museum , which is sure to be a hit. Another one of the best places to visit in Brooklyn with kids is Luna Park at Coney Island.

Q: How far is Brooklyn from New York City?

Brooklyn is actually located within New York City! It’s one of NYC’s five boroughs along with Manhattan , Queens , The Bronx , and Staten Island .

Q: How much spending money do you need for a week in New York?

The average traveler spends about $240 per day in New York City on accommodations, transportation, food, activities, and other travel expenses.

That being said, there are certainly ways to save money in the city — like staying in hostels, considering Couchsurfing, cooking your own meals, sticking to public transportation, and enjoying some  budget-friendly NYC activities .

Q: Is Brooklyn safe to travel?

Overall, Brooklyn is a safe destination for travelers, especially if you choose a safe neighorbood frequented by tourists like DUMBO or Williamsburg. Of course, as with any destination, it’s important to be vigilant and take basic safety precautions.

For example, avoid isolated areas such as Prospect Park at night. When taking the subway, it’s always best to choose a subway car with more passengers in it rather than an empty one.

Finally, while pickpocketing is not that common in New York, you’ll want to make sure that you keep a close eye on your belongings to  avoid pickpockets , especially in crowded areas around major tourist attractions.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in New York?

Most visitors from abroad who are allowed to enter the United States — the country New York State is located in — can stay for up to six months. Entry requirements and allowances vary depending on where you are from, so definitely check the US government website .

Q: Do I need a travel visa for New York?

Visa requirements vary depending on where you are from. You can visit the US government website to see if you need a visa and what type.

Q: Where is Brooklyn?

Brooklyn is one of the five boroughs of  New York City , which is located in the southeastern part of New York, a state located in  the United States . Along with Queens, it sits on Long Island’s western end.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Brooklyn?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around Brooklyn, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in Brooklyn?

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in Brooklyn.

Q: What is the local currency in Brooklyn?

The local currency in Brooklyn is the US Dollar (USD).

What would you add to this Brooklyn travel guide?

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Brooklyn Travel Guide: Explore This New York Borough

If want to reconnect with your roots or visit a dynamic city, Brooklyn is the place to go. Here's all you need to know before visiting.

Kristina Lopez • Mar 13, 2023

Brooklyn is a vibrant and diverse borough that is home to a community of unique cultures that share art, food, music and ideas. Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights are historical neighborhoods known for producing some of the most culturally significant figures to the culture, including Lena Horne, Mike Tyson and Jay-Z. There’s a thriving culinary scene filled with delectable soul food, comfort Caribbean cuisine and authentic African delicacies.

Brooklyn, New York, Quick Travel Facts

• Best time to travel: March to May (off-season), September to January (holiday season)
• Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
• Noteworthy: Brooklyn Book Festival (October), Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (December), New York Fashion Week (February and September), Rolling Loud NYC, AfroPunk
• Best for: Friend Trips, Solo Travel, Food Tours, Concert Trip

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with your roots or simply visit a dynamic and exciting city, Brooklyn brings the sights, tastes, and touches of the world into this beautifully rich and colorful melting pot of art, food, culture, and life. It is something that you have to experience for yourself.

Play: Things to do in Brooklyn, N ew York

Brooklyn pop-up.

The Brooklyn Pop-Up is a rolling market that curates indoor and outdoor retail events with a revolving roster of artisans and vendors. They showcase Black-owned and women-owned businesses throughout the year and often feature over 40 vendors. The events are more contemporary and laid-back with a variety of tables that include accessories, fashion, jewelry, beauty and home goods. It’s sidewalk retail therapy with sustainable designs and handmade crafts that to take with as a souvenir.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

A visit to the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights in Brooklyn after Thanksgiving should be on everyone’s bucket list. Bringing the Christmas spirit to this diverse borough, this holiday light display is one of New York’s best attractions during the holiday season. There are over-the-top decorations, such as a life-sized Santa in his sleigh, Frosty the Snowman and nutcrackers. There are also oversized wreaths and all kinds of Christmas trees.

It’s a sight to behold for any traveler of any age during this time of year. Christmas lights and music span multiple blocks throughout the Kings County hub.

Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum is home to some of New York’s most cultural art exhibits. From a large exhibition space of ancient Egyptian art to modern-day American installations, this premier institution holds incredibly impactful and educational pieces. The museum also holds works by impressionist masters, like Claude Monet and Judy Chicago.

There are plenty of events for the whole family to enjoy throughout the year. Some include performances by the Brooklyn Symphony Orchestra, interactive painting classes and creative art camps and educational programs.

Peace + Riot

From Moroccan poufs and cultural cleansing ritual tools to Sadé sweatshirts and Brooklyn street art, Peace + Riot offers a curated range of products inspired by owner and Brooklyn native, Achuziam Maha-Sanchez’s African and Caribbean heritage. Peace + Riot has a chic and universal appeal. It combines the global tastes of history and culture with an eclectic vibe of interior design and iconic New York fashion. 

The brick-and-mortar store carries home decor, gifts, books, candles and more. The home decor pieces are elegant, and the gifts range from games to personal accessories.

Gourmet: Best Restaurants in New York

Clover hill in brooklyn heights.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clover Hill (@cloverhillbk)

Clover Hill is one of the heartbeats of the culinary scene in Brooklyn Heights.

Clover Hill is truly unique because of the Executive Chef Charlie Mitchell. Mitchell is the only Black Michelin-star chef in New York Cit . He is also the winner of the 2022 MICHELIN Guide New York Young Chef Award . The menu takes consumers on a journey of flavor profiles, cultural cuisines and the thoughtful fusion of local and global foods. 

This 30-seat Michelin-star restaurant has taken the beauty of the city’s culture and created a top-rated eatery. The flavors are seasonal and the menu is exciting. It takes a mix of humble and coveted ingredients to new heights. With a hint of romanticism, the atmosphere feels cozy and extravagant. It is almost like a love letter to the borough, as much as a love letter to food.

Brooklyn Beso

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brooklyn Beso Restaurant & Bar (@bkbeso)

You’ll be giving a chef’s kiss in the air after dining at Brooklyn Beso . 

For over ten years, this Black-owned restaurant and bar has provided the Brooklyn community with Latin and Caribbean fusion dishes. It also has given a lively atmosphere of flavor, music, dancing and drinks. The bright colors around the dining room keep things light, but the menu options spice things up.

From their unique menus to the late-night music events, a reservation at this stellar Afro-Caribbean Brooklyn mainstay is a must.

Bellyful NYC

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bellyful Resturant & Bar (@bellyfulnyc)

You don’t go to a restaurant to leave hungry. Bellyful NYC understands the assignment.

The mood of the restaurant and bar is rooted in Pan-African culture. It makes those wonderfully mouthwatering Jamaican flavors all the more exciting to try when visiting. Whether you’re craving the hearty richness of curried vegetables and ital stew or a lighter seafood soup, you’ll leave satisfied. 

Tipsy Scoop

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tipsy Scoop (@tipsyscoop)

When you can’t decide between drinks or dessert, Tipsy Scoop is to the rescue. It’s an ice cream shop with a twist: creative and whimsical liquor-infused ice cream. Owner Melissa Tavvs was inspired by her family’s love of ice cream and cocktails. Flavors range from light and citrusy to the more indulgent and decadent. 

The secret formula is their trade secret — a custom-made ice cream base that creates a perfect formula of frozen creaminess, even with a higher alcohol content.  

BLVD Bistro

View this post on Instagram A post shared by BLVD Bistro (@blvdbistro)

Head straight to Harlem for some satisfying soul food at BLVD Bistro . From husband and wife duo Carlos and Markisha Swepson, BLVD Bistro is bustling with visitors who can’t get enough of the menu. With southern fusions, including barbecue short ribs with candied yams and smoked turkey collard greens, it is a must-visit location. They proudly carry Black-owned wines and spirits along what making unique cocktail blends inspired by the culture.

Dept of Culture Brooklyn

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mina’s (@minas.nyc)

The Dept of Culture Brooklyn has begun to turn heads in the culinary mecca of New York City. With a menu rooted in North Central Nigerian cuisine, Executive Chef and founder Ayo Balogun launched this restaurant from the IYA EBA popup dinner series around the city. The intimate setting plus a four-course meal inspired by Balogun’s Kwara state homeland makes this a special occasion. Dishes, like Indigenous Nigerian rice, Egusi and Dodo ati ice cream, create this visually and flavorfully beautiful harmony of culture.

Cafe Erzulie

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cafe Erzulie (@cafe.erzulie)

Cafe Erzulie may be your answer to a fun night out. This cafe and flower shop may look quaint and serve delicious Haitian-inspired food and coffee during the day; however, the real fun begins at night when the cocktails, island-spiced menu and rhythmic music come out to play. The cafe and backyard garden will envelop your senses as you kick back and enjoy the Caribbean tropical night. 

Cafe Erzulie is open for private events and hold public events all year round. There is weekly live music nights and Guest DJ mix concerts. The public events are for 21+ crowds, and you must RSVP for a good view of the stage area. On Friday and Saturday nights, they provide bottle service when noted.

Stay: Best Places to Stay In Brooklyn, NY

Akwaaba mansion .

This beautiful Black-owned Bed & Breakfast is 15 minutes from Manhattan and has all the charm needed for a relaxing getaway. Akwaaba Mansion was constructed in the 1860s as a landmark mansion. It has 14-foot ceilings, ornate fireplaces and an Italianate villa architecture design. The beautiful mansion has an Afrocentric décor and cultural antiques that create a warm and welcoming vibe.

The tree-lined community of Stuyvesant Heights serves as the main draw. This stay has a glassed-in sun porch for enjoying a savory Southern breakfast or afternoon tea. It also has a secluded garden to walk through. 

You can stay in one of four uniquely decorated guest rooms. Each room includes luxury bath robes, custom bath amenities, and private jacuzzis. The hotel mansion has WiFi throughout the property and a guest library, TV and game room. If you’re ready for more relaxation, this Brooklyn stay offers luxury massage packages and a personal concierge.

Luxury Boutique Studio – Red Hook 

This local boutique studio in Red Hook will make you want to stay longer. This seaside studio rental is in an optimal location for exploring the seaside village surrounded by restaurants, breweries and more. It has rustic charm with a modern vibe. There’s dimmable vintage lightbulbs, reclaimed wood floors and a two-seater antique cast iron soaking tub. The morning light and beautiful sunsets will make you want to finish your day trip in the city early. 

Sunny Williamsburg Artist’s Loft

This 1,100 square feet Williamsburg loft will fulfill your dream of being an artist living in New York City. With stunning artwork on exposed brick walls, this artist’s loft will make you feel like a creative trekking the city for your next muse. The library and media area of the loft overlooks a lush green garden. If you’re feeling like a culinary artist, there’s an open kitchen with a 6-burner Viking stove. The loft is close to the train, so it is easy to travel in Brooklyn or to another borough.

Get Away: Getting To and Around Brooklyn, NY

There are two major airports in New York: La Guardia Airport (LGA), John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK). Both are located in Queens, but with so many forms of transportation, it is easy to get to Brooklyn. 

By Car 

Brooklyn has plenty of ride-share services, such as Uber and Lyft, that make it easy to get around.  

Public Transit 

Public transit is plentiful around New York. There are trains and buses that run all day and night throughout the boroughs for convenience and affordability. There are also city bikes and bike-sharing companies stationed throughout the city, so you can take your time enjoying the sights of Brooklyn. 

Explore Brooklyn On Foot

You can definitely walk anywhere in New York. Brooklyn has some beautiful sights making it perfect to get some exercise and find hidden gems around the city.

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Getting to and From NYC Airports From Brooklyn

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Getting to and from the three major  New York area airports  can be expensive and time-consuming. So, plan ahead. Here are ideas about how to navigate your way to and from Brooklyn to New York City's three airports: JFK International Airport (JFK),  LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport.

In general, the most expensive Brooklyn-to-airport trip is to Newark, followed by JFK, and then LaGuardia. JFK is the easiest to access via public transportation. But none of the area airports is served by a direct rail connection to Brooklyn, as you might find in some European cities.

You have five options for getting to and from JFK airport.

Cabs and Ride-Sharing Services

You can either call a ride-sharing service or use the green "Boro taxis" to prearrange a pickup in Brooklyn. Allow about an hour for travel time. Alternatively, you can take ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft.

Public Transit

You can take the AirTrain which will leave you at various points in NYC that are accessible to Brooklyn via subway or you can take the AirTrain and LIRR combo. Also,  MTA's Trip Planner  offers real-time travel options for taking the AirTrain and subways with estimated times depending on the day and hour you'll be en route.

Private Express Bus

You can take the NYC Airport Express Bus, which leaves JFK Airport about every half hour and takes passengers to  Port Authority Bus Terminal ,  Grand Central Station , and  Penn Station  in Manhattan.

Shared-Ride Vans or Private Car Services

These can be organized in advance. The vans are larger than cabs but are also are more expensive. The airport website recommends Airlink New York, All-County Express, and ETS Air Shuttle. Recommended private car services include Carmel Car, Dial 7 Car & Limousine, and ExecuCar.

Drive and Park

Of course, you can drive and park your car in an overnight lot. Check the  airport parking website for rates and information, and to see how full various parking lots are as well as current pricing.

As with JFK, you have five options for getting to and from Brooklyn to LaGuardia.

Cabs and Car Services

You can either call a ride-sharing service or use the green "Boro taxis" to prearrange a pick up in Brooklyn. Allow a half hour to an hour for travel time; ask the dispatchers. You won't have to pay any tolls for your trip to LaGuardia and back, but tips, a cabbie waiting time if you arrange a pickup, parking, and any other fees are not included. Good news: There are no additional fees for extra passengers. 

Public Transportation

This is the least expensive option, so read the full details on traveling between  Brooklyn and LaGuardia via public transportation . Also check out MTA's Trip Planner for real-time travel options, with estimated times depending on the day and hour you'll be en route.

You can catch a private express bus to and from LaGuardia that departs about every half hour. Going to the airport, you can catch the bus at Manhattan's Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Station or Penn Station. Coming from the airport, the NYC Airport Express Bus will drop you at these same major transportation centers. From these hubs, you can easily pick up a subway from anywhere in Brooklyn.

Shared-Ride Vans

Reservations for shared-ride vans and private car services can be made at the welcome center located on the arrivals level of each terminal. If the counter is closed, there is a convenient self-service kiosk nearby where you can contact authorized shared-ride or private car services. Note that these are only cost-effective if you are traveling with a group; otherwise, they will be more expensive than a cab. 

You can also drive to LaGuardia. There's onsite parking, as well, for a fee. Check the website to determine which terminal has availability.

Although many Brooklynites use JFK or LaGuardia, Newark is a viable and easy option. If you've booked tickets from Newark, here are three ways to help you get to the airport—and back—without (hopefully) any hassles.

Budget-Friendly Option 

You can save some cash by taking public transportation to Newark. Use the subways to connect to the Newark AirTrain from any point in Brooklyn, or from Newark to Brooklyn. It's the cheapest way to go, and sometimes (for instance on Thanksgiving and other busy holidays) also the fastest.

AirTrain Newark doesn't take you into Manhattan or Brooklyn. It's just a quick ride from (or around) the airport to a dedicated "Rail Transfer Station,” where you then board a regular New Jersey Transit commuter train into New York Pennsylvania Station. There are escalators and elevators in case you have heavy luggage.

Easiest Route

The most comfortable way to get to and from Newark is also the most expensive: By taxi or car service. It's a long trip so be prepared to pay for the service. You can call a car service or use the green "Boro taxis" to prearrange a pick up to take you to Newark. Reserve a day in advance, or two days during the holidays.

If you're not up for using an app, you can go old school and call one of the car services—those services also go to and from Brooklyn to Newark Airport.

If you've rented a car during your stay, you can always pick it up at Newark Liberty, which is conveniently located on the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95). Or you may prefer to just drive to Newark and park your car, but be aware that you will need to pay for parking at the airport

Getting To and From LaGuardia Airport in NYC

New York City Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Travel From LaGuardia Airport to Brooklyn by Subway, Bus, and Car

How to Travel from Washington, DC to New York City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

JFK Kennedy Transportation

How to Travel From Toronto to New York City by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

How to Travel Between Brooklyn and Newark Airport

How to Travel From Newark Airport to Manhattan by Train, Bus, Car, and Shuttle

How to Travel From JFK Airport to Brooklyn by Train, Bus, and Taxi

LaGuardia Airport Guide

Your Trip to New York State: The Complete Guide

Transportation for Getting to and From LaGuardia Airport

Getting to LaGuardia Airport From Brooklyn by Public Transportation

John F. Kennedy International Airport Guide

Brooklyn Cruise Terminal Visitors' Guide

How to Travel from JFK Airport to Manhattan by Subway, Train, Taxi, and Shuttle