With its stylish cafes, parks, and markets, Brooklyn is a hip borough with heaps to supply. Right here is Dee Novak’s information to a number of the most unusual issues to do in Brooklyn.
Head to Brooklyn for a slower-paced and artsy style of New York.
From the whimsical carnival at Coney Island to the meals vans at Dumbo, you received’t remorse crossing over that bridge.
Brooklyn has a thriving artwork group and cutting-edge eateries which can be properly value including to your itinerary.
Luscious parks supply unbeatable views of the Manhattan skyline from throughout the East River.
And Brooklyn’s thrift retailers, meals markets, and area of interest boutiques are each tradition lover’s dream.
The borough’s variety provides it a vibrant really feel you received’t discover wherever else. There are Hasidim Jews and Puerto Ricans in South Williamsburg, and Poles and Italians within the North Aspect.
I like spending a number of days in Brooklyn for a extra cosmopolitan and artsy aspect of the massive apple.
So right here’s my information to distinctive issues to do in Brooklyn – and hidden gems you shouldn’t miss!
1. Stroll (or bike) throughout Brooklyn Bridge
This iconic suspension bridge provides unbeatable views of the Manhattan skyline – and it’s particularly magical at sundown.
Stroll throughout the 1.1-mile (1.8-kilometer) bridge and admire the neo-Gothic stone towers and the engineering ingenuity. Accomplished in 1883, this beautiful construction was the longest suspension bridge of its time.
It takes about an hour to walk throughout the pedestrian walkway, proper above the rumbling visitors. Or hire a bicycle for a extra breezy journey – there are devoted bike lanes all throughout the bridge.
It will get very packed so go within the early morning or late at night time to keep away from the crowds.
Have to know: To entry the bridge from Brooklyn use the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway on the intersection of Tillary Avenue and Boerum Place. Alternatively, take the underpass at Washington Avenue, which matches up a stairway to a ramp. It’s also possible to stroll the bridge within the different route from Manhattan to Brooklyn. However you received’t get these spectacular views.
2. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
This attractive historic walkway is lined with flowerbeds and benches for some nice people-watching and beautiful views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a 1/3-mile-long stretch that additionally provides distant views of the Statue of Liberty.
Don’t miss the outdated mansions and townhouses as you go by means of Brooklyn’s Historic Preservation District. There are additionally some nice eating places and area of interest boutiques close by.
The tree-lined walkway is standard with locals for jogging, rollerblading, and biking. And it’s particularly pretty in the summertime with cool breezes coming in from the water.
3. Brooklyn Flea
(photographs: Scott Lynch and Sam Hollenshead)
This flea market options a whole lot of distributors providing something from classic clothes and vinyl to quirky jewellery and crafts by native artisans.
Put aside a number of hours to browse this treasure trove for something from African straw baskets to classic kimonos. And choose up some nice Brooklyn souvenirs like outdated battered avenue indicators and vintage bits of outdated Americana.
Ranked as one of many nation’s greatest markets, Brooklyn Flea is a pleasure to flick through and people-watch. You’ll uncover some nice native manufacturers and really artistic artists.
There’s additionally an array of distributors with artisanal meals to munch on between shopping.
Brooklyn Flea is held Saturdays and Sundays in DUMBO from April to December.
4. Greenwood Cemetery
This leafy, historic cemetery is the ultimate resting place for figures like artist Basquiat and composer Leonard Bernstein.
Begin on the dramatic Gothic arched entrance and stroll throughout 478 acres of graves, memorials, rolling hills, and historic curiosities. Put on snug footwear for the climbs and savor the cemetery’s hilltop views overlooking Manhattan.
Don’t miss the monuments to the Civil Struggle’s fallen troopers, the Victorian chapel, and dozens of ornate mausoleums.
The cemetery additionally provides birding excursions – it’s recognized amongst birdwatchers for its feral monk parakeets, herons, sandpipers, and geese.
Ask the guards for a map that features architectural factors of curiosity, noteworthy bushes, and well-known graves.
5. Brooklyn Heights
Wander by means of this historic neighborhood and discover outdated brownstones and tempting eateries in what’s one among Brooklyn’s prettiest districts.
Simply steps away from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, this upscale space is stuffed with nice purchasing and chic eating places tucked into historic mansions. It additionally boasts a number of the greatest views within the metropolis.
Brooklyn Heights is the borough’s most sought-after residential space. It’s famous for a whole lot of historic brownstones – with some 600 homes constructed earlier than the Civil Struggle.
Head to the Brooklyn Historic Society for reveals that chronicle some 400 years of Brooklyn historical past. The close by New York Transit Museum is one other fascinating museum with reveals of classic trains and trolley vehicles.
For a breather between sightseeing, head to Montero’s – a classic bar open since 1939.
And for a very unforgettable expertise, soak up a classical music live performance with glowing views of Manhattan at Bargemusic.
6. Browse The Brooklyn Museum
Photograph: Gabriel Fernandes, CC BY-SA 2.0, through Wikimedia Commons
The Brooklyn Museum has an enormous assortment of American artwork, antiquities from Historical Egypt, and daring fashionable artwork that tackles topics like racism and feminism.
Housed in a beautifully-restored Beaux-Arts constructing, the museum is New York’s third largest and much much less crowded than the MET.
It’s a should for any artwork lover. However put aside a minimum of a number of hours to browse their eclectic reveals. The museum has some 1.5 million works that span 560,000 sq. ft.
The American Artwork exhibit is a fascinatingly various assortment of items from Indigenous peoples and Norman Rockwell to blended media works by rock singer Nick Cave. It additionally accommodates Judy Chicago’s well-known feminist work, The Dinner Celebration.
And don’t miss the European assortment with items by Van Gogh, Degas, Monet, Cezanne, and different Impressionist masters.
The Brooklyn Botanic Backyard is true subsequent door if you wish to chill after your go to.
Test Dee Novak’s 2-day Brooklyn itinerary to take advantage of out of your go to.
7. Unwind at Brooklyn Botanic Backyard
Unwind from town hustle on this 52-acre gem stuffed with specialty gardens, beautiful cherry bushes, a bonsai museum, and three plant pavilions.
Based in 1910, the Brooklyn Botanic Backyard is a wonderland of greater than 14,000 taxa of vegetation. The tulips and magnolias are marvelous in bloom and make this backyard an ideal springtime vacation spot.
Don’t miss the Cherry Esplanade and its 200 cherry bushes in full bloom in spring. There’s additionally the attractive Magnolia Plaza, Cranford Rose Backyard, and the Asian-inspired Japanese Hill-and-Pond Backyard for admiring nature in full bloom.
Throughout winter, head for the nice and cozy greenhouses and their tropical flora and cacti.
Have to know: Backyard hours differ with the seasons, so test the Brooklyn Botanic Backyard web site to plan your go to.
8. Discover Dumbo
This little neighborhood on the base of the Brooklyn Bridge is stuffed with flea markets, microbreweries, stylish cafes, and beautiful views of the bridge.
Brief for Down Beneath the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, DUMBO was as soon as a ferry touchdown filled with warehouse and industrial buildings.
However right now it’s recognized for artwork galleries, microbreweries, reside music, and cutting-edge eateries.
It’s the place you’ll land proper after strolling throughout the Brooklyn Bridge.
And it’s dwelling to the borough’s most photogenic spot. Head to Washington Avenue for that iconic shot of the Brooklyn Bridge looming over a residential avenue.
Head to Westville for lunch for cheap consolation meals and unimaginable vegetarian choices. If you happen to’re craving pizza, you’re spoiled for alternative. Joints like Entrance Avenue Pizza, Juliana’s, and Grimaldi’s are all nice decisions. There are sometimes traces proper out the door they usually don’t take reservations.
Deal with the children to a journey on Jane’s Carousel, a fantastically renovated carousel at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
For an evening out, head to St. Anne’s Warehouse. This former tobacco warehouse now hosts cutting-edge theater and live shows.
9. Journey the curler coasters at Coney Island
From carnival rides to well-known scorching canines and sandy seashores, Coney Island is New York’s favourite weekend getaway.
Luna Park is a deal with each for youths and fun-loving adults. Get your thrills on the well-known Cyclone and Thunderbolt curler coasters, play arcade video games, and munch on sugary treats and Coney’s Cones. However bear in mind costs have gone up: a 4-hour wristband is 62 USD per grownup and 38 USD for kids.
Head to the (free and public) seaside to walk alongside the long-lasting boardwalk and revel in a cold cheese scorching canine from Nathan’s Well-known.
There’s additionally minor league baseball at MCU Park and occasions like film nights, live shows, and a unusual annual Mermaid Parade (in June) that makes Coney Island a century-old summertime favourite.
10. Picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park
With a sweeping inexperienced garden proper on the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is ideal to unwind with breathtaking views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
There’s additionally a fantastically restored carousel from the Nineteen Twenties inside a glass pavilion, playgrounds for the children, and lawns for lunches and picnics. Stroll Pebble Seaside, or get sporty on the basketball and seaside volleyball courts.
This 85-acre pet-friendly oasis was as soon as an industrial waterfront that’s been reworked into a neighborhood venue. The park has a vigorous calendar of out of doors films and live shows, waterfront exercises, and music festivals. Test the Brooklyn Bridge Park web site to see what’s on.
11. Williamsburg
Recognized for its breweries and hipsters, Williamsburg is an eclectic neighborhood filled with meals vans, avenue artwork, and classic boutiques.
Head to Bedford Avenue for one of the best indie purchasing. Decide up some vinyl at Earwax Data, make your individual jewellery at Brooklyn Attraction, or browse the lux Nineteen Seventies classic at Amarcord.
Don’t miss Williamsburg’s weekly Smorgasburg Meals Market on Saturday – an enormous open-air foodie paradise that pulls in 30,000 folks each weekend. Get a style of Brooklyn’s best artisanal meals at discount costs.
Or simply take a stroll by means of Williamsburg and discover. With quirky artwork galleries, reside live shows, and dozens of meals distributors, you’ll discover gems round each nook.
12. Bushwick Collective
This stretch of murals alongside Troutman Avenue boasts a number of the metropolis’s most colourful, quirky, and daring avenue artwork by famend native and worldwide artists.
The open-art museum is stuffed with block after block of wonderful graffiti that fills each brick – and typically spills out onto painted vans and automobiles, too.
Artwork lovers can simply spend a number of hours wandering the aspect streets. And there’s a lot of nice avenue and Mexican meals within the space, too, for a breather between shopping.
You’ll typically spot artists at work on the murals. And for the reason that murals are continuously altering, Bushwick Collective can be somewhat totally different in your subsequent go to.
The Bushwick Collective surfaced in 2011 to breathe recent air into this industrial neighborhood. At the moment, the world has reworked right into a prime Brooklyn vacationer vacation spot.
You’ll discover many of the noteworthy murals on Troutman Avenue between Irving and Cypress Avenues. However put aside a while to discover the aspect streets, too.
13. Prospect Park
This huge park boasts an Audubon middle and grassy meadows that make it a major vacation spot for chook watching, out of doors live shows, and ball video games.
Designed by the identical architects behind Central Park, this Brooklyn landmark options every part from the towering bushes of the Ravine forest to the sprawling expanses of Lengthy Meadow and Nethermead.
It’s additionally standard for bicyclers, canine walkers, runners, and locals out for household picnics.
Prospect Park boasts 526 acres of nature that begin on the iconic Troopers and Sailors Memorial Arch entrance at Grand Military Plaza.
Inside there’s a boathouse, a man-made lake, an ice rink, a carousel, and a slew of various sporting fields.
Prospect Park additionally boasts an Audubon Middle with hands-on reveals and enjoyable scavenger hunts and chook bingo video games for youths.
And don’t neglect Smorgasburg on Sundays when the park will get taken over by dozens of meals distributors. You’ll discover something from basic New York bagels to fried rooster sandwiches and Jamaican meals.
14. Brooklyn Library
Take a breather from town bustle on the Central Department of Brooklyn Public Library for a number of hours of shopping books in a stunning setting.
This quiet and atmospheric library is all the time bustling with a various crowd of locals and guests – and it’s a testomony to the ability of an excellent library at a time when so many are shutting down.
There’s additionally a vigorous calendar of occasions from guide discussions and cooking lessons to artwork reveals.
15. Park Slope
This upscale neighborhood is stuffed with brownstones and tree-lined streets which can be a quiet, family-friendly oasis within the metropolis.
Head to fifth Avenue for one of the best area of interest boutiques, thrift shops, and cafes. You’ll discover eatable sculptures at Not Simply Chocolate and works by native ladies artists at St. Hrouda.
And don’t miss Sip N Play for a vigorous spot to play board video games over drinks.
For an evening of unbiased films, head to Nitehawk Cinema to look at a movie over dinner and cocktails.
The place to Eat in Brooklyn
From thin-crust pizza and meals vans to Michelin-starred eating, you’re spoilt for alternative in Brooklyn.
Head to Dekalb Market Corridor to pattern an array of native distributors from artisanal cheese to cocktails. And don’t miss Smorgasburg on the weekends (Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays at Prospect Park) for America’s largest open-air meals market.
Legends like Juliana’s and the Michelin-starred Sottoasa Pizzeria are each glorious to fulfill your pizza cravings. For a leisurely dinner, you possibly can’t beat Michael’s of Brooklyn for good Italian meals and cheery service.
The place to Keep in Brooklyn
The Williamsburg Lodge boasts hovering home windows with wonderful cityscapes. There’s additionally a rooftop pool and three glossy bars to select from.
1 Lodge Brooklyn Bridge is an eco-luxury resort nestled alongside the Brooklyn Bridge with unimaginable views, native greenery, and an epic rooftop pool.
Brooklyn FAQs
What are one of the best parks value visiting in Brooklyn?
Listed here are ten of one of the best out of doors areas to go to in Brooklyn:
- Prospect Park
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- McCarren Park
- Marine Park
- Highland Park
- Inexperienced-Wooden Cemetery
- Coney Island Boardwalk
- Owl’s Head Park
- Sundown Park
- Bushwick Inlet Park
Are there any purchasing facilities in Brooklyn?
There are a number of purchasing facilities in Brooklyn, together with:
- Atlantic Terminal Mall
- Kings Plaza Purchasing Middle
- Gateway Middle
- Fulton Mall
- Metropolis Level
Is there any public transportation accessible in Brooklyn?
Sure, there’s a wide range of public transportation choices accessible in Brooklyn, together with subway, bus, ferry, bike, and automobile share.
Are there any actions or points of interest appropriate for households in Brooklyn?
Actually! Listed here are some family-friendly actions and points of interest in Brooklyn:
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Coney Island Amusement Park
- Brooklyn Botanic Backyard
- Brooklyn Navy Yard Middle at BLDG 92
- Brooklyn Bowl
What about enjoyable actions accessible for youths in Brooklyn?
There are many enjoyable actions accessible for youths in Brooklyn, a few of them are:
- Discover the Brooklyn Youngsters’s Museum
- Go ice skating on the LeFrak Middle at Lakeside
- Stroll the Brooklyn Bridge Park and benefit from the playgrounds, carousel, and splash pad
- Attend a efficiency or workshop on the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
- Play arcade video games and mini golf on the Brooklyn Crab
- Expertise the interactive reveals on the New York Transit Museum
Maintain studying:
Dee Nowak was born in Poland, raised within the US, and at present lives as an expat in Cairo, Egypt. She likes to take highway journeys and metropolis breaks every time she’s visiting household again dwelling within the States. She additionally runs Vanilla Papers.
