Brooklyn, New York: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that if Brooklyn were its own city, it would be the fourth largest in the United States with 2.6 million residents? This vibrant borough across the East River from Manhattan has transformed from a local secret to a must-visit destination with its unique blend of historic neighborhoods, cutting-edge culture, and diverse food scene. From the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to hidden gems in Williamsburg, our guide reveals the best of Brooklyn’s charm and excitement for every type of traveler.

Getting There

Most visitors arrive in New York via one of the three major airports: JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark. From any of these airports, you can reach Brooklyn using public transportation, taxi services, or rideshares. If you’re already in Manhattan, crossing over to Brooklyn is simple via subway, taxi, or even a scenic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Planning Your Journey

Brooklyn is vast and diverse, with each neighborhood offering its own unique character. A well-planned visit should include a mix of iconic landmarks and local experiences. First-time visitors might want to focus on DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg, and Prospect Park areas. If you have more time, venture to Bushwick for street art, Coney Island for nostalgic beach vibes, or Sunset Park for authentic international cuisine.

Consider purchasing a MetroCard for unlimited subway and bus rides if you’ll be exploring multiple neighborhoods. The MTA website offers current fare information and trip planning tools. For the best experience, plan to spend at least two full days in Brooklyn to avoid rushing between attractions.

When to Visit

Brooklyn shines brightest from late spring through early fall (May to October), when parks are lush, outdoor markets thrive, and street festivals occur almost weekly. Summer brings free concerts in Prospect Park and outdoor movies with skyline views at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Fall offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage in Prospect Park.

Winter visits have their charm with fewer tourists and holiday markets, though some outdoor attractions may be less appealing. Spring brings cherry blossoms to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, creating a spectacular pink canopy that draws crowds from across the city.

Getting Around

Brooklyn’s excellent public transportation network makes getting around easy and affordable. The subway system connects most neighborhoods, with the A, C, F, G, 2, 3, 4, and 5 lines serving major areas. A single ride costs $2.90, while a 7-day unlimited MetroCard ($34) offers the best value for visitors exploring multiple areas.

Citi Bike, New York’s bike-sharing program, offers a fun way to explore, with hundreds of stations throughout Brooklyn. Daily passes cost $15 for unlimited 30-minute rides. Walking is ideal for exploring within neighborhoods, while rideshare services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient options for longer distances or late-night travel.

The NYC Ferry is another scenic transportation option, connecting waterfront neighborhoods like DUMBO, Williamsburg, and Red Hook with Manhattan and other boroughs. At just $4 per ride, it’s both practical and offers spectacular views of the skyline.

Where to Stay

Brooklyn offers accommodations for every budget and preference, from luxury waterfront hotels to charming boutique properties. Each neighborhood provides a different experience, so choose based on your interests and planned activities.

Practical Tips

Brooklyn is generally safe for visitors, but like any urban area, it’s wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populated areas when walking after dark, and use rideshare services for late-night travel between neighborhoods.

Top Attractions in Brooklyn

Brooklyn offers an incredible variety of attractions that appeal to all interests, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Here are the must-visit spots that showcase the best of the borough.

Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a quintessential New York experience. The 1.1-mile pedestrian path offers spectacular views of Manhattan, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty. Start your walk from the Brooklyn side for the best skyline views. After crossing, explore DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) with its cobblestone streets, converted warehouses, and the iconic photo spot at Washington Street where the Manhattan Bridge frames the Empire State Building.

Prospect Park

Designed by the same team behind Central Park, Prospect Park offers 526 acres of natural beauty. The Long Meadow, Ravine, and Prospect Park Lake provide perfect settings for picnics, sports, or peaceful walks. Don’t miss the historic carousel, the Prospect Park Zoo, or the weekly farmers market at Grand Army Plaza. During summer, catch free concerts at the Prospect Park Bandshell as part of the Celebrate Brooklyn! festival series.

Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden

The Brooklyn Museum houses an impressive collection of art spanning cultures and periods, from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to contemporary works. Next door, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden showcases over 14,000 plant species across 52 acres. The garden’s highlights include the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Cherry Esplanade, which bursts into pink blooms each spring during the annual Sakura Matsuri festival.

Williamsburg

This trendy neighborhood epitomizes Brooklyn’s creative spirit. Bedford Avenue, the main thoroughfare, is lined with independent boutiques, vintage shops, and artisanal food purveyors. Smorgasburg, a massive open-air food market, operates on the Williamsburg waterfront during summer weekends, featuring over 100 local vendors. For nightlife, explore the area’s craft breweries, rooftop bars, and music venues like Brooklyn Bowl or Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Coney Island

This historic seaside destination offers nostalgic fun with its boardwalk, beach, and amusement parks. Ride the historic Cyclone roller coaster and Wonder Wheel at Luna Park, grab a hot dog at the original Nathan’s Famous, or catch a Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball game. During summer, free fireworks light up the sky every Friday night, and the annual Mermaid Parade brings colorful costumes and floats to the boardwalk each June.

Dining & Nightlife

Brooklyn’s food scene rivals Manhattan’s with its diversity, innovation, and authenticity. From pizza institutions to farm-to-table restaurants, the borough offers culinary experiences for every palate and budget.

Iconic Eats

No visit to Brooklyn is complete without trying its legendary pizza. L&B Spumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst serves thick, square Sicilian slices topped with sweet tomato sauce and a dusting of cheese. In DUMBO, Juliana’s (opened by the original owner of Grimaldi’s) offers thin-crust pies from a coal-fired oven. For a unique Brooklyn food experience, visit Junior’s in Downtown Brooklyn for their famous cheesecake, or stop by Smorgasburg food market in Williamsburg (weekends only) to sample dozens of local food vendors in one location.

Neighborhood Dining

Each Brooklyn neighborhood offers distinct dining experiences. Williamsburg features trendy farm-to-table restaurants like Sunday in Brooklyn and Lilia. Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill are home to excellent Italian establishments including Frankies 457 Spuntino. For authentic international cuisine, explore Sunset Park’s Chinatown for dumplings and hand-pulled noodles, or the Latin American eateries along 5th Avenue. Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy offer outstanding Caribbean food, while Greenpoint serves Polish specialties alongside new American bistros.

Bars & Nightlife

Brooklyn’s nightlife ranges from dive bars to sophisticated cocktail lounges. Williamsburg and Bushwick lead the scene with venues like Radegast Hall & Biergarten, a sprawling German-style beer hall, and Nowadays, an indoor/outdoor space with DJ sets. For craft cocktails, visit Clover Club in Cobble Hill or Grand Army in Boerum Hill. Music lovers should check out Brooklyn Steel for concerts or Public Records in Gowanus for DJ nights. Many bars offer rooftop spaces with Manhattan views, including Westlight at The William Vale hotel and The Rooftop at Time Out Market in DUMBO.

Shopping & Markets

Brooklyn offers unique shopping experiences that showcase local designers, artisans, and vintage collectors. From bustling markets to independent boutiques, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items that make perfect souvenirs.

Brooklyn Flea operates seasonal markets in DUMBO and Williamsburg, featuring hundreds of vendors selling vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles, and artisanal foods. Artists & Fleas in Williamsburg showcases work from emerging designers and artists in a converted warehouse space. For food shopping, visit the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket on Saturdays, where farmers from the region sell fresh produce, baked goods, and specialty items.

Neighborhood Shopping

• Bedford Avenue (Williamsburg) for independent boutiques and vintage shops
• Atlantic Avenue (Boerum Hill) for home decor and antiques
• Smith Street (Carroll Gardens) for clothing and gift shops
• Fifth Avenue (Park Slope) for bookstores and children’s boutiques
• Fulton Street (Fort Greene) for Black-owned businesses and artisanal goods

Hidden Gems in Brooklyn

Beyond the well-known attractions, Brooklyn harbors countless hidden gems that offer authentic local experiences away from tourist crowds.

Green-Wood Cemetery

This historic 478-acre cemetery features stunning Gothic architecture, famous graves (including Jean-Michel Basquiat and Leonard Bernstein), and some of the highest points in Brooklyn with panoramic views of Manhattan.

Red Hook

This waterfront neighborhood offers unobstructed views of the Statue of Liberty, artisanal distilleries like Van Brunt Stillhouse, and excellent seafood at Brooklyn Crab or Red Hook Lobster Pound.

Bushwick Street Art

The Bushwick Collective has transformed this industrial neighborhood into an open-air gallery with massive murals by international artists. Take a self-guided tour starting at Jefferson Street station.

Other hidden gems include the Pratt Sculpture Garden in Clinton Hill (free and open to the public), the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s BLDG 92 museum chronicling the area’s shipbuilding history, and the Jacques Torres chocolate factory in DUMBO where you can watch confections being made while sampling hot chocolate.

Sample Itineraries

Make the most of your Brooklyn visit with these curated itineraries designed for different interests and timeframes.

Classic Brooklyn Day (First-Time Visitors)

• Morning: Walk across Brooklyn Bridge, explore DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park
• Lunch: Pizza at Juliana’s or Time Out Market
• Afternoon: Stroll through Brooklyn Heights and the Promenade
• Evening: Sunset drinks at 1 Hotel rooftop, dinner in Cobble Hill

Art & Culture Day

• Morning: Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden
• Lunch: Caribbean food in Crown Heights
• Afternoon: Explore street art in Bushwick
• Evening: Live music at BAM or Brooklyn Steel

Family-Friendly Day

• Morning: Prospect Park Zoo and carousel
• Lunch: Picnic in Prospect Park
• Afternoon: Brooklyn Children’s Museum or Transit Museum
• Evening: Ice cream at Ample Hills and sunset at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Seasonal Events & Festivals

Brooklyn’s calendar is packed with events that showcase the borough’s diverse culture, food, and arts scene. Planning your visit around these festivals can enhance your Brooklyn experience.

Ready to Explore Brooklyn?

From iconic landmarks to hidden local favorites, Brooklyn offers an authentic New York experience that goes beyond the typical tourist trail. Whether you’re walking across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset, savoring artisanal pizza, discovering street art in Bushwick, or relaxing in Prospect Park, Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods and vibrant culture create memories that last a lifetime.

The borough’s unique blend of historic charm and cutting-edge culture makes it a destination that rewards exploration. So grab your MetroCard, comfortable shoes, and sense of adventure – Brooklyn’s distinctive neighborhoods, diverse cuisine, and creative energy are waiting to be discovered.