Summary
Red Hook in Brooklyn is a surprising neighborhood tucked along an old industrial waterfront, offering refreshing views of both the water and the southern tip of Manhattan. Local residents contribute to its unique charm, complemented by a variety of interesting venues. Red Hook serves as an excellent day trip destination from Manhattan for tourists and a captivating area for Brooklyn residents to explore.
1. Red Hook Overview
More than your typical Brooklyn neighborhood, Red Hook is a work in progress, showcasing a mixture of light industry, open spaces, and residential enclaves. The area offers a sense of urban pioneering and has a lower population density than most of Manhattan, contributing to its notably quiet atmosphere.
Brooklynites will discover intriguing pizzerias, bars, and an occasional art show, as well as several excellent nurseries for plants, flowers, and a large community garden.
Visitors can enjoy a spectacular twenty-minute ferry boat ride to Manhattan, discover vintage trolley cars and tracks, savor New York’s best key lime pie from local bakeries, and explore Brooklyn’s quirkiest museum, the Waterfront Museum & Showboat Barge.
What sets Red Hook apart is its eclectic mix of historic and modern elements, from 19th-century structures to contemporary developments.
2. IKEA in Red Hook
Thousands of visitors head to Red Hook, primarily for the renowned IKEA.
The IKEA store in Red Hook, Brooklyn offers the city an extensive selection of affordable furniture, similar to what many suburban malls provide. Additionally, the store includes:
- A ferry service to and from Manhattan’s South Street Seaport.
- A scenic waterfront walkway perfect for families and leisurely strolls.
- Seasonal promotions, including free meals for college students during the summer with qualifying purchases.
3. Getting to Red Hook
No subway directly connects to Red Hook, necessitating some planning for your visit. Situated less than two miles from Brooklyn Heights, it is even closer to Carroll Gardens and Park Slope.
Regardless, a trip to Red Hook is definitely worthwhile!
On and around Van Brunt Street, you’ll encounter a mix of galleries, bars, restaurants, and the esteemed Baked bakery.
If you opt for public transit, allow sufficient time for your journey. The best transportation options include:
- IKEA Ferry
- Driving
- Biking
- IKEA shuttle buses to various neighborhoods
- B 61 bus
4. Getting to Red Hook by Bike or by Foot
Cycling presents a delightful opportunity to explore Red Hook, while walking may not be the best choice for those who prefer busier, more urban environments.
By Bike: Here are directions for cyclists traveling to Red Hook from Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn Heights, and Manhattan:
- Follow the bike lane down Court Street, turn right on Bay Street, then take a quick right onto Columbia Street, another quick right onto Lorraine Street, heading toward Wolcott Street. Finally, turn right onto Van Brunt Street.
- For additional routes, check out the NYC bike path maps.
- Caution: Exercise care when crossing into Red Hook under the Gowanus Expressway, as this intersection can be busy. Remember to bring a bike lock, and stay in the bike lane to avoid potential tickets.
By Foot: Walking from Carroll Gardens to Red Hook takes around half an hour and offers a glimpse of the authentic Brooklyn lifestyle.
5. Directions to IKEA and Red Hook by Car
If driving, you may see occasional signs directing you to IKEA Plaza; however, the layout can be somewhat confusing.
Both IKEA and Red Hook are conveniently located near Wall Street, just on the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel.
By Car from the East: If coming from the BQE (I-278), take the Hamilton Avenue exit and proceed straight to Van Brunt.
By Car from Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge to IKEA: Take the first left onto Court Street, continue on Court Street, go under the overhead highway, turn right on Bay Street, and left onto Columbia Street (which becomes Halleck Street) to Beard Street, where IKEA is situated.
By Car from Manhattan via the Manhattan Bridge: Exit onto Jay Street, bear right onto Sands Street, and merge onto I-278 W towards Battery Tunnel/Manhattan. From there, follow Hamilton Avenue to IKEA or make a U-turn to reach Van Brunt Street.
6. Getting to Red Hook by Subway and Bus
If you’re considering traveling to Red Hook by subway or bus, there are multiple options available, including combining the two modes of transport.
By Subway: The nearest trains are the F or G lines to Carroll Street, followed by a walk. Alternatively, you can take a public bus from Brooklyn Heights or Park Slope subway stops, but be prepared for potential waits.
By Public Bus: Take the B61 Bus from Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, or Park Slope. Please note that the B77 bus was discontinued in 2010.
By IKEA Shuttle: A complimentary IKEA shuttle bus operates, picking up and dropping off passengers at several key locations including Smith Street in Carroll Gardens, Fourth Avenue and Ninth Street in Park Slope, and Borough Hall in Downtown Brooklyn. For bus schedules, check the IKEA website.
7. Red Hook Directions by IKEA Ferry
Experience a fun 20-minute boat ride from Manhattan! An IKEA Water Taxi operates from South Street Seaport to IKEA’s Terminal, departing from Pier 11. The ferry runs starting at 2 p.m. every 45 minutes on weekdays and starts at 11:30 on weekends.
For details on pricing and schedules, visit the New York Water Taxi website.
