Welcome to Brooklyn
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 LGBTQ+ 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. Moreover, Brooklyn is 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.
Best Time to Go
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 highlights to keep an eye out for include:
- The Greenpoint Film Festival, featuring 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 occurs every summer from June through August in Fort Greene’s Commodore Barry Park, showcasing performances from FKA Twigs, Alicia Keys, D’Angelo, SZA, and more, along with innovative streetwear fashion.
- The Brooklyn Book Festival is a fall staple, returning annually for a week in September. It’s the largest free literary event in America, with talks, signings, and a vibrant marketplace featuring special-edition and new titles.
- Experience ice skating at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park. This hidden gem boasts two outdoor rinks in the picturesque park, perfect for an affordable and memorable winter outing.
Time Zone
Eastern Standard Time
Things to Know
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 wise 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, so be mindful of those 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
How to Get Around
Trains:
Trains are accessed by Metrocard throughout New York. Each ride is $2.75, regardless of duration. Purchase Metrocards in most subway stations and add value or time as needed. Brooklyn is serviced by almost all trains in New York City, with central hubs for transfers including Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center, Jay Street-Metrotech, and Lorimer Street. Notably, the G train travels north to south exclusively within Brooklyn.
Buses:
Brooklyn’s extensive bus lines can be accessed with a regular Metrocard. Buses have the same fare as subway rides but may offer a more straightforward route in certain areas. All Brooklyn bus routes start with a “B” (e.g., B65).
Taxis:
Brooklyn taxis are pea-green! Known as borough taxis, they can bring you into Manhattan but primarily serve the boroughs. Hail them by standing near a space for pickup.
Rideshare:
Uber and Lyft are popular options in Brooklyn, particularly for those who prefer not to navigate main roadways.
Best Hotels
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Address: 60 Furman St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (347) 696-2500
A tourist favorite for its stunning Manhattan skyline views, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers luxuriously appointed rooms and waterfall showers.
Wythe Hotel
Address: 80 Wythe Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (718) 460-8000
Opened in 2012 in a restored factory building, Wythe Hotel blends rustic and industrial charm with chic and comfortable rooms.
NU Hotel
Address: 85 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 852-8585
This boutique property features murals by local artists and quirky touches, plus proximity to great dining and shopping.
Hotel Indigo
Address: 229 Duffield St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 254-7800
This downtown location features local art in a boutique atmosphere, ideal for exploring South Brooklyn.
Aloft New York Brooklyn
Address: 216 Duffield St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 256-3833
Aloft is a boutique hotel of the Marriott chain, offering comfort with unique touches and various room sizes.
The Tillary Hotel
Address: 85 Flatbush Ave. Ext., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 329-9537
This upscale urban spot is noted for spacious rooms and proximity to major subway lines.
Hotel Le Bleu
Address: 370 4th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 625-1500
Perfect for exploring Prospect Park, it’s situated near Park Slope’s shopping and offers a peaceful escape.
The Brooklyn
Address: 1199 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216
Phone: (718) 789-1500
A luxurious modern hotel, The Brooklyn combines sophistication with reasonable pricing.
The William Vale
Address: 111 N 12th St., Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: (718) 631-8400
This trendy hotel features private balconies and an epic outdoor pool, perfect for street art enthusiasts.
Best Restaurants
Colonie (Traditional American)
Address: 127 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 855-7500
A delicious mix of Italian, Jewish, and American influences with a farm-to-table approach.
Five Leaves (New American)
Address: 18 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: (718) 383-5345
A Greenpoint brunch staple renowned for its ricotta pancakes. Reservations recommended.
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop (Bakery)
Address: 727 Manhattan Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: (718) 389-3676
A neighborhood staple for over 60 years, famous for its soft, delicious donuts and perfect coffee pairings.
Tacombi (Mexican)
Address: 25 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (347) 294-0647
Authentic Mexican food served from a converted VW bus. Known for delicious tacos and horchata.
Roberta’s Pizza (Pizzeria)
Address: 261 Moore St., Brooklyn, NY 11206
Phone: (718) 417-1118
Known for its wood-fired pizzas and extensive wine selection in Bushwick.
Momo Sushi Shack (Sushi)
Address: 43 Bogart St., Brooklyn, NY 11206
Phone: (718) 418-6666
A cozy spot featuring sushi made in view of diners, with great ramen offerings as well.
Bagel Pub (Bakery)
Address: Multiple Locations
Renowned for its dense and chewy bagels. Ideal for a classic New York breakfast.
Sottocasa (Italian)
Address: 298 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 852-8758
Famous for its delicious brick oven pizzas, as well as classic Italian dishes.
Darna Falafel (Turkish)
Address: 200 Court St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (347) 799-1673
Don’t miss their flavorful falafel and rave-worthy chicken shish kebab.
The Crabby Shack (Seafood)
Address: 613 Franklin Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: (718) 484-1507
Offers delicious crab dishes alongside vegan options, mac and cheese, and homemade sauces.
Ample Hills Creamery (Ice Cream Parlor)
Address: 623 Vanderbilt Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: (718) 483-8199
Famous for a wide array of creative ice cream flavors and smooth texture; open year-round.
Peter Luger
Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 387-7400
Considered the best steakhouse in New York, known for dry-aging high-quality cuts.
Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop
Address: 110 Franklin St., Brooklyn, NY 11222
If you’re searching for the best pizza, skip the dollar slice joints and head straight to Paulie Gee’s, known for authentic pizza.
Things to Do
Brooklyn Museum
Address: 200 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: (718) 638-5000
Home to notable collections and special exhibitions including works by Judy Chicago and Frida Kahlo, the Brooklyn Museum is a must-visit. Entry is suggested donation, with ticketed special exhibits.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Address: 990 Washington Ave or 455 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: (718) 623-7200
A lovely place year-round with various events, including the famous Sakura Festival in spring. Admission is $15 for adults, free on Fridays before noon.
Brooklyn Bridge
Address: Enter at Cadman Plaza East or Boerum Pl. meets Tillary St. in Brooklyn
A stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge offers stunning views of the Manhattan Skyline. Enjoy this easy, length walk with accessible entrances.
Prospect Park
Address: Enter at Grand Army Plaza or off of Flatbush Ave.
Prospect Park offers a range of activities, including boating and roller skating, with plenty of space to explore its beautiful greenery.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
A scenic walkway along the East River, great for photography and overlooking the Brooklyn Bridge. The promenade features recreational activities and is free to access.
Nitehawk Cinema
Address: Multiple Locations
This innovative dinner-and-a-movie venue often hosts themed screenings, making it a unique entertainment experience.
Coney Island Boardwalk and Beach
Take the D, F, N, or Q train to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue
Coney Island offers a blend of attractions, including an aquarium, amusement park, and beach. A great summer destination with seasonal events.
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
Address: 30 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11217
A diverse arts center with film and performance venues. Check their schedule for a variety of unique shows and events.
Best Shopping
Books Are Magic
Address: 225 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: (718) 246-2665
A charming bookstore by author Emma Straub, featuring frequent author events and a cozy reading nook.
Smith Street
A boutique shopping heart in southwest Brooklyn, filled with locally owned shops, cafes, and eateries.
Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store
Address: 232 5th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: (718) 522-9848
A delightful gift shop specializing in unique souvenirs, toys, and artisan items.
The Shops at City Point
Address: 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Combining well-known chains and local boutiques, City Point regularly hosts themed marketplaces.
Greenlight Bookstore
Address: 686 Fulton St., Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 246-0200
A historic bookstore famed for author events and an expansive collection of new and classic titles.
Out of the Closet
Address: 475 Atlantic Ave., 2nd Fl., Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: (718) 637-2955
A thrift shop that supports community services and offers a variety of unique finds.
Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, Inc.
Address: 55 Pierrepont St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: (718) 624-3435
This nonprofit showcases works from local craftspeople, making it an excellent spot for unique gifts.
Plus Bklyn
Address: 490 Metropolitan Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: (718) 383-3700
New York’s first plus-size boutique in Brooklyn, highlighted for curating rare styles.
Bedford Avenue
While in Williamsburg, explore Bedford Avenue’s quirky boutiques and shops within walking distance of each other.
Neighborhoods to Know
Williamsburg: Known for its delicious restaurants and iconic attractions, Williamsburg offers unique shops and fabulous views of the Manhattan skyline.
Greenpoint: This vibrant neighborhood features parks and trendy eateries alongside longstanding local establishments.
Park Slope: Featuring classic brownstones near Prospect Park, this family-friendly area has been a cinematic backdrop for many films.
DUMBO: Offering historic waterfront views and a blend of modern and traditional architecture, DUMBO is ideal for exploration.
Cobble Hill: A charming neighborhood with cozy parks, Cobble Hill is a relaxing retreat from the bustling city life.
Crown Heights: Known for its diverse dining options and vibrant cultures, offering excellent nightlife and museums.
Weather
Brooklyn experiences variable weather in spring and fall, with occasional extremes in winter and summer. Prepare for rain in March-May and September-November, while summers can see temperatures above 90°F. Winter can vary, so consider packing waterproof boots for snow.
Winter: 27°F to 42°F
Spring: 35°F to 70°F
Summer: 64°F to 85°F
Fall: 42°F to 76°F
Apps to Download
- MyMTA: Monitor bus and train schedules, including live updates.
- OpenTable: Make restaurant reservations easily.
- Ask Brooklyn Museum: Engage with art historians and explore museum information.
