Discover Brooklyn's best neighborhoods, attractions, and hidden gems — from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO waterfront to Williamsburg's food scene and Prospect Park's green spaces.
Brooklyn: A City Within the City
If Brooklyn were an independent city, it would be the fourth largest in the United States. This borough across the East River from Manhattan has its own distinct identity — creative, diverse, and fiercely independent. Over the past two decades, Brooklyn has transformed from Manhattan's quieter neighbor into one of the most exciting urban destinations in the world, with a food scene, art culture, and nightlife that rival anything across the river.
Check the New York weather forecast before exploring Brooklyn's many outdoor attractions — the waterfront parks and bridge walks are best enjoyed on clear days.
Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the great New York experiences. The 1.1-mile pedestrian walkway offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, the harbor, and the Statue of Liberty. Start from the Manhattan side for the best approach views and end up in DUMBO on the Brooklyn side.
DUMBO — Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass — is a trendy waterfront neighborhood with cobblestone streets, converted warehouses, art galleries, and some of the most photographed views in New York. Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches along the waterfront here, offering green lawns, playgrounds, a restored carousel, and unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline that are especially stunning at sunset.
Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights is one of the most beautiful residential neighborhoods in New York. Its tree-lined streets are filled with elegant brownstone townhouses dating from the 19th century. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a must-visit — this elevated walkway runs along the edge of the neighborhood and offers a panoramic view of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the harbor that is simply breathtaking.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is Brooklyn's creative heart. Once an industrial area, it's now packed with independent boutiques, vintage shops, craft breweries, street art, and some of the city's most exciting restaurants. Bedford Avenue is the main commercial strip, lined with cafes, record stores, and bars. The waterfront along the East River has been developed into parks with skyline views.
Smorgasburg, the famous open-air food market, takes place in Williamsburg on weekends during warmer months and features dozens of vendors selling creative dishes from around the world. It's one of the best food experiences in all of New York.
Prospect Park & Park Slope
Prospect Park is Brooklyn's answer to Central Park — and many locals argue it's even better. Designed by the same architects, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, the 585-acre park features rolling meadows, a 60-acre lake, dense forests, a boathouse, and a zoo. The Long Meadow, a mile-long stretch of open grass, is one of the most peaceful spaces in the entire city.
Adjacent Park Slope is a family-friendly neighborhood with stunning brownstone architecture, independent bookshops, excellent brunch spots, and a genuine community atmosphere. The main commercial strips along Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue are perfect for a leisurely afternoon of browsing and eating.
Coney Island
At the southern tip of Brooklyn, Coney Island offers a completely different experience — a classic American seaside boardwalk with amusement rides, hot dog stands, and a wide sandy beach. The iconic Cyclone roller coaster has been thrilling riders since 1927. Summer is the best time to visit, when the beach is open and the boardwalk is buzzing with energy.
Bushwick & Street Art
Bushwick has become one of the most vibrant street art destinations in the world. The Bushwick Collective, a collection of murals spanning several city blocks, turns the neighborhood's industrial walls into an outdoor gallery. New murals appear regularly, making each visit unique. The area is also home to a growing number of galleries, bars, and restaurants that reflect Brooklyn's creative energy.
Brooklyn's Food Scene
Brooklyn's food culture is extraordinary in its diversity and quality. From Williamsburg's trendy restaurants and Park Slope's brunch institutions to the authentic Caribbean food in Flatbush, Italian bakeries in Bensonhurst, and Russian cuisine in Brighton Beach, eating your way through Brooklyn is one of the great culinary adventures in America.
Don't miss a classic New York-style pizza from one of Brooklyn's legendary pizzerias, many of which have been serving coal-fired pies for generations.
Getting Around Brooklyn
Brooklyn is well-connected to Manhattan by multiple subway lines. The L train serves Williamsburg, the 2 and 3 trains reach Prospect Park and Flatbush, and the A and C trains connect to downtown Brooklyn and beyond. The NYC Ferry also connects DUMBO and Williamsburg to Manhattan by water.
Use the WFY24 Route Planner to plan routes between Brooklyn neighborhoods, and check the current time in New York for planning sunset visits to the waterfront. Explore New York's geographic details to understand how Brooklyn's neighborhoods connect to each other and to Manhattan.
