places to visit in downtown brooklyn

16 Fun Things to do in Downtown Brooklyn (A Local’s Guide)

Check out all the amazing things to do in Downtown Brooklyn, the bustling heart of our borough full of action! From entertainment venues, eateries, bars, and all kinds of incredible things to do – I will showcase the best of Downtown Brooklyn!

This neighborhood is starting to look like Manhattan more and more every day. Over the last few years, the gentrification of this area has skyrocketed. A large portion of this gentrification is credited to the opening of the Barclays Center in 2012, which was highly controversial for longtime residents of the borough and has introduced alot more new development in the area, like the giant dark, ominous looking tower and lone skyscraper that looks like Sauron.

Downtown Brooklyn is now known as a great spot to stay if you’re coming to travel around Brooklyn because of its central location, proximity to popular venues like Barclay’s, Atlantic Terminal, BAM, and universities. Nearby you have Long Island University and New York University flooding the area with students, and all the can’t miss things to do in Downtown Brooklyn!

In this guide, we will cover all the awesome things to do Downtown Brooklyn. This includes all the places for entertainment, amazing eats, shopping needs, parks to visit, where to stay in Downtown Brooklyn, and more!

But first, where is Downtown Brooklyn?

Just like most neighborhoods in Brooklyn, it’s not always clear where the boundaries are. Although technically the delineation of Downtown Brooklyn, New York includes DUMBO and parts of Vinegar Hill, for the purposes of this guide we are going to zero in on Downtown Brooklyn that doesn’t include these waterfront sections of the neighborhood since they are also considered neighborhoods their own.

This area is in the northwestern section of the borough.

When you cross the Brooklyn or Manhattan Bridge, you’ll end up right here in Downtown Brooklyn. This area has easy access to and from Manhattan and in recent years Downtown Brooklyn reminds visitors more of Manhattan than the rest of Brooklyn with large skyscrapers, endless food, and shopping options, and variety of public transportation, one could hardly tell the difference between this neighborhood and Manhattan.

This area is served by many subway stations.

• Dekalb Avenue B, D, N, Q, R, and W lines)
• Atlantic Avenue (2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R lines)
• Jay Street—MetroTech A, C, F, N, R, and W lines)
• Nevins Street (2, 3, 4, and 5 lines)

Needless to say, you will not struggle to find a train that will get you where you want to go.

Disclaimer: this post contains commisionable links.

What to do in Downtown Brooklyn

• See a Show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

The Brooklyn Academy of Music, known as BAM, kind of falls between Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene. Since it’s close to the edge, I am throwing it in the mix here.

Brooklyn is widely known for its history of artists and musicians. In 1906 BAM opened its doors right here in Downtown Brooklyn, New York and it’s actually known to be one of America’s oldest performing arts centers. They are famous for their cutting-edge performances.

BAM is an amazing place for those who appreciate culture and art. They present a variety of art forms, such as music, dance, opera, film, and more.

You will want to check out BAM Rose Cinemas for a movie! Seeing the re-screening of Stop Making Sense   featuring The Talking Heads here was unbelievable and it was the perfect place to do so as the annual New Wave Festival is held at BAM each year!

Since the programming here changes frequently and they host an array of events throughout the year, the best way to see what’s happening is by checking the calendar directly on BAM . If you purchase a BAM membership, you will be able to view special screenings or even sit in on rehearsals.

While you’re in the area, check out our guide for things to do in Fort Greene !

See a Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Performance

Hearing this famous Grammy-Award winning choir is something you’ll want to cross off your bucket list while visiting Downtown Brooklyn, New York.

Based on their outstanding accolades, one would’ve never guessed that the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir actually began with only nine singers in the mid-1970s.

Since then, this choir now consists of 270 angelic voices and has performed at a variety of famous venues, other than their beautiful church of course.

Throughout their time, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir has performed at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, Madison Square Garden, and more. Most notable was when they performed at the 2012 presidential inauguration, which had over 1 billion viewers.

The choir’s incredible commitment to their church has led them to five Dove Awards and six Grammy awards.

The Brooklyn Tabernacle is an evangelical non-denominational Christian church and was founded back in 1847. It wasn’t until 2002 that the church settled into a beautiful theatre in Downtown Brooklyn, New York.

This theatre seats 3,300 churchgoers and they have three two-hour services each week. It’s definitely a must on the list of things to do in Downtown Brooklyn.

• Catch a Flick at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

When thinking of things to do in Downtown Brooklyn, you have several great options for seeing a movie including might Alamo Drafthouse located on the 4th and 5th floors of City Point.

Alamo Drafthouse is a luxurious movie theater with 7 auditoriums, which can serve nearly 800 people. This movie theater has incredible reclining seats as well as full food & drink menus (they even have an all-vegan menu), which you can order from throughout your film. It’s just like a restaurant, a two-for-one kind of deal.

When compared to regular movie theaters, the tickets are about the same price but instead you can sit back and enjoy the show in a comfortable chair and be waited on and enjoy your favorite beer or cocktail as you watch the movie.

Keep in mind seats are chosen and reserved by visitors prior to entering the auditorium. There is also a zero-tolerance policy for talking and texting during any film.

So just sit back, relax, and order some grub! Keep in mind that only the seats in the front row recline! Check out more of the best movie theaters in Brooklyn !

• Eat Your Way Through Dekalb Market

As a downtowner, Dekalb Market holds a special place in my heart.

This iconic food hall has over 40 vendors from local and regional eateries (many of which are their second outpost), which provides a multitude of types of food representing cuisines from all over the world!

Whenever you’re unsure what to eat when visiting Downtown Brooklyn, this is the best place to go because of the variety!

Dekalb Market is most famous for their Taste of Katz’s, which is the only satellite location of the original Katz’s Delicatessen on Houston Street on the Lower East Side. Visit Katz’s in Dekalb to get a taste of some of the world’s most famous pastrami and most iconic places to eat in New York!

They also have some of the best places to eat in Downtown Brooklyn including Han’s Dynasty along with a handful of other vendors with all types of cuisine from around the globe represented in this food hall.

In addition to the amazing food, Dekalb Market has awesome bars and live music! Perfect for a night out with a group of friends since everyone can choose from different vendors and head to the beautiful Sixpoint Brewery bar here for drinks, one of the best breweries in Brooklyn !

Check out Dekalb Market on our guide to the most iconic places to eat in Brooklyn .

Get Creeped Out at The House of Wax

While you’re visiting the Alamo Drafthouse, check out The House of Wax, a macabre bar that’s truly unique. This spot definitely considered one of the hidden gems of Downtown Brooklyn. 

The House of Wax is what is sounds like, a place where you can see a rare wax collection that was called Castan’s Panopticum from the turn of the century in Berlin. The collection is grotesque to say the least, almost all of it are anatomical wax figures, many of which are quite shocking. 

But wait, there’s more.

The House of Wax is also a cocktail bar! They also have an extensive draft menu. It has a dark and intimate ambiance. It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink before or after catching a flick (or you can just visit without seeing a movie too).

But be warned, this place really isn’t for the faint of heart. Some of the wax figures are pretty graphic.

See A Performance or Sporting Event at Barclays Center

It is currently home to the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and the WNBA’s New York Liberty. NHL’s New York Islanders also used the Barclays Center as their home stadium from 2016-2020.

Getting to the Barclays Center is the easiest part. The Atlantic Avenue subway station right in front of the Barclays connects the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R, & W lines as well as the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). This makes it much more quick and efficient when leaving a crowded event.

And plan your pre or post-event by checking out the best places to eat near Barclays Center just a short walk away! There are so many incredible food options, so take a local’s recommendation from our guide.

• Shop Around Fulton Mall

One of my personal favorite things to do in Downtown Brooklyn, New York is stroll and shop around the Fulton Mall.

This is an outdoor shopping center that is a huge attraction for Brooklynites. There are hundreds of small businesses and almost every clothing outlet you could possibly need. Who says you need to go to SoHo for shopping?

A couple of the most popular stores a TJ Maxx, Macy’s, American Eagle, H&M, Aldo, Steve Madden, Adidas, Old Navy, and more. It’s a great way to get outdoors even if you’re not looking to buy anything, I often find myself roaming the Fulton Mall just for window shopping.

If you’ve worked up an appetite while shopping, visit Junior’s or the Dekalb Market just feet away.

There’s usually a large outdoor seating area, which is perfect for a meet up with friends or just as a place to rest the legs after exploring all of Downtown Brooklyn, New York.

Read Next: Amazing Brooklyn Boutiques & Gift Stores in Brooklyn

• See a Hidden Art Installation in the Subway: Masstransiscope

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Your Brooklyn Guide (@yourbrooklynguide)

Hop on the B or Q Manhattan-bound trains from the Dekalb Avenue station (and look out the right-hand side of the window) to see Masstransiscope, an art installation by artist Bill Brand hidden in the depths of the subway.

To prove that you really have to look out for this zoetrope, I’ve had friends who had lived here in Downtown Brooklyn, for years and didn’t even know it existed. Most people are looking down on their phones or distracted while on their commute, so it’s easy to miss!

Wondering what a zoetrope is? A zoetrope is a sequence of drawings and/or photographs to show motion used in pre-film animations.

Masstransiscope has been here since 1980 and it was created by the artist Bill Brand. The zoetrope is 300 feet long and has actually been restored twice! It’s currently in great shape, you just have to hope that you don’t get an annoying delay on the train as that will make it hard to see the zoetrope in full action.

Make sure you board the B or Q Manhattan-bound train and look out the right side window!

• Wander Around the New York Transit Museum

This is without a doubt one of the coolest museums in New York City. Located on the edge of Boerum Hill and Downtown Brooklyn is the New York Transit Museum, which is actually in the decommissioned 1936 Court Street subway station.

This underground museum was founded in 1976 and visitors can view and even board vintage subway cars that date back as early as 1907!

In addition to the awesome trains, visitors can learn about incredible stories and the history stemmed from New York’s amazing mass transit system.

Visitors can learn about the history of New York City transit through exhibits, there are plenty of areas for kids to play too, making it one of the best museums in New York City for kids !

But the best part is being able to walk through all the vintage trains and seeing the different styles, and advertisements fitting of the year they were in service, and wondering what it was like to ride these gorgeous old-school cars.

Pay attention to when they partner with the MTA to do their nostalgic train rides and the Parade of Trains where they bust out their old fleet and let passengers ride on their daily commute all for the cost of a single subway ride! Oh, and people dress for the part too in their best vintage apparel! They have a few throughout the year, but the most famous one is probably the holiday nostalgic train rides. 

Check out more of the amazing museums in Brooklyn too!

The New York Transit Museum is wheelchair accessible at the corner of Schermerhorn and Court Streets.

Pay Homage to a Literary Great at Walt Whitman Park

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Boo (@booinbrooklyn)

A visit to Walt Whitman Park is one of the best things to do in Downtown Brooklyn when you just need a breath of fresh air or some inspiration.

This park is named after a famous Brooklyn resident, Walt Whitman, who is known for his work as a writer, poet, and essayist. He is known to be one of the country’s most influential when it comes to literary work.

Whitman lived and worked in Brooklyn and a lot of his famous work was published here, one of his most famous being, Leaves of Grass . If you’re familiar with his work you may even recognize locations in Brooklyn that are mentioned in his works like the Fulton Ferry Landing.

Although most people don’t visit this park to get active, like some of our other Brooklyn parks , it’s a great space to take a walking break on a bench or bring a book and just enjoy a nice day.

While you’re walking around the park, keep an eye out for some Whitman excerpts from his poems and be sure to check out the rest of the Walt Whitman Brooklyn sites nearby.

• Hang Out at Cadman Plaza Park

This park is right on the border of Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights. Every time I pass this park on my way to DUMBO, there are plenty of people soaking in the gorgeous day, some walking their dogs, and some using the park for their fitness activities.

This park has a large central lawn that’s a common gathering space for demonstrations, events, and politcal events. When those things aren’t happening, people relax on the lawn and use it as an urban greenspace.

Cadman Plaza Park was named after a minister in the Brooklyn Congregational Church, Reverend Doctor Samuel Parkes Cadman.

Something that makes this park special is the Brooklyn War Memorial, it’s dedicated to the 300,000 Brooklynites that served during World War II.

Once you’ve checked this Brooklyn park off your things to do in Downtown Brooklyn bucket list, check out our guide for things to do in DUMBO ! I mean, since you’ll be in the area.

• Take a Peek at Brooklyn Borough Hall

This building served the original City Hall for nearly 50 years before Brooklyn merged to become part of New York City in 1989. It’s also a National Registered Historic Place, which means the government has deemed the building worthy of preservation because of its historical significance in Downtown Brooklyn.

Brooklyn was once its own city, until 1898 when Brooklyn became included in the New York City Hall on January 1st. Thus Brooklyn’s City Hall changed its name to Brooklyn Borough Hall.

This building is recognized as one of the city’s best Greek Revival buildings. Other notable features include the gorgeous rotunda atop of the building, the checkered marble floors, and the elegant Courtroom.

This area is also usually flooded with some pretty talented skateboarders. If you’re lucky you might just catch a show.

• Dine at the Iconic Junior’s Restaurant & Bakery

If you know anything about Brooklyn, it’s probably that it’s home to the most famous slice of New York cheesecake.

Since 1950, Junior’s has been dedicated to making the best cheesecake New York has to offer and getting a slice of their plain cheesecake is a must when visiting NYC. It’s basically a no-brainer on the list of things to do in Downtown Brooklyn.

Although many people visit the Times Square location, the original Junior’s is right here in Downtown Brooklyn. In addition to cheesecake you can also have a classic diner experience here and a full meal! This is just one of those timeless, old-school dining institutions you don’t want to miss.

If you aren’t able to dine-in, Junior’s will ship the cheesecake to you via Gold Belly!

Have a Cocktail at the Sunken Harbor Club

One of the coolest themed bars in New York City can be found in Downtown Brooklyn. Located above the gorgeous, fine dining establishment Gage & Tollner, this hidden intimate nautical bar is an experience.

The setting is intimate and dimly lit and makes you feel like you’re in the bowels of an old pirate ship with ambient sounds of waves crashing.

On the pricier side, but well worth it as you feel like you’re in an elevated Pirates of the Caribbean Disney-esque club. It might take a minute to page through their extensive list of elevated cocktails and libations along with a few shareable bites, if you’re looking for a full meal you’ll want to go back downstairs. 

Open Wednesdays – Sundays 5 PM – 12 AM, no reservations and on a first come first serve basis.

Pet Some Kitties at the Brooklyn Cat Café (Or Adopt one!)

Calling all cat lovers! The Brooklyn Cat Café is an incredible non-profit that sounds like a cute and quirky place to grab brunch, but it’s actually a great place to visit with cats and kittens.

This cat café is an adoption center that has partnered with animal rescue groups to find these whiskered cuties a fur-ever home.

Walk-ins and reservations are available and you do not have to adopt any of the cats (unless you want to!) while visiting Brooklyn Cat Café.

You can get a 30 minute visit with these feline friends when visiting. Visitors help keep the facility up and running, which ultimately helps more kittens find a loving home.

Although this café is considered apart of Brooklyn Heights, it’s only a short walk from Downtown Brooklyn, New York.

If you aren’t able to make it in, check out their Instagram page for all their furry friends currently at the café. Mentally this is where I am.

Closed Tuesdays

Get a Caffeine Fix at a Cafe

Obviously spending hours on your feet while exploring Downtown Brooklyn can be perfectly paired with a cup of coffee, tea, or treat from one of the many cool cafes in the area.

Luckily one thing Downtown Brooklyn is really good at is having cute cafes perfect for your Instagram aesthetic and a morning or mid-day pick me up.

Although this area has a surplus of Starbucks and Dunkin’, which are always good options, we love to support smaller businesses when we can, plus you’re going to get a better quality cup of coffee.

Here’s a quick rundown of some options in Downtown Brooklyn!

White Noise Coffee Co.— Check out this coffee shop located on Smith Street. They have all the coffee drinks you need and an awesome food menu guaranteed to hold you over while you explore Downtown Brooklyn. 

Devoción— This coffee shop located on Livingston Street has an amazing aesthetic. It made for a great Instagram story and a nice place to hang out.

Hungry Ghost— With a few locations in Downtown Brooklyn, Hungry Ghost is a great option if you’re looking for coffee on the go. In addition to coffee and lattes, they serves teas and kombucha here!

Doughnut Plant— Located on Flatbush Ave right by the Barclays Center, Doughnut Plant is a step up from Dunkin’ Donuts. They have a variety of specialty donuts and coffee drinks. A must have!

The Sweet Cafe— An adorable little cafe located on Hoyt Street, serves all your favorite specialty espresso drinks, lattes, teas and more. They also have smoothies, crepes, sandwiches and other options for breakfast and lunch!

Getting Around Downtown Brooklyn, New York

Getting around this area couldn’t be easier. Most of the things you’ll want to see in Downtown Brooklyn are within walking distance.

But if you get tired of walking everywhere or you’re looking to cover more ground at a faster pace, we would recommend downloading the Citi Bike app for bike rentals!

All you have to do is enter your info into the app and find the nearest docking station. You can get the bike for 30 minutes unless you get a day pass or you’re an annual pass holder, then you’ll have to redock after 45 minutes of biking!

Just be mindful of busy roads and look for the bike line when possbile, one of the best places to bike to from Downtown Brooklyn is to Brooklyn Bridge Park , which has a nice bike path to ride along.

And don’t forget about the plenty of subway stations we have right here in Downtown Brooklyn!

• Dekalb Avenue (B, D, N, Q, R, and W lines)
• Jay Street—MetroTech (A, C, F, N, R, and W lines)

Where to Stay in Downtown Brooklyn, New York

Aloft New York Brooklyn

You can find this affordable 4-star hotel in Downtown Brooklyn on Duffield Street. This hotel is centrally located for all the amazing things to do in Downtown Brooklyn.

The rooms are beautifully decorated and the hotel offers a fitness center, an indoor pool, a bar and lounge, coffee shops, and more.

If you’re traveling with your furry friend, this hotel is pet friendly!

Book Now on Booking.com | Compare Prices for Later on Hotels.com | See Rates on Expedia.com

Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel

Another great spot to stay when visiting Downtown Brooklyn is the Sheraton. This hotel is also located on Duffield Street, which means you’ll have easy access to subways, fantastic dining, shopping, and more.

This 4-star hotel has everything you’ll need and more for a magical stay in Brooklyn. This hotel is equipped with spa services, fitness centers, an indoor pool, and this is also where Kimoto Rooftop is!

The beautiful rooftop bar and lounge sits on top of this very hotel, making it easy to cross that off your list of things to do in Downtown Brooklyn.

The rooms are perfect for business travelers with plenty of work space. During your stay, customers can upgrade to a suite that has a separate living room and it also comes with special perks like access to the lounge, complimentary breakfast, snacks, and appetizers in the evening!

The Tillary Hotel

The Tillary is a great place to stay in Downtown Brooklyn if you think you’ll be spending some of your visit in DUMBO. This hotel also has amazing views of the Manhattan Bridge, just steps away from the hotel.

The Tillary has a café, a bar, and a beautiful outdoor terrace. This hotel also offers soundproof windows, which can be a game changer when staying in NYC.

The rooms are also beautifully designed with designer toiletries and Italian linens.

If you’re looking to step out of the room, enjoy the incredible views, the lobby lounge and beer garden and so much more when you stay at the Tillary.

There is parking on the property for an added fee.

Ace Hotel Brooklyn

Probably my favorite pick for where to stay in Downtown Brooklyn is the uber cool Ace Hotel Brooklyn . Located within a block of three different subway stations, it’s so easy to navigate around Brooklyn and New York City from here.

As for the block that Ace Hotel is on, they have plenty of great restaurants surrounding it including a few awesome Korean restaurants and their own restaurant on site, As You Are which is one of my favorite date night spots and places to eat in the area.

As with any Ace Hotel property, you’re getting a quality stay. This 4-star hotel features immpecable design and stylish rooms.

Book now on Expedia.com | Check out Rates on Hotels.com

Things to do Nearby Downtown Brooklyn

There are a number of gorgeous neighborhoods to check out during your stay in Downtown Brooklyn.

This neighborhood is one of my personal favorites. This is the best spot in Brooklyn for amazing cityscape views as well as accessing the New York ferry along the East River! There’s also some amazing food options down there. Be sure to check out all the best things to do in DUMBO for more inspiration!

Fort Greene

This gorgeous brownstone filled neighborhood is practically a part of Downtown Brooklyn and absolutely worth checking out during your visit. Relax in the beautiful Fort Greene Park or check out some of the borough’s best restaurants that can be found here. Refer to our full guide for the best things to do in Fort Greene for more!

Prospect Heights

While this neighborhood is on the smallish side, there are plenty of great things to do in Prospect Heights which neighbors Downtown Brooklyn including accesss to Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park!

If you plan on visiting the Barclays Center, take a few more steps to continue to the beautiful brownstone filled neighborhood of Park Slope. This area is full of plenty of awesome places to shop and eat, and is known for the amazing Prospect Park. Check out our full guide for best things to do in Park Slope !

Cobble Hill

Another quaint neighborhood that’s fun to just mosey around and look at pretty houses, charming pocket-sized parks, dine, or even spot the occassional celebrity. Be sure to pay a visit to the beautiful Cobble Hill Park for a nice walking break on a bench.

Boerum Hill

Another smaller neighborhood around Downtown Brooklyn worth exploring for more food, restaurants, and even galleries!

Brooklyn Heights

This historic neighborhood is the oldest suburb in America and filled with gorgeous architecture, see our guide for the best things to do in Brooklyn Heights to build your own historic walking tour as well as some of the best views in the city from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade!

Best Things to do in Downtown Brooklyn (Post Summary):

• See a Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Performance 
• Get Creeped Out at the House of Wax
• See a Performance or Sporting Event at Barclays Center
• Pay Homage to A Literary Great at Walt Whitman Park
• Have a cocktail at the Sunken Harbor Club
• Pet some kitties at the Brooklyn Cat Cafe (or adopt one!)
• Get a caffeine fix at a cafe

Liked this post on the best things to do in Downtown Brooklyn or found it helpful? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest.

My name is Katie and I went to college here New York City at LIU in Brooklyn! I love photography and am excited to share some of my favorite Brooklyn and New York City tips and spots on Your Brooklyn Guide.

Similar Posts

LOCAL’S GUIDE for Best Pizza in NYC + MAP

Looking for the best pizza in NYC? We got you. New York City is more than just Manhattan and…

Guide to the Perfect Day Trip to the Hamptons from NYC (Without a Car)

One of the best escapes from the city is doing a day trip to the Hamptons! This popular getaway…

Weekend in Boston Getaway Guide (Boston Itinerary)

Looking for how to spend a perfect weekend in Boston? We’ve got you covered. Planning a Boston getaway can…

15 Local’s Favorite Parks in NYC

Looking for the best parks in New York City to enjoy a bit of serenity and peace in the…

25 Indoor Things to do in NYC – Perfect for a Cold or Rainy Day!

Looking for indoor things to do in NYC on a rainy day or cold, blustery day? We’ve got you…

What Does DUMBO Mean in Brooklyn?

One of the most popular neighborhoods to visit in New York City including some of the best views of…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

 100+ Things To Do in Brooklyn 

Get Our FREE GUIDE  

Home » Travel Guides » United States » New York (NY) » 15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Brooklyn

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Brooklyn

Downtown Brooklyn is a compact urban nucleus in the Brooklyn suburb of New York City. Nestled between Clinton Hill and Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn is an area which is, in general, dedicated to commercial and financial purposes and ranks as the Big Apple’s third-largest business district. Does that mean there’s not much to do there? It certainly doesn’t.

There’s a lot going on in Downtown Brooklyn both socially and culturally. Think fascinating underground museums, iconic towers, and seriously eclectic bars. Superb green spaces, street-length shopping malls, first-class theaters, and rooftop Zen-style restaurants, Downtown Brooklyn has them all.

Save yourself time searching for them when you get there. Check out the best fifteen things to do in Downtown Brooklyn here.

1. Fulton Mall

Walk the length of the Fulton Mall, and you’ll discover not just multiple retail outlets, eateries, and bars but the real Downtown Brooklyn vibe. You won’t be alone either; the mall has at least a hundred thousand visitors every day.

Shop at big name stores like Macy’s, Banana Republic or Gap then drop into some of the smaller stores and pick up anything from a hip-hop style dental grillz to the latest mobile phone.

The restaurants in the Fulton Mall are as diverse as the shops and serve everything from an Indian biryani to that staple favorite, the all-American hot dog.You won’t go hungry during your session of retail therapy at the Fulton Mall in Downtown Brooklyn that’s for sure.

2. New York Transit Museum

The New York Transit Museum on, or rather under, Schermerhorn Street in Downtown Brooklyn is dedicated to the history of New York’s transport system.

Head down the stairs into a de-commissioned, but beautifully renovated 1936 subway station to view an incredible array of vintage subway cars, exhibitions about the underground tunnel systems and the people who built them, plus antique street level buses and trolleys. There are also fascinating displays of ticket machines, fire hydrants, and signage.

If your visit to Downtown Brooklyn falls between Thanksgiving and New Year, don’t miss the Nostalgia Train and taking a ride on one of the vintage, but fully operational, 1930 R1/9 cars through nine stops on the subway system.

3. Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower

The Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower was constructed in the late 1920’s and is Downtown Brooklyn’s iconic landmark.

The photo-worthy building, at over five hundred feet tall, looms over everything around it and is topped by a domed, four-faced clock tower.

The tower, which has had many uses during its century of life including being the headquarters of several banks, has now been converted into luxury living space and offices.

4. Kimoto Rooftop Lounge

The Kimoto Rooftop Lounge on Duffield Street in Downtown Brooklyn serves delectable food in a Zen-style garden setting with incomparable views of the Downtown skyline.

Be seated at one of the wooden tables amid an indoor rock garden flourishing with over three hundred plants and bonsai trees. Then choose a dish like Tiger Shrimp Teriyaki or a Dragon Burger from the Japanese-influenced menu. They’ll set your taste buds alight brighter than the glistening lights of Downtown Brooklyn at night.

Just want a drink while watching the sun go down on Brooklyn? Try the Komodo Dragon cocktail, or if there’s a wintery nip in the air, a glass of hot Sake. Unbeatable!

5. Barclays Center

When in Downtown Brooklyn Head to the Barclays Center to catch a concert or some sporting action.

The massive indoor venue on Atlantic Avenue has a seating capacity for over seventeen thousand spectators and hosts ice hockey and basketball games as well as boxing and wrestling matches. Major concert performances at the center have included top bands and stars like Mumford and Sons, Coldplay and Marc Antony.

Art fans shouldn’t miss seeing the mural by Jose Parla, The Diary of Brooklyn, which decorates the venue’s Dean Street entrance.

6. Cadman Plaza Park

Take a stroll through Cadman Plaza Park for a change of scene and a breath of fresh air in Downtown Brooklyn.

This beautiful green space, named after a 1930’s minister of the district has meandering pathways lined with trees, lawned areas ideal for a picnic and is home to several important, historical monuments.

Stop by to see the Brooklyn War Memorial with its famous inscription dedicated to the heroes who lost their lives during World War II.

7. Crawl Brooklyn

One way to find out where all Downtown Brooklyn’s top nightspots are is to go on a guided bar crawl.

Meet up with your Crawl Brooklyn host at a pre-specified location and have a drink while mixing and mingling with the other crawlers before hitting the town.

Destinations are kept a secret, so no one knows where they’re going until they get there. It could be a plush cocktail bar or a DT dive. That’s all part of the fun and a great way of meeting people if you’re traveling on your own-some.

8. BAM Harvey Theater

The BAM Harvey Theater is an early 1900’s historic building which has hosted everything from vaudeville to cinema to opera since its opening.

Completely renovated in the late 1980’s, the building has retained many of its original neo-classical features both inside and out.

The nine-hundred seat theater continues its long-standing tradition of having varied performances grace its stage, and it’s still the best place in Downtown Brooklyn to catch the latest dramas, musicals or ballet.

9. Junior’s

Any visitor to New York just has to try a slice of the city’s famous cheesecake. There’s only one place to do that in Downtown Brooklyn, and that’s at Junior’s.

Junior’s on Downtown’s Flatbush Avenue has been serving up delicious slices of New York Cheesecake since the 1950’s as well as a whole range of deli-sandwiches, burgers, and ribs.

Go for an original NY Plain, a Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake or a slice topped with strawberries – the list is endless and so scrumptious they’ll leave you wanting more.

10. DeKalb Market Hall

Don’t expect to find your standard market stalls at the DeKalb Market Hall; this marketplace is all about food, food, more food, and the culinary experience.

The DeKalb Market Hall is located in Albee Square in Downtown Brooklyn and is home to over forty different pop-up eateries selling everything from Colombian arepas to Chinese noodles.

The market is open seven days a week from early until late, and the food is often accompanied with live music performances from upcoming local artists. It’s a real Downtown Brooklyn social hub.

11. Jazz 966

Friday night in Downtown Brooklyn is jazz night. Drop into Jazz 966 on DT’s Fulton Street to catch first class performances from the city’s top jazz musicians.

The club was originally opened in 1990 as a get-together place for the district’s senior to have somewhere to enjoy live music and dancing. Jazz 966 is now one of the top jazz clubs in New York and attracts guests of all ages.

There is no cover charge at the club, but they do operate a “suggested donation” scheme which helps fund the performances.

12. Walt Whitman Park

Take a literary break in the Walt Whitman Park just off Downtown Brooklyn’s Cadman Plaza. Walt Whitman was a political campaigner and civil rights activist whose works celebrate his life and times.

The three-acre park is dedicated to “America’s Poet” as he is now known and there are various examples of his work displayed throughout the grounds.

The park is also a popular summer meeting place for chess players as games tables have been installed in one of its tree-lined plazas.

13. Green Market

While buying fresh fruit and vegetables might not be high up on your agenda of things to do when vacationing in Downtown Brooklyn, the Green Market is still worth a visit.

Held every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the year, and on Thursdays too from April to December, outside of the Brooklyn Borough Hall in Columbus Park, this market is a hive of local activity.

As well as produce stalls, there are cookery demonstrations and lots of food trucks with bistro-style terraces. There are several statues and a three-tiered fountain in Columbus Park which are worth a look too.

14. Brooklyn Academy Of Music

The Brooklyn Academy Of Music is a group of venues in Downtown Brooklyn dedicated to the performing arts in all the genres.

The Howard Gilman Opera House is a plush auditorium with tiered seating which can accommodate over two thousand people. The Fisher Building in DT’s Asher Place houses an intimate two-hundred and fifty seater black-box theater, the Fishman Space and the Fisher Hillman Studio. BAM also encompasses the Harvey Theater.

Don’t miss the BAMCafe in Lepercq Square which operates when there are shows at the Opera House and presents live music performances without an entrance charge.

15. House Of Wax

If opera and jazz or the theater are just not your thing, then the House of Wax probably will be. Diverse doesn’t even begin to describe this eclectic drinking hole in Albee Square in Downtown Brooklyn.

Sip on a drink while contemplating the macabre waxwork exhibitions of body parts which vary from torsos to bodiless heads to intestines. The décor has a touch of Victoriana, and there’s live music too.

It’s grotesque, but fun and definitely a different sort of place for a night out in Downtown Brooklyn.

15 Best Things to Do in Downtown Brooklyn:

• Fulton Mall
• New York Transit Museum
• Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower
• Kimoto Rooftop Lounge
• Barclays Center
• Cadman Plaza Park
• Crawl Brooklyn
• BAM Harvey Theater
• DeKalb Market Hall
• Walt Whitman Park
• Green Market
• Brooklyn Academy Of Music
• House Of Wax

• Work With Me
• Subscriber-Only Resources
• Privacy Policy
• Affiliate Disclosure
• Gotraveltipster.com Guest Post Guidelines

21 Best Things To Do In Downtown Brooklyn

Calling the resurgence of the New York City area of downtown Brooklyn a “Renaissance” is putting it mildly. The revitalization of this area and its neighborhoods has been an incredible undertaking. The fact that downtown Brooklyn incorporates a unique mix of history and culture makes the new and improved downtown even more spectacular. So, if you’re tired of the crowds and prices in the Manhattan area of NYC, jump over to downtown Brooklyn for a visit. In Brooklyn, you will find no shortage of amazing things to do. As proof, here are 20 of the best things to do in downtown Brooklyn.

1. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Start your journey on the bridge that connects New York City to downtown Brooklyn and beyond. The best way to see this hybrid stable-cable/suspension bridge is not to drive across. Instead, to understand the bridge’s majesty, you want to walk across its span. The walk takes an hour to do. As you walk you’ll get a true sense of how this historic bridge has linked downtown Brooklyn to Manhattan Island, helping to create a cohesive NYC.

Brooklyn Travel Tip:

Did you know that in addition to walking the Brooklyn Bridge you can also walk the Manhattan Bridge? Check out my complete guide to walking the Manhattan Bridge to learn more.

2. Visit the Superhero Supply Store

Go west in downtown Brooklyn, past Prospect Park, and you’ll find the greatest inventory of superhero and arch-enemy paraphernalia in the New York City area. The Superhero Supply Store has all you need to save/take over Downtown Brooklyn or even Flatbush. Do you require a can of speed of light, or a gallon of gravity? You’ll find both in the Superhero Supply Store in easy-to-carry containers. They also carry portable black holes and particle guns for villains who need to restock on these essential items. However, walk beyond the false bookcase at the back of the store and you’ll find the true reason for this store’s existence — a non-profit writing lab for school-aged children. All proceeds from your purchases go back into promoting prose for young scribes.

Want to venture beyond well-explored downtown Brooklyn? Check out my complete guide to exploring Dead Horse Bay .

3. Stroll the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

A botanical garden in the south of downtown Brooklyn? What’s wrong with that? Despite its metropolitan feel, New York City has its share of places to view nature. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is one of these. Called “The Oasis in the Heart of Brooklyn,” the 52-acre garden contains more than 14,000 indoor and outdoor plants. Even though downtown Brooklyn can sometimes be cold and windy in the winter, the garden is open year-round. Don’t make the mistake of only visiting the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens on a fine day. There is magic here in the winter, and you’ll find it as you quietly stroll the narrow alleyways surrounded by ancient trees sleeping in New York snow.

Not sure how to plan your day in Brooklyn? Check out my complete one day Brooklyn itinerary .

4. Hit the Putting Green and Save the Planet

It’s no secret that New York City is a pretty expensive place to hang out. However, you might be surprised that even in Brooklyn you can find some great bargains, if only you know where to look. A brand new attraction, build in the summer of 2021 is a well-appointed and super reasonably priced mini-golf course on the water – Putting Green . Although technically the course is located a bit out of downtown Brooklyn (in Williamsburg), this swell kid-friendly stop is well worth the train ride. Every hole is designed by artists, in collaboration with private companies, each stop teaches you about an aspect of environmentalism. The ticket price goes to support the project – so you can feel good even if you do lose badly to your 15-year-old. Which, consequently, I did.

5. Ride the Historic Rails of the New York Transit Museum

Subways and trolleys are an integral part of NYC’s history. You’ll find many of these artifacts in the New York Transit Museum . Located in the southern area of Downtown Brooklyn, inside the long-abandoned Court Street Station, the museum has exhibits on the construction of the New York subway system, the history of its bus fleet, and a collection of tokens that dates back to the 1950s. But the most interesting part of the museum is at a lower level. Here, you’ll find a fascinating collection of subway cars dating back to 1916. Here too, discover wooden elevated train cars that go back to the late 1800s. The trolleys are decorated with fascinating old ads, just like when these cars were still connecting the city.

6. Admire Artistic Majesty at the Brooklyn Museum

New York City is home to dozens of large art museum featuring some of the greatest works in history. One of these, the Brooklyn Museum, is in Downtown Brooklyn, near the botanic gardens. The Brooklyn Museum is the third-largest in the NYC area at 560,000 square feet. That means inside you’ll find a rotating collection of over 1.5 million pieces of art. The works span the gamut from ancient masks and sculptures to modern paintings and ceramics. Make sure you plan a day to see the great art and while you are here, don’t forget to check out the innovative local artists’ exhibits as well.

Before you visit, brush up on the history of Brooklyn with a classic coming of age story” A Tree Grows in Brooklyn .”

7. Enjoy Original NY Cheesecake at Junior’s

New York City cheesecake didn’t start on the island of Manhattan or at “The Cheesecake Factory.” To find out where the history of this delicacy began, you need to head to the corner of Flatbush and DeKalb in Downtown Brooklyn. It’s here you’ll find the 70-year-old Junior’s and a plethora of cheesecakes to try. These are not thawed slices from a large processing plant. The Junior’s cheesecake is made in small batches mixed for nearly an hour. But be careful: once you taste real cheesecake from Junior’s you might be spoiled for life. While here, opt for a classic option with a slice of traditional cheesecake or get adventurous with a filling like pumpkin.

Looking to explore more of the East Coast? From golfing to beaches and mountains to lakes, we’ve got the ultimate guide to North Carolina with “ 20 Best Resorts in North Carolina .”

8. Listen to a Lovely Melody at the Brooklyn Academy of Music

The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is not only a world-famous venue. It’s also one of Downtown Brooklyn’s and New York City’s oldest institutions. Its first performance took place in 1861 while the building you visit was opened in 1908. Most likely, there will be one performance, or more, going on when you stop at the BAM. It could be in the 2,000-seat Howard Gilman Opera House or something more intimate in the 250-seat black-box theater. Classes and seminars may also be available when you visit. Check out Bam’s events calendar before your visit to downtown Brooklyn.

9. Sip at the House of Wax

House of Wax in downtown Brooklyn is not like the celebrity-based Madame Tussauds on New York City’s 42nd Street. This museum is completely unique. When you enter to select a beverage, you will be met with waxwork exhibitions of various body parts instead of likenesses of Will Smith. It may be an arm, a face, or a complete torso. Along with live music performances, it’s a fascinating, yet somewhat macabre, stop to have a drink.

10. Admire the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower

Not all iconic skyscrapers are in Manhattan. Downtown Brooklyn has one of its own near Fulton Street Station. Brooklyn’s most famous skyscraper is in the form of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower . It’s not hard to miss the multi-terraced building when you emerge from the subway. The bottom of the structure is similar in design to the Empire State Building. At the top, the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower tapers and a clock tower emerges. Even in a New York City skyline filled with modern glass buildings. Brooklyn’s Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower is a shining beacon you should examine for its architectural significance.

11. Browse Fulton Mall

Fulton Mall spans several blocks along Fulton Street in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn. Only a part of this area is in an enclosed space. The rest of the 150+ stores and eateries are accessed from the outdoors. A specialty of Fulton Mall is its mix of national and local businesses and eateries. Among retailers like Macy’s, Apple, and Ann Taylor you will find Colombian food at Arepa Lady, New York-style slices at Bella Pizza, and Bolivian meals at Bolivian Llama Party. Fulton Mall is a location you can come back to again and again for a new experience.

12. Catch an Event at the Barclays Center

While the Dodgers may no longer be at Ebbets Field, there’s still a sports presence in Downtown Brooklyn. It happens at the Barclay’s Center. If you visit during the basketball season, you might be able to catch a game between the Brooklyn Nets and one of their NBA competitors. Or, there might be a concert you’re interested in attending.

13. Walk Through Brooklyn Heights

Downtown Brooklyn is filled with historical buildings. However, one of the largest clusters of structures dating back to the Victorian era is located in the area of Brooklyn Heights. You can take an independent walking tour to see the restored homes of Pierrepoint Place or an organized tour where a guide will provide more historic details. This is also a good time to stop at the Brooklyn Historical Society and understand how the borough grew and changed. Afterward, walk along the neighborhood to the First Unitarian Congregational Society. Established in 1833, parishioners have worshiped in the Gothic structure since the 1840s.

14. Purr-sue playtime at the Brooklyn Cat Cafe

If you miss your cat, or you want to have some quiet time, you want to head to the Brooklyn Cat Cafe. For a signed waiver and a small fee, you can get 30 minutes of purr-fect cat time at this downtown Brooklyn location. It comes in the form of watching kittens play and giving them treats. if you fall in love with a fine feline during your visit, you can start the process to adopt them.

15. Discover Fascinating History in the Brooklyn Navy Yard

In the north end of downtown Brooklyn, you’ll reach the Brooklyn Navy Yard — a historic area that has changed significantly over the centuries. Once the most active shipbuilding facility in the U.S., the Navy Yard is now home to several hundred businesses. You can learn about these changes as well as the area’s history at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Center in BLDG 92. Admission to the building is free, so that leaves you extra cash to visit the Tea & Honey Cafe in the same building. In the cafe, you’ll find wonderful views of the navy yard as well as the rest of downtown Brooklyn.

16. Sample Whiskey at Kings County Distillery

Downtown Brooklyn’s is also home to New York City’s oldest distillery — Kings County Distillery. Housed in the 120-year old Paymaster Building at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, you can sample award-winning whiskeys in their tasting room. Before that, you should take a tour of the distilling facilities to see how whiskey is merged with honey and mellowed to a smooth perfection. If you visit in the summer, you can enter their backyard patio to sip your honey whiskey while dining on BBQ ribs.

17. Practice Sunset Yoga at Brooklyn Grange

It’s not a secret that downtown Brooklyn’s revitalization has been connected to a large influx of millennial-aged individuals and families. In many cases, whole areas of the borough have been transformed into environmentally sustainable areas. One of these is Brooklyn Grange. When you visit this rooftop farm, the largest in the world, you’ll see 65,000 square feet of fruits, vegetables, and herbs being planted, growing, or ready to be harvested. Some of it, including honey from the largest bee farm in New York, are sold during the summer at their farmer’s market. This is also when you have a chance to participate in rooftop sunset yoga among the crops.

18. Dine at Pollo D’Oro

Downtown Brooklyn does not lack for eating establishments. In Brooklyn, you’ll find New York favorites like Italian and Chinese, plus plenty of other flavors from across the globe. This is why your visit to the Downtown Brooklyn area needs to include Pollo D’Oro . The Peruvian eatery is open from breakfast to dinner and serves selections for every taste. When you visit, order hot tamales made with steamed corn masa and filled with meat and cheese. Another choice you might want to try is Aji de Gallina — Shredded chicken in a cream sauce served with boiled eggs and rice. Both are a great choice if you’ve survived on cheesecake and pizza during your visit.

19. Kayak From Brooklyn Bridge Park

Kayaking near Downtown Brooklyn? And under the Brooklyn Bridge, no less? No, you’re not reading wrong. Brooklyn Bridge Park is a 3.5-acre waterfront park with numerous recreational activities. Kayaking is among these. You can spend an hour or so paddling along the east river, then take another hour to stroll along the park’s walking paths. Numerous Downtown Brooklyn eateries dot the area near the park, so you can grab food for an impromptu lunch. In the summer, hang out on the park’s lawn for an evening concert or an outdoor movie.

20. Shop till you drop at Brooklyn Flea Market

Before you head out of town, score some unique souvenirs in the largest Flea market in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Flea . This shopping extravaganza recently moved from DUMBO to the north, in Williamsburg. Visit every Saturday and Sunday (rain or shine) to buy anything from handmaid furniture to vintage Rolex, and everything in between. In the winter, the sunlit internal space is a great break from the chilly outdoors.

21. Relax at Cadman Plaza Park

Located on the border of Downtown Brooklyn and Brooklyn Heights, Cadman Plaza Park is a swath of shade and green. You can stroll along the walking paths or sit on a bench and watch the traffic cruise along Cadman Plaza. Afterward, stop at one of the park’s monuments and learn more about the history of New York City. Two of the most stirring are Brooklyn War Memorial and the Brooklyn Korean War Monuments Plaza.

What is Considered “Downtown Brooklyn?”

When people who live in NYC say “downtown Brooklyn” they often mean the area that encompasses all of Brooklyn’s downtown, including the neighborhoods of Dumbo, Brooklyn Navy Yard, Boerum Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, and sometimes parts of Prospect Park. It is important to distinguish between “Downtown Brooklyn” (a neighborhood) and “downtown Brooklyn” (an area of Brooklyn that encompasses many neighborhoods.)

As a tourist, if you were to only explore the neighborhood of Downtown Brooklyn you would miss many of the significant cultural attractions downtown Brooklyn has to offer.

What is “South Brooklyn?”

South Brooklyn is the area that starts directly south of downtown Brooklyn and encompasses areas such as Park Slope, Bay Ridge, Sheepshead Bay, and all other neighborhoods south of downtown Brooklyn area.

One last thing…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for vacation ideas or travel tips? You’ve come to the right place!  On GoTravelTipster.com , you will find one-week vacation itineraries for couples and families.  Don’t have time for a week-long trip? Check out my weekend getaway ideas! Always practical, accompanied by beautiful photography and a bit of history, my goal is to help you create – and fulfill – the ultimate travel bucket list.  I look forward to your comments and questions, and happy traveling!

Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclosure | Guest Post Guidelines

Designed and Developed by AD

Protect Your Trip »

21 Top Things to Do in Brooklyn

Walk across the iconic bridge to explore one of New York City's most famous boroughs.

Getty Images

Stroll along an iconic bridge, ride a famous carousel, enjoy a delicious slice of pizza and more in the vibrant city of Brooklyn, New York.

Once an independent city and now the most populous of the five boroughs of New York City , Brooklyn boasts enough exciting things to see and do to last a lifetime, let alone a short visit. This epicenter of groundbreaking music, art and cultural centers is overflowing with history and creativity on every block. Immigrants have called Brooklyn home for generations, and the borough remains a multicultural utopia – 1 in 4 Brooklyn residents identify as Jewish, for example. With so much diversity here, Brooklyn has near-endless options for dining, drinking and shopping; its business owners represent nations across the globe. Particularly ingrained in the local culture and a must-try for visitors are Brooklyn's bagels and pizza, brought over by European immigrants.

Brooklyn contains distinct neighborhoods, tons of public parks and strong environmental programs alongside its flea markets and cozy coffee shops. Visitors to the borough can also find plenty of free things to do, including live concerts, unexpected nights out and distractions for kids such as Coney Island. Though residents may keep relatively tight-lipped about their favorite haunts (lest they become too popular), you'll find your own "secret" spot in no time. Use this list of top things to do in Brooklyn as a framework for exploration but don't be afraid to read – and sightsee – between the lines.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Coney Island

If you start on Manhattan's Upper East Side and ride the Q train to the end, you'll arrive in the peninsular neighborhood of Coney Island . This entertainment area is historic, just like the century-old subway line you can take to get there. At the turn of the 20th century, Coney Island saw its heyday as an amusement park destination , dazzling visitors with electric lights, roller coasters and sideshow peculiarities. Following years of economic troubles spurred by the Great Depression, Coney Island is once again an iconic Brooklyn attraction, teeming with eateries and entertainment year-round.

Its annual Mermaid Parade in June is a head-turning event celebrating art and maritime whimsy, while the world-famous hot dog-eating contest – a tradition hosted by Nathan's that is now more than a century old – takes place each Fourth of July. But most well-known is Luna Park, home of iconic boardwalk arcade games, the fan-favorite Cyclone coaster and the Wonder Wheel, a Ferris wheel so famous there's even a film of the same name starring Kate Winslet. During the summer months, catch a Brooklyn Cyclones (Minor League Baseball High-A affiliate of the New York Mets) game at Maomonides Park, or in the offseason, check out Coney Island for its ice skating.

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Putting foot to pavement and traversing the borough's most famous bridge is a journey for anyone who wants to say they've truly seen Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Bridge, built in 1883, connects Brooklyn to Manhattan across the East River and is one of the country's oldest suspension bridges; its upper level is for pedestrians only. Beginning your jaunt in Brooklyn affords incredible views of Manhattan's skyline; you can find the Brooklyn Bridge Walkway starting point by heading to the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place downtown.

Join the millions who have completed the crossing, including presidents, celebrities, dignitaries and even 21 elephants (P.T. Barnum used the stunt in 1884 to prove the safety of the bridge). Expect to spend up to an hour heading one direction, with time built in for breaks and photo stops along the walk. The bridge runs about a mile each way, but including pedestrian entrances, it's more like 1.6 miles. You'll want to bring plenty of water, wear comfortable walking shoes and know it will be windy with very little sun cover.

Prospect Park

Bordering the moneyed Park Slope neighborhood is Prospect Park, Brooklyn's version of Central Park – it was designed by the architects behind that iconic Manhattan park. Within its more than 500 acres you'll find the Prospect Park Zoo, a carousel, an ice rink and an open-air band shell that hosts the popular – and often free – Celebrate Brooklyn! summer concert series. Human-made wetlands and a chunk of indigenous forest make a fitting place for the nation's first urban Audubon Center, which offers environmental educational resources to the public. The Boathouse, built in 1905, is a romantic venue in Prospect Park and one of the first buildings in the city to be declared a historical landmark. The park is dog-friendly, with select off-leash hours and locations, so your four-legged companion can accompany you. Rent a pedal boat, go for a bike ride – visitors can even ride a horse here, so there's no shortage of things to do in Prospect Park.

Stroll the Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Part of Brooklyn's first Historic Preservation District, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade runs along the East River past some of the borough's historic town houses and mansions, boasting stunning views of Manhattan. Also known as the Esplanade, this pedestrian walkway is about a third of a mile in length and cantilevered over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway in the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood. Visitors call it a green oasis with a relaxed atmosphere, and some applaud restrictions on bicycles that make it truly a pedestrian haven. People-watch on a bench or simply view the sun sinking behind lower Manhattan. You can stand where Cher stood in the film "Moonstruck," or find the plaque along the promenade that supposedly marks where George Washington met with his generals during the 1776 Battle of Brooklyn (also called the Battle of Long Island), the Revolutionary War's biggest battle. The promenade is one of the many free things to do around Brooklyn.

Bushwick Collective

Museums are fantastic places to find art, but sometimes the best gallery is on the street. The Bushwick Collective is a mecca for street art and graffiti, located in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn off Flushing Avenue. There are nearly 100 blocks featuring art by local and international artists, so it's possible to spend a full day here; you'll find some of the best art on Troutman Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. A pay-what-you-wish tour of the outdoor art space is hosted by Free Tours on Foot. Travelers who explore the Bushwick Collective say it's a quirky and immersive experience that is well worth the detour. The Bushwick area features plenty of chic bars and restaurants, so stick around after your experience at the Collective to sample its culinary offerings, such as the beloved pizza at Roberta's.

Domino Park

This waterfront park just north of the Williamsburg Bridge gets its name from the Domino Sugar Refinery development it's located within – the site of a once-operational sugar refinery. The 6-acre green space opened in 2018 and there are nods to its industrial past throughout, including the turquoise shipping cranes that once helped unload the sugar from cargo ships and the elevated Artifact Walk, which runs five city blocks with great views of the Manhattan skyline. A factory-inspired playground offers entertainment for youngsters in the park, and water features will help kids cool down on hot summer days in the city. You'll also find bocce and volleyball courts, along with a dog run and a gourmet taco stand.

Ride Jane's Carousel

Jane's Carousel, a wooden structure built in 1922 and originally installed in Ohio, now resides in the Empire Fulton Ferry section of Brooklyn Bridge Park, located in the popular neighborhood of Dumbo (an acronym that stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge). The 48 horses and both chariots were carved by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. Riders note that Jane's Carousel has been beautifully restored and is a nostalgic way to take a spin with riverfront views. Enjoy this low-cost, antique carousel in its glass pavilion before checking out the rest of what Empire Fulton Ferry has to offer: You can pack a picnic, explore a Civil War-era building that's now a mall or catch a show at St. Ann's Warehouse.

Wander the historic neighborhoods of BoCoCa

The portmanteau "BoCoCa" never really caught on among New Yorkers, but the area around Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens that the term describes is well worth a visit no matter what you call it. These three tree-lined neighborhoods are an ideal way to spend a morning with a coffee in hand, strolling their enchanting streets and exploring local shops and eateries. Warren Place Mews, a block in Cobble Hill, is an especially historic and unexpected development: Built as affordable housing for local workers in the 19th century, Warren Place now comprises multimillion-dollar homes with Gothic-style architecture. With many less than 12 feet across, these cottages are narrow but highly coveted real estate. They are private property, so respect the privacy of the homeowners, but a peek at this preserved Brooklyn history is worth a trip.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

The massive botanical gardens of Brooklyn have three public entrances and an herbarium with 300,000 specimens of preserved plants for research. The major draw, of course, is the living flora; no matter the season there are always plenty of plants to discover in the gardens. Spring draws crowds when the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's cherry blossom trees are in bloom, but there is much more to discover year-round, from the sweetly scented Fragrance Garden to the serene Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. The grounds also house art collections, conservatories and interactive family-friendly programming. Gardengoers advise putting aside a few hours to explore the spacious grounds, though guided tours may be available with the price of admission on select days.

Each year the Brooklyn Botanic Garden hosts featured exhibitions such as "For the Birds," a program series that explores the avian connection to plants. Inspired by the birds of Brooklyn, artists created site-specific birdhouses that you can visit around the gardens among other programming.

Carb-load with bagels and pizza

New Yorkers take their carbs very seriously – pizza and bagels above all. When in Brooklyn, you'll likely want to sample both to see what all the fuss is about. Try out Bagel Pub or drop by La Bagel Delight (both shops have various beloved Brooklyn locations) for a fresh and delicious ring of dough. Pizza, meanwhile, is the holy grail of NYC cuisine. If you're visiting Brooklyn you may consider braving the line outside to snag a table at Grimaldi's, a chain whose flagship restaurant sits under the Brooklyn Bridge. A true Brooklyn classic since 1939 is L&B Spumoni Gardens, specializing in Sicilian-style pies; its original location is in the Bensonhurst neighborhood. Diners say it might be slightly off the beaten path, but the square slices can't be beat, and even if the lines look long, they move quickly. For something a bit more modern, go for the namesake slice at Artichoke Basille's Pizza, with three franchises in Brooklyn (and some at the JFK and LaGuardia airports too, for that last-ditch craving).

The Brooklyn Academy of Music and BAMcafé Live

Home to emerging artists and masters for 150 years and counting, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a multi-arts institution for creators and audiences. The center hosts a variety of events including theater, opera, dance and music performances.

In the spring and fall, BAM hosts an energetic lineup of free live music acts under the moniker "BAMcafé Live." The series is hosted in the Adam Space, a bar and lounge within the Peter Jay Sharp building, which has been a venue for diverse and emerging artists since 1999. Discover new artists performing genres from jazz and world to R&B, in addition to established performers like TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone. After a two-year hiatus, the concert series welcomed the 2022 season from February to June. Its next season is set to begin in fall 2022.

Look for announcements and updates about upcoming seasons, and sign up for the email newsletter to stay informed about these well-attended shows. Beyond BAMcafé Live, be on the lookout for indie movie festivals, opera or dance performances and other emergent art at BAM.

The Brooklyn Museum

Jonathan Dorado | Courtesy of Brooklyn Museum

The Brooklyn Museum features no shortage of variety in its collections and exhibitions. Its displays represent an array of cultures across the globe; the museum's American offerings include feminist art, African American works that tackle abolitionism and racial identity, and Lenape pieces that center Brooklyn's Indigenous inhabitants. As one of the largest art museums in the United States, the Brooklyn Museum has five floors filled with myriad types of medium – from textiles and wooden masks to modern photography and found objects. If what's on display isn't enough to sate your visual hunger, the permanent Visible Storage installation is perhaps one of the most intriguing features here, as it gives a glimpse into the inner workings of the museum: On the fifth floor, patrons can see about 2,000 "stored" works of American art – a fraction of the thousands in storage – including Tiffany glass and Native American objects.

Museumgoers appreciate both the permanent and special exhibits, saying they're worth the cost of admission. Tickets are currently on a timed entry and advance purchase is highly recommended. If you plan your visit just right, the museum hosts free evening programming called First Saturdays once each month (but you must register beforehand). If you're hoping to visit the Brooklyn Museum and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden on your trip, these two attractions offer Museum & Garden combo tickets that grant access to both.

Play shuffleboard at the Royal Palms

Courtesy of Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club

Rethink shuffleboard as a game for Floridian retirees and consider it for one of the best nights out in Brooklyn, according to those who have played at The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club in the Gowanus area. Flanked by cocktails (don't miss the pina colada) and a rotating lineup of food trucks that might offer Moroccan cuisine or Italian sandwiches, the 10 shuffleboard courts stand at the ready. Pucks and poles – known as "biscuits" and "tangs" in the lingo – are rented out by the hour, and players recommend only starting once you have your drinks in hand as the time goes quickly. The 17,000-square-foot game hall accommodates shuffle regulars and newbies alike, with a staff on hand to give tips as needed. The shuffleboard court welcomes anyone 21 and older on a walk-in basis; reservations are not required.

Green-Wood Cemetery

Cemeteries are peaceful places full of history; from France to New Orleans, living visitors walk among the dead as a pastime. Green-Wood Cemetery, adjacent to the Greenwood Heights neighborhood in Brooklyn, has served as a tourist attraction since the mid-1800s. Today the cemetery welcomes respectful visitors to its nearly 500 acres, which apart from graves also feature art installations (even an artist in residence), an arboretum and opportunities for birding in the middle of the city. Founded in 1838 as one of the country's first rural cemeteries, Green-Wood is now the final resting place of more than half a million individuals.

Download a map for a self-guided walk, or use an app intended to help visitors explore the art, nature and history of Green-Wood. You may be able locate the graves of some of the more famous permanent residents here, such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Louis Comfort Tiffany and Leonard Bernstein. Tours of Green-Wood Cemetery aren't limited to walking; informative trolley tours cover a lot of ground and can be booked with expert guides who are on hand to answer all of your questions.

Industry City

Courtesy of Industry City

A makers' paradise has taken shape at Brooklyn's Sunset Park near the Barclays Center. Industry City, a massive complex spread across 16 buildings and plenty of green space, houses a community of collaborators in its studio space, office space and kitchens – walk-ins certainly reap the rewards. A visit to Industry City can provide groceries, artisanal drinks and plates, and some of the most authentic souvenirs you'll find throughout the boroughs. There's even a Morbid Anatomy Library and Gift Shop with hundreds of unique books and artifacts.

A couple dozen culinary vendors specialize in everything from avocados to Korean comfort food and a Mediterranean grocer. Beverages are equally exalted with a courtyard devoted to brewing and distilling, which includes New York's first sake brewery. Shopping takes you across the globe to examine fine Moroccan textiles or Japanese toys. The Makers Guild means you might be able to meet the maker behind the item you're purchasing, from soaps to shirts. Those who have wandered in remark that it's a one-stop destination to spend a fun night with friends or the family.

New York Transit Museum

Housed in a former subway station, the New York Transit Museum sits about a mile from Fort Greene Park. Recent patrons call it a must for anyone interested in the history of New York's subways and labyrinthine transportation system. As the largest museum in the country devoted to urban public transportation history, the museum includes artifacts like restored former train cars and photographs from the inception of the city's rail system. If you're visiting in the summer, the seasonal "Nostalgia Rides" give the public access to the trains New Yorkers rode on a century ago. Be on the lookout for other events and programming that may coincide with your museum visit. The museum is located down two flights of stairs, but an accessible entrance is located at the corner of Schermerhorn and Court streets.

House of Yes

The House of Yes has been open for several years in its current iteration and has firmly established its place on the scene as one of Brooklyn's top nightclubs and performance spaces for New York's underground arts community. The House of Yes was born in Brooklyn in 2007 as a creative live-work space; followers may find pop-ups throughout the country – or even in London – but its home base is still in Brooklyn. The venue today is situated in the Bushwick neighborhood. Check out burlesque-style shows, themed dance parties, drag competitions and more on the club's events calendar. The House of Yes is an inclusive space that features LGBTQ artists and dancers and regularly hosts queer nights. Clubgoers say the space is eclectic and ideal for those looking to put their inhibitions aside – but be prepared for pricy drinks and even pricier bottle service.

Brooklyn Children's Museum

Winston Williams | Courtesy of Brooklyn Children's Museum

Much of Brooklyn may feel like it's designed for young adults and an older crowd, but there are spaces in the city dedicated to children, and one of the best is the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Sensory stimulation and tactile play are all part of the experience here. Littles can play and climb on a rooftop structure called The NEST (made from local reclaimed water tower cedar), or play make-believe at pint-sized versions of real businesses called World Brooklyn. The ColorLab studio lets artists of all ages explore their creativity through workshops on print-making, collage, sculpture and more; its programming is inspired by Black artists, with a different muse chosen each month. Recent visitors appreciate the diversity on display in this museum and note that it's geared toward younger kids. The museum recommends purchasing tickets in advance, particularly since it's a cashless facility.

Rummage through the Brooklyn Flea

Courtesy of Brooklyn Flea

New York City has some of the best thrift shops and record shops in the world. Go on your own treasure hunt at the Brooklyn Flea, held on weekends between April and December at Pearl Plaza in Dumbo. More than 40 vendors sell everything from tchotchkes to period furniture to the aforementioned records and vintage clothes. Since rummaging works up an appetite, this flea market began an affiliated food market called Smorgasburg, which features the best of Brooklyn's food scene with about 100 vendors; find it Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in Prospect Park's Breeze Hill from April through October.

Another player in Brooklyn's long history of upcycling is Big Reuse, a facility that sells, repurposes and even composts. Its store, located on 12th Street in Gowanus (about 3 miles south of the Brooklyn Flea), offers true hidden gems that could include signed artwork, collectibles and antique furniture at a bargain.

Take a hip-hop bus tour

Brooklyn's in the house – and it would be nearly impossible to appreciate the borough fully without acknowledging its role in hip-hop history. Brooklyn has produced the likes of Jay-Z, the Notorious B.I.G., Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Lil' Kim – the list goes on. Hush Tours offers cultural hip-hop tours of Brooklyn as well as Harlem and Queens. Take a bus tour or walking tour of Brooklyn with some of the local legends who have contributed to the genre from this state-certified Minority and/or Women-owned Business Enterprise. Reviews rave about the passionate, energetic and engaging tour guides, saying you don't have to be a fan of rap music to appreciate hip-hop culture and the place that helped shape it. See the murals, landmarks and venues that have influenced generations of hip-hop artists; you might even land on Biggie Smalls' former doorstep.

Witness the lights of Dyker Heights

Everyone has their favorite season in New York – and you should really experience them all – but East Coast winter blues are expelled annually by citywide holiday cheer. In Brooklyn, that cheer is concentrated into the blinding beacon of the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights. Amid the rich diversity in this borough you'll find holiday displays ranging from a house lit up in blue for Hanukkah to one that spells out "Merry Christmas" in Greek. What started in the 1980s as a friendly competition among neighbors has become a tradition for many families – the ones who decorate and the ones who simply visit. Decorating budgets grow with each year, with some professional installations estimated to cost $20,000 or more. Some websites have organized maps of each year's must-see lights displays; repeat visitors advise keeping to 11th through 13th avenues (also called Dyker Heights Boulevard) between 83rd and 86th streets. Out-of-towners say it's one of the most festive displays they've ever seen. Wait until mid-December to get the most out of your stroll, and be sure to go before 9 p.m. when some homeowners head to bed and unplug to save on their electric bills. Take care, though, not to trespass on any private property or disrupt the displays.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top New York City Tours
• The Top Observation Decks in New York City
• The Top Things to Do in Long Island
• The Top Romantic Getaways in New York
• The Top Weekend Getaways from New York City

Tags: Travel , New York Vacations , US Vacations , Mid-Atlantic Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The 13 best key west tours of 2024.

Gwen Pratesi May 3, 2024

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

Swimming With Pigs in the Bahamas

Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

The 15 Best Chicago Tours for 2024

John Rodwan May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross April 26, 2024

The Best Beach Hats

Megan Johnson and Sharael Kolberg April 26, 2024

The Best Florence Tours

John Rodwan April 25, 2024

• North America
• Downtown Brooklyn 10 Things To...

Downtown Brooklyn: Things To Do And See

Downtown Brooklyn , known for being the third largest central business district in the city, also happens to be teeming with diverse cultural institutions, compelling museums, ethnic restaurants, scenic waterfront views, and green spaces. With many points of interest and a wide range of activities to keep any New Yorker entertained, downtown Brooklyn is the ideal area to venture off to when you need a break from Manhattan’s hustle and bustle.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Walt Whitman Park

Park Named after one of New York City’s most famed poets, Walt Whitman Park has become one of Brooklyn’s most popular landscaped parks as well as the ideal spot to kick back and relax especially during the warm spring and summer months. With relatively newly renovated park benches, well-paved paths, fencing, and water drainage, the park also features gaming tables and large expanses of fresh greenery for locals and visitors hoping to escape from downtown Brooklyn’s industrial environment for a change of scenery. So, ride your bicycle through the pathways, take a leisurely walk underneath the tree canopies, or simply lounge about on a bench or picnic blanket laid out across the grass, because Walt Whitman Park welcomes all for a peaceful day in nature!

Market, Restaurant, $ Hill Country Barbeque Market brings the cuisine and vibes of down South to Brooklyn, with freshly cooked barbecue made in a custom meat-smoking room, live American Roots Music in the lively Boot Bar on select days throughout the week, and a communal seating arrangement in a casual cafeteria-style dining area. The savory brisket, sausage, and ribs are smoked over Texas post oak and are served in classic country style over the counter, alongside sides such as cheddar mac and cheese and hot German potatoes. For customers with an insatiable sweet tooth, Hill Country’s dessert menu includes banana pudding, seasonal crisps, and gooey chocolate chunk cookies which will have you licking your fingers in delight! Hill Country’s bar does not disappoint, with a wide array of beers, wines, tequila, bourbon, and specialty cocktails.

Brooklyn Museum

Museum, Ruins, School Brooklyn Museum is a haven of jaw-dropping international cultural art pieces and artifacts, from ancient Egyptian masterpieces and European paintings to modern-day, contemporary art. The museum’s wide range of visitor programs are sure to appeal to every visitor’s interests, offering day camp visits, movie nights, and studio art courses for youths and teens as well as photography and painting technique classes for adults. Brooklyn Museum’s collections are on display throughout the year, showcasing one-of-a-kind pieces from the Islamic World, the Americas, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Africa, while current exhibitions include Impressionism and the Caribbean: Francisco Oller and His Transatlantic World and Zanele Muholi: Isibonelo/Evidence.

Pollo D’Oro

Restaurant, Peruvian, South American, $ Pollo D’Oro , a Peruvian gem located in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, is open from breakfast to dinner serving up the city’s best ceviche, rotisserie chicken, and signature pisco sour cocktails. Pollo D’Oro’s dining space is casual, yet contemporary with soft lighting, shiny white tabletops, and a full bar service against an icy blue backdrop, inviting in an eclectic crowd from business workers on their lunch break to groups of families and friends looking for a quick dinner. Hot tamales, made with steamed corn masa in husk with onion and olives and a choice of meat or cheese, Aji de Gallina (shredded chicken breast in creamy walnut and Aji sauce with a side of boiled eggs and rice), and Lomo Saltado composed of marinated strips of steak sauteed with onions and tomatoes are only a few of the many tasty South American dishes served here.

Marine Park Golf Course

Sports Center An 18-hole Championship Golf Course that is open to the public throughout all four seasons of the year, and also happens to be located in the center of metropolitan Brooklyn. It almost sounds unreal, but Marine Park Golf Course , designed in 1964, offers visitors a gorgeous waterfront view alongside country club quality fairways, golfing lessons, and an aesthetically satisfying, well-manicured driving range and practice area. The golf course boasts four sets of tees crafted for players of all ages and levels of expertise as well as a Pro Shop which carries shoes, spikes, gloves, balls, shirts, grips and clubs for those wishing to accessorize in style while out on the lawns. Marine Park Golf Course’s bar and grill serves a diverse variety of cuisines and menu options including Brooklyn-style fish and chips, hot roast beef sandwiches, and buffalo chicken wraps which make the perfect pick-me-up after spending a long day at the tees. The venue also caters to parties, weddings, and special events.

Museum The history and present-day development scheme of the Brooklyn Navy Yard is encompassed within BLDG 92 ’s exhibitions, programs, and galleries. Intermingling natural, cultural, social, naval, and industrial narratives, the Brooklyn Navy Yard: Past, Present and Future main exhibition tells the story of one of the nation’s first five naval shipyards (established since 1801!), through a portrait mural that also features short videos. Other permanent exhibitions include Designing the Future , A Day in a Life at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Making it in NYC , and temporary displays such as Porthole to Freedom created by a teenage Brooklyn-based photographer along with Wesley Fagan: A Life in Pictures , which is a tribute to one of the Navy Yard’s messengers who later became the supervisor of the Photographic Division with a love for playing jazz music. BLDG 92 also offers interactive workshops, a visiting artist program, and cultural performances amongst other public programs.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Park, Bridge The Brooklyn Heights Promenade captivates the City’s most breathtaking views along a 1,826-foot-long platform and walkway stretching across Interstate 278. Capturing a quintessential view of the city skyline, picturesque sunrises and sunsets, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the East River, the Promenade is lined with majestic townhouses and mansions which complete the romantic feel of the location. The walkway is a magnet for photographers and artists who appreciate a scenic spot, along with joggers, couples spending quality time with one another, and skateboarders looking for a getaway from Brooklyn’s residential blocks and commercial districts. The northern end of the strip allows visitors to walk off the path toward the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, whereas the south end allows a stroll through the cobblestone streets of the Brooklyn Heights neighborhood where you can stop for a quick bite to eat at one of the many cozy eateries.

Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar

Bar, Restaurant, Mexican, $ Famed throughout the city for its mind-blowing selection of 425 types of tequila, Roccos’ Tacos and Tequila Bar provide a lively, entertaining environment to enjoy tangy margaritas, custom-made guacamole, and authentic Mexican tacos. With extensive menu options that vary from brunch and lunch to dinner, the enchiladas, specialty tacos, salads, fajitas, and seafood are always prepared to perfection. Aside from the endless list of tequila choices, Roccos’ margaritas, sangria with a unique twist, and specialty drinks such as the Spicy Mule, Paloma, Sour Apple Tequila Martini, and Skinny Senorita are always crowd favorites!

Brooklyn Bridge Park

The three-and-a-half acre expanse of Brooklyn Bridge Park is worthy of an entire day trip, and multiple ones! The activities and attractions at this waterfront recreational area are endless, with children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, boating, a soccer field, handball courts, bird watching, a pop-up pool, and picnic areas to choose from. Eateries dotting the park include Ample Hills Creamery with lovely baked goods, snacks, and ice cream, along with breakfast foods from Brooklyn Bridge Garden Bar, a lunchtime meal of sandwiches, pizza at Fornino, and Lizzmonade, serving Brooklyn’s artisanal lemonade as well as sangria, beer, and wine for the adults. Those with an eye for arts and culture would delight in the park’s Bargemusic family concerts, Shakespeare at Sunset, and SyFy Movies with a View, amongst other seasonal park events.

Brooklyn Historical Society

For history lovers, the Brooklyn Historical Society founded in 1862 is a treasure embedded within the City’s rugged urban borough. The historical society features exhibitions that paint various perspectives of Brooklyn life throughout the decades. Current exhibits include Hidden in Plain Sight: Portraits of Hunger in NYC , Brooklyn Americans: Hockey’s Forgotten Promise, Gaining Access: The New York City Disability Rights Movement , and Personal Correspondents: Photography and Letter Writing in Civil War Brooklyn. The landmark building which houses the Brooklyn Historical Society also welcomes anyone to participate in panel discussions, screenings of classic and independent films, family art and dance activities, and educational workshops.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 429597
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best of New York for free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy New York without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to Do
• Food & Drink
• Time Out Market
• Coca-Cola Foodmarks
• Attractions
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 15 best attractions in Brooklyn

Branch out from Manhattan to enjoy these Brooklyn attractions that are well worth the trip

While Manhattan draws the most tourists with its all-around incredible slate of restaurants , bars , museums , and bucket-list things to do , Brooklyn isn’t far behind. For locals and repeat visitors, the best Brooklyn attractions are well worth your attention.

Williamsburg , of course, is an attraction in itself, but you’ll find cool things to do in neighborhoods like Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Bed-Stuy, DUMBO, and more. These Brooklyn attractions include lush parks, iconic architectural gems, fabulous museums, unique shopping, and other only-in-NY activities. So be sure to branch out from Manhattan and hit up Brooklyn for more unique New York experiences.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best New York attractions

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, click  here .

An email you’ll actually love

Best Brooklyn attractions

1.  Brooklyn Bridge

• Historic buildings and sites

Although the Brooklyn Bridge is no longer the largest suspension bridge in the world (as it was when it opened in 1883), it’s still an iconic New York City landmark. More than 100,000 cars pass between the Gothic towers every day, while the pedestrians and sightseers on the upper walkway number in the thousands. Whether you’re traveling by car, bike, or foot, you’ll get spectacular views of lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights.

2.  Brooklyn Botanic Garden

• Parks and gardens
• Prospect Park

Those searching for a little peace and quiet would do well to spend a few hours at this verdant oasis. The garden, which abuts two other neighborhood gems – The Brooklyn Museum and Prospect Park – was founded in 1910 and features hundreds of types of flora, laid out over 52 acres. Each spring, crowds descend on the space when hundreds of cherry blossoms bloom along the Cherry Esplanade.

3.  Time Out Market New York

• Restaurants
• price 1 of 4

We've packed all our favorite restaurants under one roof at the Time Out Market in DUMBO. Located in Empire Stores, Time Out Market has fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, pizza from Fornino, inventive ice cream flavors from Sugar Hill Creamery, and  more amazing eateries –  all cherry-picked by us. Chow down over two floors with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline.

4.  Prospect Park

• Things to do

Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux—the visionary designers behind Central Park—Prospect Park offers Brooklynites a chance to get back in touch with nature. Soak up the sunshine in the sprawling Long Meadow, take a guided hike to forage for wild herbs, or explore the Ravine, one of the few remaining indigenous forests in the city.

5.  Coney Island Cyclone

• Arcades and amusements
• Coney Island

This historic wooden coaster dates back to 1927, during Coney Island’s glory days. Now a national historic landmark and part of the new Luna Park, the Cyclone still thrills riders every spring and summer. After you’ve gotten your fill of the amusement park, don’t forget to grab a beer and hot dog from the original Nathan’s Famous.

6.  Brooklyn Museum

• Natural history

One of Kings County’s preeminent cultural institutions, this 560,000-square-foot venue made history as the first American museum to exhibit African objects as artwork. In addition to the more than 4,000 items in the Egyptian holdings, museumgoers can scope pieces by masters such as Cézanne, Monet, and Degas, plus an entire center devoted to feminist art. The venue is the permanent home of Judy Chicago’s massive installation The Dinner Party.

7.  New York Aquarium

• Zoo and aquariums

At New York's one and only aquarium, see a living re-creation of the Pacific coastline, and catch sight of various East River species, plus some truly awesome sharks and sea jellies. Fantasize about extending your summer as you visit Glover's Reef, a 150,000-gallon tank stocked with 35 species of marine life from the coast of Belize, including jawfish and moray eels.

8.  Brooklyn Flea

• Markets and fairs

This market has elevated the vintage-shopping experience, setting a new standard for both goods and food vendors, and emphasizing local purveyors where possible. Its mini-empire now includes markets in DUMBO and Chelsea, as well as two food-focused Smorgasburg outposts. It’s as good a people-watching spot as you’ll find – plenty of established and wanna-be designers mill about – and the eats alone are worth the trip. 

9.  Brooklyn Heights and Brooklyn Promenade

• Brooklyn Heights

In order to mollify the residents of Brooklyn Heights, city planner Robert Moses built this park atop the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to muffle the street noise when it opened in 1950. Today, you might forget that traffic is moving along beneath you while strolling the esplanade. The picture-perfect views of Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Statue of Liberty are admittedly distracting.

10.  Brooklyn Bridge Park

Unlike the sprawling meadows of Prospect Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park wasn’t built to replicate the area’s serene natural environment. Instead, the park transformed a defunct shipping and storage complex into an urban playground complete with terraces, picnic areas, and athletic fields. Don’t leave without a ride on Jane’s Carousel, the park’s beautifully restored 1920s merry-go-round.

11.  Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)

• Boerum Hill

BAM, which showcases local and out-of-town companies, is one of New York’s most prominent cultural institutions. The Howard Gilman Opera House, with its Federal-style columns and carved marble, is a beautiful dance venue. Each fall, BAM’s Next Wave Festival highlights established and experimental dance groups; in the spring, there’s an assortment of African and modern dance and ballet.

12.  Building 92

• Special interest
• Fort Greene

Located in a former military residence on the grounds of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, this small museum chronicles the mighty history of the former shipbuilding center – which, at its peak during World War II, employed close to 70,000 people. Take a deep dive into the area’s history from Native American origins to the Industrial Revolution at the museum’s permanent exhibit or board a weekend bus tour of the 300-acre yard.

13.  Brooklyn Children’s Museum

• Crown Heights

When it was founded in 1899, the BCM was the country’s first museum specifically made for children. Today it’s one of the most comprehensive, with a permanent collection of 30,000 objects, including musical instruments, masks, dolls, and fossils. Kids have fun while learning (sneaky!) at interactive exhibits like “World Brooklyn,” a pint-size cityscape lined by faux stores where young’uns can weigh ingredients and knead pretend dough at the Mexican Bakery, or shop for cans of Indian ghee and Turkish candy at the International Grocery.

14.  Green-Wood Cemetery

• Walks and tours

Founded in 1838 as a rural cemetery in Greenwood Heights, this site was inspired by the Pére Lachaise Cemetery in Paris and Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Having vied with Niagara Falls as New York State’s greatest tourist attraction, it gained landmark status in 1966. Filled with Victorian mausoleums, cherubs, and gargoyles, Green-Wood is the resting place of some half-million New Yorkers, including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Leonard Bernstein, and Boss Tweed. But there’s more to do here than grave-spot: Check out the massive Gothic arch at the main entrance or climb to the top of Battle Hill, a pivotal spot during the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776.

15.  Prospect Park Zoo

At this interactive wildlife center, kids can walk along the Discovery Trail and come face to face with Oggie and his new pal Dixie, two North American river otters. Keep hopping down the path to find the Australian Walkabout's kangaroo and the new rock wallabies, whose grooved hind paws easily grip the boulders in their steep habitat. A pair of native South African owls – recognizable by their bright white faces – roost in the aviary along the trail. On spring days, you might also find a commotion at the sea lion court: the graceful swimmers like to entertain onlookers by diving, high-fiving their keepers, and chowing down on fishy food.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Copyright agent
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Claim your listing
• Local Marketing Solutions
• Advertising

Time Out products

• Time Out Worldwide

20 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Brooklyn, NY

Written by Meagan Drillinger Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Meagan Drillinger was born in Brooklyn and spent nearly 20 years living in New York City.

If Brooklyn was a separate city, it would be the fourth largest city in America. With a population of approximately 2.5 million, Brooklyn is one of the most populous areas in the country. But with that comes massive diversity, rich history, and a plethora of things to do.

From iconic Coney Island to the brand new Barclays Center , and distinct neighborhoods like Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, and Park Slope, you will have your choice of activities and places to visit throughout the year.

A walk across the Brooklyn Bridge or a subway ride from Manhattan will bring you to happening neighborhoods and attractions like museums, gardens, parks, food markets, and more. For something a little more interesting, try seeing the sights on the NYC Ferry System by hopping on the East River Ferry.

On your day trip or a weekend getaway to Brooklyn, don't miss a chance to see the Brooklyn Cyclones play at MCU Park, have a picnic in Prospect Park , wander the gardens at Brooklyn Botanic Garden , and admire masterpieces at the Brooklyn Museum. Top it all off with a stop at an outdoor food market to taste diverse foods and mingle with New Yorkers.

For more ideas on places to visit in one of New York City's coolest boroughs, see our list of the top things to do in Brooklyn.

1. Brooklyn Bridge

2. brooklyn bridge park, 3. brooklyn heights promenade, 4. brooklyn botanic garden, 5. brooklyn museum, 6. green-wood cemetery, 7. new york transit museum, 8. prospect park, 9. williamsburg, 10. christmas lights in dyker heights, 11. coney island, 12. mcu park, 13. barclays center, 14. brooklyn flea, 15. williamsburg smorgasburg, 16. dekalb market hall, 17. bam harvey theater, 18. brooklyn grange, 19. bushwick collective, 20. brighton beach, where to stay in brooklyn for sightseeing, brooklyn, ny - climate chart.

One of my favorite landmarks in New York City is the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Nothing says I've arrived home more than seeing the beautiful brick engineering masterpiece.

Drive, bike, or saunter across the bridge, which connects Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn Heights. Appreciate the massive towers built from limestone, granite, and cement and the incredible views of the world-famous skyline from various vantage points on the pedestrian walkway.

Brooklyn Bridge was the first bridge built across the East River; it took 24 years and opened in 1883. It once held the title of the longest suspension bridge in the world, until Japan's Akashi-Kaikyo bridge came along.

Since this is one of the top attractions in New York City , when you visit during high season, you may be rubbing shoulders with other tourists; go early in the morning or at night for a more relaxing experience.

Once you reach the Brooklyn side, it's a popular stop for tourists to visit Grimaldi's Pizza for a legendary brick-oven pie. Keep in mind the line does get long, but it will be worth the wait. You can also explore Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Nestled on the shores of the East River lies the 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park, an appealing place to relax and enjoy views of the bustling New York harbor, Statue of Liberty, and both the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.

The park features a 1920s restored carousel, playgrounds, piers, and lawns for picnicking. Visitors can enjoy events like outdoor movies, concerts, fitness classes, rowing, kayaking, and more. Other amenities include basketball courts, an in-line skating rink, and a small beach for non-motorized boat launch. A seasonal ferry brings folks from the park to Governors Island.

The park is a buzzing hot spot, especially in the warmer months thanks to its slew of outdoor cafes and restaurants, plus its high-end and boutique shopping. Grab a coffee at Kaigo Coffee Room or a delectable ice cream cone at Oddfellows Ice Cream Co and sit on one of the grassy knolls overlooking the Manhattan skyline.

Speaking of the Manhattan skyline, some of the very best views of Manhattan can be spotted from Brooklyn Heights along its beautifully manicured promenade.

The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is an outdoor walkway that overlooks Downtown Manhattan , the East River, and the Brooklyn Bridge. You'll also find some of the oldest mansions and architecture along the promenade in one of the most historic neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

The pedestrian walkway is lined with benches and lovely flowerbeds, making it a popular spot to sit and people-watch. But it's also one of Brooklyn Heights' favorite places for exercise. Runners, rollerbladers, and cyclists love to pound the pavement here.

Not far from the promenade are some of Brooklyn's best restaurants and boutiques. Near Brooklyn Bridge Park are a wide variety of dining options, as well as rooftop terraces from which to drink in the views.

Get lost in nature as you wander through carefully tended gardens at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden , situated next to Prospect Park on 52 acres. You'll find peaceful gardens like the Cherry Esplanade, Fragrance Garden, Herb Garden, Magnolia Plaza, Cranford Rose Garden, Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Shakespeare Garden, and the new Woodland Garden, among others.

Even during winter, take comfort in the warmth of the greenhouses with lush tropical flora and desert cacti. Don't miss the Sakura Matsuri Festival in the spring, which attracts thousands of locals and visitors to the blooming Cherry Esplanade.

Address: 990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, New York

Admire masterpieces by Cézanne, Monet, Bierstadt, Rothko, and other renowned artists in this gorgeous space near the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park. The prestigious Brooklyn Museum houses a massive collection of Egyptian antiquities, along with African, European, Japanese, Oceanic, and American art, with the goal of helping people understand the world better. It's especially known for presenting the feminist piece by Judy Chicago, The Dinner Party.

The Brooklyn Museum houses nearly 1.5 million works in a 560,000-square-foot space. Even though it's the third largest museum in the city, it sees a lot fewer visitors than Manhattan's world-famous art museums, giving you a chance to take in famous pieces without many others around.

For over 21 years, the museum has hosted a First Saturday program, with free programming for visitors each month. Programming includes art classes, music and dance performances, art workshops, and gallery talks, as well as musical performances and film screenings.

Address: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York

In the late 19th century, Green-Wood Cemetery competed with Niagara Falls in terms of visitor numbers. With dramatic Gothic arches at the entrance, and bucolic, rolling landscape spread across 478 acres, New York City's first rural burial ground was the preferred final resting place for many wealthy New Yorkers.

Today, the site still attracts those drawn to the countryside setting and the secrets it holds. Green-Wood is on the Civil War Discovery Trail, where you will see monuments to the fallen soldiers, from both sides.

The cemetery is also a bird-lover's paradise. A colony of blue-green monk parakeets nests in the spires of the arches, and the ponds within are teeming with herons, egrets, sandpipers, geese, and ducks. The cemetery is part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary System and offers birding walks.

Pay homage to one of the oldest public transit systems in the country at the New York Transit Museum in Downtown Brooklyn. Housed in a decommissioned train station, the museum showcases vintage subway cars and buses from the early 1900s.

Learn about the history of mass transit in the metropolis since 1976 through memorabilia, reconstructed subway platforms, and long-term and rotating exhibits. Attend an educational program with kids and stop by the gift shop for a souvenir to remember your experience.

During the holidays, the Holiday Nostalgia Rides give you a chance to ride in a 1930s R1-9 train car on Sundays between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

Address: 99 Schermerhorn Street, Brooklyn, New York

Beginning at the Grand Army Plaza's Triumphal Arch and encircled by the neighborhoods of Park Slope, Crown Heights, and Windsor Terrace, 526-acre Prospect Park is a happening gathering place for local residents. You can see them using the paths for running, biking, dog-walking, exploring the Ravine forest, and picnicking on the Long Meadow and Nethermead.

The bucolic park, with its intricate man-made wetlands and trees, is designed by the same architects behind New York's Central Park : Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It includes similar attractions such as a boathouse, zoo, lake, sporting fields, ice rink, carousel, band shell, and an array of playing fields and recreational activities.

Prospect Park also boasts the first urban Audubon Center, run in partnership between Audubon New York and the Prospect Park Alliance. On Sundays near the Breeze Hill entrance, a Smorgasburg Prospect Park food festival serves a range of cuisines from local restaurants from April to October.

One of the hottest neighborhoods in the country continues to be Brooklyn's own Williamsburg. Once a neighborhood marked only by warehouses and factories, today it is one of the hottest real estate markets in the world.

Development over the past decade has brought glitzy high-rise condos, incredible restaurants, museums, concert venues, a sleek waterfront promenade, art galleries, festivals , and amazing hotels. Today Williamsburg may even be considered a standalone destination within the city of New York.

Hop on the ferry or ride the L train to Bedford Avenue to begin exploring one of the most vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods in the world.

Holiday time in New York City is one of the most special times to be in the five boroughs. While Manhattan's Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center get the lion's share of the holiday cheer tourism, Brooklyn's Dyker Heights neighborhood is legendary for its vibrant festive spirit .

The neighborhood in Brooklyn comes alive during the month of December with historic houses and mansions that are dripping head-to-toe in Christmas lights, Santa displays, sleighs, and snowmen. Some homes even set up speakers to fill the streets with holiday music.

The best times to see the Christmas lights are between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, between sunset and 9pm. The area best known for the lights is between 11th and 13th Avenues and 83rd to 86th streets.

You can get to Dyker Heights by taking the D train to 79th Street and New Utrecht Avenue. You can also tour the lights via a bus tour like this New York Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour.

Coney Island is a popular summer destination at the southern tip of Brooklyn. Known for its carnival rides and great eats from Totonno's and Nathan's Famous, this sandy playground is just a subway ride away from Manhattan.

Allocate an entire day to make the most of your time at this buzzing attraction, which features minor league baseball at MCU Park, an aquarium, an amphitheater, and thrilling roller coasters at Luna Park amusement park.

Of course, don't forget to enjoy the beach, that is if you can find yourself a spot. Coney Island in recent years has been the location for the annual Mermaid Parade, attracting costumed fans from all boroughs to take part in a lively celebration of the water nymphs.

Glimpse into the future of America's pastime at MCU Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones. This Class A Short Season Mets Affiliate is sure to delight fans of all ages. Bring your friends and family for a fun minor-league baseball game.

Enjoy special promotions like Kids Eat Free Monday, Everyone Runs the Bases, and the hilarious Tribute to Seinfeld Night. Savor top-notch refreshments, including Nathan's Famous from the comfort of your box seats or luxury suite.

MCU Park is conveniently located adjacent to the Boardwalk and Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue Station.

Home to the Brooklyn Nets of the NBA, the Barclays Center takes center stage in downtown Brooklyn. Opened in 2012, this multi-purpose indoor arena is also used for New York Islanders hockey games and a number of concerts and comedy shows.

The venue can accommodate up to 19,000 attendees and is conveniently located close to the Long Island Railroad and multiple subway lines at the Atlantic Terminal transportation hub. As you take the stairs up from the underground railroad, you can't help but admire the venue's standout exterior, made up of 12,000 weathered steel panels, representative of the brownstone blocks that surround it.

Address: 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, New York

If you are into antiques, vintage clothing, furniture, and people-watching, the Brooklyn Flea is a must-visit. This seasonal market, taking place on the second-level patio of the Williamsburg Hotel on Saturdays and under the Manhattan Bridge at Pearl Plaza in Dumbo on Sundays, brims with vendors selling wares, collectibles, jewelry, clothing, food, and more.

Even if you can't bring anything on the plane back with you, the sheer joy of browsing through hundreds of interesting items at one of the greatest markets on the planet makes the trip to the Brooklyn Flea worth it.

The trendy hipster neighborhood of Williamsburg and the shopping and dining on Bedford Avenue, are big draws, but the Smorgasburg Food Market in East River State Park is something one has to check out on a visit to Brooklyn, especially if you are already spending your day at the nearby flea market at the Williamsburg Hotel.

The open-air market, organized in collaboration with the Brooklyn Flea Market and the New York Greenmarket, is the largest weekly food market in the country, attracting 20,000 to 30,000 people each weekend, most of them local to the area.

If you find yourself in Brooklyn on a Saturday between April and November, head to the Williamsburg Smorgasburg to savor delicious (and cheap) food from a wide selection of vendors, mingle with New Yorkers, and enjoy views of the city skyline.

A recent addition to the food market scene in Brooklyn is catching up to the others with a year-round, indoor venue boasting diverse food vendors, like A Taste of Katz's deli, Arepa Lady, Paella Shack, Chicks Isan, Ample Hills ice creamery, Cuzin's Dozen (selling mouth-watering mini donuts), and more.

Also within the DeKalb Market Hall that opened in 2017, you'll find a Trader Joe's and Han Dynasty restaurant, and a never-boring scene of residents and tourists mingling over delicious food. The market is located in the lower level of City Point, near Fort Greene Park and several subway lines at the Atlantic Terminal.

BAM Harvey Theater , is a cultural space putting on films, plays, and opera. Built in 1904 as the Majestic Theater, the impressive stage hosted musicals, vaudeville, and plays that went on to Broadway.

In the 40s, the building served as an elegant European-style movie house, until the advent of television, and closed in the 60s. It resurrected again as a prominent cultural center in the late 80s, as part of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), while still maintaining its original architectural elements. Visitors can choose from multiple shows daily.

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a not-for-profit corporation, inhabiting three mixed-used venues, including the Peter Jay Sharp Beaux Arts-style building (housing Howard Gilman Opera House and BAM Rose Cinemas), the BAM Harvey Theater, and the BAM Fisher. Those looking for dinner and a show can visit the BAMCafé, a restaurant hosting live music and readings, in the Peter Jay Sharp building.

All these buildings, situated near Downtown Brooklyn and Barclay's Center, make up the cultural mecca of Brooklyn, putting on the annual world-renowned Next Wave Festival , featuring avant-garde cultural shows in the fall.

It may come as a surprise to many, but New York City has the largest rooftop soil farm in the world, growing more than 50,000 pounds of organic produce each year. Brooklyn Grange , located at the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard, is a 5.6-acre farm serving local restaurants and markets.

The Grange company has two other rooftop urban farms in Brooklyn and Long Island City, Queens. Visitors can learn about organic farming, beekeeping, floral design, and mushroom cultivation, among other farm-centric activities. Or go on a tour of the farm and enjoy views of the green space overlooking the city skyline.

Address: 63 Flushing Ave., Building 3, Roof, Brooklyn, New York

New York is famous for its street art, graffiti, and murals. The building walls across the five boroughs are often used as blank canvases for local and rising artists to express themselves in bold designs. In Brooklyn's Bushwick neighborhood, the Bushwick Collective represents some of the very best street art in the city, and visitors can make either a DIY walking tour, or sign up for a local one, to see what's on display.

The open-air gallery is curated by Bushwick native Joe Ficalora, and brings artists from all around the world. What started in 2012 has quickly evolved to become one of the top tourist attractions in the city.

To find it, take the L train to Jefferson Street. Most of the murals are along Troutman Street between Irving and Cyprus Avenues.

South Brooklyn is full of deep pockets of untapped Brooklyn secrets. Brighton Beach is one of them. Once home to mostly Russian immigrants, the beachfront neighborhood has blossomed into an international community, as well as a destination for locals and visitors to hit the beautiful beach.

Yes, a beach! Brighton Beach is named for the lovely, wide beach on which it sits. Today the beach has hotels and restaurants – the majority of which are Georgian, Uzbek, and Turkish, earning the neighborhood the nickname, "Little Odessa." Brighton Beach was named for the English seaside resort town. During the summer months, the boardwalk is always bustling with activity, and the sand is usually packed with sunbathers who come down from their apartment buildings to enjoy the biggest asset of their neighborhood.

Luxury Hotels:

• The Williamsburg Hotel in the hip neighborhood by the same name is a stylish luxury boutique property with a retro-modern ambience throughout. The rooms have amenities like white noise machines, pillow menus, and Bluetooth speakers. Many also have balconies with Manhattan skyline views. The property is pet-friendly and has an all day restaurant that also serves high tea on the weekends. Also don't miss the rooftop pool with fabulous views.
• Another modern luxe option in Williamsburg is The William Vale . This trendy, pet-friendly hotel boasts elevated green spaces for guests and a rooftop swimming pool with city skyline views. There are also three distinct restaurants, including one serving burgers out of a 1974 Airstream trailer. The rooms and suites come with floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies.
• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is located right on the East River waterfront on Brooklyn Bridge Park near the bridge itself. The 10-story building has almost 200 rooms and suites that are done up in modern design with lots of wood accents. Amenities at this family- and dog-friendly property include a swimming pool, a lounge serving light bites and awesome NYC skyline views, and a 24-hour fitness center.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• One of the best mid-range choices is Franklin Guesthouse . It features well-appointed rooms and suites with lots of light, and modern art on the walls. Some of the suites come with full kitchens and sitting areas. Amenities include an on-site sauna, workout room, and self service laundry facilities. Bike rentals are also available.
• At the corner of North Henry Street and Norman Avenue, the Henry Norman Hotel is a boutique 3-star option in a converted 19th-century warehouse. The 52 rooms and suites have a trendy vibe with modern art on the walls and hardwood floors. Guests can hang out on the rooftop terrace, work out in the fitness center, or sweat in the on-site sauna.
• Hotel Le Jolie is another good-value choice. The boutique property in the Williamsburg neighborhood features modern rooms with dark wood accents, blackout curtains, and work desks. A free breakfast is offered, and there is free parking and a 24-hour front desk.

Budget Hotels :

• If you just need a bed and a bathroom in a tiny but tidy space, then check out the budget-friendly Pod Brooklyn . In a central Williamsburg location with easy access to everything, the rooms have just enough space for sleeping, but they do have private bathrooms and are soundproofed. Amenities include bike rental, a workout room, and 24-hour check in.
• For a more traditional sized hotel room that is still affordable, check out La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Brooklyn Downtown . Located about five blocks from a subway station with access to Manhattan, the hotel is pet friendly and also offers a free breakfast.

More on New York

The 20 Best Things to Do in Brooklyn

Brooklyn offers so many things to see and do, so if you're feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options, we've highlighted 20 activities and spots you must visit when you're in town. From a walk across an iconic bridge to an afternoon in a botanic garden, there are many ways to spend the day in the borough. Be sure to include some of these on your Brooklyn itinerary.

Watch Now: Essential Things to Do in Brooklyn

Find the best views of manhattan.

One of the best parts about visiting Brooklyn is enjoying the views of Manhattan across the East River. All along the waterfront from DUMBO to Williamsburg, you can find plenty of rooftop bars, where you'll find amazing views of the skyline.  1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge  and the  William Vale  are two trendy spots, but you can also enjoy the view from one of the waterfront parks or take the East River Ferry across for more dynamic skyline-watching.

Play a Few Rounds of Shuffleboard

If your trip to Brooklyn inspires you to embrace your inner-hipster, it doesn't get more ironic or fun than a trip to the Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club in Gowanus. This 17,000 square-foot Florida-themed bar has 10 full-sized shuffleboard courts and an on-site food truck. The sport has become so popular in Brooklyn that the club runs its own league and competitions. It is a bar, so the venue is not family-friendly and does have a strict 21+ only rule. Also, courts fill up fast, so make sure you make a reservation.

Explore the Borough By Bike

TripSavvy / Donghee Eim

If you want to get around like a true Brooklynite, renting a Citi Bike, or going through a traditional bike shop, is a great way to see the borough. You can design your route based on what you want to see, like biking across the Brooklyn Bridge, or opt for a more organized bike tour. Many tour operators like  Brooklyn Bike Tours  have tours themed around graffiti or beer or can even guide you all the way to Coney Island. If you're not sure you're ready to bike alone in New York, a bike tour is a great way to ease into it.

Go Dancing at the House of Yes

If you're looking for a semi-scandalous experience to summarize the heart of Brooklyn's club scene, the House of Yes is it. In Bushwick, right next to the Jefferson Street stop, this nightclub is known for its grand burlesque and circus-themed productions and patrons that put everything and more into their outfits. All guests are encouraged, but not required, to wear costumes, which is a great reason to hit the thrift shops like L Train Vintage earlier in the day. All dance parties are typically 21+, but you can check the online calendar for any upcoming "all ages" shows. You can either buy tickets at the door or online.

Get Pizza and See Art in DUMBO

 Stella Levantesi / TripSavvy

DUMBO, a once-industrial neighborhood turned trendy, artsy hot spot, has spectacular views of Manhattan and New York's beautiful bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge. It's the first neighborhood in Brooklyn you'll find after walking the Brooklyn Bridge. It combines old warehouses, interesting shops and restaurants, and pricey high-rise apartments. You can find art galleries and occasionally big neighborhood art shows here. And DUMBO is home to the  famous pizzeria Grimaldi's , Jacques Torres chocolate shop ,  St. Ann's Warehouse  (which hosts edgy theatrical performances), and numerous other artsy venues. 

Visit the Brooklyn Navy Yard

Rooftop Reds 

One way or the other, the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see when traveling to Brooklyn. It's not just an enjoyable experience for tourists, many born-and-bred New Yorkers find themselves still charmed by the bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge connects two great New York City boroughs, Manhattan and Brooklyn, and you can walk it, drive it, bike it, or just admire it from afar from multiple vantage points around the city.

There's even a dedicated pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge, above the roaring car traffic, so it's a wonderful stroll. If you're rushing, it should only take about half an hour to walk across the bridge, but most people should account for a whole hour, especially if you think you'll need a lot of time to take photos.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

TripSavvy / Stella Levantesi 

The Brooklyn Bridge connects two great New York City boroughs, Manhattan and Brooklyn, and you can walk it, drive it, bike it, or just admire it from afar from multiple vantage points around the city.

One way or the other, the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see when traveling to Brooklyn. It's not just an enjoyable experience for tourists; many born-and-bred New Yorkers find themselves still charmed by the bridge.

There's even a dedicated pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge, above the roaring car traffic, so it's a beautiful stroll. If you're allotting a specific amount of time for the walk, here's a breakdown of how long it takes to walk across the  Brooklyn Bridge .

Go Retro at the New York Transit Museum

 The New York Transit Museum

This unique museum housed in a decommissioned subway station in downtown Brooklyn has a collection of vintage subway cars. You'll feel as if you stepped into a time machine as you peruse the cars dating back to 1907. The museum tells the stories and history of mass transportation in New York City through its exhibits and collection of memorabilia. 

If you have kids in tow, be sure to attend one of the many public programs for children. They also host tours, art shows, and other events at the museum. Don't forget to allot time for visiting the gift shop, which has some of the best NYC transit-themed souvenirs.

See Art at the Brooklyn Museum

fernandogarciaesteban/Getty Images 

Get artsy at the  Brooklyn Museum . Before entering the museum, you must pause to stare at the mesmerizing fountain that shoots water up from the pavement. In addition to a fun fountain, this prestigious art museum has an extensive collection of Egyptian art in its permanent collection, as well as contemporary art. The rotating exhibits have included David Bowie, Basquiat, Georgia O'Keefe, and many others. On the first Saturday of the month, also known as  Target First Saturdays , the museum is free to the public from 5 to 11 p.m.

Spend the Day in Williamsburg

Robert Mullan/Getty Images

Williamsburg has changed a lot in the last twenty years. In the early '90s, it was a place for artists priced out of Manhattan, and it soon transformed into the epicenter of Brooklyn's hipster culture. However, the edgy hood is in a constant battle with mainstream culture. There was a lot of buzz when Williamsburg got its first Starbucks, and now it's home to Brooklyn's first  Apple Store and Whole Foods , which boasts an incredible food hall. Despite the influx of chains, Bedford Avenue, Williamsburg's main shopping street, is still filled with many local shops and restaurants, and the area works hard to maintain its indie feel. 

See a Movie

Nitehawk Cinema - Williamsburg 

Nitehawk Cinema, Williamsburg's dine-in theater, with a second location in Park Slope near Prospect Park, features a wide range of cinematic treats, from rarely seen 35-millimeter films to new independent features. If you want to check out other movie theaters where you can eat and drink, get a ticket for a show at  Syndicated  in neighboring  Bushwick . This movie theater and restaurant has both first-run and retro movies and often features themed weeks and trivia nights. Downtown Brooklyn is also home to an outpost of the  Alamo Drafthouse , another movie theatre where you can order food while you enjoy the show.

Hop the Waves in Coney Island

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Coney Island is just a train ride away from Manhattan, but it feels worlds apart. Busiest during the summer months, Coney Island feels equal parts beach escape and kitschy carnival. In the summer, you can spend a day on the sand soaking in the rays on the beach, free to the public, or enjoy a stroll on the iconic boardwalk. Home to an aquarium, an amphitheater, a minor league baseball team, and tons of great eats, this scenic stretch of Brooklyn should be on every Brooklyn travel itinerary.

Smell the Flowers at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Driendl Group/Getty Images 

The  Brooklyn Botanic Garden  is not to be missed. Depending on the season, you can walk through beauty in the Cherry Esplanade, Cranford Rose Garden, Fragrance Garden, Magnolia Plaza, Shakespeare Garden, or Herb Garden, among many others. It's a great place to take some brag-worthy photos, too. The idyllic 52 acres of the blooming  Brooklyn Botanic Garden  is not to be missed. Depending on the season, you can walk through beauty in the Cherry Esplanade, Cranford Rose Garden, Fragrance Garden, Magnolia Plaza, Shakespeare Garden, or Herb Garden, among many others. It's a great place to take photographs or enjoy the quieter side of Brooklyn.

Visit the Animals at the Prospect Park Zoo

E. Freudenheim

The Prospect Park Zoo is open year-round and includes a petting zoo and several exhibit areas. If you're traveling with your family, this zoo is the perfect size for little children and has wonderful exhibits for the little ones indoors and outdoors. Check out the quirky ​gophers, wonderful rabbits, and farm animals.

Take in a Show at BAM

Peter Mauss

This theater has quite a history, originally built in 1904 as The Majestic Theater, it was transformed into a movie house in the early 1940s, which shuttered in the 60s. After almost two decades of being closed, the theater was restored and reopened in 1987, and now it is the BAM Harvey Theater. BAM Harvey Theater is a Brooklyn institution and is a must-visit. It currently hosts productions throughout the year, including visits from the Royal Shakespeare Company and classics by famous playwrights like Henrik Ibsen and Oscar Wilde.

See a Show at the Bell House

If you don't have evening plans, head to the Bell House in the Gowanus section of Brooklyn. Check out their calendar for a list of shows and events. The Bell House is a great place to see concerts and comedy. It's also where live game shows from NPR and WNYC,  Ask Me Another , are recorded. You can get tickets to watch the show and apply through the official website if you're interested in being a contestant.

Explore Street Art in Bushwick

Angelita Gonzalez/Contributor/Getty Images 

You can spend the day in the world's best museums in Manhattan, but you should know that the warehouse walls of Bushwick are filled with some of the best art in NYC. You can start your street art tour at the  Bushwick Collective  on Troutman Street at Saint Nicholas Avenue, where colorful murals are painted on the walls of the neighboring blocks. Although this stretch of Bushwick is known for street art, there are also other notable murals on the Bushwick/East Williamsburg border near the Morgan Avenue L stop. You can stop in at  Friends NYC  on Bogart Street for some vintage threads and a great collection of new clothes and jewelry, or, if you need a pick-me-up, try the super-strong Ethiopian coffee at  Bunna Cafe .

Enjoy an Evening in Greenpoint

JayLazarin/Getty Images

​Greenpoint is so cool that there's  a laundromat that doubles as a bar , and an  old Polish banquet hall  was transformed into a bazaar where you can play ping pong, listen to your favorite bands, and enjoy some karaoke. Greenpoint, still a vibrant Polish community, is also home to numerous hipsters. From a lazy afternoon at the scenic  Greenpoint Waterfront  to window shopping on Manhattan Avenue and grabbing a retro breakfast at  Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop , a visit to Greenpoint should be on your list of places to see on your next trip to Brooklyn.  

Soak in the Sun at Brooklyn Bridge Park

TripSavvy / Stella Levantesi

Brooklyn Bridge Park, nestled on the shore of the East River across from lower Manhattan, has spectacular views, with a vast vista of New York Harbor, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, lower Manhattan, boat traffic on the East River, and of course, views of the Statue of Liberty. And there's more: Brooklyn Bridge Park is a cultural and sports venue with a lively calendar of concerts, summer outdoor movies, outdoor exercise classes, chess instruction, kayaking, and more. 

Hear Chamber Music on a Barge

Music fans will enjoy watching a concert on a charming old barge renovated into New York City's only floating concert hall, called  BargeMusic.  Bargemusic has a calendar of chamber music. It was founded in 1977 by a violinist who created a concert hall on a 100-foot steel barge from 1899 that used to be a working vessel. Enjoy hearing music at this unique venue. For those traveling with kids, Bargemusic has a free concert series for families, which typically takes place on weekends and offers a great introduction to classical music for kids.

Brooklyn: A Visitors Guide

The 12 Best Slices of Pizza in Brooklyn

48 Hours in Brooklyn: The Perfect Itinerary

How to Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

How to Travel From LaGuardia Airport to Brooklyn by Subway, Bus, and Car

13 Top New York City Attractions

9 Brooklyn Music Festivals: Something for Everyone

12 Top Summer Things to Do in Brooklyn

5 Great Walks to Explore Brooklyn

New York City Guide: Planning Your Trip

The Best Things to Do in Brooklyn in the Winter

10 Things to Do in DUMBO on Front Street

The 4 Best Things to Do After Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Brooklyn Bridge Park, A Visitors Guide

Guide to New Year's in Brooklyn: Parties, Fireworks, Things to Do

Top 10 Things to Do in DUMBO, Brooklyn

32 Best & Fun Things To Do In Brooklyn (New York)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: October 2, 2019  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

Trips to New York City don’t have to just about being in Manhattan .

While that famous borough is definitely great for sightseeing and exploring wonderful neighborhoods, you’re missing out on some great opportunities if you’re not also checking out Brooklyn.

These are the 32 best things to do in Brooklyn, New York.

Table of Contents

1. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

R.A.R. de Bruijn Holding BV / Shutterstock

If you think New York is nothing but over-stimulation, you should come to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens .

Checking out these amazing gardens is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn if you’re interested in horticulture or just want a moment to relax.

Seeing heavenly plants when they’ve blossomed can be one of the best parts of your sightseeing experience.

At the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, you can see colorful and gorgeous plants like the Japanese Anenome, the Dahlia, the Hardy Hibiscus, and so many more.

There are multiple varieties of roses that will show just how diverse that famed flower type can be.

You can stop and smell the roses and so much more at these gardens.

Going to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens is one of the absolute best things to do in Brooklyn.

The gardens’ hours vary based on time of year.

Admission is $15 for adults, $8 for seniors and students (age 12 and up), and free for children younger than 12.

Address:  990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, United States

2. Luna Park, Coney Island

Kamira / Shutterstock

Amusement park historians know about the original Luna Park, which was part of Coney Island before shuttering due to fire in 1944.

Now, one of the most fun things to do in Brooklyn is to go to the new Luna Park, Coney Island .

Opened in 2010, this is one of the best spots in Brooklyn for family fun.

Luna Park, Coney Island does a fantastic job of paying homage to the former park while also being its own thing.

Amusement park visitors of all backgrounds and ride preferences can have fun here.

Whether you love roller coasters or milder experiences like go-karting, you’ll be in good hands at Luna Park.

When you come to Brooklyn, New York for a weekend visit, you definitely need to consider coming to Luna Park, Coney Island.

The park’s hours depend on the season.

An “Any Day Luna Pass” is $40 in advance and $42 at the park for visitors shorter than 48 inches tall, and $65/$69 for those 48 inches and taller.

Address:  1000 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States

3. Prospect Park

Elzbieta Sekowska / Shutterstock

One of the best things to do in Brooklyn is to spend an afternoon at Prospect Park .

This is one of the best areas in New York for recreation and relaxation.

At this 500-plus acre park, you can have a lot of fun.

Prospect Park is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Brooklyn for how many options it gives visitors seeking activities.

You can shoot some hoops at the basketball courts, go for a bike ride, or even catch some fish.

Don’t be shy about inviting some people into a pick-up game of soccer or another sport of your choice.

If you’re looking for an excellent outdoor space to have your nuptials, Prospect Park should definitely be a prospect.

This is one of the most beautiful Brooklyn attractions and gives visitors and residents something to greatly admire.

Prospect Park is open daily from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Address: 450 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225, USA

4. Brooklyn Bridge Park

pisaphotography / Shutterstock

It might be a fraction of the size of places like Prospect Park and Central Park, but Brooklyn Bridge Park is definitely one of the biggest points of interest in Brooklyn, New York.

Located beside the East River, this park has brought new life to a one-time industrial area.

At 85 acres, Brooklyn Bridge Park still very much gives visitors a lot of space for fun activities.

The land is great for athletic adventures.

Plus, with the water, on nice days you have the perfect conditions for taking a boat out.

The view across the river of Manhattan is also utterly stunning.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the best instances of a city making something great out of a pre-existing environment.

If you’re looking for beautiful places to visit , you should come here.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is open every day from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Address:  334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

Planning to visit other parts of New York? Be sure to check out the things to do in Buffalo, NY  & fun things to do in Rochester, NY !

5. The Brooklyn Museum

Stuart Monk / Shutterstock

Going to the Brooklyn Museum is one of the most cool things to do in Brooklyn.

It’s home to a delightfully eclectic collection and many fine traveling exhibitions.

If there was ever a museum that spoke so well to what it means to be a human from different angles and cultures, it’s this one.

Exhibitions like “Georgia O’Keeffe: Living Modern” and “The Legacy of Lynching: Confronting Racial Terror in America” can channel serious emotions as well as giving you lots to think about.

In the permanent collection, you can see great pieces such as portraits of luminaries like John Cage and Snoop Dogg.

The Brooklyn Museum is one of the best museums in New York.

It’s open on Wednesday and from Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

On the first Saturday of the month, it’s open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with the exception of January and September.

Admission is $16 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and free for visitors 19 and younger.

Address:  200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238, United States

6. Brooklyn Flea

littlenySTOCK / Shutterstock

When thinking about what to do in Brooklyn, New York, a flea market might not be one of your first choices.

However, coming to Brooklyn Flea can be one of the best shopping experiences you’ve ever had.

It’s got just about everything you’d ever want and even more.

Running from April to November, Brooklyn Flea is a weekend shopping trip like none other.

Brooklyn Flea includes all kinds of sellers with delightful wares, many of which they’ve made themselves.

You could come home with a striking new piece of jewelry that has everyone dying to know where you got it from.

When you go to the Brooklyn Flea, you’ll be amazed by how great the selection is.

If you’re going to be in Brooklyn, New York this weekend and Brooklyn Flea is open, you have to go.

7. Brooklyn Bridge

TTstudio / Shutterstock

This is definitely the most “touristy” thing to do in the borough, but it’s also a site seeing experience that should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The Brooklyn Bridge is more than a bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.

It’s also a shining example of engineering ingenuity and architectural beauty.

With its neo-Gothic architectural style, this bridge looks as beautiful now as it did upon its completion, more than a century ago.

One of the top activities is walking the full length of the bridge, which is about 1.1 miles for pedestrians.

To make it faster and perhaps more satisfying, you can take a bike.

The Brooklyn Bridge isn’t one of those tourist attractions that is talked about so much that it’s bound to be a disappointment.

For one of the most fun moments of your time in New York, you need to come to the Brooklyn Bridge.

It’s one of the best places to see in the country.

Address:  Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038, United States

8. Brooklyn Historical Society

Life In Pixels / Shutterstock

With some four centuries to look back on, a place like the Brooklyn Historical Society is absolutely a necessity.

This institution has been around for about 156 years and has kept track of indispensable documents and other items related to Brooklyn, New York.

Visiting the Brooklyn Historical Society is what to do if you really want to comprehend just how much has occurred here.

There are different aspects of the Brooklyn Historical Society that make it one of the coolest places to visit.

In its primary Brooklyn Heights home, you can check out the Othmer Library as well as the museum and educational center.

It’s also worth looking at the calendar for any exciting upcoming public programs.

There’s another location at Empire Stores in the DUMBO neighborhood.

The Brooklyn Historical Society makes the story of Brooklyn, New York even richer.

You can come to the Brooklyn Heights location from Wednesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors, age 62 and up, and teachers, and free for students and children younger than 12.

Address:  128 Pierrepont St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

9. Brooklyn Brewery

stock_photo_world / Shutterstock

Even if you’ve never been to this borough before, there’s a good chance you’ve come across beers from Brooklyn Brewery, especially if you’re a regular beer drinker.

The Brooklyn Brewery headquarters are what to see in Brooklyn if you want to have an enlightening tour about how what might be your favorite beverage is produced.

Any good Brooklyn guide to beer-drinking fun in the borough needs to mention Brooklyn Brewery.

With the exception of children with their parents, everyone who comes to Brooklyn Brewery must be 21 and over and possess valid identification.

There are Small Batch and Technical Tours which are approximately 45 minutes long and include tastings, and public hour tours, which are about 25 minutes long and without tastings.

However, you can definitely check out the Tasting Room.

A visit to the Brooklyn Brewery is one of the most cool things you can do in New York.

Small Batch and Technical tours operate from Monday to Friday at 5 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:15 p.m, cost $18, and require a reservation.

Public hours are typically from Monday to Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

During Summer Thursdays, they’re open from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., and during Summer Fridays, they’re open from 2 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Address:  79 N 11th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States

10. The Ford Amphitheater

Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock

One of the top things to do in Brooklyn is to come to the Ford Amphitheater , which is actually fairly new, having opened in 2016.

Nonetheless, this Coney Island venue has quickly shown itself to be more than up to the task of showing why Brooklyn is one of the top places in the world for live entertainment.

When you come to the Ford Amphitheater, you can enjoy plenty of cultural wonders.

Situated in what was once the home of a Childs Restaurant, the Ford Amphitheater hosts very cool events.

Some of the performers who’ve come here include Bow Wow Wow, Shaggy, and The Beach Boys.

You can also have a nourishing meal at Kitchen 21 nearby.

Going to see a concert in Brooklyn, New York brings out a sort of energy that will have you delighted in all sorts of ways.

After visiting the Ford Amphitheater, you’ll be looking for other ways you can replicate the experience.

It’s also great to know that one of the best parts of Brooklyn is fairly new.

Address:  3052 W 21st St, Brooklyn, NY 11224, United States

Exploring other areas of New York? Why not check out some of the things to do in Lake George, NY  & some of the things to do on Long Island ?

Have you ever thought about going around the world via boat?

While this Brooklyn, New York eatery doesn’t give you the chance to be the next Magallan, its location, on a vessel that has been around the globe twice, is quite charming.

For more than half a century, this schooner had the longest tenure of any pilot ship in the country, even proving to be instrumental in World War II.

Today, Pilot might be out of commission as a vessel for transportation, but it’s assumed a more than honorable role as an oyster bar.

Sitting at Pier 6 of Brooklyn Bridge Park, this is one of the most wonderful places to visit in Brooklyn for seafood delights.

Some of the things you can order here include ceviche, caviar, scallops, and of course, oysters.

Pilot is one of the best things to see in Brooklyn if you’re a seafood fanatic.

It’s open on a seasonal basis.

The waterfront setting also helps to make for an even greater atmosphere.

Address:  Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

12. Brooklyn Navy Yard Center

Dave Pinter / flickr

Anyone who is looking for what to do who’s big on military history should come to Brooklyn Navy Yard Center .

This navy yard has played a major role in the U.S.’s engagement in major conflicts.

As part of Building 92, this is one of the finest Brooklyn attractions for education on the military.

At this museum, you can explore a massive space that once produced incredible vessels.

You can explore the fascinating extent of how much this area meant to the country.

There’s a trio of floors you can explore, with plenty of illuminating exhibitions, like “Brooklyn Navy Yard: Past, Present and Future.”

If you’re coming to New York this weekend, you should visit this museum.

Building 92 is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., with tours on the weekend.

Admission is free.

Address:  63 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205, United States

13. The William Vale

Chris Goldberg / flickr

The William Vale is one of the most must see hotels in New York.

Even if you already have your lodging plans figured out, you can still find much to love about going to this hotel.

Located in Williamsburg, the William Vale is one of the most stunning Brooklyn attractions.

Dining options are fantastic at the William Vale, with some of the best eateries in the borough, Leuca, Mister Dips, and Westlight, being here.

You can also cherish exploring the beautiful Vale Park area.

One of the most fun things to do in Brooklyn in the summer is to see free movies at Vale Park.

Going to the William Vale is what to do if you want a glorious taste of New York luxury.

It’s one of the best Brooklyn attractions, even if you’re not getting a room.

Based on the impression you get, you might decide to stay there next time you’re in New York.

Address:  111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States

14. The Muse Gowanus

Being a circus performer might be something you only imagined in your dreams, but at the Muse Gowanus , that dream can come true.

One of the most fun things to do in Brooklyn is to come here and learn the ropes of juggling, trapezing, and more.

This is one of the most fun tourist attractions for the entire family.

At this studio, you and your family can be tickled by learning the basics of the acts that have been enthralling people for generations.

There are courses for children of different ages and families.

One of the most cool parts of the Muse Gowanus is that the various aspects of circus, including therapeutic purposes, are shown.

The Muse Gowanus is where to go in Brooklyn if you want to experience one of the most fun places in New York.

It’s open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The classes vary depending on the day.

Address:  303 3rd Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States

15. Bedford Avenue

jumis / Shutterstock

Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg is a must see part of the borough if you’re a shopping diehard.

This street includes some of the most cool places to find great new outfits and more in New York.

When you’re looking for places to go that will let you have a shopping spree you can be proud of yourself for going on, Bedford Avenue is where to be.

Some of the top places to go on Bedford Avenue include Catbird, Stone Flower, and Norbu, for jewelry, and Pinkyotto, Babel Fair, and Awoke Vintage.

Even if you’re not really into clothing beyond what fits you, you can have a lot of fun enjoying shopping activities on Bedford Avenue.

Music fans need to check out Earwax Records, the longest-running record shop in the neighborhood.

You should feel cool all over when you come to Bedford Avenue and fill your arms with shopping bags from all these great stores.

If you’re a shopaholic who’s looking for what to do in Brooklyn for a day, much of it can be spent on Bedford Avenue.

Coming here is something you must do if you want to make some excellent purchases.

16. Toy Museum of NY

Toys might look different than they did fifty years ago, but those toys would look absolutely alien to someone from a century ago.

The Toy Museum of NY really lets you appreciate the evolution of child playthings through the ages.

Seeing a performance from this traveling museum is one of the most fun activities you can enjoy with your family.

The Toy Museum of NY’s performances are both educational and delightful.

There’s “The History of Tours” and “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” improv show.

Both of these will have you and your kids laughing and clapping constantly.

School groups are regularly delighted by these performances.

If you’re figuring out how to plan a vacation to New York with your kids, you should see how the Toy Museum of NY can help.

There are also workshops that you can look into booking.

For stuff to do that’s going to remind you of how great imagination is, the Toy Museum of NY is definitely recommended.

17. Beacon’s Closet

Hoowy / Shutterstock

There are three different Beacon’s Closet locations in Brooklyn, a great clothing retailer for showing your well-crafted fashion sense.

This is one of the top places for clothing in New York for both women and men.

At Beacon’s Closet, you can have a lot of fun going through the racks and finding something that really fits you.

There are plenty of vintages pieces to be found at Beacon’s Closet, as well as more contemporary ones.

The clothes are stylish but also available at reasonable rates.

Their website is very well-designed and helps you know what’s in stock.

Going to Beacon’s Closet can be one of the best parts of your trip to New York.

All of the locations are open daily, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the exception of the Park Slope location, which is open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

There’s also a Manhattan location.

18. BRIC Arts Media

quiggyt4 / Shutterstock

Should you value creativity, one of the best places to check out is BRIC Arts Media , which has been a part of the work involved with the Downtown Brooklyn Cultural District.

At this non-profit, the great artists of today and tomorrow can let their ambition flourish.

This is what to see if you need any proof that Brooklyn is a one-of-a-kind place for culture.

Some of the best activities at BRIC are checking out the different events that take place here.

There are many great programs that happen at night, including screenings and readings.

You should also visit it for the many cool exhibitions, such as “Beyond Geographies: Contemporary Art and Muslim Experience,” which runs through mid-November, 2019.

BRIC is one of the top places to go in New York for creative folks.

The gallery is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices for events vary.

Address:  647 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States

19. Washington Street

Erik Nuenighoff / Shutterstock

How can you see the Empire State Building without going to Manhattan?

The answer is by getting a good position at Washington Street.

One of the top activities for anyone who loves scenic views is coming to this famous New York street.

In order to get a shot of the Empire State Building as seen through the Manhattan Bridge, you’ll need to go to Washington Street and Water Street.

However, you’ll find there are lots of points of interest in the surrounding DUMBO neighborhood.

There are especially great places to seek out at night for a meal, such as Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill and Cecconi’s DUMBO.

Going to Washington Street is an activity you must do if you love getting the best possible view of an area.

Even if you can’t make it to the Empire State Building, seeing it from this perspective is a real treat.

Washington Street will help remind you why New York is considered one of the most beautiful places in the United States .

20. Free Tours by Foot

Mikhail Leonov / Shutterstock

“ Free Tours by Foot ” is exactly what it sounds like, and it’s a lot of fun.

As long as you’ve got some good shoes and a decent sense of endurance, you’ll love being a pedestrian with this service.

The borough is best experienced on foot, and these tours help you learn a lot along the way.

With these tours, you can have fun as you learn about the borough and different landmarks.

The most-frequented tour is the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Tour, which lasts approximately three hours.

You can also check out things like the Williamsburg Walking Tour and the Brooklyn Heights Walking Tour.

If you’re not sure what to see first during your trip, “Free Tours by Foot” can really help you out.

You need to make reservations for tours, so look into booking your slot tonight or tomorrow.

You can also show your appreciation for all the fun you had by paying any amount you wish too, but payment is not required.

21. New York Transit Museum

Felix Lipov / Shutterstock

One of the best places to check out in Downtown Brooklyn is the New York Transit Museum .

It’s located underground, in a former subway station.

Visitors are fascinated by the displays of New York transit vehicles from the not-so-recent-past.

Although this station is no longer in use, it’s been given considerable respect that makes it a wonderful museum spot.

You can see discontinued subway cars, trolleys, buses and more.

If it wasn’t for your smartphone, you might forget what time period you’re in.

Transit has made NYC what it is today, and even if the vehicles seen at this museum are no longer in use, their legacy must always be respected.

This museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, ages two to 17, and seniors, ages 62 and up.

Address:  99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

Looking for more thrills around New York? Why not check out some of the things to do in Albany & some of the things to do in Syracuse, NY ?

22. Buttermilk Channel

Buttermilk Channel

Buttermilk Channel is one of the best places to check out in the city if you want to have a meal that rings familiar while also giving you something new.

This Carroll Gardens restaurant is impeccably designed and has a menu with just as much care.

In a city with a very competitive restaurant industry, Buttermilk Channel has managed to stick out.

When you come to Buttermilk Channel, your expectations will be raised by the lovely decor and cozy design.

Then, when you see the menu and try the food, you’ll see why your expectations weren’t at all unreasonable.

Among the best items to get at Buttermilk Channel include the duck meatloaf, the mushroom-barley veggie burger, and the warm-lamb salad.

It’s fun to eat in any big city, but Buttermilk Channel really raises the bar for what a bistro can accomplish.

It’s great to come to during the day for lunch or at night for dinner.

Buttermilk Channel is open at the following hours.

Monday to Thursday: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 10 p.m.

Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 11:30 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 11:30 p.m.

Sunday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5 to 10 p.m.

Address:  524 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, United States

23. Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower

Robert / flickr

If there’s anything that signifies Downtown Brooklyn, it’s the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower .

This skyscraper has around since near the end of the 1920s.

It serves as a great piece of might in this business district.

It’s impossible to avoid the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower should you be anywhere downtown, given how large it looms.

However, it’s not an intrusive presence, as this tower has a very handsome design.

Perhaps it’s most admirable, as well as defining, feature, is its clock tower.

The architecture of New York has helped to make it one of the best places for traveling.

Seeing the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower is wonderful, as you can check out a landmark that might not be as heralded as certain other ones, but which is no less remarkable.

It’s also so much fun to crane your neck and marvel at this 512-foot high behemoth.

Address: 1 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NY 11243, USA

24. Smorgasburg

Allen.G / Shutterstock

“ Smorgasburg ” is both a great play on words and also one of the best attractions in New York.

This is a part of Brooklyn Flea which is focused on food.

If you consider yourself to be a culinarian, you’ll be enchanted by Smorgasburg.

There are dozens of businesses set up and ready for you to try their treats.

At Smorgasburg, you can get things that are sweet or savory.

Food from different parts of the world is sold here as well.

New York is all about culture, and there’s hardly a better way to understand a city’s culture than through its food.

Smorgasburg caps off your Brooklyn Flea shopping excursion in a terrific fashion.

Come here if you’re looking to fill your stomach and your heart at the same time.

Address:  90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

25. Kimoto Rooftop Garden Lounge

Kimoto Rooftop

For an excellent view of Downtown Brooklyn, you need to come to Kimoto Rooftop Garden Lounge .

The sight is rivaled only by the excellent menu, which is rife with a Japanese flair.

When you’re at Kimoto Rooftop Garden Lounge, you can really feel like you’re on top of the world.

Once you’ve gotten accustomed to your exquisite vantage point, you can zero in on how strong the menu is.

Things like the “Yuzu Salmon,” the “Jap Chae Sweet Potato Noodles,” and the “Honey Glazed Half Roasted Duck” will have you salivating even before the plates are brought out.

There’s also a splendid drink menu, including great Asian beers and house cocktails.

Another great part of Kimoto Rooftop Garden Lounge is the decor.

Things like bonsai trees contribute very positively to the calmness of the atmosphere.

Kimoto Rooftop Garden Lounge is open from Sunday to Wednesday from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Thursday to Sunday from 12 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Address:  216 Duffield St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

26. Kings County Distillery

Kris Arnold / flickr

While Kings County Distillery is the longest-running and biggest whiskey producer in the city, it may surprise you to learn that this New York business has only been around since 2010.

However, it’s quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the hottest liquor producers around.

Before Kings County Distillery came along, there hadn’t been a whiskey distillery in the city since Prohibition.

Although the locations have changed as the business has grown, their commitment to rich flavors hasn’t wavered.

The flavors can seem heightened when you try the products at the tasting room.

Whiskey production is a truly fascinating process, and Kings County Distillery is a great place to witness it.

Tours are on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., Friday at 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m., on Saturdays every hour, starting at 1 p.m. and ending at 6 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The tasting room is open from Monday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Address:  299 Sands St, Brooklyn, NY 11205, United States

27. Barclays Center

T photography / Shutterstock

It might not have the same quirky charm as other, smaller Brooklyn sites, but Barclays Center is definitely one of the hottest attractions in the city.

If you’re a sports fan, you’ve likely seen it on television, hosting things like basketball games.

Music fans also know that the Barclays Center is one of the most impressive venues in a city that’s not wanting for performance spaces.

With a capacity of 19,000 for concertgoers, the Barclays Center lets you witness live entertainment surrounded by a massive population of fans.

Some of the artists who’ve performed here include Cher, Lil Wayne, Elton John, and Travis Scott.

Basketball and hockey fans can also come to the Barclays Center to see the Brooklyn Nets and New York Islanders in action.

One word that comes to mind when you’re at the Barclays Center is “awesome.”

This is an awesome venue that hosts awesome events.

The experience of seeing a performance or competition at this space is one you’ll hold onto.

Address:  620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States

28. Colson Patisserie

Colson Patisserie

When you want to get some sweets, don’t just stop at the nearby convenience store for a candy bar.

Instead, you need to get down to Colson Patisserie .

This Park Slope business will give you treats that will have you absolutely swooning.

Established in 2006, Colson Patisserie brings the sweet delights of Paris and Belgium to New York.

When seeing the items on display, you’ll practically have to stop yourself from licking your lips.

There are items like tarts and financiers as well as more savory ones like sandwiches and salads.

The story of Colson Patisserie is like the American dream, as it was started by an immigrant who wanted to share his favorite treats with his new home.

Colson Patisserie is open from Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Breakfast is served until 1 p.m., and lunch is served until 2:30 p.m.

Address:  374 9th St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, United States

29. Cadman Plaza Park

Sarah Kim / flickr

Even in Downtown Brooklyn, you can find some beauty through nature.

For example, there’s Cadman Plaza Park .

This park is the place to be if you want to stop staring at your phone and just get out of your head.

The arbor-rich Cadman Plaza Park complements the energy of the area while also helping visitors to feel at ease.

This is an especially good place to go to if you ever find yourself feeling stressed out by how hectic the city can feel.

Additionally, the Brooklyn War Memorial, a moving tribute to the heroes of World War II, can be found here.

Address:  Cadman Plaza E, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States

30. Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Lennox Wright / Shutterstock

Introduced at the literal turn of the century in 1899, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum has become a hub for expression and discovery among the youngest museum patrons.

If there’s a children’s museum in your city or area, you can thank this one for serving as a precedent.

At this museum, children can be stimulated by exhibits that make the most out of their minds.

Some of the coolest exhibits here include the “Sensory Room,” “Neighborhood Nature,” and “Collections Central.”

There are also temporary exhibits, such as the animal-rich “Survival of the Slowest” and “Native Voices: New England Tribal Families.”

Going to this museum lets your kids see just how grand the world around them really is.

When you come to this museum, you should pay close attention to how invigorated your child is.

The museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

General admission costs $12 for anyone over 12 months.

However, admission is “pay as you wish” on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Address:  145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213, United States

31. Crawl Brooklyn

Syda Productions / Shutterstock

There are lots of things to do in the borough at night, so much so that you might feel stymied by where to start.

Thankfully, there’s Crawl Brooklyn to help do some of the thinking for you.

When you go on a bar crawl with this company, you can find some of the best watering holes in the area.

Don’t try to find a permanent itinerary of stops, as each crawl stop is a surprise.

This helps to keep you on your toes and enjoy the experience more.

You should also make sure to jot them the names of any bars that really impress you.

32. Brooklyn Academy of Music

Osugi / Shutterstock

The Brooklyn Academy of Music , or “BAM,” is one of the most remarkable artistic establishments in all of New York.

Many creative geniuses and influential figures have appeared here.

Since its opening in 1861, BAM has set a great tone for this borough as an area of serious cultural value.

The performers at BAM is like a “who’s who” of legends, including Isadora Duncan, Sarah Bernhardt, Steve Reich, and even Winston Churchill.

All sorts of creative expression forms are shared here, including opera, circus work, and dramatic performances.

If you want to see a show that will truly leave you stunned, come to BAM.

Address:  30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Brooklyn

Brooklyn shouldn’t be considered an afterthought when you come to New York.

It’s a fantastic and beautiful world that has great things both indoors and outdoors.

Even if you can only spend a day or two here, the experience will still be very worthwhile.

25 Best Things to do in Brooklyn, New York

Written By: ThePlanetD Team

United States

Updated On: April 5, 2024

There are many amazing things to do in Brooklyn. You can admire art in Brooklyn Museum or street art on Troutman Street. You can dine at a Michelin restaurant or an outdoor food market. Brooklyn has an answer for every tourist request making it perfect for entertaining all types of vacationers.

Sure, you should still visit the  Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and you must make your way to The Top of the Rock and the Empire State Building, but once you’ve seen New York City’s classic attractions , make sure to head over the Brooklyn Bridge and explore all the best things to do in Brooklyn as well.

Table of Contents

Top Things to do in Brooklyn, New York

Brooklyn may be a borough of New York City , but with a population of 2.6 million, it is the fourth largest city in the United States making it its own destination unto itself. This travel guide will give you plenty of ideas of things to do in Brooklyn.

When visiting New York, we highly recommend The New York Go City Explorer Pass . It includes many attractions around New York and Brooklyn including Brooklyn Bridge Full-Day Bike Rental, Brooklyn Museum and Botanic Garden Combo, Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Walking Tour, Brooklyn Bridge Bike Tour, plus choices include the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Ferry. See details here.

1. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Walking along the Brooklyn Bridge is a bucket list item of things to do in New York City and not only that, it lets you see some great views of the NYC skyline. Read: 30 Best New York Views – Where to See the Manhattan Skyline

Take your time to stop and enjoy the views of the East River, and the iconic buildings of New York City: The Empire State Building, Crysler Building, One World Trade Centre, the Statue of Liberty, and the other two famous bridges of New York City – The Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.

The bridge is popular with cyclists and commuters walking into Lower Manhattan, so if you want to avoid the crowds, walk early in the morning or later in the evening. If you to take a guided tour, this highly-rated Brooklyn Tour is a 2-hour walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge and through the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of Dumbo. (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)

2. Take a Stroll in Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is not only a great destination in New York, but it is also one of the best places to see the Manhattan Skyline. The best place to see the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges is also at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The park stretches along New York Harbor, with 85 acres of waterfront green space to explore.

Swim in the pop-up swimming pool, take snapshots from DUMBO or soak up the New York Skyline Lookout views. If you want to relax with bridge and city skyline views, Brooklyn Bridge Park is the best place to go in Brooklyn.

We’d advise walking the full length of the park. It may sound like a lot of walking, but it is well worthwhile as you’ll pass Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, Empire Fulton Ferry Park and Jane’s Carousel, which are fun stop-offs along the way. For a shopping break, don’t miss Empire Stores either – it is one of Brooklyn’s biggest shopping centers.

3. Empire Fulton Ferry Park

Remember Empire Fulton Ferry Park from Brooklyn Bridge Park? Well, we have a special reason to return for or after sunset.

Sunsets from Empire Fulton are gorgeous, and you can relax in the park while you watch the sun sink over the New York skyline. With a bit of luck, you’ll catch a colorful sunset. Then, Brooklyn Bridge and the skyscrapers light up after dark, giving you a different experience of the cityscape again.

Pack a blanket to keep warm and a hot drink in colder months. You can even bring a picnic to make it an extra memorable experience.

4. Walk the Brooklyn Heights Promenade

If Brooklyn Bridge Park sounds beautiful but too long a walk, consider the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The promenade is less than 600 meters long and has incredible views of New York City across the water.

It is well paved so it is suitable for wheelchair access. Brooklyn Heights Promenade is also free to enter – providing you with free and impressive views. The esplanade is beautifully lined with trees and can easily be walked in half an hour. To squeeze some scenic views into your itinerary, Brooklyn Heights Promenade is one of Brooklyn’s best things to do.

5. Spend a day on Coney Island

Coney Island is hardly a hidden gem in New York. However, the neighborhood is a perfect day out in Brooklyn, with plenty of things to do. Visitors can relax and soak up the sun on Coney Island Beach, a vintage-style strip of the seaside.

Grab a hot dog at Nathan’s Famous and walk the Coney Island Boardwalk to Brighton Beach. Brighton Beach is located on the east end of the coast, closer to Manhattan Beach and more residential areas.

Luna Park in Coney Island has thrill rides for children and adults alike – so everyone can join in all the fun. This section of Coney Island is also next to Maimonides Park, the home turf of the Brooklyn Cyclones, a minor league baseball team. If you are looking for a bit of non-sporting history, you can stop by at Coney Island Museum.

6. Take the Slice of Brooklyn tour

If you want to get a sense of the Brooklyn pizza scene, some insider stories about movies filmed in Brooklyn, and to indulge in this is a great tour. We hopped on a bus and enjoyed sightseeing through Brooklyn while stopping at iconic pizza shops like Grimaldi’s in DUMBO and L&B Spumoni Gardens in Bensonhurst.   You can book this highly rated tour for a walk through Brooklyn while sampling, different styles of pizzas at 3 pizzerias.

We took the Slice of Brooklyn Tour tour where we sampled Neapolitan and Sicilian-style pizzas. Plus, we saw movie locations from some of the most iconic New York movie settings like Saturday Night Fever and Goodfellas. Tours leave from Manhattan so you can tick off a lot of things to see in Brooklyn in one convenient bus tour. Check it out here.

7. Visit New York Transit Museum

Transportation is an excellent way to measure how New York has changed over the last century, and the New York Transit Museum is a fun place to do so. The museum displays vintage subway cars, buses, and exhibitions on transit workers’ lives in a 1936 subway station. Visitors head downstairs from street level into the decommissioned station, an atmospheric way to enter the museum.

The New York Transit Museum allows you to step back in time and experience the transformation of New York City. Educational and family-friendly, it is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn.

8. Tour Brooklyn Brewery

Are you a fan of American craft beer? If so, the Brooklyn Brewery is for you. The microbrewery ships craft beer to more than thirty countries and five continents, making it a well-established brewery to experience in New York.

From lagers to pilsners to IPAs, you can sample a range of beers on tours and tasting sessions at Brooklyn Brewery. You can contact the brewery directly to enquire about availability and get booked in for an experience before it sells out.

Brooklyn Brewery is right next to East River State Park. We’d recommend stopping by the park after your tour to appreciate the river and cityscape views. The nearby Artists & Flea market is also worth a visit on weekends.

This beer tasting bike tour is the ultimate beer tour through Queens and Brooklyn. You’ll visit the Brooklyn Brewery and other specialty brewpubs to enjoy the best brewing curated by experts. You’ll also visit Williamsburg, Lock Island City, Bushwic and its street art scene. It’s a fun way to explore Brooklyn while enjoying fine brews.

9. Visit the Brooklyn Navy Yard Center

Visiting an industrial site may sound like a strange thing to do in Brooklyn. However, Brooklyn Navy Yard is a trendy addition to your New York itinerary .

Brooklyn Navy Yard is the home of urban manufacturing in Brooklyn. You’ll find a rich selection of creative and industrial businesses in the yard, from LED technology to high-end furniture. The atmosphere is full go mode, with all enterprises creating products to sell. However, the Navy Yard is also open to the public.

You can explore one of the exhibitions, join a program, or take a tour. Visiting the yard is fantastic to learn more about design, innovation, and entrepreneurialism.

10. Visit Brooklyn Museum

Art enthusiasts, this New York attraction is for you. Brooklyn Museum is a dedicated art space showcasing an impressive range of ancient and contemporary art.

You’ll find artwork by the likes of Judy Chicago – a renowned feminist artist. You’ll also find ancient Egyptian, Asian, and Islamic artwork, with sculptures and masks to admire.

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop. The Brooklyn Museum gift shop is somewhat of an attraction in itself. You can shop for prints, unique home décor, and specialist literature.

Brooklyn Museum is the best cultural thing to do in Brooklyn for anyone interested in art. It is cheap to enter and can easily keep you entertained for an afternoon.

11. Take the East River ferry

So, we’ve covered seeing skyline views from Brooklyn Bridge Park and Brooklyn Heights Promenade. However, the East River ferry is another great way to get incredible skyline views of New York from the water.

Forget an expensive boat tour and hop on the ferry. One-way tickets only cost a few dollars, and you still get to see the downtown Manhattan skyline and some of New York city’s most famous landmarks. You pass under Brooklyn Bridge, past the Statue of Liberty, and get views of the Empire State and Chrysler buildings. If you can combine transport and sightseeing, why not?

12. Stop by Brooklyn Children’s Museum

Are you visiting Brooklyn with small children? Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the first children’s museum in the United States.

The museum aims to inspire and educate little minds, bringing big concepts down to an age-appropriate and engaging level. From kid-sized shops in modeled streets of Brooklyn to animal encounters, there are many activities and exhibitions to keep kids busy.

Founded in 1899, it is quite the beloved attraction amongst locals and tourists alike – so be prepared for your child to befriend lots of other children on a visit. This museum is ideal if you want a laidback, sociable, yet educational thing to do with your children in Brooklyn.

13. Visit the Brooklyn Historical Society (aka Center for Brooklyn History)

If you are interested in history, visiting the Center for Brooklyn History is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn. The red brick building is quite historic itself and was built in 1881. And, inside the center, you’ll find information on everything related to Brooklyn’s history – from social history to artwork.

You can browse regularly updated exhibitions covering trending issues and topics. There are also regular displays, exhibitions, and collections to discover. Whether you want to skim through books, admire artifacts, read old newspapers, or look at old maps, you’ll have a vast amount of history at your fingertips.

Some historical materials are around 160 years old and form precious parts of Brooklyn’s story. The Brooklyn Historical Society continues to collect and preserve historical documents and artifacts, making it an important ongoing preservation project.

14. Spend a morning in the Williamsburg neighborhood

Williamsburg is a great neighborhood to visit any time of the day. The neighborhood is full of bars and clubs where you can let your hair down Brooklyn-style. However, Williamsburg is also the neighborhood to choose from if you want to spend a morning somewhere fun. It has a refreshing and trendy atmosphere associated with artists, college graduates, and hipsters.

Bedford Avenue runs through the neighborhood and is one of the best places in Brooklyn for retail therapy, with vintage clothing on sale at independent stores along the street. You’ll also find many cute cafes to try a ‘real’ New York coffee.

If you visit Williamsburg on a Saturday, you should also shop at the Brooklyn flea market in Williamsburg. From potted succulents to heavily discounted vintage fashion. Another Brooklyn flea market is located in Dumbo and both are fun to browse alone or with some company.

15. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Display

If you are visiting Brooklyn in winter, one of our favorite activities is to take in everything Christmas. Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Display has some of the best festive decorations that you’ll see across New York. Who needs to go to the North Pole when you can meet a life-sized Santa on Dyker Heights Boulevard?

The residents of Dyker Heights go all out every December, and you can walk the streets admiring and posing for pictures in front of each house’s illuminated decorations. Read more about Christmas in New York – What to do in NYC for the Holidays

You can visit Dyker Heights Christmas Lights Display for free independently. However, if you want a more informative experience, there are guided tours that you can book. This  tour on GetYourGuide  leaves from Upper Manhattan, which is ideal if you are staying outside of Brooklyn.

16. Watch a play at BAM Harvey Theater

You don’t need to be a live theater enthusiast to enjoy a play at Bam Harvey Theater. The theater was built in 1904 and is a stunning, classy venue to watch a show.

Bam Harvey was originally a playhouse, shifting to a cinema in 1942, then renovated to a theater in 1987. Today, you can watch films, theater, opera, concerts, talks, and dance performances. Just check the  official website  to see what scheduled events coincide with your trip to New York.

The Harvey Theater is a great reason to get dressed up in New York, and you should pack a formal outfit to channel your inner luxury-loving diva. While dress codes aren’t commonly enforced at theaters now, you should still dress to the occasion.

For the full luxury experience, arrive a little early and treat yourself to a glass of champagne at the theater bar beforehand.

17. Spend a day on Brighton Beach

Fancy a beach break? Escape from Brooklyn’s inner suburbs and head down to Brighton Beach.

The beach stretches for approximately three miles and has a fun but more residential atmosphere than its neighboring Luna Park. Brighton Beach also caters more to adults than family-friendly Luna Park, and the beachfront is lined with restaurants and nightclubs. You can easily spend a day on Brighton Beach, then enjoy an evening in the suburb’s pubs and clubs.

The neighborhood has a large population of emigres from soviet countries, so it has lots of tasty food and drinks to sample. We’d recommend stopping by Georgian House to sample the melted cheese in a bread bowl.

18. Visit Green-Wood Cemetery

Visiting a cemetery might sound slightly morbid. However, Green-Wood Cemetery is one of Brooklyn’s best attractions.

The cemetery covers a vast 478 acres. It has been a film set for major productions like The Girl on the Train, The Departed, and A Walk Among the Tombstones. Many celebrities are also buried at Green-Wood, including the late artist Pop Smoke and the renowned politician Robert Roosevelt.

You can take cemetery tours to hear about the lives of those buried there and the graveyard’s history. You can combine Green-Wood with a visit to nearby Sunset Park, which has a pool, playground, and recreation center for some light-hearted entertainment.

19. Watch a basketball game at Barclays Center

The United States is renowned for its basketball, and we’d recommend watching a game if you can. The Barclays Center is the home ground of the Brooklyn Nets, a professional basketball team in the NBA. However, it also hosts college basketball games, which still have a fantastic atmosphere but also slightly cheaper tickets.

It is best to purchase tickets to basketball games as far ahead as possible, as they sell out quickly. There are plenty of other events if you miss out, though. The Barclays Center holds regular boxing matches and concerts by artists like Kendrick Lamar and Justin Bieber.

The center is impressive in its own right too, and took two years and $1 billion to build, formally opening its doors in 2012. If you miss out on a basketball game, you will definitely find another event at Barclays to make up for it.

20. Watch a film or show at the Brooklyn Academy of Music

Speaking of films, the Brooklyn Academy of Music is also part of BAM, the community arts initiative that runs the Harvey Theater. The Academy of Music runs film screenings, plays, and concerts just four minutes down the road, so keep an eye out on both schedules to see which events you prefer.

The Academy has a wide selection of movies screening and is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn on an evening. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families, the Academy of Music is an excellent Brooklyn attraction.

21. Visit Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a must for any botany enthusiasts and nature lovers. It is easily accessible in Central Brooklyn, located on Washington Street near Crown Heights.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden spans 52 acres, including a Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Cranford Rose Garden, Cherry Esplanade, Shakespeare Garden, and Lily Pool Terrace. There are diverse themed gardens throughout the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, making it fascinating to wander.

You can learn about the plants on the many informative billboards or join a program or special event. There are also plenty of staff on-site if you want to pick up some helpful gardening tips. Otherwise, relax, breathe deeply, and appreciate the fresh air and pretty views.

22. Escape to Marine Park

Marine Park is another place to escape from Downtown Brooklyn. The 530-acre protected reserve has plenty of outdoor activities.

The neighborhood is home to Salt Marsh Nature Trail, two golf courses, and Gateway National Recreation Area. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors – whether you fish, golf, hike, swim, or kayak.

We’d recommend allowing a whole day to visit Marine Park. You won’t be able to fit all the activities in, but pick your favorites and break up the day with a delicious seafood lunch at Nick’s Lobster House.

23. Spend a day at Prospect Park

Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s answer to Manhattan’s Central Park. As we said, the park covers 526 acres and has Prospect Park Zoo on-site.

There are woodland tracks, lakes, and even a Quaker Cemetery to visit. You should prioritize visiting Grand Army Plaza, Ravine Forest, and LeFrak Center (where you can try ice skating). Ravine Forest is especially famous as it is the only forest in Brooklyn – making it very popular amongst residents.

The best thing about Prospect Park is the diversity and quality of things to do. If you want a green space to keep you entertained for a whole day, Prospect Park is a great option.

The Prospect Park Zoo is a popular attraction centrally located in Prospect Park. The zoo is 12 acres and houses over 125 species of animals. You can spot baboons, dingoes, alpacas, and more. The zoo is a fun attraction in Brooklyn to learn more about conservation and get up close to animals.

24. Visit Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club

Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club is a good place to learn the ropes if you haven’t tried playing shuffleboard.

Shuffleboard is a game that dates back to the 15th century and involves strategically pushing disks into a marked scoring area. At Royal Palms, shuffleboard is played on the floor with long sticks to move the disks.

You can grab a drink at the bar, a meal from the food trucks, dance to the DJ’s music, or head to the shuffleboard courts for a game. Visiting Royal Palms is a fun date activity or a group activity before a night out.

25. Shop at Dekalb Market Hall

Dekalb Market Hall is one of the best places to eat in Downtown Brooklyn. The massive indoor market has over thirty vendor stalls, leaving you with lots of food choices.

Stop by Bobbi’s Italian, Dan & John’s Wings, or even Brooklyn Wine Cellar for a glass of vino. Dekalb Market Hall has a variety of international cuisines, all of which are served by specialist vendors. Regardless of your food preferences, you will find at least one meal that takes your fancy. Another bonus is that since Dekalb is covered, it runs all year round.

As lovely as outdoor food markets are, we suggest visiting Dekalb Market Hall for your taste of market dining. You can also stop by the street art in nearby Grove Alley on your way. Grove Alley is only a four-minute walk away, so a worthwhile detour.

Where to stay in Brooklyn

If you are looking for some more affordable hotel options when visiting New York, Brooklyn is a great choice. It’s not a bad commute to Lower Manhattan and with New York’s efficient transit system, you are almost always near a subway so getting around NYC won’t be a problem.

We’ve written a detailed guide on the best hotels in New York that you can read here . But these are some quick top picks for budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation.

• Budget : NY Moore Hostel / Booking.com
• Mid-range: Franklin Guesthouse / Booking.com
• Luxury: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge / Booking.com

We recommend staying in the Williamsburg neighborhood. You are still close enough to the main sights (only a 20-minute subway ride away to Times Square) but it is a more residential neighborhood feel. There are great places to eat, cafes and pubs as well as great accommodations. This can be a nice reprieve, especially if you are not a first-time visitor to NYC.

• Luxury ($300 USD and Up)   The William Vale
• Mid Range ($150-275 USD) :  Hotel Indigo
• Budget ($100-150 USD) :  Pointe Plaza Hotel

What are some free things to do in Brooklyn, New York?

You might believe that New York is very expensive, and it is. But there are plenty of free things in in Brooklyn to help you enjoy yourself on a budget.  Washington Street  is the best place to view  Brooklyn Bridge,  and  Brooklyn Heights Promenade  has incredible cityscape views. While, for free art,  Troutman Street  has the  Bushwick Collective Street Art  display.

What is there to do in Brooklyn at night?

Looking for inspiration for Brooklyn at night? You’ll have lots of options.  Skyline Drive-In  is a good outdoor cinema choice and has views of the New York City skyline. There is also a great nightlife scene, which you can experience at  Park Slope, Bushwick , and  Williamsburg .

What are some cultural things to do in Brooklyn, New York?

Brooklyn is full of culture. Catch a play at  Bam Harvey Theater , admire contemporary art at  Brooklyn Museum , or stop by  Jefferson Street Sound Museum . Whether you want music, art, performance, or history, you’ll be well entertained in Brooklyn.

Now you have an idea of the best things to do in Brooklyn, let’s get started on some quick FAQs. Here’s what you need to know before arriving.

How to Get to Brooklyn, NY

For international or far-traveling domestic visitors, the best way to get to Brooklyn is to fly into JFK Airport. From the airport, it is a quick 20-minute drive to the center of Brooklyn or an hour on public transport.

To reach Brooklyn from Manhattan is half an hour’s drive or half an hour on public transport. Brooklyn is connected to the rest of New York by ferry, bus, subway, and train services.

You can walk to Brooklyn via the Brooklyn Bridget from Lower Manhattan.

Getting Around Brooklyn, NY

The best way to get around Brooklyn is to purchase a MetroCard and use public transport. Taxis can be expensive, and traffic congestion can delay trips, so aim to catch the train or subway if you are in a rush.

There is a subway, bus, train, and ferry system in Brooklyn. Of course, you can also rent a bike or walk if you’d like the extra exercise. Uber, Lyft, and Kid Car are good emergency transport options and alternatives to taxis.

The Best Time to Visit Brooklyn, NY

There are benefits to visiting Brooklyn all through the year. It is typically cheapest to visit Brooklyn between January and March, while June is usually the perfect temperature – warm but not sweltering. In autumn, the Brooklyn parks and cityscape are beautiful, and in winter, you’ll have all of New York City’s Christmas festivities to enjoy.

It is a tough call, but our favorite time to visit Brooklyn is in June. The warm but moderate temperatures make it the best month to spend time outdoors in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn is a versatile and entertaining place to stay in New York City. Whether you love culture, sporting events, history, or wildlife, Brooklyn has an activity to suit you.

Be prepared for a packed itinerary when visiting Brooklyn. In fact, you might even need to book a return trip.

Plan more of your New York City Travels with these guides:

• Where to Stay in New York City – Top Places and Hotels For All Budgets
• 30 Best New York Views – Where to See the Manhattan Skyline
• 15 Fun Facts about New York City
• New York City Itinerary – 5 Days in New York
• 33 Best Things to Do in New York for First-Timers
• 7 Tips to Make the Most of Your New York City Photography
• Things to do in Lake Placid, New York
• The Truth about New York Vacation Rentals, Yes You Can
• King of Hearts
• Collin Knopp-Schwyn

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

You May Also Like

Where to Stay In And Around Zion National Park: Our Favourite Places

Where to Stay in Los Angeles: A First Timers Guide to The Best Places

25 Best Things To Do in Salt Lake City, Utah: Our Recommendations

About ThePlanetD Team

Guest writers for The Planet D offer insider tips and information on destinations that they are experts in. We can't be everywhere at once, and it is important to have the highest level of travel information from local writers and experienced travelers.

Join thousands of others who get our monthly updates!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Brooklyn Half Marathon: route, road closures, what to know

By brad luck • published april 26, 2024 • updated on april 27, 2024 at 4:06 pm.

More than 20,000 runners are set to hit the streets of Brooklyn on Sunday, April 28 for the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon.

“NYCRUNS is proud to host the over 20,000 runners who will be basking in the glow of Brooklyn this Sunday,” said Steve Lastoe, founder and CEO of NYCRUNS, in a press release. “It’s always amazing to see how our home borough shines brightly when on center stage. We’re ready for a fun, safe, and inspiring day.” 

The Brooklyn Half Marathon route

The route for the Brooklyn Half Marathon will start in North Brooklyn and go under the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn bridges, including passing through Dumbo and downtown Brooklyn. The race will then head down Flatbush Avenue, down Eastern Parkway, and conclude in Prospect Park.

Get Tri-state area news and weather forecasts to your inbox. Sign up for NBC New York newsletters.

Runners can take advantage of water, Lemon Lime Nuun Endurance, and restrooms every one to two miles, according to the half marathon's website .

What roads will be closed?

This is a look at roads that could be impacted but will be at the discretion of the NYPD:

The history behind the Met Gala, considered the ‘party of the year'

Cloudy, wet mix around NYC this weekend — see outlook for 5 Boro Bike Tour and more

Berry Street between North 12 th  Street and Nassau Avenue

Nassau Avenue between Berry Street and Lorimer Street Bedford Avenue

Lorimer Street between Bedford Avenue and Driggs Avenue

Driggs Avenue between Lorimer Street and North 12 th Street

North 12 th  Street between Driggs Avenue and Berry Street

Bedford Avenue between North 12 th  Street and Lorimer Street Nassau Avenue

Nassau Avenue between Manhattan Avenue and Lorimer Street

Manhattan Avenue between Nassau Avenue and Greenpoint Avenue

Greenpoint Avenue between Manhattan Avenue and Franklin Street

Franklin Street between Greenpoint Avenue and Kent Avenue

Kent Avenue between Franklin Street and Williamsburg Street West

Williamsburg Street West between Kent Avenue and Flushing Avenue

Flushing Avenue between Williamsburg Street West and Navy Street

Navy Street between Flushing Avenue and York Street

York Street between Navy Street and Gold Street

Gold Street between York Street and Front Street

Front Street between Gold Street and Old Fulton Street

Old Fulton Street between Front Street and Cadman Plaza West

Cadman Plaza West between Old Fulton Street and Montague Street

Court Street between Montague Street and Joralemon Street

Joralemon Street between Court Street and Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard Fulton Street

Fulton Street between Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard Joralemon Street and Flatbush Avenue

Flatbush Avenue between Fulton Street and Grand Army Plaza

Grand Army Plaza between Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway

Eastern Parkway between Grand Army Plaza and Brooklyn Avenue

Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Empire Boulevard

Where can my family meet me after my race?

Finish line access will be restricted and event organizers are encouraging families and runners to reunite outside of Prospect Park but there will be a reunion area in the Nethermead .

Banned items include weapons of any kind, fireworks, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, and blankets.

This article tagged under:

• Articles   >

The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in

Novo-peredelkino.

Visit Novo-Peredelkino

Popular places to visit.

You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

• Moscow Kremlin

Visit the most iconic square in Russia, which is bordered by many of the city’s most famous landmarks.

• St. Basil's Cathedral

Think of Russia and you probably picture this iconic building, whose onion-shaped domes overlook the Moscow skyline.

• Bolshoi Theatre

A centerpiece of the Russian arts scene, this theater’s magnificent auditorium and top-tier productions will impress even the most jaded theatergoer.

• Lenin's Mausoleum

Mourners and curious visitors stream to the grave to see the embalmed Vladimir Lenin, the famous revolutionary and one-time leader of the Soviet Union.

Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy

Learn about the events happening at Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy during your trip to Moscow. Wander the parks and gardens while you're in the area.

Check Novo-Peredelkino hotel availability

Other neighbourhoods around novo-peredelkino.

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Moskovskiy and surrounding area, you can visit Vnukovo Airport Public Museum of Battle and Labor Glory and State Memorial Museum of Bulat Okudzhava.

Rumyantsevo

While Rumyantsevo might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Prince Plaza and Orlov Museum of Paleontology.

Western Administrative Okrug

If you're spending time in Western Administrative Okrug, check out sights like Victory Park or Museum of the Great Patriotic War and hop on the metro to see more the city at Yugo-Zapadnaya Station or Prospekt Vernadskogo Station.

Tyoply Stan District

While you're in Tyoply Stan District, take in top sights like Troparevsky Forest Park and jump on the metro at Konkovo Station to see more of the city.

Konkovo District

While you're in Konkovo District, take in top sights like Orlov Museum of Paleontology and jump on the metro at Belyayevo Station to see more of the city.

South-Western Administrative Okrug

While you're in South-Western Administrative Okrug, take in top sights like Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in Uzkoye or Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Konkovo Station or Yasenevo Station.

• Places of interest
• Hotels in top Moscow neighborhoods
• Other vacations you might like
• Crocus City Hall
• Armoury Chamber
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Victory Park
• New Tretyakov Gallery - Museum of Modern Art
• Minin and Pozharsky Monument
• Sparrow Hills

Other Hotels near Novo-Peredelkino, Moscow

• Moskovskiy Hotels
• Western Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Novomoskovsky Administrative Okrug Hotels
• Rasskazovka Hotels
• Solntsevo Hotels
• Vnukovo Hotels
• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

Nearly half of NYC arrests involved people not affiliated with schools, officials say

Coverage on this live blog has ended. Follow live updates here.

What to know about campus protests:

• More than 2,000 people have been arrested at pro-Palestinian protests at colleges across the country in the last two weeks.
• At UCLA overnight, 210 people were arrested when officers cleared an on-campus encampment in a chaotic scene, officials said.
• New York City officials said that a significant number of people arrested this week at campus demonstrations were not affiliated with the schools. Nearly 30% of the people arrested at Columbia were unaffiliated with the university and 60% of the arrests at City College involved people who weren't affiliated with that school, the mayor said.
• Dozens of people have been arraigned in New York. The district attorney said 46 people who were detained at Columbia have been charged with criminal trespass and 22 people detained at City College were arraigned on one count burglary and obstructing governmental administration.
• President Joe Biden addressed the protests from the White House, saying students had a right to dissent but not a right to cause chaos.

Student from L.A.'s Occidental College answers call to action

Alicia Victoria Lozano

LOS ANGELES — Chris Cassel, a second-year student from Occidental College in Los Angeles, was part of a group from his school that answered a call to action from protesting UCLA students who needed more supplies.

He said he felt compelled to participate after he watched violence erupt when counterprotesters confronted antiwar demonstrators.

Cassel said he arrived at UCLA around 6 p.m. yesterday and helped reinforce a makeshift perimeter around the encampment. Around 1:30 a.m. today, police started to tear down the wall of cardboard, umbrellas and wooden boards, he said. 

He said he had just linked arms with other protesters when an officer pulled someone from inside the encampment and threw the person to the ground.

“At the end, it was 70 of us shoulder to shoulder and back to back facing off against the police,” he said. “They’re trying to repress us, but they miscalculated and set off a national movement.”

Hazmah Abbas, who is not a student at UCLA, said he had been on campus since last week to help protect the encampment perimeter. He described a “nightlong skirmish” with police that started around midnight when law enforcement officers tried to infiltrate the encampment.

He was among several dozen protesters remaining around 5 a.m. when the final arrests were made.

“We were locking arms, and they were just pulling us out one by one,” he said. 

Columbia protesters combine annual ‘primal scream’ with demonstration against Shafik

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside Columbia University President Minouche Shafik’s residence tonight and chanted “shame on you” — as they unleashed the annual “primal scream.”

The chants have been used before and throughout Columbia and the NYPD’s response to the demonstrations against the war in Gaza.

But the scream is a twist on an annual tradition that typically marks the beginning of finals. Students yell their frustrations and worries away out of windows or near Butler Library.

Finals that were scheduled for tomorrow have been postponed to May 10.

Shafik has been criticized by some over the university’s response to the protests on campus, which included encampments and a group’s seizing control of Hamilton Hall and barricading it. Protesters also demanded that Columbia divest from companies linked to Israel.

University of Pennsylvania asks Philadelphia for help as protest grows

Phil Helsel

The University of Pennsylvania today asked the city of Philadelphia, where its campus is, for help as protests have escalated and as an encampment has grown, the university said.

“Protest activity began to escalate overnight and has steadily continued, with large crowds in and around College Green today. We have reached out to the City of Philadelphia to ensure we have the necessary resources to keep our community safe,” the university, known as Penn, said in a statement .

The university said earlier that a large demonstration on the College Green affected pedestrian traffic and that Philadelphia police were assisting.

Penn property has also been defaced, the university said. It also said protesters were using “threatening rhetoric and chants.”

Today a group of Jewish students and other pro-Israel protesters rallied and went to the university president's office on campus to call for an end to the encampment, NBC Philadelphia reported . Penn professor Benjamin Abella told the station that they have seen flags of “known terrorist groups” at the encampment and that they've heard what they consider hate speech, including calls for "intifada," or uprising.

L.A. city attorney: No charges have been submitted after protests

Eric Leonard, NBC Los Angeles

The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office has not received any submissions for charges for those arrested at protests at UCLA or USC, spokesperson Ivor Pine said today.

The city attorney’s office handles misdemeanor cases, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has jurisdiction over felonies in the city of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles County public defender Ricardo García said in a statement earlier today that his office was “committed to providing legal representation and support to those who have been arrested or who may face legal proceedings.”

He said the office deployed a rapid response team to help those arrested.

Arrests after protesters re-enter library at Portland State University

Eight arrests have been made after people pulled down a fence and re-entered the Millar Library on Portland State University's campus, Portland, Oregon, police said.

Pro-Palestinian protesters occupied the library Monday. Portland police closed the area around it and began clearing the building this morning.

Police said protesters left a slippery substance on the floor, which they claimed was intended to make officers entering the building slip and fall. Over 20 arrests were made today.

This evening, Portland police arrested seven people and campus police arrested one person after people tore down fencing and re-entered the library.

Portland State University said that its campus was closed today and that no one was authorized to be in the library.

NYPD accidentally officer fired gun in Hamilton Hall

Yasmeen Persaud

A NYPD officer accidentally fired a gun inside Hamilton Hall on Tuesday when police entered it to clear it of protesters, officials said.

The City first reported that an officer fired his gun inside Hamilton Hall, on Columbia’s campus.

Doug Cohen, as spokesperson for the Manhattan district attorney’s office, confirmed the office was reviewing the incident, as is its policy for such incidents, he said.

“Nobody was injured, and no students were in the immediate vicinity,” Cohen said, adding the gun was not aimed at anyone.

The NYPD said an emergency service unit officer was searching an area on the first floor and was trying to access a barricaded area. The officer was using his firearm, which had a flashlight, to illuminate the area and find the best way through when he accidentally discharged the gun, police said.

A single round was discharged and hit a frame in the wall a few feet away, police said.

No one except police personnel were within “sight or sound” of the discharge, the department said. Body camera video has been sent to the DA’s office.

Map: Campus protests across the U.S.

Nigel Chiwaya

Jiachuan Wu

Since mid-April, campuses across the country have been the sites of encampments, protests and counterprotests as students have demanded Palestinian liberation and for their schools to call for a cease-fire and divest their endowments from Israel and companies they say are profiting from the war.

Columbia reopens campus to faculty

Rebecca Cohen

Columbia University will expand campus access to include all faculty members at the Morningside campus starting tomorrow.

The faculty access is in addition to the already existing access for students who live on campus and for employees who provide "essential services," the school said.

The only access to Columbia's campus is the 116th Street and Amsterdam Avenue entrance. All other points of entry will remain closed.

Faculty lost access to campus following the occupation of Hamilton Hall on Tuesday, which led the university to call in the NYPD to break up protests and the occupation.

L.A. mayor: 'Harassment, vandalism and violence have no place at UCLA'

"Every student deserves to be safe and live peacefully on their campus. Harassment, vandalism and violence have no place at UCLA or anywhere in our city," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a post on X after clashes between police and student protesters at UCLA early today.

Bass said her office will coordinate with law enforcement, universities and community leaders "to keep campuses safe and peaceful."

74 arraigned after Tuesday protests at Columbia and CCNY, Manhattan DA says

After protests at both Columbia University and City College of New York on Tuesday, 74 people have been arraigned, the Manhattan DA's office said.

From Columbia, 46 people were arraigned on one count each of third-degree criminal trespass. All were arrested inside Hamilton Hall, the DA's office said.

At a news conference today, Ben Chang, Columbia's vice president of communications, said 13 people arrested inside Hamilton Hall were not affiliated with the university, six were from affiliated institutions, 14 were Columbia undergrads, nine were Columbia grad students, and two were Columbia employees.

At CCNY, 22 people were arraigned on one count each of third-degree burglary and obstructing governmental administration, the DA's office said.

They "unlawfully gained entry" to a CCNY building and "erected barricades to prevent police from entering the building," the DA's office said. They also blocked doors with furniture and threw items at police, it alleged.

In addition to the 22, five more people were arraigned on charges of second-degree assault, the DA's office said. It is unclear where the remaining five were arrested.

Breakdown: How many students and nonstudents were arrested at Columbia, CCNY

Of the 112 people arrested Tuesday in protests at Columbia, 29% were not affiliated with the school, New York City officials said.

That breaks down to the arrests of 32 nonstudents and 80 students, Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said in a joint statement.

The same day, 170 people were arrested at a protest at City College of New York. In that instance, 60% of those arrested, or 102 people, were not affiliated with CCNY, the statement said.

According to the statement, the NYPD's process to try to identify whether those arrested were affiliated with either school has been slowed, as most did not cooperate with police and refused to provide the information.

The statement added that many of those arrested were adhering to self-described rules for entering their encampments, "one of which included not talking to or divulging any information to members of the NYPD."

Charges have ranged from burglary, obstructing governmental administration and criminal mischief to resisting arrest, trespassing and disorderly conduct, the statement said.

Rutgers University protesters agree to clear encampment

Madison Lambert

Rutgers University students involved in protests at Voorhees Mall agreed to dismantle their encampment, clear the mall and "peacefully end their protest," Chancellor Francine Conway said in a statement.

The school had instructed students to dismantle the encampment by 4 p.m. today or they would be removed with the assistance of law enforcement. The deadline was set after the university canceled final exams this morning.

Conway said in the statement that the “resolution was achieved through constructive dialogue between the protesting students and our leadership teams.”

"As per the Rutgers University Policy on Disruptions, we do not condone this morning’s disruption but recognize the necessity of balancing free speech and peaceful protest with our educational, research, and operational imperatives," the statement said.

Conway said students involved in protests have said they want "representation within our community," including a cultural center, diversity initiatives and representation in curriculum through partnerships.

The statement also acknowledged that the students have requested that Rutgers "divest from companies engaged in Israel and to sever ties with Tel Aviv University."

Conway said that "such decisions fall outside of our administrative scope" but added that the request is under review.

Texas Gov. Abbott declares May Jewish American Heritage Month

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott today declared May as Jewish American Heritage Month in the state.

"It is imperative now more than ever that we stand in solidarity with Israel & the Jewish community," Abbott said in a post on X , alongside the proclamation.

"We will always stand in support of Israel & celebrate the role Jewish Americans have played in our great state," he said.

UCLA student says the prison bus was the 'worst part'

LOS ANGELES — A first-year UCLA student was greeted with shouts and hugs today as he stepped outside a Los Angeles Police Department processing center.

Imran, who asked that his last name not be used because of his pending court hearing, wore a yellow UCLA Bruin Proud T-shirt. In one hand, he carried a plastic bag containing his wallet and other belongings police confiscated during his arrest. In the other were containers of water and apple juice provided by volunteers.

A swollen red line from zip ties used during his arrest circled both wrists. He said that sometime around 1 a.m., officers in riot gear started to push protesters farther onto the lawn surrounding the encampment.

Imran said he was repeatedly hit in the stomach and chest with a police baton while he linked arms with protesters to prevent officers from destroying the encampment.

“We literally didn’t have any weapons,” he said of the protesters.

Standing outside the processing center, Imran shook his head in bewilderment as he recalled the five hours he sat in a jail bus with dozens of other protesters.

“That was honestly the worst part,” he said. “I’ve never been in a prison bus. It’s like being in a cage. So brutal.”

Imran was charged with unlawful assembly and is scheduled to appear in court in July. 

UCLA allowed law enforcement to enter encampment to 'preserve campus safety,' chancellor says

UCLA decided to call in police to disassemble the encampment that had been up on campus for the last week "to preserve campus safety" after it was unable to reach an agreement with demonstration leaders to disband it voluntarily, Chancellor Gene D. Block wrote in a statement today.

The statement said the university has been toying with how to approach the encampment, keeping in mind campus safety, disruptions to teaching and learning and free speech expression.

"The events of the past several days, and especially the terrifying attack on our students, faculty and staff on Tuesday night, have challenged our efforts to live up to these principles and taken an immense toll on our community," Block said.

He said that the goal was to keep the encampment up as long as it did not jeopardize the safety of those on campus but that "ultimately, the site became a focal point for serious violence as well as a huge disruption to our campus."

The statement called the Royce Quad encampment "unlawful and a breach of policy," as "it led to unsafe conditions on our campus and it damaged our ability to carry out our mission."

UCLA said that when an agreement to remove the encampment could not be met, it directed campus police and outside law enforcement to clear it.

Police followed a plan to protect protesters' safety, the statement said. It said about 300 protesters left the site voluntarily, while "more than 200 resisted orders to disperse and were arrested."

UCLA police arrested 210 people on suspicion of failure to disperse, Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi said.

The statement encouraged UCLA students to protest peacefully and lawfully. It also said the school is investigating “violent incidents” that have occurred on campus, “especially Tuesday night’s horrific attack by a mob of instigators.”

UCLA arrestee says police 'just kept shooting' tear gas and rubber bullets

LOS ANGELES — Ginger Shankar, a Los Angeles resident who is not a UCLA student but joined the campus protests, heard police helicopters begin circling above UCLA’s encampment around 9 o’clock last night.

Four hours later, she said, chaos erupted as police shot tear gas and rubber bullets into the encampment indiscriminately.

“They were so crazy,” Shankar said. “They just kept shooting.”

Around 5:30 a.m. today, she joined dozens of protesters who had locked arms to prevent police from entering the encampment.

She said she heard an officer say: “Whose arm are we going to dislocate?”

UC Santa Barbara pleads with protesters to show 'collegiality'

Corky Siemaszko

Administrators at the University of California, Santa Barbara, are pleading with the protesters to cut the graduating class some slack.

"UC Santa Barbara has a tradition of student engagement and activism in which students exercise their First Amendment while respecting the rights of the entire campus community," UCSB said in a statement.

But, the statement continued, "many students who were deprived of their high school graduation ceremonies by the pandemic four years ago are now looking forward to their UCSB Commencement and the culmination of their undergraduate education."

"We owe it to them to allow them to complete their studies in an environment that supports teaching and learning. We encourage everyone to work together to protect the safety and collegiality of our academic community."

UCSB reported that protesters staged an "unpermitted rally" on Wednesday and erected an "unauthorized" encampment on the campus.

"We recognize that the violence and suffering in the Middle East have caused great distress in our campus community and we urgently hope that a peaceful resolution will be found," the statement said.

UCLA protester says encampment was peaceful until counterprotesters and police came

Marlene Lenthang

Benjamin Kersten, a UCLA student and member of the student group Jewish Voice for Peace, said the encampment was peaceful until counterprotesters stormed in and police swarmed the area.

“I’ve spent lots of time in the encampment,” Kersten said this morning, with flash-bangs set off by police audible in the background. “It’s clear to me that this encampment would have been a peaceful endeavor if not for the continual presence of counterprotesters and now a very large, significant presence of law enforcement. It’s an intense scene here.

“I’m hearing that peers and colleagues of mine are being thrown into the ground and possibly hurt with rubber bullets.”

Asked about outside groups’ hijacking protests, Kersten said: “I’ve certainly seen community support for the encampment. But I would describe the encampment very much as student-led. I think what I found most concerning is the rotating presence of counterprotesters, including their late hours of the night.”

“The university had any chances to take meaningful action and hear out their students concerns about what matters to them, in this case pressuring the university to divest and boycott in an effort to end its complicity in an ongoing genocide against Palestinians. And instead, the university chose a course of nonaction,” Kersten added.

UW-Madison officials meet with protesters, agree not to call in police pending next meeting

Maura Barrett

Selina Guevara

University of Wisconsin-Madison officials have agreed not to call in police to sweep the university’s campus encampment protest today after a meeting with student organizers. 

Student organizers this morning met with administrators to discuss police violence and to demand divestment and a public declaration urging a cease-fire in Gaza. 

Another meeting is expected within the next 24 hours, and organizers will continue their protest programming today.

“I think a lot of us are going to sleep a little more comfortably knowing that we won’t be woken up by police,” Abbie Klein, a Ph.D. student who has stayed in the encampment since it popped up Monday, told NBC News. "However, that’s bare minimum, and we shouldn’t have to be relieved by that."

Rutgers University says encampment tents need to be removed by 4 p.m.

Rutgers University officials said all tents and protesters must be cleared out by 4 p.m. today.

A rally this morning at Voorhees Mall on the New Brunswick, New Jersey, campus disrupted 28 scheduled exams and affected more than 1,000 students. Officials postponed exams.

“This morning, we met again with the students representing the protest, again expressing our concerns for safety and student success, and informed them that their tents need to be removed from Voorhees Mall by 4 pm today,” school President Jonathan Holloway and Rutgers–New Brunswick Chancellor Francine Conway said in a statement. 

Those who don't comply and disperse will be removed with the assistance of law enforcement. Voorhees Mall and other places where university business is conducted must also be cleared of protesters “for the remainder of the semester,” the statement said.

"We value free speech and the right to protest, but it should not come at the cost of our students’ education and safety. We strive to balance these rights and maintain a safe and secure environment for our students to learn and succeed," the statement said.

Northeastern University: 98 arrested in campus protest, 63 not affiliated with school

Northeastern University said 98 people were arrested after police Saturday cleared out an encampment that formed last Thursday. 

Twenty-nine of the arrested were students, six were faculty and staff members, and 63 were people not affiliated with the university, a school spokesperson said in a statement. 

The school said university police concluded that the protest would soon present a threat to the safety of those involved after it drew a number of protesters not affiliated with the school. Multiple notices were given to disperse before police moved in. 

Students who produced valid Northeastern IDs were released and will face disciplinary proceedings, not legal action. 

Four pro-Palestinian protesters nabbed in NYC aren't students

Four of the protesters arrested at pro-Palestinian demonstrations at Columbia University and City College of New York are "outside protest influencers," not students at the schools, a senior law enforcement official said.

All four have been charged with burglary and illegal entry, the official said. They are:

James W. Carlson, whom the official described as "a long-time figure in the anarchist world" with multiple aliases, like Cody Tarlow and Cody Carlson.

Citing California arrest records, the official said Carlson was arrested in 2005 during the violent G8 protests in San Francisco for he attacked a police officer. He was charged with "suspicion of attempted lynching, malicious mischief, battery to a police officer, aggravated assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon and willful resistance to a police officer that results in serious bodily injury."

The official did not say whether Carlson was convicted or served any time.

Carlson has also been suspected of burning an Israeli flag during a demonstration, and he was "previously involved in recent bridge and tunnel blocking," said the official, who gave no further specifics.

Amelia Fuller was arrested near CCNY.

Previously, Fuller had been arrested on Jan. 8 for taking part in a pro-Palestinian protest to blockade the Williamsburg Bridge, which connects Manhattan to Brooklyn.

The New York Botanical Garden also fired Fuller, the official said, after she appeared in a video allegedly declaring that she felt "proud" after Hamas staged the Oct. 7 massacre of Israelis that sparked the Gaza War.

The Botanical Garden did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation.

Jacob Issac Gabriel, who was also arrested near CCNY, and has had "numerous protest-related arrests," the official said.

Gabriel, the official said, was part of a group that disrupted the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade last year.

Rudy Ralph Martinez, who was arrested near CCNY, "has an extensive history of protest-related arrests dating back to California in 2012," the official said.

Police arrest protesters at Portland State University

Twelve protesters were arrested after police rousted them from the library at Portland State University, police in Portland, Oregon, reported on social media.

They were part of a larger group that had taken over the library and barricaded the doors in anticipation of a standoff, the police bureau said.

"We have found caches of tools, what appears to be improvised weapons, ball bearings, paint balloons, spray bottles of ink, and DIY armor," police posted on X . "None of this was used on police."

Chaotic scene at jail as UCLA protesters are cited and released

LOS ANGELES — It was a chaotic scene outside the Twin Towers jail this morning as UCLA protesters and counterprotesters who were arrested overnight were being processed.

The streets around the downtown jail were closed and a crowd was gathered outside the jail, chanting, "Free, free Palestine!" Every time an arrestee came out of the center, the crowd would clap and cheer. They were being cited and released.

A business owner across the street said the crowd began gathering around 9 a.m.

Some UCLA faculty members had also come to the reception center to show their support for their students.

At the jail's inmate reception center, many young people who appeared to be college age stood outside with tickets in hand. The crowd erupted in cheers every time someone stepped outside.

Some of those arrested came out in tears.

Los Angeles County public defenders and National Lawyers Guild attorneys also arrived to offer legal help.

Volunteers passed out bagels, tamales, water and other snacks to those arrested.

Number of UCLA protest arrests climbs to over 200

Andrew Blankstein

California Highway Patrol officers have now arrested 209 protesters at UCLA, two law enforcement sources apprised of the ongoing operation to clear the campus said.

And the cost to remove the pro-Palestinian encampment, an action that began with a predawn raid, has climbed into the "multiple millions of dollars" range, the sources said.

It was not immediately clear how many of those arrested were UCLA students or faculty members or whether any outsiders were swept up in the raid, the sources said.

That information may not be known for days, they said.

Most are expected to be slapped with misdemeanor trespassing or vandalism charges before they are released, the sources said. Some could face more serious assault and battery charges stemming from attacks on police officers.

Prosecutions of misdemeanors are generally handled by the Los Angeles city attorney, the sources said, but it’s possible some of more serious cases will be prosecuted by the Los Angeles County district attorney and the state attorney general.

Biden: Protests won't make him reconsider stance on war

After Biden wrapped up his remarks this morning, a reporter asked if the protests have caused him to reconsider his policies in the Middle East region, to which the president replied, “No.”

When asked if the National Guard should intervene, he also said, “No,” before walking out of the Roosevelt Room. 

Over 2,100 arrests at school protests nationwide

So far, there have been at least 2,138 arrests at college protests across the country, according to an NBC News tally.

The arrests came from at least 60 colleges and institutions participating in protests and encampments in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and calling for their schools to divest from Israel.

Some of the latest numbers include:

• Twelve arrested at the University of New Hampshire last night — 10 students and two who are not affiliated with the university — all charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing. 
• Four arrested at Yale last night — two students and two non-students, charged with criminal trespass and disorderly conduct.
• Twenty-nine arrested at Stony Brook University shortly after midnight — 22 students, two faculty members and five others for "violating various laws." 

Columbia University professors call for vote of no confidence in President Shafik

Erin McLaughlin

The Columbia University chapter of the American Association of University Professors called for a vote of no confidence in President Minouche Shafik following the “horrific police attack on our students.”

In a statement this morning, members said they “unequivocally condemn” Shafik’s decision to call in the NYPD to clear out Hamilton Hall and encampment protests — a move they said was made without consulting the University Senate, “in violation of established procedures, by recourse to so-called emergency powers.”

She did so, in the face of efforts by the AAUP and faculty to “de-escalate the situation.” The statement noted that faculty, staff and students were locked out of campus prior to the police raid, and remain so. 

“The choice of Columbia’s administrators to ignore University statutes and customary practices honored over the past six decades, to have our students violently arrested, and to impose a militarized lockdown of our campus, has irrevocably undermined our trust in them,” the statement said.

In contrast, the chapter noted how Brown University had agreed to start a process with students to bring protester demands before their Board of Trustees, which resulted in the “peaceful disbanding of that encampment.”

The chapter called for the University Senate and representative faculty bodies of individual schools to pass a vote of no confidence in Shafik, the co-chairs of the Board of Trustees and the COO, demanded campus be immediately reopened and the NYPD withdrawn “at once.” 

“A vote of no confidence in the President and her administration is the only way to begin rebuilding our shattered community and re-establishing the University’s core values of free speech, the right to peaceful assembly, and shared governance.”

Biden: 'There’s the right to protest, but not the right to cause chaos.'

Biden addressed the protests that have roiled U.S. college campuses in recent weeks, saying: "Let me be clear: peaceful protest in America. Violent protest is not protected — peaceful protest is. It's against the law when violence occurs."

"There's the right to protest, but not the right to cause chaos," the president added.

He noted that destroying property, vandalism, breaking windows, shutting down campuses and forcing the cancellation of classes and graduation are not peaceful protests.

"Threatening people, intimidating people, instilling fear in people is not a peaceful protest. It's against the law," he said. "Dissent is essential to democracy, but dissent must never lead to disorder or to denying the rights of others so students can finish the semester and their college education," he continued.

"There should be no place on any campus, no place in America for antisemitism or threats of violence against Jewish students. There’s no place for hate speech or violence of any kind whether it’s antisemitism, Islamophobia or discrimination against Arab Americans or Palestinian Americans," Biden said. "It’s simply wrong. There’s no place for racism in America."

Tents return to UW-Madison campus, one day after clashes with police

One day after clashes between protesters and police culminated in arrests , 25 tents were re-established at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  

At least two police officers in regular uniform were seen surveying the area from a distance.  

This morning, the chancellor is meeting with a few protest leaders, but protesters say they’ll only be satisfied when they have confirmation the university will take action on their demands including divestment, cutting ties with Israeli institutions and calling for a cease-fire.

“I think our concerns with any agreement that we come to is that we want to make sure that the agreement results in our demands actually being met, not just our demands being subject to further discussion by the administration,” Dahlia Saba, a first-year graduate student in engineering and encampment participant, told NBC News. 

Yesterday, at least 34 people were arrested. While a majority were released, four were booked into Dane County Jail on charges spanning battery to a police officer and resisting arrest, the UW-Madison Police Department said. Four police injuries were reported in the confrontation with protesters.

Police begin to clear Portland State University library occupied by protesters

Police began an operation to clear Portland State University's Millar Library, which has been occupied by pro-Palestinian protesters since Monday.

Earlier this morning, Portland State University issued an alert saying: "Millar Library is closed. NO ONE is authorized to be in the library. Anyone remaining is committing criminal trespass."

The Portland Police Bureau said it was closing several blocks around the library amid the operation, anticipated to last “several hours.”

The police effort is in collaboration with Portland State University, and comes after “numerous attempts to begin a dialogue with the participants,” to no avail. 

“Portland Police personnel swear an oath to protect constitutional first amendment rights and we are committed to ensuring safety for all Portlanders who exercise their lawful right to assemble and express themselves, but as a city we will not allow criminal behavior that disrupts our community,” Portland Police Chief Bob Day said, noting the bureau will “pursue all efforts at de-escalation.”

University of Minnesota reaches agreement with protesters to end encampment

The University of Minnesota announced this morning that administrators have reached an initial agreement with pro-Palestinian protesters to end the campus encampment. 

It comes after multiple meetings with student organizations including the UMN Divest Coalition “representing multiple views regarding the conflict in Palestine.”

As part of the agreement, closed buildings will be reopened at noon and the student coalition has agreed to not organize “disruptions” at final exams and commencements. 

“While we do not condone tactics that are outside of our policies, we appreciate student leaders’ willingness to engage in dialogue. I value the challenging and healthy conversations we’ve had,” interim President Jeff Ettinger said in a statement.

The agreement, which was sent to the encampment organizers last night, outlined six points of progress, including an opportunity to address the board of regents regarding divestment May 10, a meeting on accessing publicly-available information on university expenditures, amnesty from criminal charges by police and an agreement to not pursue university disciplinary action against students or employees who participated in the encampment. 

The agreement noted that administrators would meet with Jewish student leaders today, “as we aim to appreciate and support our Jewish student body as well.”

Exams and academic activities postponed at Rutgers

Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, announced this morning that exams and other academic activities scheduled before noon today on the College Avenue campus “have been postponed.”

The move was made “due to anticipated escalation of protest activities and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our students.” 

Columbia University radio station WKCR praised for live broadcast of college protests

Daysia Tolentino

As the New York City Police Department raided Columbia University’s Hamilton Hall on Tuesday night to arrest pro-Palestinian protesters camped inside, there was one outlet that many onlookers turned to for live updates: WKCR.

Listenership of WKCR was so high that night that its website crashed. The website was still experiencing intermittent outages  as of yesterday afternoon .

The radio station is one of several student news outlets across the country — including  The Columbia Daily Spectator ,  UCLA’s The Daily Bruin , USC’s  The Daily Trojan  and  UT Austin’s The Daily Texan  — that have become go-to sources for information about protests at college campuses. 

On Tuesday, reporters from mainstream media outlets had their access  restricted by Columbia , so student journalists used their unique positions as members of the community to report on the event. Elsewhere across the U.S., journalists at national and local outlets have also said they’ve been turned away from some campuses if they didn’t have college IDs.   

Read the full story here.

Hundreds of protesters arrested, at least one officer injured at UCLA encampment

Steve Patterson

Hundreds of people have been arrested in connection with UCLA's pro-Palestinian encampment, a CHP spokesman said this morning.

It's not immediately clear how many were students, faculty or not affiliated with the campus.

Those arrested are expected to be booked at the Los Angeles county sheriff’s downtown Los Angeles jail and other facilities around the county, according to a senior law enforcement source familiar with the matter.

At least one officer was injured but it’s not clear what the injury was. It’s also not immediately clear if any of the protesters were injured, the source said. The CHP spokesman said objects, including water bottles, were thrown at officers.

NYC mayor: More than 40% of protesters arrested at Columbia, CUNY not affiliated with schools

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said this morning that preliminary numbers indicate that more than 40% of those arrested at student protests at Columbia and CUNY were "not from the school and they were outsiders."

He made the comments on NPR's "Morning Edition" to host Michel Martin — the first time officials have shared a number following the mayor's claim yesterday that "outside agitators" were involved in the protests at Columbia.

"Just this morning what was given to me by my team was a preliminary review of the numbers, this is just the beginning process of the analyzing, and it appears as though over 40% of those who participated in Columbia and CUNY were not from the school," Adams said.

"I just had gut reaction based on my years in law enforcement, and I asked the intelligence division of the police department to look into it, do an analysis. Do we see familiar faces of people around the protests? And they came back substantiated on the Columbia grounds, and on other grounds, that there were those who were professionals who participated in training," he said.

The UCLA protest encampment is now over

Patrick Smith

By the time daylight dawned on Los Angeles, the UCLA encampment had ended.

What was once a mini village of tents, gazebos and signs protesting against Israel's war in Gaza was just a pile of rubble and debris — discarded tents and sleeping bags strewn across the school's Royce Quad, which had been protesters' home for more than a week.

A hard core of protesters continued to hold out against police and could be heard chanting slogans and repeated calls for the college to divest from its financial interests in Israel.

But protesters continued to be led away by police, their hands tied behind their backs.

Remaining UCLA protesters cornered outside library

Much of the UCLA encampment protest has been cleared of demonstrators, and the remaining protesters appear to be cornered in front of Powell Library, linked arm in arm, as of 5:15 a.m. (8:15 a.m. ET)

In front of the last standing protesters is a line of police officers in helmets with face shields and holding out batons bellowing “Move!” 

Officers storm UCLA encampment

Max Butterworth

Police officers forcefully enter an encampment set up by pro-Palestinian demonstrators on the UCLA campus in Los Angeles this morning.

Some protesters still holding out against police raid at UCLA encampment

Almost two hours after California Highway Patrol moved into dismantle the UCLA protest encampment and arrest several people, some protesters are still defiantly standing firm, live footage from the scene shows.

They were linking arms and singing as of 5 a.m (8 a.m. ET) and some tents were still standing, although most have been taken down and thrown onto a growing pile of debris. More protesters were seen being led away with their hands tied, however.

Watch: 'Don't fail us': Protesters detained as police clear UCLA encampment

NBC News footage shows the moments police cleared the protest encampment at UCLA this morning after an overnight standoff.

Protesters can be seen trying to stop officers from entering, as one shouts for them to get "back." A number of protesters can be seen detained on the nearby lawn, their hands in zip ties and some wearing pajamas.

"I am a student here," says one male being detained by police. "I am an English major. Please don't fail us. Don't fail us," he says as he is taken away by officers.

Police clash with UCLA protesters as officers storm encampment

Police in riot gear have entered into UCLA’s campus after violence broke out between rival protest groups. Classes there are now canceled while arrests mount on dozens of other campuses across the country. NBC’s Liz Kreutz reports for TODAY.

Israeli president issues 'urgent message of support' to Jewish communities, citing campus 'intimidation'

Israeli President Isaac Herzog today issued issued an "urgent message of support" to Jewish communities around the world in light of what he said was "the dramatic resurgence in antisemitism and following the hostilities and intimidation against Jewish students on campuses across the US in particular."

"We see prominent academic institutions, halls of history, culture, and education contaminated by hatred and antisemitism fueled by arrogance and ignorance, and driven by moral failings and disinformation," Herzog said in a video message.

Protest groups, many of which include Jewish students, have rejected accusations of antisemitism, arguing they are rallying to oppose Israeli actions in Gaza and in support of Palestinian rights.

Herzog's message was the latest from Israeli leaders assailing campus protesters in the U.S. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have in recent days clashed with pro-Israel counterprotesters, as well as with police.

Officers confront protesters as they dismantle encampment

A police officer takes aim at a pro-Palestinian protester on the UCLA campus early this morning, as numerous explosions were heard amid violent scuffles between law enforcement and students refusing to move.

Protesters detained as police dismantle UCLA encampment

Buses were ready for protesters to be taken away from the UCLA campus, as police moved in and detained several people this morning, according to footage from the scene.

Protesters could be seen on the floor with their hands in zip ties, while others were led away by California Highway Patrol officers as a large amount of flashbangs were set off in order to subdue the protest.

Police moved in after 3 a.m. this morning after a long standoff but some protesters are still defying orders to leave.

Watch: Police attempt to dismantle a barricade at the UCLA encampment

After an overnight standoff, police moved in to dismantle barricades at the UCLA encampment early this morning.

NBC News video shows armored officers pulling aside metal barriers and seizing makeshift shields from protesters who had formed human chains.

Multiple bangs can then be heard and smoke soon fills the air of the campus.

Police move in, begin tearing down UCLA encampment after long standoff

Police in riot gear have begun moving in and pulling down boards that pro-Palestinian protesters had used to fortify their encampment on the UCLA campus. Tents and gazebos were carried away by officers.

A series of loud bangs can be heard — NBC Los Angeles reporter Anastassia Olmos is on the scene and reported that flashbangs were being set off by police .

Several hundred officers arrived on campus in a series of buses through the early morning, hours after the encampment had been declared unlawful at 6 p.m. yesterday.

Officers had spent at least 30 minutes in a tense standoff with a crowd that had turned up to support the encampment, which was blocking a main stairway into the Royce Quad where the encampment has been for days. At 3 a.m., those blocking the stairs were seen walking away with their hands raised.

Several protesters were seen to be detained by police, one of them shouting “free Palestine.”

Makeshift shields used by pro-Palestinian protesters at UCLA

A pro-Palestinian protester wearing swim goggles takes shelter behind a wood pallet, as others use what appear to be plastic container lids to shield themselves during a tense standoff with police at the UCLA campus in Los Angeles early this morning.

Police scuffle with protesters at UCLA as they try to reach encampment area

Police have scuffled with protesters who were blocking the entrance to the area of the UCLA pro-Palestinian encampment.

A group of several hundred California Highway Patrol officers in riot gear arrived at the UCLA campus in several buses at around 5.30 a.m. (2.30 a.m. ET) and aerial footage from the Reuters news agency showed them clashing with protesters around 5.45 a.m. (3.45 a.m. ET).

Bottles and other items were thrown at police officers amid chants of “We’re not leaving! You don’t scare us!”

UCLA switches to remote learning today and tomorrow, citing 'emergency'

UCLA told all students that classes today and tomorrow will be remote learning only, because of the "EMERGENCY ON-CAMPUS."

The college said in a statement that all students should avoid the Dickson Court / Royce Quad area where the protest encampment is.

All employees have been told to work remotely.

Police clash with protesters at UCLA

Tense scenes continue at UCLA, where police were seen to clash with protesters just before 2 a.m. (5 a.m. ET).

Aerial video footage also showed police apprehend at least one person outside the encampment, near where hundreds of protesters have gathered to support the encampment, outside an area closed off to the public.

Police have formed a line to prevent any more protesters from entering the encampment area in Royce Quad — but aerial footage also appeared to show officers pulling back from the encampment area and walking away after the scuffles broke out.

An order for protesters to leave the area or face arrest was repeated over a loudspeaker.

Police arrest 90 at Dartmouth protest encampment after repeated warnings

At least 90 people were arrested in the early hours of this morning at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, police said, for alleged offenses including criminal trespass and resisting arrest.

Those arrested include Dartmouth students and people with no affiliation to the college.

Hanover Police Department said in a statement at 1.30 a.m. that protesters had been warned that no tents would be allowed and that once they were erected there were multiple warnings from college staff and a dispersal order from police.

Some chose to leave, but many stayed, police said, and multiple law enforcement agencies were involved in the resulting operation.

Hundreds of sympathizers gather to support UCLA pro-Palestinian encampment

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the UCLA protest encampment to offer their support early today, after police cordoned off the quad that saw scenes of violence in the early hours yesterday.

The pro-Palestinian supporters gathered on the Janss Steps that lead to Royce Quad, where several hundred have defied police orders to leave their encampment.

They chanted "peaceful protest" and "shame on you, LAPD" as police officers moved into the encampment area.

A line of police is preventing them from going further into the campus.

L.A. city controller warns UCLA and city leader to protect students

UCLA was urged to do more to protect students, as protesters defied repeated warnings to leave the campus in the early hours of today.

City Controller Kenneth Mejia, who is currently on the scene at UCLA, said on X: "There is a large police presence from multiple law enforcement agencies after outside mobs attacked peaceful student protesters last night with no one protecting them.

"Students now face police. We urge ULCA & City leaders to protect students, not do more harm."

Graffiti and placards line the walls of UCLA

Protesters wearing traditional keffiyeh scarves around their faces stand beside graffiti daubed walls inside the encampment set up by pro-Palestinian students on the UCLA campus last night.Two protesters sleep beneath a wall covered with placards on the campus, protesting against Israel's ongoing military offensive in Gaza.

A veteran activist joined Columbia protesters. Police call her a ‘professional agitator’

Rich Schapiro

As pro-Palestinian student protesters took over a Columbia University building early Tuesday, one person in the crowd outside stood out — a gray-haired woman who delivered orders to young people helping to barricade a door.

“Tie it right to the lock,” she told two masked protesters holding zip ties, according to footage posted on social media. The protesters did as they were told, using the ties on a metal table pressed against the door of Hamilton Hall. 

“Let’s give them a little cover,” the older woman said to the crowd. “Cameras back. Cameras back.”

The woman was not a Columbia University student or faculty member. She in fact has no known affiliation to the school at all. 

She is a 63-year-old veteran activist named Lisa Fithian, or whom the New York Police Department described as a “professional agitator.”

Large crowd still seen at UCLA

A large crowd of people could still be seen at the UCLA campus in Los Angeles tonight, hours after news crews heard police orders to disperse, helicopter video showed.

There have no reports of arrests on the campus, where there also was some distance away a pro-Palestinian protest encampment.

Police were seen on campus. The Daily Bruin student newspaper reports some police were in riot gear.

Counterprotesters threw fireworks, tear gas at encampment, UCLA student says 

Dylan Winward, a student journalist at UCLA, detailed the moment counterprotesters threw fireworks and tear gas at the pro-Palestinian encampment on campus. Winward said counterprotesters did “not appear to be student led.” 

Officers close in on UCLA encampment

Police stage on the UCLA campus near an encampment set up by pro-Palestinian demonstrators in Los Angeles late last night.