What to Do in Brooklyn: A Local's Guide
- Margaux Delang
- 10 okt 2024
- 4 minuten om te lezen
Uncover the best of Brooklyn with this local's guide to must-see attractions, hidden gems, and exciting activities. From vibrant neighborhoods to stunning parks and cultural hotspots, discover what makes Brooklyn a unique destination for every type of traveler.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
While the Brooklyn Bridge is a key transit route for countless commuters moving between lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, it also stands as one of New York City's most iconic landmarks. Walking or biking across the bridge offers a unique experience, though it's best to avoid the heavy crowds by going early in the morning or late at night.
The Brooklyn Bridge has become a symbol and a must-see attraction in New York. Walking across the bridge is the ideal way to take in its grandeur. For the best views of the Manhattan skyline, walk from Brooklyn to Manhattan, as the bridge gently slopes downward in this direction. The stroll takes roughly 45 minutes, but you'll want to allow extra time for photos.
To reach the bridge, take the A or C subway line to High St. in Brooklyn. From there, follow the signs to 'Brooklyn Bridge.' The entrance is located on Washington Street.
Alternatively, you can rent a bike and cycle across the bridge for a different perspective.
Pebble Beach
Dumbo and Pebble Beach in Brooklyn, United States, are delightful destinations to visit! Nestled in the DUMBO neighborhood between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, this area offers breathtaking views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. The iconic steel arch of the Manhattan Bridge serves as the centerpiece of the park, making it perfect for photography.
Stroll along the waterfront, admire historic tugboats, or grab a bite at one of the local eateries. DUMBO is also known for its vibrant street art and graffiti alleys, which photographers will love. Pebble Beach, a rocky shoreline along the East River, is a must-visit spot with its spectacular views of New York City's skyline and the two bridges.
As Brooklyn's only beach, it offers a unique perspective of the city's beauty. Relax on a bench or take a dip during the warmer months. Don't miss the stunning sunset views from DUMBO and Pebble Beach, which are highly recommended activities for any visitor.
A short walk away, you'll find the TimeOut Market, where you can grab a bite to eat or a drink. Additionally, you can head inside and take the elevator to the top floor to enjoy panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge from above.
Go for a run or walk in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park offers a scenic route for jogging or walking with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. You'll encounter many other runners and walkers as you stroll along various waterfront piers.The route we jogged here was approximately 6 kilometers.
Explore Williamsburg
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has undergone significant transformations over the years. Initially recognized for attracting contemporary artists moving into the area, the neighborhood retains landmarks from the 1800s and echoes remnants of the DIY punk scene. In addition to a substantial Hasidic population, Williamsburg is characterized by vibrant communities including Latinx, Italian, and Polish residents, among others.In Williamsburg, you'll find Domino Park, named after the historic Domino Sugar Refinery that overlooks it. This expansive waterfront park spans five acres and offers dining spots, picnic areas, skateboarding facilities, and play areas, all while providing breathtaking views of the East River.
Williamsburg is a vibrant hub of outdoor art, with murals scattered throughout the neighborhood. One iconic piece is the "Mona Lisa of Williamsburg" gazing over Bedford Avenue, alongside Eduardo Kobra's portrayal of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol in boxing gear. Another notable work, created in collaboration with Joe’s Pizza on North 5th Street and Bedford Avenue, is a towering mural of Muhammad Ali by artist Brolga, standing 20 feet tall. Take a stroll through Williamsburg to discover these and other captivating artworks waiting around every corner.
Grab a Coffee
We went for coffee at 2 spots in Brooklyn. At Align Coffee, we actually grabbed our coffee to go every day before heading out to explore. Align Coffee is a cozy place with extremely friendly people where you can enjoy not only the best coffee but also delicious sweet and savory pancakes that are also fantastic.
At East One Coffee Roasters, you could not only enjoy delicious coffee but also purchase ground coffee or coffee beans, which we did.
Visit Domino Park
Part of the ongoing redevelopment of the Domino Sugar Refinery site, Domino Park spans five acres along the East River in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The park stretches a quarter mile north of the Williamsburg Bridge, offering a beautiful waterfront setting opposite Manhattan. An elevated walkway provides stunning views of the surrounding area and across the river to Manhattan.
The park features various salvaged factory equipment, including four syrup collection tanks, which pay tribute to its industrial past. There are also two water features perfect for cooling off, especially for kids enjoying the factory-inspired playground. For those looking to be active, there are courts for sand volleyball and bocce. Food options include a taco stand from Danny Meyer.
Domino Park is an ideal spot for a morning walk, jogging, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the riverfront.