Best Things to Do in Brooklyn, New York

An Elite Team That Stands Behind You. Call Us Today: (929) 274-8000

Brooklyn, the most populous of New York City’s five boroughs, has a myriad of attractions that appeal to all types of travelers. From its iconic landmarks to its eclectic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and vibrant food scene, there’s something for everyone in Brooklyn.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Starting with one of the most iconic landmarks, no visit to Brooklyn would be complete without a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. This historic structure offers breathtaking views of Manhattan and Brooklyn and is a favorite spot for photographers. Walking across the bridge at sunset is a particularly memorable experience.

Explore Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Located near Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. The garden spans 52 acres and features various specialty “gardens within the Garden”, including the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Rose Garden, and the Cranford Rose Garden. Don’t miss the Cherry Esplanade, which is spectacular when the cherry blossoms bloom in the spring.

Visit the Brooklyn Museum

Adjacent to the Botanic Garden is the Brooklyn Museum, New York City’s second-largest museum. With over 1.5 million works, it has an impressive collection that spans various cultures and time periods. Key exhibits include the Egyptian Antiquities Collection and the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art.

Enjoy Coney Island

Coney Island is synonymous with classic American beach and amusement park entertainment. From the thrilling rides at Luna Park to the famous Coney Island Cyclone roller coaster and the New York Aquarium, there’s plenty to explore. Don’t forget to try a hot dog at the original Nathan’s Famous, a Coney Island institution.

Discover Brooklyn Heights and the Promenade

Brooklyn Heights is known for its stunning brownstones, tree-lined streets, and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, which offers panoramic views of Lower Manhattan. This historic district was the first to be designated in Brooklyn, and exploring its charming streets is like stepping back in time.

Roam Through Prospect Park

Designed by the same landscape architects behind Central Park, Prospect Park is a sprawling green oasis that offers a multitude of recreational activities. Visit the Prospect Park Zoo, go for a paddle on the lake, or enjoy a leisurely picnic in the Long Meadow. The park is also home to the historic Lefferts House and the Prospect Park Bandshell, which hosts free outdoor concerts in the summer.

Experience the Vibrant Food Scene

Brooklyn is a foodie paradise, with a dizzying array of culinary offerings. In Williamsburg, visit Smorgasburg, the largest weekly open-air food market in America, with over 100 local vendors. For pizza lovers, Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s under the Brooklyn Bridge, or Roberta’s in Bushwick, are must-visits. Explore the tastes of the Middle East in Bay Ridge or Caribbean flavors in Crown Heights.

Dive into History at Green-Wood Cemetery

While visiting a cemetery may sound morbid, Green-Wood Cemetery is a National Historic Landmark that’s more like a peaceful park. The cemetery is the resting place of many famous figures, including composer Leonard Bernstein and artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The highest point in Brooklyn provides a clear view of the Statue of Liberty.

Check Out the Street Art in Bushwick

The Bushwick Collective has transformed the neighborhood into an outdoor gallery of vibrant street art. Take a stroll around the area to appreciate the creativity and social commentary of these murals.

Shop and Dine at Industry City

This complex of industrial buildings in Sunset Park has been transformed into a hip venue with eateries, shops, artist studios, and more. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon.

Explore Floyd Bennett Field

If you’re an aviation enthusiast or just love wide-open spaces, Floyd Bennett Field is a must-visit. It was New York City’s first municipal airport and has now been converted into a vast public park. Here you can explore historic aircraft, go camping, or try out archery. It’s also a part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, providing plenty of opportunities for bird watching and nature walks.

Discover the New York Transit Museum

Located in a decommissioned subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is dedicated to the history of New York’s public transportation system. It provides fascinating insights into the development of the subway, bus, and commuter rail systems. The museum showcases vintage subway cars, historical artifacts, maps, and exhibits on the engineering and construction of the subway system.

Relax in Fort Greene Park

Fort Greene Park is a historic and community-centric park in Brooklyn. Designed by the famous landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who also designed Central and Prospect Parks, it offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. The park features the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument, a memorial to the American prisoners of war during the Revolutionary War, tennis courts, playgrounds, and wide-open fields perfect for picnicking or just relaxing.

Cheer for the Brooklyn Nets

If you’re a sports fan, catching a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center in the heart of Brooklyn is a must. The Nets, Brooklyn’s NBA team, offer high-energy basketball action. The Barclays Center itself is worth a visit for its impressive architecture and state-of-the-art facilities.

Watch a Game of the Brooklyn Cyclones

Baseball enthusiasts should make time to see the Brooklyn Cyclones, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the New York Mets. The team plays at MCU Park, which offers stunning views of the Coney Island beach and boardwalk, and the Atlantic Ocean. A Cyclones game, combined with a day on the beach, makes for a quintessential summer day in Brooklyn.

From exploring the wonders of nature to immersing yourself in the borough’s rich history, enjoying thrilling sports events, and everything in between, Brooklyn offers countless unforgettable experiences. It’s a borough that reflects the diversity, vibrancy, and dynamism of New York City itself. Brooklyn truly has something for every traveler.