What is the best thing to do in Williamsburg?

Located just across the East River from Manhattan and Brooklyn, Williamsburg is an interesting mix of hipster culture and 19th century charm. This vibrant area of Brooklyn opened its doors to modern gentrification and with it, a selection of attractions, experiences, and activities from which to choose. With so many experiences to choose from it’s no surprise that many people are asking, “What is the best thing to do in Williamsburg?”From historical landmarks to trendy nightclubs, the best thing to do in Williamsburg depends entirely upon your interests and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat or a cultural area to explore while you’re in Brooklyn, this list of the best attractions and activities in Williamsburg is sure to give you several options to choose from!

1. Explore Local Street Art

Fueled by a complex mix of creative people, gentrification, and an influx of trendy restaurants, shops, and nightlife, Williamsburg has become a hotspot for amazing street art murals. From Aiko’s colorful cyborgs to Queen Andrea’s everlasting art, walking the streets of this Brooklyn neighborhood can easily become an art exhibit. Make sure you visit AYO Arts Mural Project with its ever-changing displays.

2. Try New Grub

Williamsburg is full of trendy places to eat. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free dishes, vegetarian food, or classic American fare, you’ll find it within this historically rich area of Brooklyn. For an elevated take on Mexican Cuisine, Zaragoza is one of the more popular restaurants in Williamsburg. For lunch with a view, head over to River Styx for stylish bites and spectacular beer. And lastly, if you’re looking for a late-night snack, check out Eastwood, who are famous for creative egg sandwiches.

3. Relax in McCarren Park

McCarren Park is not only the largest park in Brooklyn but also a great destination when it comes to outdoor activities. If you’re looking for respite from the covered streets of Brooklyn on a hot summer day, or want to stroll your way through its two playgrounds, two dog runs and two sports fields – McCarren Park is your go-to destination. And don’t forget about the McCarren Park Pool – which opens several times during the summer season – according to an ever-changing schedule.

4. Try Something from the Food Market Scene

Williamsburg’s food market and brewery industry has been growing quickly over the past decade. From Smorgasburg (an outdoor food market) to Brooklyn Brewery (a beer-brewing pioneer of craft beer) it’s always worth stopping by on weekends to check out what’s happening – from food vendors to live music performances and art exhibitions. Smorgasburg opens Saturdays from 11am-6pm and Sundays from 10am-6pm – if you want to explore both classic and modern old recipes!

5. Experience The Music Scene

Williamsburg has quite an active music scene – with clubs showcasing local talent as well as international performers and DJs. Music Hall of Williamsburg is one of the top venues in town; also pick one Saturday Night at The Knitting Factory (which is located nearby) or Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn. With special nights dedicated to K-pop, R&B, hip-hop and everything else in between, you’re sure to find something that fits your musical cravings.

6. Visit the City Reliquary Museum

The City Reliquary is a unique museum which houses many artifacts from New York City’s history, including old photographs, subway tokens, tools and other objects representing the city’s history. There are two rotating exhibits on display throughout the year; the museum also hosts educational programming such as trivia nights and movie screenings too! The City Reliquary Museum is open Thursday through Sunday from 1- 6 p.m – check out their website here.

7. Tour the Local Distilleries

If you’re a fan of drinks containing juniper berries and Botanicals, then you won’t want to miss out on touring one of Williamsburg’s distilleries such as INDIEwines or Big Alice Brewing Company. Not only will you get the chance to taste some unique drinks crafted locally in Brooklyn but each distillery also gives their own unique tour – from learning about various flavors perfect for making cocktails to seeing the production facility up close. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference when answering “What’s the best thing to do in Williamsburg?” The vibrant streets unfurl a plethora of experiences whether it be eating or exploring – so pick a couple of these activities outlined above or get creative and find something new! No matter what you end up deciding you won’t be disappointed – Williamsburg offers something for everyone across the spectrum!