What is there to do in Williamsburg? A Comprehensive Guide to the Hipster Haven

Whether you’re a New Yorker looking to explore a new neighborhood or a tourist wanting to discover a cultural and artistic hub, Williamsburg is one of the best choices in the city, offering an eclectic roster of activities, sights and experiences that you won’t want to miss.Located on the west side of the East River in Brooklyn, the snazzy neighborhood of Williamsburg has become an incredibly popular destination, hosting a thrilling nightlife scene, an abundance of fancy restaurants, plenty of art galleries and, of course, its renowned hipster culture.From exploring a healthy dose of colonial history to roaming around breathtaking views, Williamsburg’s urban landscape has something for everyone – so let’s dive into the nitty gritty!

Williamsburg Waterfront

A prime attraction on the northern side of the neighborhood, the Williamsburg Waterfront is an outdoor space that features waterfront paths and spectacular views of Manhattan. The area even hosts its very own games center at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park, along with concession stands, grills and picnic tables for visitors looking to make the most of their visit. On the weekends, it’s always a great idea to grab some food from any one of the local food markets at Smorgasburg, or take home some incredible local produce from the Brooklyn Flea Market. Afterwards you can sit back, dangle your feet off the edge of the dock, and enjoy the impressive landscape. RELATED: Exploring Williamsburg’s Waterfront

The Music Scene

The auditory offerings in Williamsburg are incredibly diverse and cater to a huge range of different musical tastes. From crafting songs at DIY performance spaces like Matchless or Commander’s Palace, to simply bopping along to the classic tunes at popular clubs like Zablozki’s or Baby’s All Right– you can be sure to be entertained here. For those looking to find lesser known acts, a unique cultural experience can be found at venues like Trans-Pecos, which hosts contemporary bands as well as cults cinema screenings and burlesque shows. The area also plays host to an abundance of free pop up concerts, making this part of New York truly special. Likewise, for those looking for something a bit different or more avant-garde For those looking for something out of the ordinary and experimental there are venues such as Union Pool which has been a go-to music venue for years now.RELATED: The Best Music Venues in Williamsburg

Food & Drink Hotspots

From small local eateries to trendy restaurants and bars – there’s an overwhelming number of culinary treats available in Williamsburg. If you’re up for trying some classic pub-style grub, head over to Teddy’s Bar & Grill which offers some of the best burgers in town – or a more elegant selection is on offer at Dressler who specialize in modern Jewish cuisine and even offer during latke classes. If you’re after something more distinctive that won’t burn a hole in your wallet, check out Momo Sushi Shack which serves sushi burritos and brussel sprout chips as well as a huge selection of craft beers, meads & cider. When it comes to drinks and nightlife there is also plenty on offer in Williamsburg with popular hangouts such as Output Club, which is internationally renown for its eclectic music line up drawing in both locals and visitors alike. RELATED: The 20 Best Restaurants In Williamsburg

Massive Art Scene

No matter what end of day is it when you’re done exploring all that Williamsburg has to offer – you’ll find plenty of art galleries here open all day everyday. Whether you’re a fan of Renaissance religious art or modern works exploring posthumanity, you can expect to find a wide selection of pieces right here in this hipster haven. The streets here are awash with galleries and it would be impossible not to find something that you connect with. Make sure you visit spots like Metropolitan Avenue Sheds – a collective exhibition space – as well as CREAM Projects which feature up and coming talent from around the world. RELATED: The Best Galleries in Williamsburg

Colonial History

If you’re looking to explore some unique cultural history during your time in Williamsburg then look no further than the excellent Wythe Hotel – housed in a 19th century building which oozes colonial charm it is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll. There is also the Brooklyn Historical Society located on Occulus Plaza which offers famous abolitionists talks and its very own genealogy center for those looking for an exploration into their family pasts. Plus there’s plenty of vibrancy on offer every day within the nearby McCarren Park where residents will gather for Saturday morning baseball games or late night movie screenings. It’s also worth noting that just next door is Domino Park – an excellent outdoor haven which showcases spectacular views over Manhattan and its Brooklyn waterfront. There really is no shortage of ways to make your visit to Williamsburg enjoyable, so jump right in and make sure you don’t miss out on all the exciting things this hipster haven has to offer!