What You Need to Know About Brooklyn

As one of the most populous and diverse cities in the United States, Brooklyn is home to a unique culture and lifestyle. Bursting with art, food, music and entertainment venues, Brooklyn offers an exciting range of activities to explore. Whether you’re a hipster looking for the latest trendy cafe or a restaurant aficionado looking for world-class cuisine, NYC’s melting pot of cultures has something to offer everyone.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Brooklyn special and look at some of the best attractions and activities to check out during your visit. From parks and museums to brewpubs, breweries and family-friendly activities, get ready to go explore this vibrant borough!

What is Brooklyn Known for?

Brooklyn is one of NYC’s five boroughs and is the most populous of the bunch with over 2.6 million people. Home to historic attractions, world-renowned art galleries, delicious cuisine and cutting-edge fashion, Brooklyn is more than just “that other place over the Brooklyn Bridge”!

Brooklyn is known for its creative neighborhoods such as Williamsburg, where you can find an abundance of independent stores, hip eateries and unique cafes. And don’t forget about all the outdoor activities available throughout the borough, such as Prospect Park (the 585-acre park that spans the entire length of the borough) or Coney Island (the iconic beachfront amusement park).

When it comes to culture, Brooklyn is packed with museums, music venues, theaters and galleries. From the famed Brooklyn Museum – home to ancient Egyptian artifacts and masterpieces by Van Gogh – to the New York Transit Museum, you can all kinds of visual and performing arts experiences here.

Getting hungry? Luckily, Brooklyn boasts a delicious mix of cuisines from all over the world. From pizza joints to Italian restaurants to New American eateries, there’s something for all tastes. Be sure to check out Smorgasburg – a weekly food market in Williamsburg – for a great range of delicious local eats.

Breweries are also very popular in the borough. There are more than 10 craft beer breweries in Brooklyn, so why not book a guided tour of a few favorites and sample some of NYC’s finest beers? You can even go on a 3-hour private pizza and brewery walking tour if you want to make the most of your time in Brooklyn.

Things to Do in Brooklyn

Family-Friendly Attractions

If you’re looking for some family-friendly fun in Brooklyn, there are plenty of attractions suitable for kids. A few of our favorites include:

• Prospect Park: The 585-acre park offers plenty of green open space with loads of recreational activities on offer such as horse riding, cycling and nature walks.
• Children’s Museum of Brooklyn: This museum offers interactive activities designed for children up to 8 years of age.
• New York Transit Museum: The museum showcases various transportation related artifacts from the past.
• Brooklyn Children’s Museum: The only museum in the world dedicated solely to kids, this place is sure to keep your little ones entertained.
• Coney Island: This iconic beachfront amusement park is sure to put a smile on your kid’s faces.

Things to Do at Night in Brooklyn

When the sun sets, Brooklyn really comes alive! There are countless places to explore after dark ranging from music gigs to outdoor cinemas. Here are just a few of our favorite hangouts:

• House of Yes: This club plays host to some of the biggest DJs in Brooklyn, making it a great spot for music lovers.
• BAM Rose Cinemas: Catch independent films here in the heart of Fort Greene.
• Brooklyn Bowl: Get your groove on at this popular venue that plays host to some amazing live music acts.
• Williamsburg Music Hall: This place showcases local talent with a mix of art and music events.
• Free Outdoor Movies: Every summer some parks around the borough show classic films against the backdrop of spectacular cityscapes.

Shopping in Brooklyn

Shoppers looking for an independent shopping experience won’t be disappointed. Williamsburg and Greenpoint are two popular locations as is DUMBO with its trendy boutiques and designer stores. Atlantic Avenue offers shoppers vintage stores and flea markets, while Boerum Hill is home to independent galleries and shops selling handcrafted furniture and gifts. If you want something different, be sure to check out Park Slope where you can find quirky gift shops alongside vintage clothing stores and antiques dealers.

Food and Drink in Brooklyn

As Brooklyn has such diverse population, it’s no surprise that the cuisine available here is equally diverse! From Italian and Cuban to Mexican, Caribbean and Thai food, there’s something here to suit all tastes. Of course, being New York, there’s always plenty of pizza joints here — so make sure you try at least one! For seafood lovers, be sure to check out the Red Hook Lobster Pound or visit Smith & Vine for some excellent wines and small bites. And finally, don’t forget about all the breweries in town producing some of America’s finest beers. A guided brew tour is a great way to sample some local brews — why not book a 3-hour private pizza and brewery walking tour if you want to make the most of your time in Brooklyn?

Additional Reading

If you want to learn more about Brooklyn’s culture and attractions, visit nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/brooklyn, an official guide created by NYC & Company.