New York can be anything you want it to be, and one of our favourite Boroughs to explore is Brooklyn.
The hip little sister of NYC is where you’ll find the coolest bars, alt art galleries, and the best rooftop views of that spectacular New York skyline.
Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most out of your time in Brooklyn…
What to do/see:
Domino Park:
Built on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery, this 5-acre park has an industrial-style playground, sunbathing spots and a funky taco restaurant.
An elevated walkway gives you breathtaking views of the NYC skyline from across the river and you can walk right up to Williamsburg Bridge.
Play shuffleboard at the Royal Palms:
A kitschy Florida-esque bar in Gowanus is bringing Shuffleboard (a surprisingly fun game) back. The Royal Palms has tropical drinks, a rotating cast of food trucks, oversized and regular sized board games, DJs… and 10 regulation-sized shuffleboard courts.
The rules are easy to learn, and staff are super friendly in showing you the ropes.
Brooklyn Flea:
Every weekend from April-October you can browse hundreds of top vendors of furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers, plus delicious fresh food.
The market takes place in Industry City on Saturdays and DUMBO on Sundays.
New York transit museum:
Pose in a vintage Subway cart and see how New Yorkers got around the city over 100 years ago in this fascinating museum dedicated to NYC transport.
It’s home to twenty vintage subway and elevated cars dating back to 1907 and has rotating exhibitions, such as New York transit in comic books and old tickets.
Browse Brooklyn Heights:
A fancy residential neighbourhood known for its leafy avenues and elegant brownstones, Brooklyn Heights is a lovely spot to wander around.
You’ll stumble across independent boutiques and coffee stores but make sure to grab some pizza at Table 87 and a cone of some of the best ice cream in town at Ample Hills Creamery.
Where to eat:
Lilia:
Williamsburg’s hippest restaurant (people are trying – and failing – to get a table weeks in advance), this whitewashed beauty is one of the best Italians in NY.
Silky smooth pasta bursting with flavour and woodfired seafood makes the buzz very deserved.
Olmsted:
People travel from all over Brooklyn to this Prospect Heights gem that serves a seasonal, ingredient-driven menu, some of which comes straight from their backyard garden (yes, you’re welcome to sit there for a drink and a bite).
Fornino:
With three locations in Brooklyn (Williamsburg, Brooklyn Bridge Park and Greenpoint) , you’ve gotta make time for this artisan woodfired pizza.
The Brooklyn Bridge spot and its rooftop dining experience with an incredible view of lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty is a top shout.
Where to drink:
The Surf Bar:
The drinks are strong and the atmosphere lively at this lovely sandy floored bar in Williamsburg.
Fresh fish and Hawaiian food make for great daytime snacks. Tiki drinks and a cosy backyard patio with music and fairylights make for even better evenings.
House of Yes:
Brooklyn’s wildest club is a “performance fueled” nightclub that’s part bar, part circus.
Most of their Friday and Saturday parties are themed (electro/disco/Burlesque), and you have to dress in costume on weekends. It’s wild and oh-so wonderful.
The Ides:
A sleek rooftop bar in the Wythe Hotel, The Ides is the place to be if you want a sunset view of the NYC skyline.
Drink prices reflect the amazing location high above the ground, but when in New York, right?
Where to stay:
Looking for luxury?
The William Vale:
Five-star modern luxury is the name of the game at this fab-u-lis hotel.
All 183 rooms at The William Vale feature floor-to-ceiling windows, open-air balconies, and stunning views of New York City. The dream.
On a budget?
At Home in Brooklyn:
A cosy B&B in Park Slope with four beautiful rooms, this is a lovely place to base yourself to explore Brooklyn. A continental breakfast made from organic and local ingredients is served every morning in the cute dining room.
You can also rent out the entire space if you have a large group.
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