Having visited Manhatten several times, it took us a couple of visits before we crossed the bridge into the Borough of Brooklyn. Here hipsters and lovers of history are in their element. Brooklyn has a more laid back vibe than its glitzy sister Manhatten and has a more underground vibe. However, Brooklyn is becoming more popular with visitors with the construction of luxury hotels and the opening of many restaurants, bars and attractions. Therefore, we have put together a list of 10 things to explore in Brooklyn whether you choose to visit as a side trip from Manhatten or whether you make Brooklyn your main focus.
The Brooklyn Brewery
All beer lovers should take a tour of the Brooklyn Brewery. The short tours around the brewery allow you to learn more about its history and the brewing process. A beer tasting session then follows the tour. During the tasting, you get to sample a number of different beers produced at the Brewery. You can then follow this up with more drinks at the bar and/or a visit to the gift shop.
The Brooklyn Bridge
If you are heading from Manhattan to Brooklyn, why not if you are able, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge which connects the two boroughs. Upon its completion in 1883 it was the world’s longest suspension bridge and it offers amazing views of Manhattan. The average walking time is between 30 and 60 minutes depending on how many times you stop to take photographs, of course.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Adjacent to Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum you will find the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. It is an urban garden that covers 52 acres in the heart of Brooklyn. It was founded in 1910. With nearly a million visitors each year, it is a popular attraction in the Borough. Also, Pay What You Can admission is available. Weekdays (Tuesday – Friday) during the winter months (December – February).
Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights (originally known as Brooklyn Village) is an affluent residential area in Brooklyn. It is known for its tree-lined promenade and beautiful Brownstone houses along the East River. This neighbourhood offers fantastic views of the Manhattan Skyline and the Statue of Liberty. It is a relatively quiet neighbourhood however one that has an unrivalled charm.
Coney Island
When the temperatures start to rise, there is only one place to head in Brooklyn – Coney Island. It is home to a boardwalk, beach and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park and Luna Park. Therefore, making it a great entertainment destination for all the family. The Subway journey takes approximately 53 minutes and costs around $3 each way from Manhatten (86 St to Brighton Beach).
Dumbo
One of, if not the most famous neighbourhood in Brooklyn is Dumbo. If you want to capture the iconic shot with the Manhattan Bridge in the background then you need to head to the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street. Dumbo is an urban neighbourhood with a thriving independent scene including shops, restaurants and bars many of which can be found in converted warehouses.
The Food Scene
If hot dogs, pizza, cheesecake and bagels are your idea of foodie heaven then you need to head to Brooklyn. A lot of food and restaurants that are popular in Manhatten originated in Brooklyn. For example, Junior’s Cheesecake (YUM!) with Juniors Restaurant on Flatbush Avenue originally opening in 1950. Also, Grimaldi’s is famous for pizza and a New York institution (although that’s not to say it’s the best).
The Nightlife
Each neighbourhood has its fair share of nightlife. However, Bushwick and Williamsburg are considered to be the liveliest in Brooklyn. If you are looking for late night clubs (i.e House of Yes, Bossa Nova) head to Bushwick and if you are looking for rooftop bars (i.e. Westlight, Lemon’s at the Wythe Hotel) and old school drinking joints head to the epicentre of New York City’s hipster culture, Williamsburg.
Prospect Park
This urban park is Brooklyn’s equivalent of Manhatten’s Central Park. The park was designed by the same architectural team of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. It is home to the 90-acre (36 ha) Long Meadow, Prospect Park Zoo, an Audubon centre and the Brooklyn Museum of Art, amongst many other attractions. Check out Prospect Park’s website for free event listings.
Shopping Options
The shopping options in Brooklyn are one of the top things to explore in Brooklyn. With several options, there is something for everyone’s budget and taste. There are of course shopping malls including the Atlantic Terminal Mall on Flatbush Avenue and the King’s Plaza Shopping Center. Or if flea markets are your thing, check out Brooklyn Flea which is held in Williamsburg on Saturdays and Dumbo on Sundays.
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