Often overshadowed by the iconic Manhattan landmarks, it’s time that Brooklyn gets its day in the sun. Often cited as the first place to have something cool to do, Brooklyn takes food, fashion, and music trends very seriously. As the borough starts to grow, more and more tourists are making their way across the river to check out the Brooklyn scene. If you are heading to New York City, set aside a day to make your pilgrimage through Brooklyn’s top attractions.
Strangely enough, one of the best reasons to visit Brooklyn is its iconic view of the Manhattan skyline. Walk through the Brooklyn Promenade or party on a rooftop in Williamsburg for picturesque views over the river.
Some of the best things to do in Brooklyn include:
Stroll across the historic Brooklyn Bridge
A band of circus performers and acrobats put on incredible shows at the House of Yes
Take a breather at Prospect Park
Go on a 3.5-mile horseback tour hosted by Kensington Stables
Brooklyn has quite a storied history. There was a time in New York history when the absolute wealthiest residents settled down outside of the city in Brooklyn. The remnants remain in the old-school brownstones that line some the Brooklyn’s most popular areas and streets.
Popular attractions near Brooklyn include:
Walk the fruit streets of Brooklyn Heights
Journey through Fort Tilden for a deep tour of Brooklyn culture
The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store is a one-stop shop for all of your comic book needs
Visit Buzz-o-Rama, the last slot car racing arcade in Brooklyn
Skip the farmers market and find food on Wildman Steve Brill’s foraging tours
Looking for the best Brooklyn neighborhoods to explore? The best-maintained streets are in Historic Brooklyn Heights, but a stroll through Boerum Hill or Park Slope will provide plenty of photo ops for tourists and locals alike. There are almost too many fun things to do in Brooklyn today to choose.
Fun things to do in Brooklyn today include:
Go on a Brooklyn Waterfront Bike Tour
Eat BBQ with Austin, TX roots at Briskettown
Take a Momofuku Milk Bar baking class
Enjoy vegan comfort food at Modern Love Brooklyn
Greenpoint Terminal Gallery offers an engaging mix of shows by emerging artists
Brooklyn’s live music scene is part of what makes the neighborhood’s nightlife so appealing. That’s just the beginning — Brooklyn has bars, pubs, and dance clubs fit for any occasion. Many of them are open until at least 4am.
Things to do in Brooklyn at night include:
Watch a hoops game at Barclays Center
North Brooklyn’s premier electronic and dance music venue, Output, offers a low-key experience
Buy a ticket to a concert at Brooklyn Steel
Catch live music at Baby’s All Right in Williamsburg
Brooklyn is one of the best places in New York City to make memorable childhood memories. Before your little ones aren’t so little anymore, seek out Brooklyn’s finest playthings and playgrounds.
Things to do with kids in Brooklyn include:
The newly renovated Luna Park features tall roller coasters, including the century-old Cyclone
Let the little ones explore all there is to offer at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Run around the Pier 6 Playground in Brooklyn Bridge Park
Ride the subway of yesteryear with the New York Transit Museum
Try the Brooklyn Blackout Cake, offered at many Brooklyn bakeries around the borough
Dodge the sun and enjoy a self-guided tour of Brooklyn’s many museums. New York Transit Museum, The Brooklyn Museum, MoCADA, and Brooklyn Historical Society are just a few of the dozens of Brooklyn museums that rival Manhattan’s finest art collections.
For more Brooklyn things to do indoors, try the following:
Light-up signs grace the storefront of the Lite Brite Neon Studio
Visit Gowanus Batcave, an abandoned power station being turned into an arts center
Hunt for vintage clothes at Brooklyn Flea Fort Greene
Drop into a hip hop-inspired yoga class at Y7
Cinephiles will enjoy the no-frills Spectacle Theater