The former industrial zones, lively art community, and ethnic variety contribute to the appeal of this borough that was previously overlooked for Manhattan. Below are 10 top attractions you should visit in Brooklyn.

In recent years, Brooklyn has experienced significant change. It was once a bastion for the working class but now stands as a vibrant collection of unique neighborhoods, each contributing a separate story to NYC’s urban narrative.

Looking to uncover the wonders of New York City? These pieces will assist you in exploring the city:

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Williamsburg: a major trendsetter

Previously an industrial dumping ground, later a haven for free spirits, and currently a emblem of urban renewal, Williamsburg embodies Brooklyn’s swift metamorphosis. Bedford Avenue stands as its core pulse—housing boutique retailers, handcrafted café hubs, and perpetually transforming craft breweries. This district has flourished and shifted but continues to captivate with its enduring allure.

Must visit:

Smorgasburg
, a lively outdoor food market situated by the water from April to October. It serves as an engaging culinary hub offering breathtaking vistas of Manhattan.

DUMBO: bridges and roads

Nested within the grand curves of
the Manhattan Bridge
, Dumbo connects its industrial heritage with its innovative current scene. Once dominated by brick factories, this area now showcases avant-garde art spaces and sophisticated dining venues. Strolling along its uneven stone pavements provides a striking view—the Manhattan Bridge neatly positioned amidst two historic structures dating back over a hundred years.

Must visit:

Brooklyn Bridge Park, an urban oasis with lush green spaces, art installations, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline.

Brooklyn Heights: historic elegance

Brooklyn Heights, New York’s premier historic district, radiates classic charm. This area is renowned for its impeccably arranged brownstone houses, whose façades have been carefully maintained over time. These structures hark back to an earlier period in the city’s history. Additionally, the Promenade provides a stunning vista across the East River, offering a memorable look at Lower Manhattan’s skyline.

Must visit:

a dinner at the
River Café
, a Michelin-starred establishment offering breathtaking views — an exquisite meal under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Bushwick: haven for graffiti and murals

In Bushwick, the walls narrate a tale of perpetual transformation. TheBushwick Collective has transformed this previously overlooked neighborhood into an outdoor art museum, drawing artists from across the globe. Stretching along Troutman Street, large-scale murals decorate the buildings’ fronts, regularly revitalized by fresh artistic minds.

Must visit:

an evening at the
Syndicated Bar Theater Kitchen
, a fusion venue located on Bogart Street that transforms the movie-going experience with upscale dining and meticulously crafted cocktails.

Downtown Brooklyn: the vibrant core of the borough

Liberated from its height limitations two decades past, Downtown Brooklyn has acquired a strikingly altered horizon. This change manifests as an impressive cluster of contemporary skyscrapers surrounding the historic Brooklyn Borough Hall (1848), which stands out with its neoclassical design. In parallel, Fulton Street continues to serve as a lively center for commerce, maintaining the area’s deep-rooted tradition of trade and providing shoppers with a genuine taste of what makes Brooklyn distinctively itself.

Must visit:

Since 1908, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has been a trailblazing performing arts organization, consistently pushing boundaries in cultural innovation.

Prospect Heights: A mix of culture, nature, and architectural beauty

An architectural gem home to some of Brooklyn’s cultural treasures, Prospect Heights exudes understated elegance. Its tree-lined streets of century-old brownstones lead to beautiful landmarks like the Brooklyn Museum, whose vast collection spans from ancient Egyptian wonders to cutting-edge contemporary art.

Must visit:

a Brooklyn Nets game at the Barclays Center, a futuristic arena where the electrifying crowd embodies New York’s passion for sports.

Red Hook: a neighborhood with character

Away from common tourist paths, Red Hook preserves a genuine nautical ambiance. This urban enclave, which does not have underground service, keeps its unpolished charm and intimate atmosphere. The former harbor buildings now house dedicated artisans and food innovators.

Must visit:

a visit to the
Red Hook Lobster Pound
, where you can enjoy Maine lobsters in a laid-back, quintessentially Brooklyn atmosphere.

Greenpoint: the hipster heart

Greenpoint
Remains as Brooklyn’s final stronghold, at least until inevitable gentrification takes hold, delicately balancing its Polish heritage with an edgy, cutting-edge atmosphere. Along Manhattan Avenue, Central European influences are prominent.
bakeries
stand beside vintage boutique shops and bistros offering gourmet dining, near a concentration of Japanese eateries so significant that the neighborhood is swiftly becoming known as ‘Little Tokyo.’

Must try:

a doughnut from Peter Pan
, a delightful throwback from 1952, featuring its Formica countertop and uniformly dressed servers.

Coney Island: simply iconic

Unexpected and old-fashioned,
Coney Island
Has sparked creativity in various forms such as paintings, movies, television shows, and musical compositions. The historic amusement park, complete with iconic attractions like the thundering Cyclone roller coaster from 1927 and the spider-like Wonder Wheel dating back to 1920, captures a sentimental view of America’s past. Stretching alongside this renowned urban shoreline is a lengthy wooden walkway, easily reachable via public transit.

Must try:

a hot dog at
Nathan’s Famous
, a renowned gastronomic landmark established in 1916, which hosts an annually held hotdog-eating competition that has evolved into an unexpectedly quintessentially American event.

The Brooklyn Bridge: a iconic historical passage

A marvel of 19th-century architectural prowess, the Brooklyn Bridge remains an awe-inspiring structure known for its distinctive Gothic design and steel cable adornments. The elevated promenade provides a serene passage above the bustling city noise beneath it.

Must do:

a moment at dusk, as the last beams paint the stones with gold and the initial glimmers of Manhattan start to sparkle.