Things to Do in Brooklyn

The major thoroughfare of Flatbush Avenue runs south through Brooklyn from the Manhattan Bridge to Jamaica Bay. Travel along the road to view multiple attractions, including Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, lively restaurants, art deco theaters, and historical neighborhoods such as Victorian-era Flatbush in the heart of Brooklyn.

Dyker Heights is a tree-lined family neighborhood located in southwest Brooklyn. The picturesque community began as a luxury housing development at the end of the 19th century. For visitors, Christmastime here is something special, as locals put up colorful lights and decorations that draw visitors from all five boroughs and beyond.

For some of New York City’s most famous chocolate treats, head to Jacques Torres Chocolate. Stop by the company’s flagship store in DUMBO, Brooklyn, or one of the other outlets around the city, and enjoy a variety of treats, from handmade truffles to mugs of luxurious hot chocolate and custom-made ice cream sandwiches.

On the shores of the East River and in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park offers an expanse of green and unmatched views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. Spanning some 85 acres (34 hectares), the park hosts destination eateries, the restored antique Jane’s Carousel, seasonal events, and other attractions.

Founded in 1988, Brooklyn Brewery if a staple of Brooklyn's craft beer scene. Located on Brooklyn's bustling Northside, the brewery houses a production facility, tasting room, and store with beer-related merchandise. Tours run daily, and the tasting room is open on weekends; it's a perfect spot to hang out and drink up.

Extending for 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) across New York City’s East River, this 19th-century bridge sees constant foot, bike, and car traffic thanks to commuters and sightseers alike. After a construction beset by tragedies—at least 20 people died during the building process—this steel-wire suspension bridge, then the world’s largest, finally opened to the public in 1883. Today crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is an essential New York experience. Visitors come in droves to admire the bridge’s dramatic neo-Gothic towers and the stellar views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn waterfront.

Situated on the East River, between the Manhattan and Williamsburg bridges, this former industrial site is home to numerous businesses, from jewelry makers to movie studios. The Brooklyn Navy Yard presents three floors of exhibitions, offers tours and tastings, and gives visitors the opportunity to buy Yard-made product at its gift shop.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a calming, 52-acre (21-hectare) oasis in the middle of a busy borough. Located adjacent to Prospect Park, the garden boasts an impressive selection of plants, flowers, and trees. The Children’s Garden addresses sustainability, while the Fragrance Garden encourages everyone to stop and smell the flowers.

Offering everything from artisanal crafts to vintage clothes, Artists & Fleas is a weekend-only indoor market in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. As with its two NYC sister locations in Manhattan’s Soho and Chelsea neighborhoods, this flagship marketplace is a hot spot for curio-seekers, crafters, creatives, and souvenir hunters.

Behind its imposing grey façade and bronze-adorned gateway, the Central Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library houses one of the city’s largest contemporary and historical collections of reading materials—comprising over one million books, magazines, and multimedia materials.

One of New York's favorite family-friendly destinations is the Brooklyn Children's Museum. Perfect for kids from 6 months to 8 years old, this interactive museum provides inclusive spaces, daily cultural and arts programs, and educational exhibits—from kid-sized stores in World Brooklyn to diorama habitats in Neighborhood Nature.

Williamsburg's Domino Park is one of the best spots in Brooklyn to view the Manhattan skyline and rejuvenate after a day exploring New York's hippest borough. Enjoy the East River breeze while you stroll along the park's elevated walkway, get sporty with drop-in volleyball, or just chill on the grass and soak up the sunshine.

Its name may suggest cartoon elephants, but Dumbo—a waterfront neighborhood in the north of Brooklyn—is actually one of the borough’s most stylish and photogenic enclaves. Dumbo’s cobblestone streets and converted warehouses are home to trendy galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, and one of the city’s truly iconic pizzerias.

Brooklyn is New York's coolest borough, and Williamsburg is hipster mecca. Packed with galleries, music venues, and arts spaces, Williamsburg is a prime destination to soak up Brooklyn's eclectic culture. From its cupcake shops and dive bars to its independent movie theaters, Williamsburg is an ideal place to shop and indulge.