10 Best Things to Do in Brooklyn, New York

There are countless activities available in Brooklyn, thanks to its wide array of artistic, culinary, and cultural options. Many consider Brooklyn to offer the best of what New York City`s boroughs have to offer as it’s less chaotic than Manhattan yet still provides plenty to see and do. Additionally, as it’s situated on Long Island, you can enjoy some nice beaches in the summer months

Brooklyn’s ethnic diversity means you can find all kinds of different cuisines and buildings here, not to mention some of the most interesting shops. There are also beautiful green spaces, so you can enjoy a more leisurely pace and many family-friendly activities in Brooklyn.

If you want to explore Brooklyn but you’re uncertain where to start, I can assist with this guide to the exceptional places worth visiting in Brooklyn. There is something for everyone here, whether you want to discover the area with kids, enjoy a day out with your partner, or have fun with friends.

Therefore, keep reading to discover the premier leisure activities to engage in within the borough of Brooklyn in New York City!

1. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, the best thing to do in Brooklyn at night

There existsno lodging on Isla de Lobos, nor is there an alternative to stay for over 4 hours. While the time limitation may seem restrictive, these steps are put in place to protect and preserve the island. We visited Isla de Lobos prior to these constraints being executed and invested about 6 hours there. However, with suitable planning, I’m certain you can still completely enjoy and research the island within the allocated timeframe .

I suggest exploring on foot so you can admire the panoramic NYC perspectives and the varied vistas of the city from different positions. The outlooks are spectacular after dark, and crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the top things to do in NYC at nighttime.

While visiting this enormous Brooklyn attraction, it’s also worthwhile checking out Brooklyn Bridge Park, along the East River. In addition to the views of the waterfront, the park offers an assortment of outdoor spaces and recreational areas for sports, activities, and leisure. From bocce and shuffleboard to basketball courts and playgrounds, there is something for all.

2. Check out DUMBO, a fun thing to do in Brooklyn, NYC

Not far from the Brooklyn Bridge lies DUMBO, one of the most popular areas in Brooklyn. Named as an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, DUMBO remains one of the trendiest locations in Brooklyn boasting many fascinating shops and eateries.

Jasper National Park is committed to protecting the night sky through reducing light pollution, earning it the distinction of a Dark-Sky Preserve. Star gazers and night photographers will find this an ideal location. The annual Jasper Dark Sky Festival held in October features special workshops in addition to stargazing activities available throughout the year.

I also suggest attempting to capture a photo of the viewpoint over the Manhattan Bridge along Washington Street. This is one of the most popular spots in the city for photography, and you`ve likely seen pictures of it online or on postcards. This is a must-visit attraction in Brooklyn, especially for those who enjoy taking pictures!

Additionally, the surrounding region is filled with unique shops, cafes, and breweries, so it’s a great sightseeing experience.

3. Visit Williamsburg, an interesting thing to do in Brooklyn

Williamsburg is another lively neighborhood in NYC that merits exploring. The area features all types of enjoyable activities to engage in within Williamsburg, Brooklyn, ranging from visiting cultural institutions and green spaces to appreciating the local nightlife.

One of the coolest areas inBrooklyn’s Williamsburg section is Domino Park. This expansive park is next to the Williamsburg Bridge and faces the East River, providing lovely waterfront landscapes. Also, it’s the site of an old Domino Sugar Refinery, which somehow blends in with the park’s playgrounds, fountains, volleyball courts, and bocce grounds.

Williamsburg retains an unconventional atmosphere but also ethnic communities like Italian Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Dominicans. A sizable Hasidic Jewish population exists here, so traditional temples or stores using Yiddish signs may be encountered.

When night falls, Williamsburg`s evening entertainment springs to life. In addition to a few movie theaters, you`ll discover the BKLYN Comedy Club and the Brooklyn Bowl, a bowling alley and live music venue.

Without question, Williamsburg is among the best places to go in Brooklyn, so if you’re brief on time, make the most of your visit with this excursion involving culture and history.

4. Spend the day at Coney Island, the best thing to do in Brooklyn with kids

Coney Island may be somewhat distant, but it’s worth visiting since it’s one of the best things to do in Brooklyn with family. Located in southwestern Brooklyn, Coney Island has long been a popular day trip for New Yorkers.

As the name suggests, Coney Island is on a small peninsula, so you can enjoy the surf and sand at Coney Island Beach or Brighton Beach. That said, what makes Coney Island an iconic Brooklyn site are the two amusement piers, Luna Park, and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park, the best places to explore at Coney Island.

To start, Luna Park is a replica of the original Luna Park from 1903 containing an arcade, family attractions like the B&B Carousel, and the renowned Cyclone rollercoaster. Spending the day at Luna Park is one of the top activities to do in NYC with children, and you can get your ticket here.

Additionally, the celebrated Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park receives its name from the legendary Wonder Wheel, a 150-foot-tall Ferris wheel providing both fixed and mobile cabins. The park offers enjoyable attractions such as kiddie rollercoasters, a carousel, bumper cars, and the thrilling Phoenix rollercoaster.

For those where thrilling rides aren`t appealing, one can take in the Coney Island Museum or a performance at the amphitheater or Coney Island Circus Sideshow. When hunger strikes, favorite boardwalk eats like Nathan’s Famous Hotdogs, funnel cake, French fries, and pizza can be found.

5. Stroll through Brooklyn Botanic Garden, a romantic thing to do in Brooklyn, NY

If you’re looking for activities to engage in as a couple in Brooklyn, I highly suggest exploring the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Here, you can stroll through 52 acres of specially designed gardens, making it the ideal location for an outdoor romantic date.

One of the most notable areas of the garden is the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden, which features cherry blossoms, Japanese maples and irises, and a Shinto shrine. There is even a traditional wooden bridge andtorii (gateway), so it’s like having a little piece of Japan located in Brooklyn.

The Cranford Rose Garden is truly beautiful, as is the Shakespeare Garden, which recreates an english countryside-style garden. There is also an Herb Garden, a Rock Garden, and a Native Flora Garden where visitors can learn about the plants and blossoms that once bloomed throughout the New York City region. The Water Garden has many lovely trees, ferns, and aquatic shrubs, so it is also worth seeing.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is also home to the Steinhardt Conservatory, which contains a bonsai museum, themed plant pavilions, a glass aquatic plant house, and an art gallery. Without a doubt, spending the day here is one of the best things to do in NYC as a couple.

6. Check out Brooklyn Museum, something to do in Brooklyn if it rains

If unsuitable weather arises during your trip, have no worries because amusing things to do in Brooklyn on a damp day can be found. For instance, the Brooklyn Museum represents one of the premier museums in NYC, housing over 500,000 artistic works.

The museum is housed in an impressive building in the Beaux Arts-style and possesses an extensive permanent collection of art from worldwide. Some of the most notable galleries include those dedicated to Asian, Islamic, Egyptian, and American art. There are also beautiful examples of decorative art from the 1880s to current times, which you can explore through period rooms.

Furthermore, the Brooklyn Museum hosts temporary exhibits and has a sculpture garden with dozens of ornamental statues, sculptures, and facades. So for art lovers, this is a great Brooklyn attraction, whether indoors or out.

Moreover, Brooklyn is home to other museums and cultural institutes, so if you want to museum-hop, I also recommend the Brooklyn Children’s Museum and the New York Transit Museum.

7. Relax in Prospect Park, one of the best things to do in Brooklyn

Prospect Park is one of the highly regarded New York City parks, and one of those memorable locations in Brooklyn you must experience. The park, which covers 526 acres, is a New York Scenic Landmark, and it’s easy to see why it has gained this designation.

Here, you’ll discover expansive stretches of green spaces and lawns, historic structures, tranquil walking paths, and all kinds of recreational activities. There is something for everyone here at any time of year, which makes it one of the top attractions for tourists in Brooklyn.

All year long, you can browse the Greenmarket at Grand Army Plaza, situated at the park’s northern entry point. During summer, you can catch live performances at the Bandshell or enjoy a picnic in the Long Meadow.

At the southern end of the park, there is Prospect Park Lake and the Parade Ground, which is now an athletic park with sports fields. The LeFrak Center next to the lake offers indoor and outdoor activities like boating and ice skating.

To the east, you will see the picturesque Prospect Park Waterfall and the Beaux Arts-style Boathouse, as well as take a serene stroll through the Ravine, the sole forest in Brooklyn. I advise relaxing here as long as your schedule permits, although if you have limited time, this guided experience will showcase the highlights of the park.

8. See the art at the Bushwick Collective, another cool thing to do in Brooklyn, New York

The Bushwick Collective is a series of outdoor artworks and murals, and one of the best free things to exploreinBrooklyn.

The Collective originated in 2011 and has expanded to include works from local, domestic, and worldwide artists. Combining graffiti, street art, and murals, the selection features pieces on social commentary, lighthearted subjects, visual interpretations of feelings and thoughts, and more. For all these reasons, it’s one of the top museums in Brooklyn

If you wish to independently explore the Bushwick Collective, a good starting point is Flushing Avenue near the Jefferson Street Station public transportation stop. However, if you want to ensure you do not miss anything, I suggest this walking tour of Brooklyn street artwork.

Also, if you’re visiting in the summer, check out the Collective’s free annual street art showcase with music, cuisine, artists, and local vendors.

9. Enjoy the views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Also known as the Esplanade, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade is a pedestrian walkway alongside Brooklyn Bridge Park. It leads to the Brooklyn Bridge so it’s a great place to do some leisurely sightseeing.

Stretching along the path is a line of trees and many benches where one can leisurely stroll, allowing extra time to move along the walkway. Depending on the specific section of the Promenade being traveled, splendid perspectives of Lower Manhattan`s East Side, Staten Island, or the Statue of Liberty can be seen. Additionally visible are Governor`s Island and Ellis Island.

Best of all, the Promenade is a free Brooklyn attraction and is typically accessible from dawn until dusk. The entry is under the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway at Remsen Street, and the walkway ends just before Brooklyn Bridge Park.

10. See the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights, something to do in Brooklyn during the holidays

Finally, if you’re touring New York City at Christmastime, I suggest going to Dyker Heights, a popular area in Brooklyn during the wintertime season.

The Dyker Heights neighborhood in southwestern Brooklyn is known for its strong Christmas spirit. Many of the neighbors here decorate their homes with elaborate displays, transforming a few city blocks into a glittery atmosphere of holiday cheer.

You will see everything from glittering lights and lawn ornaments to Christmas-themed setups with garlands and wreaths in Dyker Heights. Some residents go all out including music and coordinated light performances. So, take a break from the Manhattan festivities and check out Dyker Heights as it is one of the best activities to do in NYC in the winter, especially as a family since it includes many Christmas decorations.

The Christmas lights extend along Dyker Heights Boulevard from 83^rd Street to 86^th Street, and they are usually illuminated until around 9 p.m. If you want to experience everything and interact with some locals, check out this bus tour of the Dyker Heights displays.

Where to stay in Brooklyn

With all the different areas to explore in Brooklyn, you may decide to spend the night. In that case, these are my top picks for where to reside:

• The The Williamsburg Hotel is a luxurious resort that is considered one of Brooklyn’s finest hotels. It has elegant rooms including private balconies. There is also a 24-hour gym and a gourmet restaurant on site. Additionally, it is among the limited hotels in Brooklyn with a swimming pool.

• Pod Brooklyn – This is among the best cost-effective hotels in Brooklyn and a great choice if you’re traveling alone. In addition to the clean, cozy rooms, there are communal spaces like a courtyard and a rooftop bar.

• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – This luxury, environmentally-friendly accommodation is ideally suited for families, thanks to its lounge space, swimming pool, spa facilities, and spacious rooms with panoramic city views. It`s among the finest small hotels located in Brooklyn.

Additional ideas and recommendations can be found in our guide on where to lodge in NYC.

Map of Brooklyn, NY

I hope this guide assists in planning your visit and choosing which Brooklyn activities you wish to participate in. I’m also providing this map with all the Brooklyn attractions and hotels referenced.

If you have any other inquiries or you’d like to share your favorite activities in Brooklyn, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d be pleased to hear from you! Until then, have a great time exploring Brooklyn, NY!