Brooklyn is the most populous borough of New York City and one of the most diverse places on Earth. From world-class museums to charming neighborhoods, there’s always something new to do in Brooklyn. Here’s our list of the best things to do in Brooklyn:
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 100-acre botanical garden in the borough of Brooklyn, New York City. It is located at 1000 Washington Avenue, between Flatbush Avenue and Eastern Parkway. Opened in 1910, it was one of the first municipal botanic gardens in the United States. Now it has over 50 gardens and collections showing more than 10,000 plant species across six continents (and more than 4 million plants), including a Japanese garden designed by landscape architect Hoichi Kurisu. The garden’s Conservation Science Institute oversees research into plant science with an emphasis on urban ecosystems and climate change.*
Prospect Park
Prospect Park is a public park in the New York City borough of Brooklyn, with an area of 990 acres (4.1 km2). Built-in the 1860s, it is one of the largest parks in Brooklyn, and one of the largest urban public parks in America.[2]
The park includes a zoo, a bandshell that hosts free annual concerts, Prospect Park Zoo (a zoo within Prospect Park),[3][4] playgrounds for children and sports enthusiasts; as well as lakes for boating and fishing. The Long Meadow runs from east to west but has been replaced by ball fields on three sides; another was lost when Peace Tower was built in 1940.[5] It also contains several other attractions such as Bandshell Concerts at Summerstage,[6] LeFrak Center at Lakeside,[7] Empire Roller Skating Center,[8], LeFrak Center at Lakeside[9], Prospect Park Tennis Center,[10], Boathouse Cafe restaurant & bar which overlooks The Long Meadow lake across from LeFrak Theater.[11].
Coney Island
Coney Island is a popular beach destination. Located on the southernmost tip of Brooklyn, Coney Island has more than 15 amusement parks and attractions, including Luna Park, which has been open since 1903 and includes a wooden roller coaster that was built in 1927. In addition to its many rides and attractions for kids and adults alike, Coney Island also offers restaurants, bars, and shops to enjoy while you’re there.
Coney Island is open year-round (including winter months), so it’s an excellent place to spend your day or evening whether you want to ride some rides or simply relax with friends at one of its many restaurants.
Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is a free museum that houses a large collection of art, including Egyptian, African, Asian and American art. The Brooklyn museum also has an extensive collection of 19th-century European paintings and sculptures. When you visit make sure to check out their collections in the following areas:
- Egyptian Art
- African Art
- Asian Art
- American Art
The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is a landmark of New York City, and one of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States. It connects Manhattan and Brooklyn, spanning 1,595 feet above the East River.
The bridge was built between 1869 and 1883 by John Roebling (who eventually died from an accident while surveying the bridge) and his son Washington Roebling (who supervised construction after his father’s death). It had been called “a miracle of rare device,” by poet Walt Whitman after its completion in 1883. The bridge’s cables are made up of 3,250 miles of wire!
Today you can walk across it on a pedestrian walkway on its lower level—if you’re lucky enough to get there before all those other people who want to do so!
Fulton Ferry Landing
Fulton Ferry Landing is a nice place to walk, have a picnic, and watch the sunset. It’s also an excellent spot for people-watching. If you’re into that sort of thing, you’ll be glad to know that there are many restaurants nearby where you can grab food and drinks before heading over to Fulton Ferry Landing or after your stroll along its paths.
If you want a different kind of experience at Fulton Ferry Landing, perhaps one with more dogs in it, then this could be your best bet. There are two dog parks within walking distance from the landing: one on Furman Street near Wallabout Market and one across from Brooklyn Bridge Park on Eads Street. Both parks are available for use by anyone who has their canine(s) leashed up (you’ll need proof of license) but can get crowded quickly since they both allow unsupervised pets off-leash during certain hours (check out their individual websites for specifics).
The Brooklyn Brewery
The Brooklyn Brewery is a beer lover’s dream. As one of the oldest breweries in New York City, it’s still producing some of the best brews in town. In addition to their flagship beer, you can sample seasonal offerings and limited editions at this family-friendly spot. Make sure to try the special seasonal beers if you have time: there are often more than 10 on tap!
The brewery itself has a bright and airy atmosphere with plenty of seating options—including picnic tables out front during warmer months. If you get hungry while you’re there (and why wouldn’t you?), they also serve food from nearby restaurants like Mimi’s Hummus & Pita Co., James’s Bar, and Woodwork Pizza Company.
If all that isn’t enough reason for you to visit this hipster favorite then consider this: every year they host an Oktoberfest celebration where over 20 different local breweries come together to make a giant party out of drinking beer! The next one will be held on October 12th so mark your calendars now before tickets sell out–and don’t forget your lederhosen!
The Bklyn House Hotel Bar
The Bklyn House Hotel Bar is located at the edge of the river in Brooklyn, NY. The bar itself is one of the best spots to grab a cocktail in New York, with a great cocktail menu that includes all of your favorite classics as well as some unique new concoctions. There are also delicious food options available during happy hour and all night long!
Pete’s Candy Store
Pete’s Candy Store is a restaurant and bar in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City that specializes in candy. The original location opened in 1972 at 709 Lorimer Street, between Frost and Richardson Streets in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn.
The restaurant was founded by former Wall Street Journal reporter Peter Sarpolis who discovered a love for candy while traveling around the world as a foreign correspondent. Pete’s has since grown into multiple locations throughout NYC with over 5500 types of candy available on any given day.
Smorgasburg at Prospect Park
Smorgasburg is a popular food market held in the park on weekends. There are many different vendors that sell food and drink, so you can find something for everyone. It’s a fun place to go with friends, or even by yourself if you’re looking for some good food!
You’ll find it near the zoo, so it’s also nice if you want to visit the zoo after eating all your lunch (or breakfast).
There are so many great things to do in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a great place to visit. There are so many places you can go, things to do and restaurants to eat at. You will never be bored in Brooklyn. For example, you could visit Coney Island and ride the Cyclone roller coaster or go for a stroll along the boardwalk.
You could also visit one of Brooklyn’s museums like the Brooklyn Museum or the New York Transit Museum for some history buffs! If you’re more into shopping then head over to DUMBO or Williamsburg where there are lots of boutiques selling some lovely clothing items as well as beautiful art pieces that would look pretty on your walls at home!
If you want to relax then there are plenty of parks such as Prospect Park where people gather together during nice weather because it has plenty of trees around where they can enjoy nature while eating lunch together too 🙂 Or maybe try out one of our amazing hot spots like The Commodore Bar & Restaurant which is located right
Conclusion
As you can see, Brooklyn has a lot to offer. It’s a great place for visitors and locals alike, with beautiful parks and waterfront views, plenty of delicious food options, as well as fun activities for kids and adults alike. We hope this list will inspire you to explore this wonderful borough!