Looking for culture, creativity, and iconic views? Head to Brooklyn! As one of NYC’s most dynamic boroughs, Brooklyn is a vibrant mix of art, history, green spaces, and global flavors. From trendsetting neighborhoods to famous bridges, you’ll find both classic NYC landmarks and hidden gems around every corner.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Brooklyn is during spring (April–June) and fall (September–November). These seasons offer ideal weather for walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, exploring parks, and enjoying outdoor markets. Summer brings festivals and rooftop bars, while winter offers cozy cafés and holiday lights.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by subway: Multiple NYC subway lines serve Brooklyn, including the A, C, F, Q, R, 2, 3, 4, 5, and L trains.
- By Air: Fly into JFK or LaGuardia Airport. Both are 30–45 minutes from Brooklyn by car or public transit.
- By Ferry: NYC Ferry provides scenic access to waterfront neighborhoods like DUMBO, Red Hook, and Williamsburg.
- By Car: Accessible via major bridges and tunnels, though parking can be limited. Public transit is recommended.
Where to Stay
- The William Vale – Upscale Williamsburg hotel with skyline views, rooftop bar, and artistic design.
- 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – Eco-luxury stay with Manhattan views, near Brooklyn Bridge Park and DUMBO.
- NU Hotel Brooklyn – Boutique hotel in Boerum Hill with a modern, minimalist vibe and central location.
Top Attractions
1. Ride Rollercoasters and Relive Nostalgia at Luna Park, Coney Island
Rating: ★★★★★
Named after the original park, which burnt down in 1944, Luna Park is an amusement park based on Coney Island. Once dubbed ‘The World’s Largest Playground’, the original park had three huge fairgrounds that provided hair-raising rides, a model off which the recently opened park has built itself on. Luna Park is home to fun attractions and games, including the historic Cyclone Roller Coaster, and the famous Coney Island ‘Funny Face’ Tickler Ride. There are family-friendly rides, thrill rides, a ‘scream’ zone and a go-kart track, to name but a few of the rides and adventures in the park. The park works on a Luna Card system, whereby visitors buy Luna Credits to spend on rides and amusement as opposed to spending cash, or use an unlimited ride wristband that allows for four hours of ride time on select rides.
1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11224, Phone: 718-373-5862
2. Stroll Along the Waterfront and Take in Skyline Views at Brooklyn Bridge Park
Stretching along Brooklyn’s East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre waterfront park that has been revitalized from the previous post-industrial waterfront. The park runs for 1.3 miles along the shoreline and incorporates the six famous Brooklyn Piers numbered 1-6, the historic Fulton Ferry Landing, and the pre-existing Empire–Fulton Ferry and Main Street Parks.
There are a variety of activities to enjoy in and around the park, ranging from sporting activities such as basketball, volleyball, soccer and boating, or you can take a tour of the park with an expert guide, who will walk you through the history of the park. If you are wondering what to do in Brooklyn today, this is a great place to visit. There are a number of playgrounds for children and Jane’s Carousel is always a popular stop. Have a swim at the pop-up swimming pool, join a fitness class on the lawns next to the river, or enjoy a picnic in one of the secluded hideaways throughout the park.
334 Furman Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201, Phone: 718-802-0603
3. Hunt for Vintage Finds and Local Goods at Brooklyn Flea
The Brooklyn Flea has grown into one of New York City’s top attractions and should not be missed. Fondly known as the ‘mother of all markets,’ the outdoor market starts on the first weekend in April and continues through November, and can be found in Fort Greene on Saturdays and Williamsburg on Sundays. Featuring hundreds of vendors, you will find everything and anything piled on folding tables, from vintage furniture and clothing to a handpicked selection of handmade jewelry, arts and crafts by local designers, as well as an array of beautiful antiques and collectables.
The market is also home to ‘Smorgasburg’, a vast all-food market that usually takes place in Williamsburg on Saturdays and Brooklyn Bridge Park on Sundays. Gourmands and foodies will delight in the delicious choices of artisanal cuisine on offer. During the colder months between November and March, the market moves indoors and continues trade under cover, while every summer four Flea/Smorgasburg food vendors showcase their wares at the Central Park Summer Stage outdoor concert series.
80 Pearl St, Brooklyn, New York 11238, Phone: 718-928-6603
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
4. Explore Brooklyn’s Past at the Brooklyn Historical Society
Founded in 1863 by Henry Pierrepont, the Brooklyn Historical Society (BHS) is an urban history center that reflects on, preserves, and emboldens Brooklyn's fascinating 400-year history. Housed in a magnificent 19th Century landmark building in Brooklyn Heights, which was designed by George Post and has been described as “one of the City's great architectural treasures”, the BHS is also home to a museum, the Othmer Library and an educational center.
The BHS offers a wonderful variety of programs to suit a wide range of audiences, including exhibition-related lectures, musical events, history and current affairs topics, walking tours, readings and plays. The Othmer Library has an extensive collection of historical maps, atlases and genealogy collections.
128 Pierrepont Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201, Phone: 718-222-4111
5. Catch a Live Show by the Sea at The Ford Amphitheater
The Ford Amphitheater is Coney Island's newest live entertainment venue, opened along the famed Coney Island Boardwalk in June of 2016. The amphitheater was constructed at the site of the historic 1923 Childs Restaurant, which was fully renovated as part of the venue's redevelopment. Hip musical acts are showcased at the amphitheater throughout its regular summer season lineup, including performances by internationally-renowned acts such as the Beach Boys, Peter Gabriel, Sting, the Counting Crows, and Willie Nelson. All shows are presented rain or shine at the outdoor venue, which offers a covered space for inclement weather. Before and after concerts, diners can enjoy classic American fare at Kitchen 21, which offers a rooftop bar featuring a clever cocktail program.
3052 W 21st St, Brooklyn, NY 11224, Phone: 718-954-9933
6. Uncover Innovation and Industry at BLDG 92, Brooklyn Navy Yard Center
Located in Wallabout Basin along the East River, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92 is a museum, exhibition and visitor center that celebrates the history of this famous naval yard. Once one of the most active and innovative military shipbuilding facilities in the United States, this unique museum now plays tribute to the importance of the role the Navy Yard played in America’s naval, industrial, and cultural history.
Operated by the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, the museum celebrates the Navy Yard’s heritage through a collection of excellent exhibitions, displays and programs, such as ‘Brooklyn Navy Yard – Past, Present and Future’, which recounts the extraordinary history of this vitally important navy yard, and ‘Designing the Future’, which looks forward to the future of the yard.
63 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205, Phone: 718-907-5992
7. Dine for a Cause at Emma's Torch, Where Cuisine Meets Opportunity
The restaurant provides culinary training for refugees and helps them place in jobs as line cooks throughout New York City, also offering participants ESL courses and interview preparation assistance. It partners with some of the world's top charities, including the International Rescue Committee, Sanctuary for Families, and the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. Brooklyn visitors looking for a feel-good dining experience can enjoy delicious seasonal menus at the company's restaurant, which is helmed by culinary director Alexander Harris. Delicious brunch and dinner menus highlight traditional international fare, including Burmese spicy beef curry, Iranian stuffed red snapper, and traditional Togo-style poulet cocotte grand-mère.
345 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231, Phone: 718-243-1222
If you are traveling with kids:
8. Play Through History at the Toy Museum of New York
Established in 1999, the Toy Museum of NY is a traveling museum that produces a magical theatrical performance about the historical toys from its vast collection. Aiming to educate the public on the importance of dolls and toys in our culture and history through art collections and theatrical plays, performances focus on the history of several toys, such as pieces played with during George Washington and Abraham Lincoln’s time.
The museum also features an interactive and educational children's theatre program called ‘Queen Marlene's Toy Theatre’, and features professional actors, original scripts, handmade costumes and fun special effects.
Some of the museum’s interactive shows include ‘The Toy Museum: A Mini Musical’, focusing on the history of certain toys and their origins, ‘Storytelling: The Stories Behind Popular Toy Inventions’, where children can learn about the invention of popular toys such as the Frisbee and the Teddy Bear, and ‘Storytelling with Puppets’, where everyday stories and life lessons are shared through the use of puppets.
90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11249, Phone: 718-243-0820
9. Experience Art, Film, and Music at BRIC Arts Media
BRIC Arts Media is a non-profit organization that presents contemporary art, live music, performing arts, exhibitions and community media programs that reflect Brooklyn’s creativity and diversity. Located in one of the country’s most creative artistic hubs, BRIC is at the forefront of providing various platforms and opportunities for an array of Brooklyn artists and media makers to create and present their works.
Some of the exhibitions presented by BRIC include Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival, and BRIClab, as well as community-based television programs such as Brooklyn Free Speech TV and Brooklyn Bulletin Board. BRIC is proudly part of the growing ‘Downton Brooklyn Cultural District’ project, which also includes Theater for a New Audience, UrbanGlass, and the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s three buildings.
647 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, New York 11217, Phone: 718-683-5600
10. Explore Brooklyn on a Budget with Free Tours by Foot
Free Tours by Foot offers free tours in and round New York with one aim in mind – to educate and entertain guests with fantastic tours of New York City that showcase the history, heritage and culture of the city. Tours are led by passionate guides who love their city, want to share their knowledge, and give visitors the best sightseeing experience possible. These tours have no upfront costs, however you can determine what you think a tour was worth at the end and award the guide.
Take a Free Tour by Foot through Brooklyn and experience this independent district’s vibrant energy and atmosphere. Although Brooklyn is the city’s second largest borough, the Free Tour by Foot of Brooklyn takes you to all the most important sights and attractions of this city within a city, allowing you to get a real feel for the district.
Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and learn about its heritage and history; ride the East River Ferry and discover the waterfront neighborhoods while taking in spectacular vistas of Manhattan Island; amble through Brooklyn Heights and the trendy suburb of Williamsburg, and stop for a delicious lunch in Dumbo.
Plan Your Trip