25 Best Things To Do in Brooklyn, NY

© NYC & Company/Julienne Schaer

Named after the original park, which burnt down in 1944, Luna Park is an amusement park based on Coney Island and one of the best things to do in Brooklyn. 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 nineteen new 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

© Courtesy of dell - Fotolia.com

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

© Courtesy of Ekaterina Pokrovsky - Fotolia.com

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.

186 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11238, Phone: 718-928-6603

© Courtesy of Salvatore Coppola - Fotolia.com

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

© 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

© 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

© Emma's Torch

Emma's Torch is a unique restaurant and nonprofit culinary training organization in Carroll Gardens, helping to transform the lives of international refugees by helping them build culinary careers in their new communities. 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

© Toy Museum of NY

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

© Courtesy of jdoms - Fotolia.com

BRIC 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

© Courtesy of william87 - Fotolia.com

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.

© Courtesy of Microgen - Fotolia.com

Tucked away in Carroll Gardens in a part of Brooklyn that is yet to be overrun with restaurants, Buttermilk Channel is a cozy eatery with warm hospitality and just as welcoming cuisine. Named after the strait between Brooklyn and Governors Island, the restaurant’s corner location offers lovely views from pretty windows on two sides, buffed wooden tables, shiny brass fittings and glowing sconces on the walls creating soft light.

Distinguished by a slight emphasis on comfort food, the menu offers a delicious variety of classics with a twist. Start with popovers in lieu of bread, followed by buttermilk fried chicken or duck meatloaf. If you are looking for romantic date ideas in Brooklyn, this is a great place to visit. Don’t miss the sublime desserts, like the made-to-order, warm, crunchy apple cider doughnuts or the sublime pecan pie sundae. The restaurant has become increasingly popular and only accepts bookings for parties of five and up, so if you are a walk-in, be prepared to wait for a table.

524 Court St, Brooklyn, New York 11231, Phone: 718-852-8490

© Courtesy of Brad Pict - Fotolia.com

Smorgasburg is Brooklyn Flea’s giant all-food market, held every Saturday in Williamsburg and Sunday in Brooklyn Bridge Park from April through November.

Boasting over 70 vendors selling a range of delicious culinary treats, ranging from freshly baked cookies to quinoa falafel, the market has fast become one of the most popular experiences in New York. Hailed as ‘the Woodstock of Eating’, the market is open from 11 am to 6 pm, where you will find packaged and prepared foods, a variety of beverages, and other gourmet delights.

Food aficionados and gourmands will love the artisan food on offer, and you’ll get to taste cuisine from all over the world, but be prepared to stand in line and pay a bit more than you would elsewhere.

© Courtesy of Brad Pict - Fotolia.com

Designed by the Olmsted brothers in 1910, this beautiful 50-acre garden holds many delights, including an Elizabethan-style ‘knot’ herb garden and one of North America’s largest rose collections. The garden’s magnificent centerpiece is a Japanese hill-and-pond garden, complete with a teahouse and Shinto shrine. In late April and early May, the park promenade is aglow with delicate cherry blossoms, and hosts an annual Japanese festival, which highlights the country’s distinctive culture, food, and music.

The Magnolia Plaza is home to an exquisite display of creamy, blossoming trees against a backdrop of daffodils on Boulder Hill in April, while the Fragrance Garden is a sensory journey, in which exotic scents float languidly on the air. The conservatory houses one of America’s largest bonsai collections and some rare rainforest trees, whose extracts allow scientists to produce life-saving drugs.

880 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11225, Phone: 718-623-7200

More ideas: Best Day Trips from NYC

© Kings County Distillery

Kings County Distillery is the oldest whiskey distillery operating in New York City and the first since the Prohibition. It was founded in 2010 to produce handmade bourbon and other types of whiskeys. It first started in a 325-square-foot room in East Williamsburg with five 24-liter stainless steel stills. In 2012 the distillery moved to the Brooklyn Navy Yard to the 118-year-old Paymaster Building. The distillery uses traditional wooden fermenters made locally and New York grain to produce distinct award-winning whiskeys. Tours and tastings at the distillery are available from Tuesday to Sunday afternoon. The distillery also has the Gatehouse tasting room, located at the mostly ceremonial 1896 entrance to the navy yard. The tasting room is open every day.

299 Sands St, Bldg 121, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Phone: 347-689-4211

© lorabarra/stock.adobe.com

Bringing together the worlds of Fashion, Art, and Design in one perfect package, FAD Market is a traveling, pop-up market in Brooklyn. At various times, FAD Market pops up, bringing together the work and creations of artists and designers and making the worlds of art and culture much more accessible to the Brooklyn public. So if you’re looking for top quality art and handcrafted products in the Brooklyn area, look out for the next pop-up FAD Market near you.

FAD Markets are open to all guests and fully free, so you won't need to worry about buying a ticket. This rule applies to all events and is part of the FAD Market philosophy, so these pop-up Brooklyn markets will always be free and accessible to all. Upon arrival at a FAD Market event, you can expect to see a vast and varied selection of handcrafted creations, including clothes, toiletries, home furnishings, decorations, art, and jewelry. All of these products have been lovingly made with passion and talent, ensuring that every single item has a story and personality. You'll also be able to find locally-crafted drinks and food all around the FAD Market too, so no attendee will have to worry about going hungry or thirsty. For more information, visit fadmarket.co.

© Patisserie Colson

Echoing Hubert Colson’s beloved establishment of the same name in Mons, Belgium, Patisserie Colson is a little slice of confectionary heaven. Established by Parisian-born filmmaker Yonatan Israel in 2006 to satisfy his craving for the French patisseries of his youth, he has reproduced a number of Colson's famous French and Belgian recipes, including croissants, waffles and financiers. And the top five sweet treats to try according to the experts?

Chocolate financiers (little dark chocolate sponge cakes), fluffy apple turnover, waffles with dollops of cream or ice cream, melt-in-your-mouth croissants, and rice macaroon tarts meringue in almond cream.

374 9th Street (at 6th Avenue), Brooklyn, New York 11215, Phone: 718-965-6400

© Courtesy of coffmancmu - Fotolia.com

Founded in 1899, the Brooklyn Children’s Museum was the first museum to be designed specifically for children and since then has inspired more than 250 museums for children across the country. Located next to Brower Park and housed in high-tech building dating back to 1976, the museum layout is a network of interconnected passageways, running off the main ‘people’ tube, a huge drainage pipe that connects four levels.

The emphasis throughout the museum is on hands-on, interactive exhibits, exploration and discovery, with displays and exhibits made to be touched, experienced or played with – there is even a walk-on piano! The Brooklyn Children’s Museum is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn with kids. Special educational exhibitions teach children about other cultures, the planet, or how to resolve fears, problems, and squeals of delight can be heard from every corner.

145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11213, Phone: 718-735-4400

© Henry Norman Hotel

Located in a converted 19th century warehouse, immersed in the Greenpoint neighborhood industrial vibe and surrounded by film stages and production offices, Henry Normal Hotel offers 50 electric rooms and suites with hardwood floors, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, and local art. Some rooms have terraces and suites have sitting areas, while some have kitchens, extra bedrooms, or roof decks. The hotel guests have access to laundry facilities, a sauna, business center, and a fitness room and car service. The hotel is located close to the lovely Msgr. McGolrick Park, perfect for taking a stroll through the shady lanes, relaxing on benches under the majestic trees, or taking photos of the historic bandstand.

239 North Henry Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222, Phone: 718-663-2100

© Courtesy of Brad Pict - Fotolia.com

Brooklyn Unplugged Tours aim to share their passion and love for Brooklyn through fun and education walking tours, which highlight the magical energy and vibe that Brooklyn is fast becoming known for. Groups are generally quite small to ensure a personalized experience and private or customized tours can also be arranged, where logistics are planned from scratch with the guide, to create a totally exclusive and unique Brooklyn experience.

The company’s signature tour is the ‘Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour’, which takes place in Brooklyn’s trendy district of Williamsburg and serves as a great introduction to Brooklyn and its culture, local lifestyle, history and street art. The company also offers several other walking tours, which cover Brooklyn's most popular and significant neighborhoods, such as Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, Coney Island and the Brooklyn Graffiti and Street Art Excursion.

© Courtesy of lightphoto2 - Fotolia.com

Designed by New York architects McKim, Mead & White, the Brooklyn Museum aimed to be the largest cultural edifice in the world. While only one-sixth was completed, the museum today is one of the top influential cultural institutions in the United States, and home to a permanent encyclopedic collection of over one million pieces.

The museum houses one of the finest and most extensive art collections in the country, including an unrivalled collection of Native American art from the Southwest; American period rooms; exquisite pieces of ancient Egyptian, Islamic and African Art; and important American and European paintings.

Innovative, cutting-edge exhibitions and programs showcase a contemporary view of historical and traditional, as well as modern works, and engagement with some of today’s most important artists and ideas.

200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York 11238, Phone: 718-638-5000

© nuiiko/stock.adobe.com

The gourmet pastry classes offered by L'Ecole Valrhona Brooklyn can help out and make your dreams come true. Almost everyone on the planet can appreciate the wonder and delight of well-made chocolates and other sweet treats, and even if you don't happen to have a sweet tooth, learning new culinary skills as ways to impress your friends or further your career is never a bad idea.

Whether you live in Brooklyn or are visiting New York City on vacation, this is a wonderful activity to try out and a great way to make some magical memories either by yourself or with friends or family members. Each class will feature small groups and hands-on activities to let you truly put the things you're learning into practice and acquire new skills to try out at home. You'll develop a whole new level of love and appreciation for the amazing work that goes into the creation of a single chocolate or cake and will definitely want to start cooking more in your own life when you see these amazing chefs at work. For more info, visit: valrhona-chocolate.com/pastry-classes

© BKLYN Larder

One of the special things that makes Brooklyn such a unique part of New York City is its spirit of togetherness and community. Brooklyn people are known for respecting and looking out for one another, with local businesses always offering a friendly smile and warm welcome to their favorite customers and many people engaging with the sense of community all around them. The positive attitude and communal feel of Brooklyn can be felt every time one visits BKLYN Larder, a local provisions store.

Located on Flatbush Ave, BKLYN Larder is a retail cheese, meats, and provisions store specializing in high quality and sustainably made products and ingredients. BKLYN Larder pursues sustainability and eco-friendly techniques in all it does, utilizing wind power for its energy and environmentally friendly, recycled materials whenever possible too. In essence, it’s a modern location with a forward-thinking attitude while also upholding the traditions of the past.

228 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217, Phone: 718-783-1250

© Leyenda

A charming Latin cocktail bar in Brooklyn, Leyenda manages to create an exotic South American vibe, with brick walls, a pressed tin ceiling, and church pew booths, without looking kitschy and overboard. Dark and cozy, it is a perfect spot for a hot date or a bunch with friends who appreciate good quality tequila, rum, mescal, raicilla, or sotol, in addition to legendary cocktails. Chef Sue Torres offers imaginative small plates such as watermelon and cucumber gazpacho with Maine crab and tajin and a whole range of interesting tacos. Leyenda has a nice little outdoor sitting area for warm evenings. Bring the family for their excellent traditional brunch.

221 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201-6533, 347-987-3260,

© Vinegar Hill House

Vinegar Hill House is a cozy, home-away-from-home retreat that serves comfort food with a twist – an ideal refuge for those wanting an escape from the kitchen and cooking in a warm and welcoming environment. Rustic wooden tables, vintage wallpaper and interesting odds and ends gathered on travels and from flea markets are dotted about the interior, which is warmed by the glow and crackle of fire from the large wood-burning oven in the open kitchen.

The log cabin ambiance is enhanced by fresh seasonal flowers on the tables, and a snug downstairs den where you can relax with a post-dinner drink. And the cuisine is just as comforting - uncomplicated, beautifully prepared and mouth-wateringly delicious. Chicken liver mousse with vinegar onions and pistachios is out of this world.

72 Hudson Ave, Brooklyn, New York 11201, Phone: 718-522-1018

© Ulia Koltyrina/stock.adobe.com

Running for over 20 years now in the vibrant, diverse New York City borough of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Film Festival is a wonderful celebration of independent film. Organized by the Brooklyn Film Society, a non-profit organization, the Brooklyn Film Festival is held on an annual basis in June of each year. Thanks to sponsors and support the Brooklyn Film Festival is able to award generous prizes to independent film-makers each year. Awards come in various forms, honoring the best pictures in various categories like 'Feature Narrative', 'Feature Documentary', 'Short Narrative', 'Animation', 'Best Brooklyn Project', 'Best New Director', and more. The awards are an exciting part of the Brooklyn Film Festival and it’s exciting for film fans to track the award winners and see what kinds of careers they go on to forge for themselves in the movie industry.

The Brooklyn Film Festival is focused on independent filmmaking in a huge variety of formats. This includes both long and short narrative movies, as well as documentaries, animated movies, experimental pieces, and more. This means there’s a lot of different styles of cinematic expression to be seen and experienced every single year. brooklynfilmfestival.org