Craving culture, creativity, and iconic views? I say—it’s time you experienced Brooklyn. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve crossed into this borough, but every visit brings something new. You’ll walk through a swirl of art, music, food, and character. From catching street performances in Williamsburg to stumbling on tucked-away bookshops in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn never runs out of surprises. And if you're like me, you’ll find its mix of classic NYC charm and local soul completely addictive.
Best Time to Visit
If you’re planning your trip, I always recommend spring (April–June) or fall (September–November). I’ve strolled through Prospect Park in both seasons, and the air feels just right. You’ll love walking the Brooklyn Bridge or browsing outdoor markets without the summer crowds. That said, summer has its own appeal—festivals, rooftop bars, and sunset views from Domino Park are hard to beat. I’ve even braved a Brooklyn winter and found comfort in cozy cafés and sparkling holiday lights. There’s truly no bad season—it just depends on your vibe.
How to Get There
- Subway is your best friend: I’ve hopped on everything from the F to the L to explore different corners of Brooklyn. The borough’s well connected—once you get the hang of the map, you’re golden.
- Flying in? JFK and LaGuardia are both solid options. I usually grab an AirTrain or rideshare—it's 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
- Want the scenic route? Take the NYC Ferry. I’ve cruised into DUMBO and Red Hook with the skyline unfolding in front of me—absolutely worth it.
- Driving? I’ve done it, but I’ll be honest—parking can test your patience. If you’re not staying somewhere with a spot, I recommend skipping the car and sticking with transit.
Where to Stay
- The William Vale – I stayed here once just for the view—and it delivered. Sleek, artistic, and right in the middle of Williamsburg’s action. The rooftop bar? Unforgettable.
- 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – I fell in love with the eco-luxury feel and those floor-to-ceiling Manhattan views. It's right by Brooklyn Bridge Park—perfect if you want calm mornings and stunning sunsets.
- NU Hotel Brooklyn – This one’s a favorite when I want style without the splurge. It’s minimalist, modern, and centrally located in Boerum Hill—easy access to subways, shops, and local cafés.
Best Things to Do in Brooklyn
Ride Rollercoasters and Relive Nostalgia at Luna Park, Coney Island
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
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
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:
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
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
FAD Market
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.
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:
BKLYN Larder
Discover hand-selected cheeses, salumi, and accoutrements from top local and international producers. "Rooted in Brooklyn’s sense of community and dedication to quality, BKLYN Larder is a modern-day provisions store. Think thoughtfully sourced cheeses, meats, and gourmet pantry goods."
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
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.
The Brooklyn Film Festival
“What if the noise stopped and a film was all that remained?” I thought on opening night, standing outside Windmill Studios as a hush fell over the crowd. Neon lights glinted on Bedford Avenue and I felt the city shift from rush to reverence.
Brooklyn Film Festival At a Glance
- When: Late May to early June (typically May 30–June 8)
- Where: Windmill Studios (Greenpoint) & Wythe Hotel Cinema (Williamsburg), plus online streaming
- Theme: “Pause” — a call to slow down and focus
- Vibe: Energetic yet thoughtful, indie-driven, worldview-expanding
- Highlights: 140+ films—narrative, documentary, shorts, experimental, animation; world/U.S./NY premieres; Q&As; panels
- Facilities: Screening rooms, lounges, mixers, virtual viewing platform
- Cost: Tickets per screening or full festival passes; online access options available
- Hours: Screenings daily; select venues from late morning into evening; online runs 24/7
- Food Nearby: Nearby cafés like Variety Coffee; festival lounge events; local eateries in both neighborhoods
Jump to a Spot...
- • Ride Rollercoasters and Relive Nostalgia at Luna Park, Coney Island
- • Stroll Along the Waterfront and Take in Skyline Views at Brooklyn Bridge Park
- • Hunt for Vintage Finds and Local Goods at Brooklyn Flea
- • Explore Brooklyn’s Past at the Brooklyn Historical Society
- • Catch a Live Show by the Sea at The Ford Amphitheater
- • FAD Market
- • Dine for a Cause at Emma's Torch, Where Cuisine Meets Opportunity
- • BKLYN Larder
- • Experience Art, Film, and Music at BRIC Arts Media
- • Explore Brooklyn on a Budget with Free Tours by Foot