Home to 2,736,074 residents, As one of the five boroughs in New York, Brooklyn is the most populated and a top tourist destination.
There are many reasons to love Brooklyn – from its charming diverse neighborhoods to its vibrant art sceneries, to amazing food and top local attractions.
The famous borough attracts millions of tourists every year because you never run out of things to do in Brooklyn.
Whether you are looking for a coffee shop for a much-needed boost or an exciting attraction for kids to enjoy, Brooklyn has it all.
Art enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers all have a place to appreciate.
If you are visiting Brooklyn anytime soon, refer to this article where I share the top things to do for all types of personalities and preferences.
In a nutshell, here is a quick summary of my top recommendations.
Attractions for Every Traveler
- Brooklyn Bridge
- Coney Island
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Green-Wood Cemetery
- The Bushwick Collective
- Brighton Beach
- Prospect Park
- Brooklyn Museum
- Brooklyn Flea
- Barclays Center
Restaurants and Bars for Every Taste
- Rucola
- Laser Wolf Brooklyn
- Osteria Brooklyn
- Edith’s Eatery & Grocery
- Wenwen
- Someday Bar NYC
- Brooklyn Social
- Sweet Polly
- The Long Island Bar
Coffee Shops and Bakeries for a Boost
- Bakeri
- Cup of Joe Coffee Company
- Copper Mug Coffee
- Devoción
- Hungry Ghost
- Pueblo Querido Coffee Roasters
- Sey Coffee
- Social House Café
Kid-Friendly Places for the Little Ones
- Brooklyn Children’s Museum
- New York Aquarium
- New York Transit Museum
Attractions for Every Traveler
Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038
Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is probably the most iconic attraction in the borough, spanning a length of 1,833.7 meters. It used to be the longest suspension bridge ever built and was the first bridge to cross the East River going to Manhattan.
Its neo-gothic architectural design, limestone and granite suspension towers, diagonal stays, and vertical cables are among the popular features that make it picture-perfect.
Get up-close and personal in this massive structure and pass through it via driving, walking, or biking. The best spot to see the overall stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the harbor is from the Brooklyn Bridge Park.
It is an 85-acre park where visitors can also play, have a picnic, and watch movies and concerts.
Explore; Brooklyn Bridge
Coney Island
Southern Brooklyn, NY
Email: info@allianceforconeyisland.org
Nestled in southwestern Brooklyn, Coney Island is one of the most popular Brooklyn neighborhoods best known for its public beaches, piers, amusement parks, and several events and festivals.
The neighborhood attracts more visitors in the summer season, so expect the beaches to be full of people. Luna Park and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park are the two amusement parks for a fun-filled day.
Aside from the parks, you’ll also find three city landmarks that are famous rides, namely Wonder Wheel, B&B Carousell, and Coney Island Cyclone.
If you’re looking for a place to do recreational activities, visit the public parks available such as the Abe Stark Skating Rink, Coney Island Creek Park, and Poseidon Playground.
Seasonal events are also something to look forward to like the Coney Island Mermaid Parade in May and Cosme 5K Charity Run in June.
Explore; Things To Do In Coney Island
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
Phone: 718-623-7200
Founded in 1910, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre garden home to approximately 12,000 species. About 725,000 visitors come yearly to witness a collection of specialty gardens like cherry trees, rose gardens, water gardens, and Shakespeare Garden, among others.
Ticket prices are $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and free for children below 12 years old.
It is one of the most ideal places for families with children, as well as adults looking for classes to participate in such as classes related to art, floral design, food, gardening, nature, and wellness.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your gardening skills, Brooklyn Botanic Garden has several gardening resources, including community greening programs and gardening how-to articles.
Explore; Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Tickets, Events, Cherry Blossom and More
Green-Wood Cemetery
500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Phone: 718-768-7300
A National Historic Landmark founded in 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery is a mesmerizing landmark attracting half a million visitors annually.
You may wonder what people do in this cemetery. Every year, people come here to see its magnificent landscapes such as valleys, glacial ponds, and hills.
Moreover, prestigious mausoleums and statuaries from the 19th and 20th centuries are found here. If you are keen on learning about history or love greenery and wildlife, Green-Wood Cemetery is a one-stop attraction that has it all.
In numbers, the cemetery has 50 acres restored, 407 trees planted in 2019, and 690 tree species.
The Bushwick Collective
427 Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Experience the Brooklyn attitude and culture as you venture on at Bushwick, where streets are filled with art and graffiti.
The Bushwick Collective is an outdoor public gallery featuring local and international artists. You’ll find plenty of murals and graffiti along Troutman St. and Saint Nicholas Avenue.
To celebrate art, history, and freedom of expression, the Bushwick Collective hosts various annual art events.
It is usually a day to gather the community and discover art, music, local businesses, and food trucks. One event you may be interested in is the Bushwick Collective Block party held every year.
Explore; What To Do In Bushwick
Brighton Beach
1002 Brighton Beach Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11235
Phone: 718-891-0800
Nestled in southern Brooklyn, Brighton Beach is a neighborhood known for its beaches and the international community.
There are several things to do in the area as it is bordered by popular neighborhoods including Coney Island, Manhattan Beach, and Sheepshead Bay. It is known as Little Russia due to its big Russian community.
Thus, you can expect to find several Russian local businesses – from apartments to restaurants and shops. The Brighton Ballet Theater and Master Theater are some Russian theaters in the neighborhood.
As one of the Best Exciting Beaches Near Brooklyn, Brighton Beach is worth visiting for beautiful walks, vibrant nightlife, and delicious food.
Prospect Park
95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Phone: 718-965-8951
If you think Manhattan Central Park is too crowded, you should come to Prospect Park instead.
It is a 585-acre urban park bordered by several neighborhoods, including Prospect Heights, Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope. The park is a popular recreational place for having tons of activities to do for all types of people.
Visitors can have a barbecue, go on a picnic, play sports, ride a bicycle, go fishing, walk dogs, and do yoga. Nature Programs are also one of its best features, where you can enjoy wildlife and nature with your family.
For festivals and art, BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival is a free outdoor festival held every summer where you can enjoy music and appreciate art.
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Phone: 718-638-5000
Brooklyn has New York’s third-largest museum by size, the 560,000-sq-ft Brooklyn Museum. It houses several art exhibitions from Egypt and Africa.
If you want to learn about Ancient Egypt, the museum holds a collection of Ancient Naar Eastern, Classical, and Egyptian artifacts.
Moreover, their American art collection shows several artworks from famous artists including John Singer Sargent and Winslow Homer, to name a few.
You will also find over 5,000 years of Chinese artworks, as well as other pieces from Japan, Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. Over 5,000 African art pieces dating more than 2,500 years are also worth exploring in the Brooklyn Museum.
Brooklyn Flea
80 Pearl St, DUMBO, Brooklyn, NY
Email: info@brooklynflea.com
Established in 2008, Brooklyn Flea is one of the best Flea Markets In Brooklyn open every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. If you are looking for vintage pieces, antique furniture, local art, and unique jewelry, you should not miss dropping by Brooklyn Flea. It is located at DUMBO in Brooklyn and other US locations including Chelsea NY, and Smorgasburg LA.
Not only can you enjoy shopping, but exploring local food and unique tastes as well. If you want your pets to tag along, you will be glad to know that pets are most welcome in the market. Stay up-to-date with their special events and other projects worth visiting.
Barclays Center
620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: 917-618-6100
Coming to Barclays Center is a surefire way to love Brooklyn for basketball lovers and sports enthusiasts. It first opened its doors in 2012 and has been the center for basketball games, shows, concerts, events, and many more.
If you are looking for something unique to do, head over to their website and see which fun event most interests you.
Some of the most common events to look forward to in the arena are NBA games, music festivals, comedy shows, and music concerts. Barclays Center can accommodate approximately 19,000 people.
It is easy to reach this destination via the Long Island Railroad, New York City Subway, and MTA Regional Buses.
After visiting the Barclays Center, it is a nice choice to try the food from the Fantastic Restaurants Near Barclays Center.
Restaurants and Bars for Every Taste
Rucola
190 Dean St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: 718-576-3209
As one of the best restaurants in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, Rucola is a rustic Italian restaurant boasting farm-to-table dishes and special homemade pasta. You can select from their extensive food options for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
Should you decide to have a hearty breakfast, you should try their sourdough toast served with housemade pear jam or the typical scramble cooked with broccoli rabe and Parmigiano Reggiano.
Laser Wolf Brooklyn
97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: 718-215-7150
Laser Wolf Brooklyn serves the best Israeli food and has one of the finest rooftop views of Brooklyn.
It is a grill house offering grilled dishes and a customer-favorite, signature hummus. Choose from their menu of salatim, a la carte, fish, and desserts.
Osteria Brooklyn
458 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205
Phone: 646-750-9156
Located at Clinton Hill, Osteria Brooklyn is an Italian restaurant run by executive chef Raffaele Solinas. If you want an authentic Italian experience, this is the place to be for a satisfying meal surrounded by Italian decor.
They have a delicious assortment of dishes- from pizza to dessert and brunch. Try one of their specials, especially the fettuccine osteria, a house specialty cooked with red wine-infused pasta and truffle sauce.
Edith’s Eatery & Grocery
312 Leonard St, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-316-6056
Edith’s Eatery & Grocery is your neighborhood Jewish deli with a twist. Have contemporary breakfast and lunch meals at any time of the day.
Their all-day brunch menu options include your typical comfort food such as fluffy Syrniki pancakes, traditional Turkish breakfast Kahvalti, and Edith’s smoked salmon omelet.
Wenwen
1025 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 646-901-5644
Wenwen transports you instantly to Taiwan for having classic flavors of Taiwanese dishes. Have a bite of their famous Sacha hot honey popcorn chicken or umami seaweed fries.
Complete the Taiwanese experience with traditional wok dishes, including shrimp floss lettuce cup, three-cup chicken, and pea shoots with tofu skin.
Someday Bar NYC
364 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: 929-480-8454
Established in 2019, Someday Bar NYC is a must-visit for a fun and casual night out. Choose from their more than 100 types of beers and seasonal cocktails.
They have an extensive craft beer selection which is best paired with their chicken wings, mini chicken tacos, or Someday fries.
Brooklyn Social
335 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Phone: 718-858-7758
Great music, extensive drink selection, and excellent service – are three things you will love about this speakeasy bar.
Brooklyn Social has a cool vintage atmosphere, a garden, and a pool table. Try their interesting and old-school cocktails such as Matt’s ginger old-fashioned, Neapolitan, Brooklyn, and Upstate.
Sweet Polly
71 6th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: 718-484-9600
Sweet Polly is a cocktail bar with quality drinks marked at affordable prices. Choose from their variety of cocktails including spirited and aromatic, bright and refreshing, tropical and adventurous, non-alcoholic, and on tap.
Most people recommend their oysters, and several scrumptious plates such as roasted beet tartare, mussels mariniere, and pinhais sardines.
The Long Island Bar
110 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-625-8908
Opened in 1951, The Long Island Bar is the spot for cocktails, beers, and wines. Its retro decor makes it look like a typical mid-century NYC diner.
Aside from its quenching cocktails, their mains are a must-try including the L.I. burger, fried chicken sandwich, and spring pasta.
Coffee Shops for a Boost
Bakeri
50 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Phone: 718-388-8037
Located at 105 Freeman St. and 150 Wythe Ave., Bakeri is a women-owned bakery with rustic decor and a lovely garden. They serve some of the best Scandinavian sourdough and several flavorful pastries.
Coffee options available are limited but are enough for the best coffee experience. So, don’t forget to try their drip coffee, Americano, iced latte, macchiato, cappuccino, and cortado.
Cup of Joe Coffee Company
7407 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209
Phone: 718-921-1000
Cup of Joe Coffee Company is your neighborhood coffee shop known for its delectable house blend coffee and selection of vegan pastries. Some of their most recommended drinks are iced caramel macchiato and espresso whipped cream.
If you are to try their pastries, you won’t regret the cocoa bean muffin and energy cookie.
Copper Mug Coffee
131 N 4th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: 631-536-5209
If you are looking for good vibes and an all-day brunch, visit Copper Mug Coffee at Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
It is a cozy neighborhood cafe furnished with wooden tables and warm lights, and even has a beautiful backyard for extra seating.
It is a must to try their specialty drinks including matcha latte, chai latte, iced strawberry matcha, and taro latte.
Devoción
69 Grand St. (at Wythe), Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: 718-285-6180
Devoción has three locations in New York: Williamsburg, Downtown Brooklyn, and Flatiron. This is the best coffee shop for 100% authentic Colombian coffee beans.
Expect the freshest coffee there is as they make sure to roast it within ten days to preserve its flavors. Choose from their personalized beans to match your coffee preference such as Toro, Wild Forest, and El Sol.
Hungry Ghost
781 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Phone: 718-797-3595
It is easy to have a taste of Hungry Ghost’s coffee as it can be found in 13 locations across New York. Serving excellent coffee has been its main goal since opening its doors in 2012.
They offer quality coffee including drip coffee, cafe au lait, double ristretto, Americano, and many more.
Pueblo Querido Coffee Roasters
195 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Phone: 929-346-2986
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Owned by a Colombian family, Pueblo Querido Coffee Roasters is a family business sharing a variety of Colombian flavors. They only import coffee directly from Colombia, so you can expect authentic and quality Colombian coffee.
Moreover, their homemade pastries are always freshly baked, maintaining their freshness and taste.
Sey Coffee
18 Grattan St, Brooklyn, NY 11206
Phone: 347-871-1611
Sey Coffee offers the most diverse and ever-changing menu of coffee. Their seasonal coffee flavors allow coffee connoisseurs to try a variety of flavors and aromas.
Taste coffee from different countries such as Chiroso from Colombia, field blend from Kenya, and Ethiopian landrace from Ethiopia.
Social House Café
60 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Phone: 929-295-0397
Social House Café is a coffee shop and breakfast place with a welcoming atmosphere and delicious coffee.
Check out their attractive well-decorated coffee such as Nutella latte, flat white, espresso, chai latte, and lavender latte. Their signature dishes to try are the social breakfast sandwich, the Williamsburg B.E.C., and berry waffles.
Kid-Friendly Places for Little Ones
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
145 Brooklyn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Phone: 718-735-4400
Opened in 1899, Brooklyn Children’s Museum is the first museum for kids in the US, holding several exhibits, programs, and events. Their exhibits are designed to promote child development – from social to physical and emotional.
For instance, children can play with Totally Tots, exercise at the NEST, and explore cultures at World Brooklyn.
New York Aquarium
602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Phone: 718-265-3474
The New York Aquarium is one of the most interactive attractions for children. From exploring the Ocean Wonders to transforming into a shark in the PlayQuarium – there are endless fun activities for families with children.
Other main attractions of the New York Aquarium are 4D theater, aqua theater shows, and sea otter feedings.
New York Transit Museum
99 Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Phone: 718-694-1600
A fun and interesting way to learn about transportation is through the New York Transit Museum. The museum is all about mass transportation and its innovations and is presented through various exhibits and collections.
It is a kid-friendly museum where kids can travel back in time and get inside the old trains in the past.
Pack Up and Get Going
If you are into music festivals, lively nightlife, unique local food, or beautiful sceneries, Brooklyn should be on your top list of places to explore.
Thanks to its diverse international communities, Brooklyn has become a cultural hub where you can taste different flavors and meet people from around the world.
It is a place for all! Whether you are a vegan, a family with children, or a solo traveler, you will find tons of free and inexpensive attractions to visit and hundreds of places to eat.
Have you been to these places? Share with us your experiences in the comments section below. If I missed any good places to visit, let us know here too!
