Best Neighborhoods to Visit in Brooklyn
For exploring, eating, shopping, and so much more.
When you think of New York City, the first places that come to mind are Times Square, the Empire State Building, and maybe a few others. Sure, these are classic New York attractions in classic New York neighborhoods. But there is so much more to the city than just the island of Manhattan. Four more boroughs to be exact.
So instead of sticking with the same old neighborhoods every time you visit, venture across the river and check out all of what the other side has to offer. There are some of the best neighborhoods in Brooklyn.
Williamsburg and Greenpoint
The original hipster oasis and a classic Brooklyn neighborhood, both within walking distance of each other. Williamsburg and Greenpoint are located on the waterfront in Brooklyn. Each area offers it’s own charm, from hipster bars in Williamsburg to beautiful side streets in Greenpoint.
Take the L Train one stop from Manhattan and arrive on Bedford Avenue — the heart of Williamsburg. Here you can find endless shopping, great food, and some of the best nightlife Brooklyn has to offer. Head to the waterfront and check out Domino Park, the Williamsburg Bridge, and the Smorgasburg on weekends.
Take a stroll or hop on the G train and continue on towards Greenpoint for some family fun. This charming neighborhood has great brunch spots, a waterfront flea and food market, and a bustling main street.
Park Slope
If you’re looking for a quaint neighborhood feel just minutes from the big city, check out Park Slope. This beautiful, tree lined neighborhood caters to a young family type crowd and is perfect for weekend strolls and window shopping.
Park Slope offers a wide range of incredible food. They have everything from authentic Thai and Vietnamese on 7th Avenue to high end Italian and seafood on 5th Avenue. Don’t miss the great selection of second hand stores and gift shops as well.
Just a few blocks away you can find the beautiful, sprawling Prospect Park — the Central Park of Brooklyn. Home to scenic wildlife, weekend markets, and seasonal ice and roller skating, the park has so much to offer.
DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights
Just a quick train ride from Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial, this neighborhood of Brooklyn combines old world charm and architecture with a modern, industrial feel. All with beautiful views of the waterfront.
For unbeatable views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, visit DUMBO, the Brooklyn Promenade, and Brooklyn Heights. The trendy neighborhood of DUMBO has great food and shopping in and around TimeOut Market. And the waterfront trails and eclectic architecture are a great addition.
Right next door, the Brooklyn Bridge Park and Promenade is home to riverfront piers with no shortage of activities or views. Spread throughout the five piers there are tennis and basketball courts, beaches, interactive exhibits, and a roller rink. The promenade spans the length of the park, ending in the classic neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights.
This neighborhood, flanking downtown Brooklyn, has incredible architecture and great restaurants. It offers a side of Brooklyn many overlook when coming to the city.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park, while a little bit farther from the city, is one of the most overlooked neighborhoods Brooklyn has to offer. A mix of gritty industrial waterfront and a cozy family feel, it really has something for everyone.
Check out Industry City — a modern market flanking the water. The space’s eclectic architecture is just part of it’s charm. They have everything from artisan gifts, unique food, and the only Sake distillery in all of Brooklyn.
See how the neighborhood got its name and visit Sunset Park. With unbeatable views of the city and downtown Brooklyn, the park is a great place to take your kids or go on a date. And the surrounding area offers a wide range of incredible Latin food and authentic tacos.
Go a few blocks over to Eighth Avenue and visit Brooklyn’s very own Chinatown. The neighborhood offers authentic Chinese, Taiwanese, and Korean food, fun shopping, and great produce. If you want a feel of the real Brooklyn, Sunset Park is the place to go.
