In the middle of New York City, Brooklyn is a lively and diverse borough full of energy and culture. It's like a big puzzle with lots of different neighborhoods, each with its unique vibe. Brooklyn invites people who love adventure, so if you are in NYC then visiting Brooklyn is one of the best things to do in New York.
You can stroll along the charming streets of Brooklyn Heights, known for its beautiful brownstone houses, or dive into the creative art scene in Bushwick. There are so many cute places in brooklyn for anyone who wants to experience city life.
Whether you're into delicious food, exciting nightlife, or relaxing green parks, exploring Brooklyn is one of the exciting things to do. So, buckle up and pack your bags to explore the cultural capital of NYC.
Best Outdoor Activities in Brooklyn
Walk The Brooklyn Bridge
If you are planning a visit to New York City, make sure to take a stroll on the Brooklyn Bridge. It is considered to be one of the best spots in brooklyn and the most iconic landmark. From the Brooklyn side, you can see the skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the East River. There are two entrances on the Brooklyn side of the bridge. There are also vendors selling souvenirs and bottled water. When you're enjoying this outdoor activity in New York City, make sure to know facts about the brooklyn bridge and be prepared for it. Like it can get quite windy near the water, especially during colder months, so dress appropriately. Also, there's no shade on the bridge, so bring sunscreen, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
This place is located in Brooklyn Heights and is one of the great outdoor activities in brooklyn that offers breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, NYC skyline, and Brooklyn Bridge. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the path that leads to Fort Sterling Park and the scenic Fruit Street Sitting Area. This is a cool spot in brooklyn for strolling and enjoying the views throughout the year.
Walk & Explore Brooklyn’s Neighborhoods
Explore the diverse neighborhoods of New York City, each with its charm and attractions. Take a scenic stroll through Brooklyn Heights, known for its stunning mansions and townhouses, or wander around the tree-lined streets of Park Slope, filled with brownstones and close to Prospect Park. Discover the eclectic mix of history, shops, and street art in Williamsburg, or venture to DUMBO for winding streets beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Brooklyn's neighborhoods offer hidden treasures for a delightful outdoor experience in the city.
Industry City
Exploring Industry City in Sunset Park is one of the free things to do in brooklyn ny. This waterfront complex features repurposed industrial buildings adorned with vibrant street art and outdoor sculptures. Discover the creative space with free spirituality and yoga classes on select evenings. Enjoy year-round interactive art exhibitions, along with ever-changing seasonal displays specially made by various artists. Industry City offers a dynamic and artistic environment for exploration.
Brooklyn Brewery
Visit the Brooklyn Brewery bar in Williamsburg for a free tour of their facility, available every Saturday. Explore the brewery's operations and enjoy tastings of their excellent beer offerings. It's a worthwhile experience at one of Brooklyn's best microbreweries. If you're looking to spend, there are dining options like Sahadi’s and Japan Village. You can also explore the vibrant street art scene in Brooklyn as well.
Best Picnic Spots in Brooklyn
Domino Park
This modern park, situated on the former Domino Sugar Refinery site, is one of the best parks in brooklyn. It offers a scenic East River waterfront experience. Perfect for picnics, there are grassy lawns or you can leisurely walk across the Williamsburg Bridge. The park also features a clear view of the Manhattan skyline, a dog park, beach volleyball, bocce ball courts, and a playground for children. It's an ideal spot to relax and take in the cityscape.
Bushwick Inlet/Marsha P. Johnson Park
Explore another fantastic Brooklyn picnic spot at Marsha P. Johnson Park/Bushwick Inlet, just a 15-minute walk from Domino Park. This park will offer a clear view of the NYC skyline and spacious green areas to sit and relax. It's close to music venues like the Music Hall of Williamsburg, Brooklyn Bowl, and the Artists and Fleas weekend flea market. Enjoy the park's proximity to local dive bars, trendy cafes, and the best brunch spots in brooklyn. During summer, catch the Smorgasborg food festival featuring diverse street food vendors, adding to the appeal of this great Brooklyn picnic spot.
McCarren Park
Discover another wonderful picnic spot in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint area. This place is famous for its convenience and picnic-friendly atmosphere. In summer, enjoy free outdoor movie nights, music festivals, and concerts like the Northside Festival. Find a peaceful spot on the spacious lawns, easily stocked with goodies from nearby grocery stores or the Saturday farmer’s market.
Brighton Beach
If you are looking for some coolest things to do in brooklyn, then pack your beach towels and sunscreen for a serene Brooklyn picnic at Brighton Beach. In the summertime, this place will be so rushy and jam-packed with daily visitors. This beach is easily accessible by subway, with authentic Russian, Ukrainian, and Eastern European/Central Asian restaurants nearby. Multiple restrooms are available, and you can grab snacks along the way. Enjoy a memorable day with a beach picnic at this beach.
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens
Although this place is not a typical picnic spot, but worth mentioning for its relaxing Cherry Esplanade. That allows visitors to sit on the lawn and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This area, named for its cherry and red oak trees, is especially enchanting during the cherry blossom season in April. The garden also has an on-site restaurant, or you can explore nearby dining options in Prospect Heights and Crown Heights.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a top picnic spot, offering grills and shaded tables. Public restrooms are conveniently located, and you can choose to picnic on the lawns between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges or explore dining options in DUMBO. Capture the scenic atmosphere and visit Jane's Carousel, followed by a stroll to Pebble Beach for stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge, especially at sunset.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park offers unique views of the Manhattan Skyline and a panoramic sight of the Statue of Liberty, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and New Jersey from its peak. The park is rich in diversity, with a variety of global cuisines available within walking distance. Explore the nearby Green Wood Cemetery, where the grave of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is located. Enjoy the food truck scene, restaurants, delis, and a supermarket for picnic supplies.
Highland Park
Looking for some fun things to do in brooklyn… then escape the city vibes for a day at Highland Park. The park is situated on the Brooklyn-Queens border and is home to the Ridgewood Reservoir, walking trails, and diverse wildlife. It's an ideal spot for a nature-filled Brooklyn picnic. Highland Park offers a designated picnicking area with available barbecuing facilities and nearby public restrooms for added convenience.
Best Museums in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is a top destination for art fans which has approx. 1.5 million pieces of art, ranked as the third-largest museum in New York City. The museum features notable permanent collections from around the world, such as Arts of the Pacific Islands, Egyptian, Arts of the Islamic World, Arts of Africa, American Art, and European art collections.
Brooklyn Historical Society
The Brooklyn Historical Society is the go-to museum for delving into the stunning landmark Romanesque Revival building. The museum, with locations in Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO, features an educational center offering insights into Brooklyn's past. With resources like a library and archive, the museum provides a comprehensive exploration of Brooklyn's rich history.
New York Aquarium
The New York Aquarium is a must-visit for marine enthusiasts, featuring over 266 species of marine life. Explore the diverse marine world, and learn about environmental issues affecting oceans and wildlife. With a mission to save wildlife through conservation programs led by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the aquarium focuses on education and scientific efforts for healthier marine life in New York's waters.
New York Transit Museum
Let’s explore the technology and design of NYC's transportation system, climb aboard 20 different subways and elevated cars dating back to 1907, and discover the evolution of fare collection through exhibits like "Ticket to Ride. Purchase tickets or opt for the New York Pass, granting access to over 100 attractions, including the museum, for up to 10 days with significant savings.
Best Places to Go in Brooklyn at Night
House Of Yes
For night owls seeking fun things to do in nyc at night… experience House of Yes in Bushwick. It is a must-visit place that hosts performances like cage dancers, live music, and themed parties. It's a vibrant nightclub open Wednesday to Saturday. The club encourages creative costumes, especially during themed parties on Fridays and Saturdays.
Rooftop Reds
Indulge in wine with a view at Rooftop Reds, the world's first commercially viable urban rooftop winery in brooklyn. It offers a unique and top-notch experience in Brooklyn with a $15 cover charge, and outside food isn't allowed. Rooftop Reds provides a tempting lite bites menu and the option to order pizzas from Il Porto's wood-burning brick oven. It is considered to be one of the best rooftop restaurants in brooklyn. It will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays; the winery is a top choice for Brooklyn nightlife throughout the rest of the week.
Night Skyline Views from Brooklyn Bridge Park
Experience one of the things to do in brooklyn at night at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Begin with a captivating view under the Brooklyn Bridge near TimeOut Market and Jane’s Carousel. Another option is enjoying Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory's scoops from the DUMBO/Fulton Ferry pier. Head to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade after a delightful stroll through Downtown Brooklyn and Montague Street, it's a timeless and never-disappointing nighttime activity.
Top Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Explore the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, if you are looking for things to do in nyc with kids… then it will be a favorite kid activity. This place has three floors with indoor/outdoor play spaces, and The Nest rooftop area is made of wood. Enjoy the Totally Tots area for the little ones, a cultural pretend-play village. The museum offers children's programs, an art lab during the week, and weekend movies. In winter, try ice skating at ArtRink.
Shows At BAM
For over 150 years, BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Arts) has been a pioneering performance art venue and education program in Downtown Brooklyn. The place will Offer movies, classic stage plays, ballet, opera, and various art and education programs for K-12 and young adults. This place is a hub for arts and entertainment fans. The children's program, featuring concerts, block parties, and a film festival with entries by kids as young as 3, is a standout for families.
Puppetworks
The place is located in Park Slope. Puppetworks features a timeless storefront with a hand-painted sign and a dark room adorned with wooden seating and a handcrafted puppet stage. The friendly staff showcases puppets not in use, allowing kids to explore up close. The theater presents classic performances like Cinderella and The Magic Flute at affordable prices, with two-weekend showtimes.
Visit A Brooklyn Playground
This playground offers multiple jungle gyms, lots of shade trees, boundary gates, two splash pads, and teaching gardens. The historic Old Stone House adds charm to this play area for kids in Brooklyn. The playground is always hopping and there are public pools in the park.
Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg has expanded across the US and Canada, with popular weekend locations in NYC like Prospect Park and Williamsburg at Bushwick Inlet Park. It's a vibrant spot to explore diverse foods, like spaghetti donuts and fluffy pancakes. Don't miss the bao buns from Mao's Bao or the donuts from Dough.
Jane’s Carousel
This is a must-visit attraction when exploring NYC with kids. This vintage 1922 carousel, is beautifully restored and housed in a glass pavilion on the wooden pier. It was donated to Brooklyn Bridge Park in 2011, it remains open year-round with varying summer and winter hours. Kids under or 3 years old enjoy free admission, while others pay a small fee. The carousel features mobile and stationary horses, and classic chariot seats, and provides a delightful experience with classic music and scenic views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.
Indoor Activities in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Boulders
Brooklyn Boulders is one of the dynamic indoor activities in brooklyn. Indoor rock-climbing facility located in the heart of Brooklyn, catering to both beginners and experienced climbers. This vibrant space offers a unique and engaging environment for climbing enthusiasts. Brooklyn Boulders also offers fitness classes, yoga sessions, and community events, fostering a sense of companionship among its members.
Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a bustling indoor marketplace situated in the neighborhood of Manhattan. This iconic market offers a diverse and vibrant mix of food, shopping, and cultural experiences. You'll find a maze of stalls and shops, from artisanal chocolates and fresh seafood to international cuisine and gourmet treats. The market is a shopping destination, there you will find so many boutique shops selling everything from unique gifts and clothing to artisanal home goods. Also, hosts events and pop-up shops, making it a dynamic and ever-changing space.
Dekalb Market Hall
Dekalb Market Hall is an exciting culinary destination located in Downtown Brooklyn, where you will find several food vendors under one roof. The place will offer a unique and vibrant dining experience, from international flavors to local favorites. Beyond its culinary offerings, the market hall provides a communal space with seating areas, fostering a lively and social atmosphere. It's an ideal spot to gather with friends, family, or colleagues and enjoy food with their company.
