Hugely popular as a tourist destination, both for guests of locals and visitors to the Big Apple, Brooklyn, with a population of about two and a half million people, is big enough to be a city unto itself. What are the highlights to see, or to show visitors?
Find out about the basics: where to go and what to do in Brooklyn. And, for travelers:
1. The Brooklyn Bridge
Photo © Ellen Freudenheim
The most talked about bridge in the United States, and certainly New York's most popular bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge connects Manhattan's City Hall area with Brooklyn near the neighborhood known as DUMBO. Beautiful, often photographed, and offering an expansive view of the Manhattan skyline, NY Harbor and the Statue of Liberty, as well as other bridges, it's an icon of New York City.
- How to Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge
- 10 Do's and Don't of Walking the Brooklyn Bridge
- How Long is the Brooklyn Bridge, in Miles and Kilometres?
- Which Direction Should You Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge?
- Is the Brooklyn Bridge Walkway Open or Closed Today?
- How Many People, Cars, and Bikes Cross the Brookyn Bridge?
- What Parks & Public Activities are Near the Brooklyn Bridge?
- Best Places to take Photos from the Brooklyn Bridge?
2. Brooklyn Bridge Park
It's rare that a city gets a whole new park, and Brooklyn Bridge Park won't disappoint. It doubles as a beautiful site, a cultural venue, a sporting venue, and an environmental education center. And, of course, it's within a hop, skip and a jump of the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO. Check out the Visitors Guide to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
4. Complete Guide to Pools and Beaches in Brooklyn
BROOKLYN POOLS
- 25 Dos and Don’ts for Swimming in Brooklyn’s Public Outdoor Pools
- 20 More Things to Know about Public Pools in Brooklyn
- When Do NYC and Brooklyn's Outdoor Pools Open for the Summer Season?
- Where are They? Brooklyn Neighborhood Guide to Pools
- Lap Swimmers Delight: Olympic-Sized Pools
BROOKLYN BEACHES
About the Beach at Coney Island
Coney Island is a world all it's own:5. Biking in Brooklyn
Find out about biking in Brooklyn. With miles of shorefront, famous bridges and parks, biking in and to Brooklyn is a fun thing to do. And, with increasing numbers of bike lanes, it's safe, too.6. Coney Island
Photo © Ellen Freudenheim
Coney Island, with its beach and boardwalk, rollercoasters and amusement park rides, rich history, funky June Mermaid Parade, and cocky attitude, is quinetessential Brooklyn. If you've been to Disney or Las Vegas, Coney is not that; it's the original, still raw, still curious, and still fun.
7. DUMBO, near the Brooklyn Bridge
Photo © Ellen Freudenheim
Visitors who want to walk the Brooklyn Bridge often have a wonderful time exploring the fabulous views of Manhattan, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, and the Statue of Liberty and NY Harbor from the neighborhood called DUMBO.
8. Williamsburg
Williamsburg is the epicenter of hip culture in Brooklyn. A sprawling neighborhood that's easily accessible by the L train from 14th Street in Manhattan, Williamsburg is served by several different subway stations, and is convenient to reach.
Known for indie music, late night restaurants, interesting, quirky and highly specialized bars, creativity and a youth culture, Williamsburg is simply not a place to miss. Long-standing Brooklynites will be amazed to discover how this once-dreary area has been rejuvenated, and visitors will have fun exploring the food, boutiques, and vibe in Williamsburg.
9. Red Hook
Photo © Ellen Freudenheim
Red Hook, another hip and popular Brooklyn neighborhood with spectacular waterfront views, is tucked away on the "wrong" side of a major highway, the Gowanus Expressway, but close to Carroll Gardens and Manhattan.
10. Park Slope
Photo © Ellen Freudenheim
When people in New York City use the term, "stroller gridlock," it's often in reference to family-friendly Park Slope. This brownstone neighborhood near Prospect Park enjoys a lovely turn-of-the-century feel, thanks to the landmarking laws that have preserved much of its historic architecture. Visitors enjoy roaming the stores along Fifth and Seventh Avenues, eating in small, interesting restaurants, meeting locals in numerous bars. The neighborhood's proximity to Brooklyn's lovely Prospect Park, Botanic Gardens and Brooklyn Museum add to its appeal.
- Visitors Guide to Park Slope
- How to Get to Park Slope's 7th Avenue, 5th Avenue, South Slope, by Subway
- Five Great Seafood Meals in Park Slope
