Imagine that in person one house after another. You need at least a few days to a week for time to properly see Brooklyn and what it has to offer. So be sure to consider checking out Williamsburg hotels when youre on your accommodation hunt for planning your NYC itinerary! One of our all-time favorite things to in Brooklyn in spring is enjoy all the blossoming flowers that this season brings, specifically the cherry blossoms. Once a Scandinavia culture neighborhood now NYC #2 Chinatown. Head down a few blocks and youre on 5th Avenue where youll find Sunset Parks concentration of Latin American businesses and restaurants and one of the most beautiful churches in Brooklyn at Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Come with your date to grab a bite, a margarita, or just sit and enjoy the view. Whether you like theater, dance, opera, or film you can find performances here! Believe it or not, Masstransiscope has been around since 1980 and has been restored twice. Pick up a Japanese style egg sandwich from Crackd or some fried wontons from WontonTiva. Feed your date their insanely delicious Cacio E Pepe Fritelle or see who can slurp down the most grilled clams. Whether you are going on a much anticipated second date or are looking for a fun time out without the kids, you want it to be unique and interesting! One of the most beautiful places to visit and things to do in Brooklyn is visit the Brooklyn Botanic Garden which is located next to both Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum. A true gem. She has written several guide books about New York City. Brooklyn Botanic Garden. See all the trendiest spots in this neighborhood while learning about its history and its influence on the contemporary culture of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is not to be missed. There's even a dedicated pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge, above the roaring car traffic, so it's a beautiful stroll. Also, dont miss walking through Brooklyn Bridge Park here which affords more incredible views and pay a visit to Janes Carousel, the first carousel to ever to be listed as a National Register of Historic Places that dates back to 1922. At your own pace, you can meander through the woodlands, terraces, and ornamental grasses. From descendents of enslaved Africans who established New York City's first Black settlement ("Land of the Blacks") during the 17th century, to the Great Migration and growing communities of. One way or the other, the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-see when traveling to Brooklyn. Brooklyn Comedy Festivals Winter Wonderlandia Every year at the Knitting Factory in Williamsburg, some of Brooklyns funniest comics hit the stage for stand up, sketches, and all around comedic performances. Youll also find some of Whitmans excerpts around the park. 6. By 331kareeme. Forum posts were selected by looking for forum titles asking specific questions and taking the top showtopic page by total pageviews as the optimal topic. Well-served by public transit. If youre looking for specific recommendations we personally like taking a tour and trying beer at Brooklyn Brewery, seeing a show or going bowling at Brooklyn Bowl, picnic and enjoy the views at Domino Park which is built around the former sugar refinery ruins, grab rooftop drinks at sunset with views at Westlight, Lillistar, or ElNico. The grounds were very well kept and I thought the value was quite good for the admission fee. Opened in 1936, its the place to be for literally everyone trying not to melt. Check out our guide for where to stay in Brooklyn which breaks down the best options by neighborhood and budget to help you pick the best area to stay in. The Brooklyn Bridge connects two great New York City boroughs, Manhattan and Brooklyn, and you can walk it, drive it, bike it, or just admire it from afar from multiple vantage points around the city. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city being home to what is considered the first suburb of the United States. We made the walk at 8:30am, allowing us to take our time and pose for plenty of photos. The tour guide/bartender Dan was very knowledgeable about the process and made the tour enjoyable. These neighborhoods have a gross nickname, BoCoCa (no one calls it this but it is a cluster of neighborhoods that are easy to clump together on a visit). Its right on the water and away from the crowds, so you and your special someone can enjoy not just each other but a little piece and quiet while youre on the green. The House of Yes is an awesome choice for things to do in Brooklyn if you want to experience one of the most famous nightclubs in the city. Looking for laughs? What does DUMBO mean you might ask? Marsha P. Johnson State Park Also known as East River State Park, this park was named after a transgender woman of color who was at the forfront of the LGBTQ civil rights movement. I appreciate you offering such wonderful locations and things to do in Brooklyn. This official collective started in 2011 by a local, Joe Ficalora who used street art to help heal with the passing of both of his parents and also transform the neighborhood of Bushwick with colorful, meaningful street art. Weve got a few favorite spots. The Verrazzano-Narrows bridge, standing at 693 feet tall, connects Brooklyn to Staten Island and while, in any other city, the bridge would be an icon, with the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge stealing the limelight, V-N often falls under the radar. It may seem simple, but NYC is home to many iconic landmarks, and Brooklyn often offers some of the best views. Famous summer events that take place here include the annual hot dog eating contest on the 4th of July, the annual Mermaid Parade, celebrating the New Year by doing the Polar Plunge, and attending a Brooklyn Cyclones game! The House of Yes feels like something straight out of Hollywood fiction, but its very much real and you can feel alive any night or at any of their themed parties. Check out Kings County Distillery Why meet your date at the bar when you can go straight to the source? There are cool things to do and see in Prospect Park, like take a walk along a waterfall trail or through the Ravine. Explore Prospect Park Its hard to believe but theres a 585 acre getaway right in the middle of Brooklyn. This 17,000 square-foot Florida-themed bar has 10 full-sized shuffleboard courts and an on-site food truck. Tuesday August 9 2022 Looking for the best things to do in Brooklyn? We enjoyed lunch at the free market and walking along the park! Its great food with a great cause. This neighborhood is definitely not frequented by tourists, but its got some great, classic Italian spots that make it worth a visit! And if youre feeling really good, bring some charcoal because theyve got barbecue pits! Some people think this big arena sparked the revival of Brooklyn, but I think it started long before. Before entering the museum, you must pause to stare at the mesmerizing fountain that shoots water up from the pavement. Learn how your comment data is processed. Greenpoint is so cool that there'sa laundromat that doubles as a bar,and anold Polish banquet hallwas transformed into a bazaar where you can play ping pong, listen to your favorite bands, and enjoy some karaoke. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge Remember when I told you to wear good walking shoes? One of Brooklyn's best neighborhoods, solidly middle class, full of classy brownstones and some very good restaurants. Brooklyn Crab Located on the water of the formerly up and coming neighborhood of Red Hook, Brooklyn Crab has three stories of amazing waiting for you. Dinner with a view is always a safe bet. The neighborhood is often referred to as Little Odessa as well. Explore the menu for some of the favorite Prospect Park activities, and check our event calendar for daily activities and programs, including on school holidays, weekends and more. Also, by population alone, Brooklyn would be the third-largest city in the United States. 13 Best Things to do in Atlantic City Besides Gamble! The DUMBO ferry station is here too if youre wanting to take advantage of the East River ferry line to get around and exploring more Brooklyn attractions or get back to Manhattan. Greenpoint. All hands are on deck with foods like Maine Lobster Roll and Nachos Supremeall on a boat. We recommend exploring the best brunch in Williamsburg and the best restaurants in Williamsburg, as there really are so many. This 3 hour guided Dyker Heights Christmas Lights tour starts and ends right at a subway stop so its super easy and straight forward to get to Dyker Heights. Our entire website is dedicated to showcasing what to do in Brooklyn (and New York City), so whether youre a first-timer coming to Brooklyn, a return visitor, or even a local looking for some inspiration and ideas for exploring around Brooklyn we got you! And dont forget to grab a coffee after the show to talk about what you just saw at their cafe. Brooklyn Bridge Park is without a doubt one of the best things to do in Brooklyn whether youre looking to just enjoy the panoramic views of the city skyline or enjoy some of the activities that take place here. If you dont want to Uber it we recommend joining a guided tour. This has become so popular that it attracts over 100,000 people a year to the neighborhood to see all the twinkling lights and displays. Theres truly something for everyone. Even if baseball isnt their thing, they can probably get down with all you can drink special for just $45 a ticket. This after-dark event allows visitors to walk through the gardens illuminated with over a million lights! 19 Jul 2016 Getting around like a New Yorker Several famous actors, musicians, and comedians have lived in Brooklyn. There's even a dedicated pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge, above the roaring car traffic, so it's a wonderful stroll. Each pier offers something different from basketball courts, pickleball courts, roller rink, and some are just more lawn space and gardens you can check out. Brooklyn Bridge Park, nestled on the shore of the East River across from lower Manhattan, has spectacular views, with a vast vista of New York Harbor, the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, lower Manhattan, boat traffic on the East River, and of course, views of the Statue of Liberty. If youre not a fan of playing games you can still have fun at the bar watching others play and to honestly just hang out in the cool, tropical vibe they have going on here. Designed by the same duo behind Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, youll notice alot of similarities between the two parks although they both have their distinct landmarks. Whats awesome is that you can see the city skyline from here and they sometimes do movie screenings here as well. Looking for the best things to do in Brooklyn? Thats the best way to describe the feeling you get when walking through the Christmas lights in Dyker Heights. Brooklyn offers so many things to see and do, soif you're feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of options,we've highlighted 20 activities and spots you must visit when you're in town. The Kings County Distillery is New Yorks oldest and largest whiskey distillery located in VInegar Hill. From Thanksgiving to New Years you can explore this neighborhood from 11th to 13th Avenues and from 83rd to 86th Street for lights galore and a true holiday spectacular! Black Owned Restaurants are being spotlighted for Black History Month by the city, and we wanted to highlight some of our favorites from their list. So if youre a American literary or Walt Whitman fan this is the perfect thing to do in Brooklyn for you. This neighborhood holds an annual tradition of over-the-top Christmas displays. If you really want to impress them, then reel in your date with your fishing rod because fishing is allowed here. Most visitors come here for the sporting events or concerts. Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. The most iconic thing to do in Brooklyn and one of the most famous things to do in New York City hands down is walking the Brooklyn Bridge. Watch NEWSMAX LIVE for the latest news and analysis on today's top stories, right here on Facebook. It's a great place to take photographs or enjoy the quieter side of Brooklyn. Yes, Brooklyn is a fantastic place to stay as a tourist. Its time to head to The Brooklyn Brewery in Park Slope. He was also the editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle for two years too! 2023. While exploring the grounds youll encounter impressive masouleums of some of the most prominent and historic figures in New York Citys past, tombstones, impressive tree collection (the cemetery is also an official arboretum), historic Revolutionary War battle sites, and great skyline views and Statue of Liberty views. Come see the Mermaid King and Queen and the procession of floats and over-the-top, under-the-sea-themed costumes, floats, and beyond! Theres even a movie theater in BAM where you can see many of the latest blockbuster hits in this historic building. For beer lovers looking for what to do in Brooklyn, this is for you. If you love landscape this is an inspiring landscape at this time of the year. Don't have time? Puts lots of people on the street. 3. There was a lot of buzz when Williamsburg got its first Starbucks, and now it's home to Brooklyn's firstApple Store and Whole Foods, which boasts an incredible food hall. Get lost with your date in 478 acres of land amongst the 570,000 permanent residents. Besides having a great museum, archive, library, and information the entire historical society is housed in a landmark Romanesque Revival building. Since 2014, the beer scene exploded here and there are several awesome breweries in Brooklyn to check out. Getting here couldnt be easier as the subway station connects to the 2, 3,4,5, B, D, N, Q, R, & W lines as well as the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). Visit Sunset Park One of Brooklyns hidden treasures, Sunset Park is the perfect place towatch the sunset! And if one night isnt enough for the two of you, theyre always looking for volunteers to help lead tours. 8. Its quicker than walking the distance but slower than the subway and well against a cab who knows it depends on the traffic. It's also where live game shows from NPR and WNYC,Ask Me Another, are recorded. Things To Do In New York City, NY (EWR, HPN, ISP, JFK, LGA), The 20 Best Places to Go Stargazing in New York City Space Tourism Guide, New York City 4 Day Itinerary + 10 Tips for Visiting New York City for the First Time, Our Favorite Places to Visit in New York City - Bobo and ChiChi, Travel Tips for a Visit to New York City - Indefinite Adventure, Everything You Need to Know About Seeing the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights - Your Brooklyn Guide, 25+ Best Independent Bookstores in Brooklyn - Your Brooklyn Guide, How to Pack & What to Wear in New York in Summer(NYC Summer Packing List), 23 Best Rooftop Bars in Brooklyn (& Rooftop Restaurants), 15 Incredible Ways to Spend One Day in New York. This is also where you can find a high concentration of good ol classic red sauce Italian restaurants in New York City too. Did you know Brooklyn has wineries? Ever Monday night and on weekends, you and your date can find out just what your future holds. A few of musts include the famous photo spot of the Empire State Building framed inside the Manhattan Bridge from the intersection of Washington & Water Streets (prep yourself for crowds all wanting a selfie here), visiting the roof at Time Out Market New York for unbelievable views, and having pizza at Julianas or their rival, Grimaldis. Out-of-towner going to the Nets game next week. If it gets too cold for the two of you, run inside to Japan Village for hot ramen and Japanese sweets. If you're traveling with your family, this zoo is the perfect size for little children and has wonderful exhibits for the little ones indoors and outdoors. Whether youre good at bowling or not this fun bowling alley isnt like your old childhood local neighborhood bowl-o-rama. The Italian food scene is what I am more familiar with and what I will focus on here, you will want to come to this neighborhood hungry. This is the first childrens museum in the United States, and its even suggested that its the first worldwide, dating back to 1899! Depending on the season, you can walk through beauty in the Cherry Esplanade, Cranford Rose Garden, Fragrance Garden, Magnolia Plaza, Shakespeare Garden, or Herb Garden, among many others. Then take them to Brooklyn Bell House for the Moth StorySLAM to listen to audience members tell their true stories and then vote for your favorite at the end of the night. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. With monthly events and 12 acres of space, make sure you get there early to give yourself plenty of time. From a walk across an iconic bridge to an afternoon in a botanic garden, there are many ways to spend the day in the borough. You and your date can volunteer with the Weekend Woodland Corps to help keep Prospect Park beautiful by removing weeds, cleaning up litter, and helping to put up fences. This place is huge but just dark enough for an intimate date by the fireplace over some giant German style pretzels, sausages, and more beers on tap than you can shake a finger at. Or have some beers at the outdoor bar and see who can get that high score in Pac-Man. was super knowledgeable and we learned a lot. That is bad service . The Marine Park Golf Course is the perfect place for a day date. All in all I waited in the very short line for almost 25 minutes . This one is a little more family friendly, but you can both help build the festivals giant pumpkin mandala and even go home with a monster on a leash. Jewish Children's Museum. and walk through the shark tunnel tank! This next cool and unique thing to do in Brooklyn requires you to hop on a subway for a hidden art installation in the underground of Brooklyn. You never know what youll find in the treasure trove that is L Train Vintage. Brooklyn has a stellar microbrewery scene! This is a one-stop spot for a fun night out, be sure to check their website for their latest events or reserve a whole space out for a private party! If youre looking for local spots to check out, Tatiana Restaurant and Nightclub is one of the best not only for an authentic food experience, but for their live performances during their dinner service that has everything from trapeze artists to singing and other fun performances. Check out Royal Palms Shuffleboard, a cool tropical hangout spot with a bar, 10 shuffleboard courts, and other games in Gowanus. Come to this underground museum and see what it was like to ride the rails when fairs were just 5 cents and MetroCards were nothing but a twinkle in our eye. On the first Saturday of the month, also known asTarget First Saturdays, the museum is free to the public from 5 to 11 p.m. Williamsburg has changed a lot in the last twenty years. to the subway if you are visiting Wall Street. You'll feel as if you stepped into a time machine as you peruse the cars dating back to 1907. Natalie Melendez Thursday June 8 2023 June is Pride Month, which means New York's LGBTQ+ is ready to party, celebrate and stand up for equal rights in all the city's rainbow-wrapped glory for the. Ample Hills makes all of their ice cream in house and if you go to their Gowanus location you can see just how it goes down. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Masstransiscope is a hidden Zoetrope in the subway leaving Dekalb Avenue subway station in Downtown Brooklyn. Also, if youre still planning, be sure to check out our guide for the best places to stay in New York City by neighborhood. Next to the big Prospect Park and served by the subway, a favorite place to live for commuters into Manhattan. Youll also get rewarded with great skyline views including iconic landmarks and skyscrapers like One World Observatory and the Empire State Buliding plus views of the Statue of Liberty! No offense, but our bagels are the best. Youll learn about the rich culinary history, visit iconic restaurants and eateries, and sample amazing treats along this small-group tour with an expert local guide! This is where hundreds of hounds are all dressed up for Halloween in their best costumes. Make sure you go to the highest point on Lookout Hill if you really have the need for speed. Also, see some of our favorite holiday pop-up and Christmas bars in New York City during December in New York City, many of which are in Brooklyn. Be sure you take a combo ticket as if a lot of money . Some of the oddities youll encounter here include everything from New York City rat bones, old postcards, fragments of historic landmarks in the city, and other random finds by the community all tied to New York City. Take your special someone here and get some digs for your dinner date or see who can come up with the wackiest outfit. Looking for fun Brooklyn Date Ideas when you have been doing indoor date ideas for too long? PS for alternative bridge walks, you can also walk across the Manhattan Bridge and walk across the Williamsburg Bridge into Manhattan too. Consider this your locals picks section. It gets crowded around weekends, holidays, and peak season. Insider tip: Leagues play on Mondays & Tuesdays, so it will be harder but not impossible to play on these days. Photo courtesy . 1. Most of the Brooklyn graffiti and murals associated with the official collective can be found along Troutman Street between Irving Avenue and Cypress Avenue, there are more along Starr Street too. Grab some tokens and take your beer around as you try to score the highest points! One of my favorite things to do with my husband is order a pizza for take out from Julianas in DUMBO and then take it to the picnic tables in front of Empire Stores or to the seating area along Pebble Beach. And if you pick up a new read, head over to Cobble Hill Park with your book and spend some time in this picturesque little park with your latest read. And if youre feeling especially romantic, add a lock to the thousands that line the bridge. At over 130 years old, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the city's most famous landmarks, and it provides pedestrians with some of the most incredible views of the East River. Enjoy hearing music at this unique venue. Some of my other favorite gardens are the Shakespeare Garden and Rose Garden, but youll want to take the time to explore them all on your visit. This has always been a classy area, home to writers, artists and wealthy people who commute into Manhattan. But we recommend following our complete guide to exploring the Bushwick Collective street art on your own to make sure you dont miss anything as this is one of our favorite things to do in Brooklyn. EastVille Comedy club in Boerum Hill is an awesome venue for comedy shoes with often featuring big names like Tracy Morgan, Amy Schumer, and Sarah Silverman to name a few as well as new emerging comedians in the comedy scene. Try and impress your date by getting on stage yourself with a great story! Before 2014, when prohibition era laws were lifted, there were really only two breweries in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg and Sixpoint Brewery in Red Hook, both of which are excellent breweries to check out. There are interactive, hands-on educational exhibits for children featuring a collection of over 30,000 historical artifacts that are fascinating even for parents. You and your date get the small neighborhood feel without having to skimp on the big movie-going experience. Angelita Gonzalez/Contributor/Getty Images. This Brooklyn guide is going to be EXTENSIVE! There are even vineyards on a rooftop in Brooklyn! One of the most romantic things to do in Brooklyn for couples is to take a walk. They also host tours, art shows, and other events at the museum. Many celebrities live in Brooklyn Heights and notable figures like Truman Capote, Arthur Miller, and Walt Whitman have resided here. If you want to enjoy the bridge by yourself, consider coming on a rainy day, early on a weekday morning, or braving the cold wind on a winter day. 341.3K Located adjacent to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, visiting both the museum and garden are some of the best must-see Brooklyn attractions. Most fun & popular experiences in Brooklyn Attractions On the cusp of everything cutting edge, but still holding strong to its roots, BK is known for its prospering coffee culture, charming Victorian brownstones, thriving street- and fine art scene, buzzy food and drink venues, dynamic ethnic enclaves, and affinity for traffic-halting block parties. So many vendors, food trucks, music and the views along the water are A great newish option in Brooklyn for world class innovative theater. This is a more residential area and quiet compared to the neighboring DUMBO neighborhood. The waterfront shop is a perfect spot to grab a few scoops and watch the sunset over the East River with that special someone. Things to Do Whether you're interested in baseball, birdwatching, skating or nature programs, there are thousands of ways to enjoy Prospect Park. Also, be sure to check out their rotating exhibits they host throughout the year as well. There are also exhibits to explore that dive into the storied past of New York transportation and even an interactive kids area where the young ones can play. . Brooklyn, New York Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory The factory for the popular Dumbo location, the Greenpoint shop is a. Categories Date Ideas, Romance, Romantic Getaways, Romantic Things to Do. Brooklyn Brainery Class Why not learn something new with your date and take a class with the Brooklyn Brainery? Brooklyn Bridge If you really want to wow your date then have to walk with them along the Brooklyn Bridge. Theres seriously something for everybody here. You can design your route based on what you want to see, like biking across the Brooklyn Bridge, or opt for a more organized bike tour. Dont make the mistake of coming without a completely empty stomach on this 3-hour food journey through one of the most popular areas in Brooklyn. Surly Brewing Co. 61 Breweries By 512winniej There are many things MN's are proud to call our own; Prince, First Ave, etc. In more recent history, the house was used as a clubhouse for what we know today as the Brooklyn Dodgers. We took the ferry over from Manhattan to Brooklyn Bridge Park. But that hasnt stopped the creative spirit here, artists have continued to create in this unique and one of a kind space in Brooklyn. Free admission, open Tuesdays through Fridays. Bring your date under the sea and see everything from the usual fish fare to the truly bizarre spineless sea creature exhibit. They need to be booked in advance as these are pretty hot ticket items as this is a must-see Brooklyn attraction for alot of locals and visitors to the city. This bar is an all-out fun time frenzy zone. 2. Here are some other Black historical sites worth a visit: American Beach Museum - First black beach in Florida. By far, one of the most notable romantic walks for a date idea is the Brooklyn Bridge. Visit the New York Aquarium When you think of Brooklyn you dont really think of aquatic wildlife. The rotating exhibits have included David Bowie, Basquiat, Georgia O'Keefe, and many others. It's a great place to take some brag-worthy photos, too. Brooklyn Winery in Williamsburg is also another excellent option for small-batch local wines. The House of Wax is a bar decorated with a collection of late 19th-century anatomical wax figures in glass cases around the bar. From the Manhattan side, you can start walking on the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway at the northeast corner of City Hall Park along Centre Street.