Moving to Brooklyn and looking for things to do? From waterfront parks and iconic restaurants to neighborhood art, independent shops, and quirky local events, there’s no shortage of cool things to do in Brooklyn! Use our guide below to find some of the best local places to visit in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn Essentials for Newcomers
Before you dive into the neighborhood favorites below, here are the essential places to visit for any Brooklyn newcomer—the names you’ll hear constantly, whether it’s from coworkers, a tour guide, or family visiting for the first time.
- Coney Island: Brooklyn’s boardwalk icon, combining a classic beach day with old-school amusement park thrills. Ride Deno’s Wonder Wheel or the Cyclone at Luna Park, catch a Brooklyn Cyclones game, and grab a hot dog on the boardwalk.
- Barclays Center: Home to the Brooklyn Nets (NBA) and New York Liberty (WNBA), plus concerts and family shows year-round. If there’s a big event happening in Brooklyn, there’s a good chance it’s here.
- Brooklyn Museum: One of the largest art museums in the country, spanning ancient artifacts to major contemporary exhibitions. It sits right next to Prospect Park and the Botanic Garden, making it easy to combine into one day out.
- Prospect Park: Designed by the same team behind Central Park, this 526-acre park is Brooklyn’s answer to Manhattan’s flagship green space—trails, a lake, a historic carousel, and the Long Meadow for picnics and pickup games.
- Grimaldi’s: Brooklyn’s most famous pizza name, known for coal-oven pies near the Brooklyn waterfront. Expect a line, as it’s one of the borough’s most visited food stops for a reason.
Outdoor & Nature Spots in Brooklyn
Brooklyn may be one of New York City‘s most densely populated boroughs, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore nature. From sprawling parks with skyline views of Manhattan to quieter green spaces where you can take a break from the city, here are some great outdoor activities in Brooklyn to check out.
Brooklyn Army Terminal
The Brooklyn Army Terminal in Sunset Park is a lesser-known waterfront destination with a fascinating history. Visit the former military supply base’s historic atrium, restaurants, waterfront promenades, public art, and community programming like concerts, outdoor screenings, markets, and family events.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden offers 52 acres of beautiful gardens and landscapes to explore. Inhale the floral scents of plants and flowers—grown especially to accommodate those with low vision—at the Fragrance Garden. Soak in the sight of cherry blossoms, the Shinto shrine, wooden torii, and more at the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden. Or view more than 80 kinds of plants mentioned in the works of Shakespeare in the cottage-style Shakespeare Garden.
Marsha P. Johnson State Park
For waterfront views of the Manhattan skyline, head to Marsha P. Johnson State Park in Williamsburg. Named in honor of LGBTQ civil rights activist and notable figure in the Stonewall Uprising, this park is a popular place for locals to stroll along the East River, picnic, and catch a scenic sunset.
Washington Street
Capturing the view beneath the Manhattan Bridge is one of the most iconic Brooklyn experiences. You can find this timeless Brooklyn backdrop framing the Empire State Building between the bridge’s massive support beams along Washington Street between Water and Front Streets in DUMBO.
Local Restaurants & Coffee Shops in Brooklyn
Restaurants in Brooklyn are as diverse as its neighborhoods. You can find everything from classic New York pizza and bagels to neighborhood bakeries, independent coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants that have become some of the best places to go in Brooklyn.
Bakeri
For a more casual neighborhood experience, stop at Bakeri‘s Williamsburg or Greenpoint locations for pastries, bread, coffee, and other baked goods. Its cozy atmosphere makes it a good place to grab breakfast in Brooklyn, with some menu standouts including the Raspberry Pistachio Muffin, Banana Date Bread, or Pain au Chocolat.
Fandi Mata
Head to Fandi Mata in Williamsburg for an eclectic dining experience that blends Mediterranean-inspired dishes with global influences. Settle into delicious dishes like the Vegetable Tajine, Lobster Risotto, or the Branzino in the restaurant’s spacious, plant-filled interior. You can also head up to the mezzanine to try drinks from Little Oaxaca, which has over 50 artisanal mezcals available.
Jacques Torres Chocolate
If you get a sweet tooth while exploring Brooklyn attractions, stop by Jacques Torres Chocolate for Classic Macarons, Dark Chocolate Bonbons, Pumpkin Seed Brittle, and other confections. Crafted by French Chef Jacques Torres—a.k.a. Mr. Chocolate—these sweet treats are available while exploring the DUMBO neighborhood.
Juliana’s
For many longtime Brooklynites, Juliana’s is the real pizza pilgrimage. Founder Patsy Grimaldi came out of retirement to reopen his original 1990 coal-oven pizzeria under his mother’s name, right next door to the restaurant that now carries his old one. Try the classic Margherita or a pie topped with meatballs and prosciutto — and expect a shorter wait than its more famous neighbor.
Likkle More Jerk
Brooklyn is home to some of the best Jamaican restaurants in New York City, and one such spot is Likkle More Jerk. This modern-casual eatery in DeKalb Market Hall offers generous lunch and dinner portions at affordable prices, and it’s a popular option for good takeout in Brooklyn. Try the go-to favorite Jerk Chicken dish, or get a hearty serving of Oxtail Stew and Coconut Curry Shrimp. No matter what you choose at Likkle More Jerk, you’re going to get a whole lot of flavor!
SEY Coffee
Make a morning stop at SEY Coffee, a Brooklyn coffee shop in East Williamsburg known for its carefully sourced, delicately roasted coffees and minimalist cafe atmosphere. Sip on delicious coffee varieties like the Carmen Montoya, Demeka Becha, or Sike Bokasso—or buy beans and brew them at home.
Arts & Culture Things to Do in Brooklyn
From major museums to street art tours and independent bookstores, Brooklyn’s arts and culture scene is thriving. These destinations offer a mix of the borough’s better-known cultural attractions and smaller places that showcase its creativity.
The Bone Museum
The Bone Museum specializes in human osteology (the study of bones), medical history, and the history of the medical bone trade through a collection of real human skeletal specimens. You can learn about everything from skeletal anatomy and pathology to the development of bones over time. It’s a great stop for anyone fascinated by science, the spooky, or offbeat Brooklyn attractions in general.
The Brick Theater
Catch experimental theater, dance, comedy, or interdisciplinary performance at The Brick. This Williamsburg performance venue is known for showcasing unconventional productions like The Wreck of the Unbelievable, Letters From Tyra, and I Can Steal Your Mother. The nonprofit theater hosts a rotating calendar of plays, festivals, and other boundary-pushing performances, making it a great place to experience Brooklyn’s art scene.
Brooklyn Street Art Tour
For a deeper look at Brooklyn’s mural art scene, take a street tour through neighborhoods like Bushwick. Touring Brooklyn’s street art will give you a sense of the neighborhood’s creative spirit and a chance to learn the stories behind these ornate and vibrant works.
Dream Fishing Tackle
For a more unusual Brooklyn experience, stop by Dream Fishing Tackle in Greenpoint. Despite the name, this isn’t just a place to pick up fishing gear—the longtime shop combines a traditional tackle counter with vintage furniture and an eclectic collection of vinyl records. It’s one of the quirky, cool places in Brooklyn that’s easy to miss but makes for a memorable stop.
New York Transit Museum
Housed inside a decommissioned subway station in Downtown Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum offers a decidedly different way to experience the city’s history. Visitors can explore vintage subway and elevated cars, old turnstiles, buses, and exhibits about the technology and people behind New York’s transit system. It’s an especially fun stop for anyone who is looking for some unique things to do in Brooklyn.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Brooklyn
There are plenty of family-friendly attractions in Brooklyn to explore. From minor league baseball and historic rides to waterfront parks, these spots offer a mix of classic Brooklyn experiences and hidden gems that new arrivals will love.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a great family destination when you want more than just a place to take a walk. This waterfront park has playgrounds for different ages, including toddler play areas at Pier 1 and Pier 5, along with plenty of space for picnics and family activities. Take the family for a ride on Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored 1922 carousel tucked inside a glass pavilion, or try free seasonal kayaking through the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Brooklyn Children’s Museum is a must-visit for families looking for fun things to do. Founded in 1899, it’s widely recognized as the world’s first children’s museum, making it a notable part of Brooklyn’s history as well as a fun destination for kids. Explore interactive exhibits like AirMaze, Neighborhood Nature, World Brooklyn, and Brooklyn Voices!
Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
A stop at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is an easy way to add a sweet treat to a family outing in DUMBO, with flavors like Vanilla Chocolate Chunk, Peaches and Cream, Butter Pecan, and Coffee. Located near Fulton Ferry Landing, the shop is known for classic, house-made ice cream and its waterfront setting with views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.
Prospect Park Zoo
Prospect Park Zoo is a fun place for kids in Brooklyn where you can get up close with animals from around the world. Located within Prospect Park, the zoo features more than 400 animals of 150 species, including red pandas, California sea lions, poison dart frogs, and tufted deer. With weekday sea lion training sessions, summer camps, adult programs, and more, Prospect Park Zoo offers an engaging way for families to learn about wildlife while enjoying the outdoors in Brooklyn.
Seasonal Events & Local Festivals in Brooklyn
There are tons of seasonal events in Brooklyn, from outdoor movie nights and cultural gatherings to literary festivals and more. Check out these local festivals and fun events in Brooklyn to steep yourself in the culture of the borough.
Brooklyn Book Festival
Book lovers can look forward to the Brooklyn Book Festival each fall, where they can mingle with authors, publishers, booksellers, and readers for book signings, readings, and programming amid a huge literary marketplace. The Festival Day and Literary Marketplace is held near Downtown Brooklyn’s Borough Hall, including stages at surrounding venues.
Brooklyn Flea
Spend a weekend browsing Brooklyn Flea, one of the borough’s best-known markets for vintage clothing, antiques, furniture, collectibles, crafts, and food. Vendors and locations can change throughout the season, so every visit can offer something different. It’s also a great introduction to Brooklyn’s small-business and maker culture, particularly for newcomers who want to find unusual souvenirs, vintage treasures, or locally made goods.
LocFest
LocFest is an annual Brooklyn festival celebrating locs, natural hair, and the culture surrounding them. Held at Restoration Plaza, the festival brings together live music and DJs, local food vendors, and a loc’d hair and fashion show along with educational community-focused programming. It also highlights Black-owned businesses and creatives while exploring the history and cultural significance of locs.
Movies With a View
Settle in for a summer movie with one of the best backdrops in the city at Movies With a View at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The outdoor film series takes place along the Brooklyn waterfront, where visitors can watch a movie beneath the evening sky with the Manhattan skyline in the distance. Bring a blanket, grab some food nearby, and make an evening of it!
Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is a Brooklyn food market open on Saturdays in Williamsburg and on Sundays in Prospect Park that brings together vendors from across New York in an open-air setting. Sample a wide variety of local foods from New York vendors like 88 Coffee Company, Chenzi, and Dilla Manila while experiencing the social side of Brooklyn’s food culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hidden gem in Brooklyn?
While there’s no single best hidden gem in Brooklyn, places like Dream Fishing Tackle, Brooklyn Army Terminal, and The Bone Museum offer experiences that are less typical for a first-timer’s Brooklyn itinerary. Exploring neighborhoods without a strict list can also lead you to smaller shops, restaurants, galleries, and community events that aren’t found on every tourist list.
What is the best neighborhood to explore in Brooklyn?
The best Brooklyn neighborhood to explore depends on what you’re looking for. DUMBO is a great choice for waterfront views and iconic architecture, Bushwick is known for street art and nightlife, and Williamsburg offers shopping and waterfront attractions.
What are some free things to do in Brooklyn?
There are plenty of free things to do in Brooklyn, including exploring Prospect Park, walking the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, visiting Brooklyn Bridge Park, seeing street art in Bushwick, and exploring the waterfront at places like Marsha P. Johnson State Park and the Brooklyn Army Terminal.
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