Location: Brooklyn
Top Things to do in Brooklyn
What to do and see in Brooklyn, New York (NY): The Best Free Things to do
It seems like most folks have a grandmother, great-uncle or some other distant relative that used to live in Brooklyn, or perhaps a friend that lives there now. In the early 1900s, it was a mecca for immigrants arriving via Ellis Island. A hundred years later, young professionals and artists left pricey Manhattan digs for Brooklyn's cheaper and more expansive space. Neighborhoods like Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, were restored and reborn as funky enclaves. Walk or bike over the historic Brooklyn Bridge (or ride the subway) to Brooklyn Heights for a stroll along the Promenade and breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. Meander through Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens for a taste of nature in the urban wilds. Catch a performance at the world-famous Brooklyn Academy of Music. From the delicious Italian restaurants of Bensonhurst to the Irish bars that line the avenues of Bay Ridge, from the hotdogs and rollercoasters of Coney Island to the bagels and handball courts of Greenpoint, Brooklyn is a state of mind as well as a dynamic community. Discover why, no matter where people move on to, they remain Brooklynites at heart.
Restaurants in Brooklyn
1. Green-Wood cemetery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,047 reviews
Reviewed By 377dawnp
It may seem a bit creepy but I love this place because of its beauty and serenity. Green Wood is notable for the number of celebrated and famous people buried there. Yet it's a place for the living--the landscape, the monuments and Victorian statutory and vintage headstones make it an outdoor museum that transports you to a bygone era. One could get lost there along its many winding paths-- signage not withstanding. On one secluded hilltop, I even saw a contemporary yet bucolic scene of a family lazing on the grass for an afternoon near loved ones. Whether your loved one is among the famous or not, it's one of the finest and most beautiful spots in Brooklyn. See it to believe it...acres and acres, so get a map. It's worth the trip!
2. Biggie Mural
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By craig1086 - Atlanta, United States
Before we were about to leave NYC, we stopped by the mural, since we were staying in Brooklyn already. It took us more time to get there then to get our photos, since we went on a weekday. The mural is as pictured. A great tribute to the Bed-Stuy legend. Good quick pit-stop for your Instagram shots
3. Prospect Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,397 reviews
Brooklyn's answer to Central Park, Prospect Park contains a zoo, an audubon center and the Brooklyn Museum of Art. Its entrance is marked by the large Memorial Arch and it is a mecca for families and nature lovers who go to play ball, bird watch and listen to outdoor concerts.
Reviewed By howardb648 - Oceanside, United States
Everyone says Central Park is the best in NY, and maybe it is. But as a native NYC expat (to San Diego) and frequent family visitor, this gem may be even better! It is huge and has much variety, inclluding a beuatful botanic garden, open fields, forested ares, water features, you name it. Best time to go is early April through early June, when the weather is beautiful and the trees are blossoming and fragrant and the flowers and plants are at their peak. You can jog, run, bike or simply take a relaxing stroll and soak in the peace and beauty. Yes a "tree grows in Brooklyn", or in this place, millions of them!
4. Smith Street
5. Carroll Gardens
6. Park Slope
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 508 reviews
Reviewed By robertlX6978PT - Wiltshire, United Kingdom
We walked up Park Slope and marvelled at the luxurious houses. Two attractions for me were the huge cooperative food store and Annies garden, communal land used by a team of volunteers to grow fruit and vegetables; you can wander in and there are seats to take in the ambiance. In England we would call this area allotments. Park Slope leads to the Brooklyn Museum, Library and Botanical Gardens and of course the Prospect Park is a huge recreational area.
7. Williamsburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,697 reviews
Reviewed By chefdino - West Vancouver, Canada
Had a great afternoon wandering around the riverside in Williamsburg. Grabbed the L Train in lower Manhattan for a quick 15 min ride into Brooklyn. Great old brownstones, and building facades with so much character. The views of the New York skyline was fantastic. Enjoyed seeing all of the wall art as we walked about 12 km. Went to artists and fleas a local flea market where budding artists show there wares.
8. Brooklyn Heights
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 713 reviews
Relax on a bench to people watch, picnic or just take in the breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. This exclusively pedestrian walkway is lined with grand historic townhouses and features a playground at Montague Street.
Reviewed By LesL989 - St. Petersburg, United States
I lived here 30 years ago and always visit when I'm back in town. It's quiet and there's lots to see with great architecture, restaurants, and the promenade.
9. Dumbo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,838 reviews
Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Brooklyn. It encompasses two sections: one located between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, which connect Brooklyn to Manhattan across the East River, and another that continues east from the Manhattan Bridge to the Vinegar Hill area.
Reviewed By 329john123 - Pittsburgh, United States
Really nice area with views of the skyline and many restaurants and free events in the evenings with really good local bands playing a variety of music. A great place to wind down from the bustle of the city. The only downside is the noise from the subway trains as they travel across the bridge.
10. Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,437 reviews
Offering magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, this 1/3-mile-long sliver of green overlooks Brooklyn's busy industrial waterfront.
Reviewed By 384deannaa
A walk on the Promenade offers a beautiful view of Manhattan. Walking along Montague Street offers many local restaurants to chose from
