What to do and see in Brooklyn, United States: The Best Places and Tips

February 23, 2018 Leonarda Pillsbury

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. Manhattan Skyline

New York City, NY
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 17 reviews

Manhattan Skyline

Reviewed By shanemoore2018 - New York City, New York

Just looking at the Manhattan Skyline makes me proud to be a Newyorker. The size of the building never fail to impress.

2. Green-Wood Cemetery

500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232-1755 +1 718-210-3080
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 910 reviews

Green-Wood Cemetery

Reviewed By Br00klynB - Brooklyn, New York

Green-Wood cemetery was, in the mid 19th century, the top tourist attraction in New York (although at the time Brooklyn was an independent city from New York). There are hundreds of famous people buried there and ornate gravestones and mausoleums, many designed by famous sculptors and stained glass designers such as Tiffany. It also has a great view of New York harbor, as it's the highest point in Brooklyn. It's worth a day trip from Manhattan (and you can grab some great Chinese food in Sunset Park).

3. Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Remsen St to Orange St along the East River, Brooklyn, NY +1 718-722-3214
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

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 Larry S

For the best views of Manhattan this is the place. During the warmer months it gets packed and comes to life. Becoming a very trendy place to be seen with loads of shops, restaurants and bars opening. Don't forget Grimaldis and Julianas pizza.

4. The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

180 Greenwich St, World Trade Center, New York City, NY 10007-0089 +1 212-312-8800
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum

Through commemoration, exhibitions and educational programs, The National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a nonprofit in New York City, remembers and honors the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993, as well as those who risked their lives to save others and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks.

Reviewed By Nicolle_H11 - Derbyshire, United Kingdom

This place really hits home with the impact that was suffered that day. Just visiting the memorial itself is an experience but the museum goes into great detail. It had all been done with class and the way they show tribute too the people that tragically died that was very respectful, to the extend that when it is someone's birthday they put a while rose in there name on the memorial, a lovely touch that I am sure the family will appreciate. I would definitely recommend visiting and the museum too and not to rush through it, its a lot to take in.

5. Bushwick Collective Street Art

Corner of St. Nicholas Av and Troutman St, Brooklyn, NY 11237
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 163 reviews

Bushwick Collective Street Art

Reviewed By 27susie - Dundee, United Kingdom

We walked all around this area, and if you check sometimes the artist open there studios. The art is varied and is absolutely amazing. We stopped for lunch at a local bar, and spent around 2 hours taking over 100 photos.

6. Brooklyn Bridge

New York City, NY 10038
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 16 reviews

Brooklyn Bridge

Opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge provides passage between Brooklyn and Manhattan for motorists, trains, bicycles and pedestrians. One of the primary symbols of New York City, it is a marvel of design and provides spectacular views of the city's skyline.

Reviewed By Lynn C

There is nothing like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. It's a must do while in NYC. You get amazing skyline pictures of Manhatten from the start of the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side. I recommend doing this walk on a nice day.

7. Brooklyn Bridge Park

334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201-9750 +1 718-222-9939
Excellent
69%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre world-class sustainable park on Brooklyn's East River shoreline. The Park revitalizes 1.3 miles of Brooklyn's post-industrial waterfront from Pier 6 at Atlantic Avenue to Jay Street north of the Manhattan Bridge. The park's numerous amenities include includes boat launches, Pebble Beach, the historic Jane' Carousel, sports fields, basketball courts, a fishing station, basketball courts and several concessions.

Reviewed By couplessPS - Snoqualmie, Washington

Really lovely park with all kinds of things happening on different days. There is the carousel of course, but also they organize different attractions on different days. A great orientation to Manhattan and the water. Overlooked by me for too many years but now it will be part of my pilgrimage ( in good weather!)

8. Brooklyn Tabernacle

17 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201-5111 +1 718-290-2000
Excellent
80%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 601 reviews

Brooklyn Tabernacle

World-renowned choir of 240 voices has sold three million albums and won several Grammy and Dove Awards.

Reviewed By roryjdoyle - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Located in Brooklyn, there is parking and metro nearby. Fantastic 200 persons choir belting out some of the most beautiful Gospel in New York. Services 9am 12pm and 3pm. Come 45 mins early to get good seats as its huge and gets packed. Beautiful sermon from the charismatic and engaging Pastor. They do not all any video or photography during Service. Highly recommended.

9. Dyker Heights

Brooklyn, NY +1 212-913-9917
Excellent
71%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 451 reviews

Dyker Heights

Reviewed By Skelshaw - Cheyenne, Wyoming

Expectations for this neighborhood light show were high, but the results are average. Maybe this tour is a change of pace for the City, but it’s pretty standard for our neck of the woods. The unexpected stop at the Brooklyn Heights on the way back to Manhattan was a better treat (and a chance for us to escape the tour early and avoid the stuffy bus ride home).

10. Brooklyn Botanic Garden

990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225-1008 +1 718-623-7200
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2 reviews

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an urban botanic garden situated on 52 acres in the heart of Brooklyn, fostering delight and curiosity in the world of plants while inspiring an appreciation and sense of stewardship of the environment. The Garden also offers weddings and private event catering at the Palm House and Atrium, in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Reviewed By iberjan - Brooklyn, New York

Go to the garden on a weekday for a leisurely stroll and avoid the crazy weekend crowds. It’s a great spot to find some sernity in an otherwise not so serene Bklyn, especially when you’ve been exploring all day. They don’t let you picnic in the garden, unfortunately, but you can walk, sit on the grass or a bench and enjoy the silence surrounded by beautiful nature for a few precious moments.

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