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Things to Do in Brooklyn

Things to Do in Brooklyn

Brooklyn New York, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Brooklyn's green spaces and waterfront provide numerous opportunities for outdoor exploration and recreation.

Active Explorations

Hiking & Trekking

Prospect Park's Midwood area and Green-Wood Cemetery offer easy to moderate paths.

Water Sports

Free kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park; take a dip at Coney Island, Manhattan Beach (seasonal).

Adventure Sports

Coney Island's Luna Park features the historic Cyclone roller coaster and other thrill rides.

Cycling & Wildlife

  • Bike Paths: Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Prospect Park Loop (3.35 miles).
  • Mountain Biking: Limited dedicated trails; most cycling is urban or paved path-based.
  • Birdwatching: Prospect Park and Green-Wood Cemetery are recognized urban birding spots.
  • Marine Life: New York Aquarium (Coney Island) offers diverse marine exhibits.

Free Waterfront Paddling

  • Free kayaking offered seasonally.
  • Locations: Brooklyn Bridge Park.
  • Also by Red Hook Boaters.
  • Unique perspective from the water.

Explore Urban Nature

  • Prospect Park for extensive trails.
  • Green-Wood Cemetery for long walks.
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park for waterfront strolls.
  • Lovely scenery on paved or dirt paths.

Sun & Sand

  • Coney Island Beach for swimming.
  • Manhattan Beach for family-friendly fun.
  • Brighton Beach adjacent to Coney Island.
  • Seasonal lifeguards present.

Safety Note

Lifeguards are only present during designated swimming hours along the coastline. Always prioritize safety near water and adhere to posted warnings.

Cultural Immersion

Engage deeply with Brooklyn's diverse cultures through workshops, performances, and community initiatives.

Workshops & Classes

  • Artistic CRAFTS: Brooklyn Brainery offers diverse topics; Textile Arts Center for weaving, dyeing.
  • Music & Dance: Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX) for dance/theater; National Sawdust for new music.
  • Cooking Classes: Various culinary schools and chefs offer seminars on specific cuisines (see Section 7.5).
  • Language Learning: Immersion in different neighborhoods can facilitate informal language practice.

Performances & Community

World-Class Theater

BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) has world-class performances in dance, theater, music, and film.

Historic Venues

Kings Theatre (Flatbush) hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and comedy acts in a beautifully restored setting.

Community Initiatives

Turnstile Tours offer insights into community culture. Weeksville Heritage Center provides immersive an experience of historys.

Atlantic Antic

The largest street festival in Brooklyn, featuring music, food, and crafts along Atlantic Avenue in September.

Brooklyn Book Festival

A literary festival with author readings, panel discussions, and a large book fair, held annually in September.

Afropunk Festival

A music, art, and fashion festival celebrating Black culture, typically taking place in the summer.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find moments of calm and rejuvenation amidst the urban energy of Brooklyn.

Spa & Rejuvenation

  • Bathhouses: Bathhouse (Williamsburg) offers modern, upscale facilities with saunas and pools.
  • Luxury Baths: AIRE Ancient Baths (Manhattan, easily accessible) provides a tranquil Roman-style experience.
  • Wellness Centers: Numerous day spas and massage centers exist throughout Brooklyn, offering a range of services.
  • Traditional Healing: Various alternative healing practitioners (e.g., acupuncture, reiki) are available in the borough.

Mind & Body

Yoga Studios

Many yoga studios (e.g., Yoga Shanti, Kula Yoga Project) offer drop-in classes for visitors.

Meditation

Meditation centers exist for inner calm, but large-scale retreats are not typically found directly within Brooklyn.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Coney Island Beach offers public swimming and relaxation. Some hotels, like The William Vale, provide private pools for guests.

Tranquil Escapes

Prospect Park

Vast green spaces for peaceful strolls and opportunities for quiet contemplation.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Serene gardens offer a quiet retreat from city life with diverse plant collections.

Green-Wood Cemetery

Beautiful landscapes and historic atmosphere for reflective walks and beautiful vistas.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Brooklyn's nightlife is as diverse as its neighborhoods, offering everything from intimate music venues to large dance clubs.

Live Music Venues

  • Brooklyn Steel (Bushwick): A large concert venue hosting national and international acts.
  • Music Hall of Williamsburg: A mid-sized venue known for indie and alternative bands.
  • Baby's All Right (Williamsburg): A personal venue showing emerging artists.
  • Union Hall (Park Slope): A bar, restaurant, and venue for music and comedy.

Theater & Performance

Performing Arts Hub

BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) is a premier venue for theater, dance, and opera.

Innovative Theater

St. Ann's Warehouse (Dumbo) and The Bushwick Starr are known for experimental productions.

Comedy & Shows

Kings Theatre (Flatbush) hosts diverse theatrical productions and comedy acts.

Avant Gardner

A huge complex with multiple venues (Brooklyn Mirage, Great Hall), hosting major electronic music acts.

Elsewhere

A multi-level venue offering live music and DJ sets across various rooms in Bushwick.

Bar Districts

Williamsburg (Bedford Avenue) and Bushwick feature dense concentrations of bars, craft breweries, and pubs.

Late-Night Options

Extended Hours
  • Many bars and clubs are open until 2 AM or 4 AM.
  • 24/7 diners, like Kellogg's Diner in Williamsburg, offer late-night food.
  • Some subway lines operate 24/7, making late-night travel convenient.
Planning Ahead
  • Check specific venue hours as they can vary.
  • Plan your route and transportation options for a smooth night out.
  • Consider group transportation for safety and convenience.

Nightlife Safety

Always remain alert and consider using ride-sharing services or taxis when returning late at night.

Shopping & Markets

Discover unique finds, local crafts, and diverse retail experiences across Brooklyn.

Traditional Markets

  • DeKalb Market Hall (Downtown Brooklyn): A large indoor food hall with diverse vendors.
  • Smorgasburg: A popular outdoor food market, operating seasonally.
  • Brooklyn Flea: A curated market for vintage items, antiques, jewelry, and crafts (seasonal).
  • Artists & Fleas (Williamsburg): An indoor market showing local artists, designers, and vintage goods.

Artisan & Boutique

Local Crafts

Many independent boutiques plus sessions in Williamsburg, Dumbo, Fort Greene, and Red Hook sell locally made goods.

Industry City

This revitalized industrial complex in Sunset Park is home to numerous artisan makers and studios.

Unique Finds

Discover one-of-a-kind jewelry, art, and fashion pieces from local creators.

Brooklyn Apparel

  • T-shirts and hoodies with local designs.
  • Accessories from local boutiques.
  • Support local fashion brands.
  • Unique styles.

Local Food Products

  • Craft beer from Brooklyn breweries.
  • Locally roasted coffee beans.
  • Artisanal chocolates and specialty items.
  • Great for gourmet souvenirs.

Art & Prints

  • Purchase unique pieces from local artists.
  • Explore galleries for original artwork.
  • Find limited edition prints.
  • Support Brooklyn's creative community.

Shopping Guidelines

Ethical Shopping
  • Support local businesses, artisans, and boutique stores.
  • Look for "Made in Brooklyn" labels to support the local economy.
  • Choose items made with sustainable materials or fair trade practices.
Shipping & Customs
  • Major postal services (USPS, FedEx, UPS) are available for shipping purchases home.
  • Keep receipts for all purchases for documentation.
  • Be familiar with your home country's's customs regulations and duty-free allowances.

Industry City Gem

Explore Industry City in Sunset Park for an unique shopping experience. You find local artisans, creative businesses, and a diverse food hall, offering authentic Brooklyn-made products.

Activity Planning Summary

Top Experiences

  • Brooklyn Bridge go on foot and Dumbo exploration for famous vistas.
  • Prospect Park visit for urban nature and relaxation.
  • Coney Island for nostalgic amusement and beach fun.
  • Brooklyn Museum for art and a profound look at the cultures.

Considerations

  • Transportation: Utilize the comprehensive subway network, NYC Ferry, and walking.
  • Accommodation: Options from hostels to luxury hotels; check short-term rental laws.
  • Dining: Wide array of choices for all budgets and dietary needs.
  • Safety: Generally safe in tourist areas; stay aware of your surroundings, especially in the evening.