When visiting New York, most people stop in Manhattan, the city's main and most famous borough. Actually, the metropolis includes other boroughs and one of them is Brooklyn, which is located at the southern end of Long Island and is the most populous. It certainly does not have all the attractions of Manhattan, but there are many things that are definitely worth a visit! Moreover, it is a good area to stay in due to its good connections and cheaper prices.
So let's find out everything you need to know about Brooklyn, New York: where it is, how to get there and what to see!
Where it is and how to get there
On foot: from Manhattan, you can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Once in the borough, you can visit individual neighbourhoods on foot, then move around by transport - get directions
By bus: district served by numerous lines. Ideal for getting around major attractions, from Manhattan recommended to get to Brooklyn by underground - find out more
By underground: served by numerous lines. From Rockefeller Center, direct underground line F to York St, Dumbo station, one of the most famous boroughs (18 min). From Wall Street, direct line 2 or 3 to Clark St, Brooklyn Heights (4 min)
10 things to see and do in Brooklyn
1 - Brooklyn Bridge
New York's iconic bridge, now one of its symbols, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Partly walkable, it offers wonderful views over New York - find out more.
2 - Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brookyln's green lung. With 21 hectares and over 10,000 plant species, it's divided into themed areas and is packed with events every season - find out more.
3 - Brooklyn Museum
Located at the entrance to the Botanic Garden, this is one of the most important art museums in the world, second largest in New York City! Inside you'll find world-class collections of ancient and modern art and temporary exhibitions.
4 - Prospect Park
Wonderful city park located next to the Botanic Garden. It features playgrounds, a historic mansion, a lake and the Prospect Park Zoo, which you can visit with the kids.
5 - Dumbo
Neighbourhood located between the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge, known for the Manhattan Bridge Photo Spot, a spot from which to take the iconic photo of the Brooklyn Bridge framed by the red brick buildings.
6 - Brooklyn Heights
The most famous neighbourhood and the first one you come to when crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. Don't miss a stroll through Brooklyn Bridge Park, with wonderful views of Manhattan, and the New York Transit Museum.
7 - BoCoCa
An area that encompasses three different neighbourhoods, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hille and Carroll Gardens; characterised by a mix of old shops and restaurants that will take you back in time.
8 - Williamsburg
One of the liveliest and trendiest areas in Brookyln. This is the hipster district par excellence, full of artists, alternative venues and designer shops. Don't miss Domino Park, a park created from a former sugar refinery.
9 - Bushwick
Along with Williamsburg, Bushwick represents the artistic side of Brooklyn. It's a neighbourhood full of street art, clubs carved out of old commercial buildings and numerous shops, recommended for music and street art lovers.
10 - Coney Island
Brooklyn's entertainment district! Located by the sea, it features an amusement park with numerous rides (featured in numerous TV series and films), an aquarium, a large beach and a pier. Not to be missed for a day of fun.
History, trivia and practical info: what to know in brief
Brooklyn is New York's most populous borough, located across the river from Manhattan and bordering Queens to the north. Its history begins in the first half of the 17th century, when the first Dutch settlers settled here, but it was annexed to New York City in 1898, when the population voted to merge with Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens and Richmond. Despite the union, the borough continues to maintain its own identity.
If you have already been to New York or want to save money on accommodation, Brooklyn is a good alternative in which to look for accommodation, especially in the neighbourhoods around the Brooklyn Bridge. From here you can take the underground and reach Manhattan in just 5 min.
If, on the other hand, you are staying in Manhattan and want to visit Brooklyn in the day, you can move around on your own or take thetourist bus (some also run routes in all boroughs). Definitely, if you visit New York during the Christmas season, you can't miss the Christmas tour of Brooklyn: this is where Dyker Heights is located, with the super-lit houses we see in the movies and TV series".
Tours, guided tours and online tickets
