New York is a popular tourist destination due to its unique mix of people, fashion, art, food, and architecture. Visiting the borough of Brooklyn for the day is an absolute must.
Once upon a time, the town was nothing more than farmland. Following the American Revolutionary War, it was transformed into residential property and became a city in 1834. Brooklyn became an official part of New York City in 1898.
Not all of New York City has retained its grizzled, rough exterior. Brooklyn continues to surprise people from all walks of life due to its family-friendly and attractive nature. Brooklyn has a strong eclectic character, with world-class museums, parks, libraries, and centuries-old architectural wonders.
There are numerous wonderful areas to explore by walking, biking, or riding scooters that are rich in history and background story.
How To Get Around Brooklyn
Fortunately, Brooklyn is more spread out and has a more laid-back vibe than Manhattan’s noisier, busier, and crowded borough. Street parking isn’t as difficult to come by, and the borough boasts a colourful patchwork of varied areas to explore. Feel free to hire a bike or scooter from one of the city’s many rental locations, or get a Metrocard and ride the MTA.
If you’re taking the subway from Manhattan, you can take the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, N, Q, or other lines to get to your destination in Brooklyn.
Here’s A Travel Tip
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center is a key stop and hub in Brooklyn linking many train lines, including the Long Island Rail Road. While riding a subway car, take a snapshot of the transit map for the MTA or ask for an old-school map at a station kiosk window.
Once you’ve decided where you want to go in Brooklyn, you can simply travel around by bike, bus, strolling, or hailing a cab. If you become lost, locals will gladly point you in the right route.
And don’t forget to stop by the recommended spots for a book, art, coffee, a bite to eat, or to unwind. Plan a trip to Brooklyn while there are farmer’s markets open for fresh produce, local artisans’ wares, jewellery, and live music.
- Brooklyn Borough Hall
This exquisite municipal building in the Greek Revival style was built in central Brooklyn in 1848. It is Brooklyn’s oldest public building and was designed by architects Calvin Pollard and Gamaliel King. A mid-nineteenth-century fountain with adjacent vegetation and flowers is across from this stately edifice.
This historical landmark, like many others in New York City, has been used by television and musical performers. If you’re up for it, check out the train stop Hoyt-Schermerhorn, which is just a few minutes away from Borough Hall, another prominent film and media destination.
- Brooklyn Heights
Check out Brooklyn Heights if you enjoy drooling over tree-lined residential neighborhoods with gorgeous townhouses and other residences erected before the Civil War. This protected neighborhood features Victorian Gothic, Italianate, Classical Revival, and late Federal architectural styles.
The upscale residential enclave provides spectacular views of the East River’s waterfront, Lower Manhattan, and is the first stop off the Brooklyn Bridge. Step back in time to experience the grandeur of the past while also enjoying modern shopping and superb dining.
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade
If you’re walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn, stop at this park for stunning views. While watching runners and parents wheeling baby strollers, people watch and snap a New York scene on your camera.
You can see helicopters flying overhead, ferries and boats on the river, and the Manhattan skyline from the Lower East Side. Grab some takeaway or street cuisine to eat while strolling along the shore. There are numerous benches in this peaceful but bustling setting.
- The NY Transit Museum
Perhaps nothing is more recognizable in New York City than its intricate, extensive subway system that connects all boroughs except Staten Island. Learn more about the MTA by visiting the NY Transit Museum in downtown Brooklyn.
To memorialist the experience, find vintage subway tokens translated into collectable jewellery or a t-shirt commemorating your favourite subway line. The museum is housed in a deactivated official subway station from 1936. Learn more about the public transportation system that keeps New York City operating.
- Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is another popular subject for photographers and artists alike. The bridge spans 6,016 feet and is 272 feet high, connecting the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan. John Augustus Roebling designed the suspension and cable-stayed bridge, which was built between 1869 and 1883.
Be warned that this bridge is extremely popular with both visitors and inhabitants, so if you prefer something less crowded, consider the DUMBO bridge.
- Manhattan Bridge
Take a less busy path than the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, which is filled with gritty graffiti art and the rumble of trains entering and exiting Manhattan. Cross the Manhattan Bridge, which connects the DUMBO area to Canal Street in Lower Manhattan, to see a different side of New York.
As you move from Brooklyn into “the city,” you get fantastic, personal views of roofs, the East River, and the shifting scenery.
- DUMBO
Stop in DUMBO if you enjoy shopping high-end boutiques or dining on the finest fare in Brooklyn. DUMBO is an abbreviation for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, and it should not be overlooked.
There are cobblestone lanes, old warehouses that have been converted into stylish retail spaces, and you may even come across an active film or commercial shoot. There are also performance and gallery spaces if you crave big-city arts and creativity.
- Soldiers And Sailors Memorial Arch
NYC has a long military, nautical, and commercial history based on the waterways. The Soldier’s And Sailors’ Arch was constructed between 1889 and 1892, just steps from the Grand Army Plaza stop on the two and X lines. “To the Defenders of the Union, 1861-1865,” the monument was dedicated.
The sculptors were Frederick MacMonnies and Phillip Martiny, while the architect was John H. Duncan. A roundabout and a monument to West Point graduate and military engineer Gouverneur Warren are nearby this lovely arch.
- Prospect Park
Step into Prospect Park, which is nestled between the Flatbush and Park Slope districts, and you might hardly believe you’re still in New York. The design of this park is so beautiful that it’s difficult to believe it isn’t natural to the area and was built for the municipality. There’s an ice rink, zoo, carousel, bandshell, boathouse, bridges, and lots of routes to jog, stroll, or cycle on the 526-acre grounds of this great flagship park.
Wander along its paths, and you’ll always come upon something fresh and intriguing. Don’t forget to visit the park on weekends to see seasonal farmer’s markets, craftsmen, crafts, and live entertainment.
- The Lefferts Historic House
The Lefferts Historic House and Museum transports you to the 18th century. During my visit, the structure was still under construction. The location, on the other hand, displays historical relics and relates the stories of the early Lenape occupants of Brooklyn and NYC, enslaved Africans, and Dutch settlers.
- Brooklyn Central Library
Check out the country’s sixteenth largest public library to support the power of reading. The Brooklyn Public Library system was founded in 1866 and now houses over 5 million items. The Brooklyn Central Library is clad in limestone and features a beautiful, gilded Art Deco entry portico designed by sculptors Carl P. Jennewein and Thomas Hudson Jones.
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn has a lot of green places, which provide a reprieve from the city’s urban sprawl of concrete, brick, and steel. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden was established in 1910 on the site of the Lenape, New York’s first indigenous residents.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden serves as an oasis for the surrounding neighbourhood and visitors, including programmed for children, urban gardening, and other educational opportunities. The 52-acre garden is just steps away from Prospect Park.
- Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in New York City and the United States. The museum’s 560,000 square feet of space is loaded with fascinating artefacts and changing displays. The museum, which opened in 1895, was intended to be the largest art museum in the world at the time. It now houses almost 1.5 million artworks.
- Coney Island
Take a stroll on the wild side by taking a long train ride down to Coney Island. It has been a summer attraction for New Yorkers for more than 150 years and is still going strong.
Come during the warmer months when the boardwalk is bustling with activity, or come on an off-day or season when there are fewer people. Plan a day at the beach to build sandcastles and enjoy the sun and surf.
Ride the legendary wooden Cyclone roller coaster to reconnect with your inner child. After eating a Nathan’s Famous hot dog, you can ride the Wonder Wheel at Luna Park.
Despite the fact that Coney Island is a residential neighborhoods by the sea, locals and visitors alike look forward to the yearly Mermaid Parade, Circus Sideshow performances, and the scent of funnel cake and cotton candy in the air. Another popular attraction near the amusement park is the New York Aquarium.
- Nathan’s Famous
Are you hungry? After stopping for a snack at Nathan’s Famous, you won’t be hungry or irritated. Grab a classic NYC hot dog with a side of fries, a drink, or perhaps a burger at the Brooklyn-born food franchise.
When it comes to New York City and cuisine, nothing beats a Nathan’s Famous hot dog or a thin-crust, extra-large foldable slice of pizza pie. You must try it at least once while in town.
In conclusion
New York City is always surprising. You could believe you know the city through popular TV shows, films, and catchy lyrics in music, but you don’t. You must come down to participate. Out of the five boroughs that comprise New York City, Brooklyn has a distinct and vivid flavor.
Enjoy going around the borough, browsing bookstores, shopping for wonderful things, and immersing yourself in the food, people, music, and culture. You will not be let down.
