Location: Brooklyn
Top Things to do in Brooklyn
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What to do and see in Brooklyn, New York (NY): The Best Things to do Good for Kids
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. Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,454 reviews
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. Please note, Brooklyn Botanic Garden is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. Be sure to visit bbg.org/visit before plan your visit.
Reviewed By WorldTravla7 - Cairns, Australia
I loved the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and found them incredibly peaceful and relaxing, not to mention stunning in their variety and beauty - just what needed after almost 2 weeks in a pretty crazy city. I also preferred the intimate design over the larger NYC Botanic Gardens in the Bronx. They shoot major productions here (I recognised several parts of the Gardens immediately in Episode 2 of the Netflix series ‘Maniac’ with Emma Stone). Highlights include: - Cherry blossom trees! (come in April/May when Cherry Esplanade is at its most floral). - Yellow Magnolia Cafe - quaint cafe in a greenhouse setting where you may spot a movie star (I looked up and saw Michelle Williams sitting a table across from me) - Shakespeare Garden (an English cottage style garden with around 80 plants referred to in Shakespeare’s works) - The Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden (a traditional Japanese garden and pond with orange torii gate, immaculately kept plants and trees, sculptures, and a gazebo for viewing - The indoor C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum which houses one of the largest collections of bonsai (around 350) outside of Japan All things considered, this is a must do. Perhaps combine it with a day trip to Brooklyn/Prospect Park. Cost is $30 which is not cheap but well worth the spend. You are given a detailed map of the Gardens on entry. Entrance is adjacent to Prospect Park.
2. 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!
3. Brooklyn Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,594 reviews
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest art museums in the United States and one of the premier art institutions in the world.
Reviewed By USALouise - Gurnee, United States
We traveled from Chicago to visit the excellent Frida Kahlo exhibit, and were very impressed, especially by the large collection of her clothing featured in so many of her paintings and photographs. Great videos, too. But the rest of the museum offered other fascinating exhibits. Don't miss the Do Ho Suh fabric recreation of his apartment on level 5 ("Perfect Home II") --- Note: it's only available for showing on weekends. We especially enjoyed the Dinner Party by Judy Chicago on Floor 4. (Tip: Be sure to wait for a circulating copy of the book that accompanies the exhibit. There were only two copies available when we were there, but without the booklet it's hard to fully appreciate the exhibit).
4. New York Transit Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 959 reviews
The New York Transit Museum, one of the city's leading cultural institutions, is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history, and one of the premier institutions of its kind in the world. The Museum explores the development of the greater New York Metropolitan region through the presentations of exhibitions, tours, educational programs, and workshops dealing with the cultural, social, and technological history of public transportation. Since its inception over a quarter century ago, the Museum, housed in a historic 1936 IND subway station in Brooklyn Heights, has grown in scope and popularity. As custodian and interpreter of the region's extensive public transportation networks, the Museum strives to share, through its public programs, this rich and vibrant history with local, regional, and international audiences.
Reviewed By eds857 - Brooklyn, United States
You will learn much about the Transit System of NYC. You will see examples of different styles of Subway Cars thru the ages you can walk thru time. Also examples of the different systems that keeps the systems running. Even a cut out of a Transit Bus. The Museum also had a gift shop you can take home a bit of history.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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
10. Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By TV2451
This is an amazing borough resource with all sorts of things going on, plus the books! And then there is the gorgeous architecture, so stop in and be amazed.
