If you’re visiting New York for the first time, it’s very easy to spend all your time in Manhattan. That’s where the most iconic attractions, the tallest skyscrapers and the places we recognise from films are located.
And yet, with every visit, I become increasingly convinced that it is Brooklyn that reveals a completely different side to the city. A less hurried one. A more local one. Full of contrasts, but also of space, which is sometimes lacking in Manhattan.
It is here that you’ll find some of the best views of New York’s skyscrapers, atmospheric streets lined with brownstones, sprawling parks, street art and neighbourhoods that can change completely within a few blocks.
If you’re planning a trip to New York, I recommend spending at least one day in Brooklyn. And if you can spare two – even better.
In this guide, I’ll show you the places to start with.
Why is Brooklyn worth a visit?
Brooklyn isn’t just an extension of Manhattan. It’s New York’s largest borough and a place that becomes many people’s favourite part of the city.
One reason is its diversity. In a single day, you can stroll through the elegant streets of Brooklyn Heights, admire the Manhattan skyline from the waterfront in DUMBO, discover the murals in Bushwick and end the day in Williamsburg. Each of these neighbourhoods has its own character and feels like a separate city. The second reason is the pace. Manhattan can be enchanting, but it can also be intense. Brooklyn offers more space. More parks. More places where you can sit by the water and watch the city from a distance.
It’s also one of the best parts of New York for those interested in photography, design, art and food. Even if you don’t have a specific plan, Brooklyn often rewards a simple stroll.
How to start exploring Brooklyn?
If I had to pick one spot to start exploring Brooklyn, it would be a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s one of those attractions that’s popular for a reason. It’s best to go there in the morning. The light is soft then, the crowds are smaller, and the views of Manhattan and the East River are among the most beautiful in the whole city.
A practical tip: start your walk from the Manhattan side, near City Hall, and head towards Brooklyn. It is then that the panorama gradually unfolds before you and makes the greatest impression.
Once you come down from the bridge, you’ll find yourself in one of Brooklyn’s most distinctive areas – DUMBO. And this is exactly where I recommend starting your first day of sightseeing.
If, on the other hand, you’re staying in Brooklyn, you don’t need to start with the most famous attractions. One of the things I like most about this part of New York is the chance to explore at a leisurely pace. A coffee in a local café, a stroll around the neighbourhood, and only then a trip to the next district often turn out to be a much more enjoyable plan than trying to see everything at once. Brooklyn works best when you leave room for spontaneous discoveries.
You have to see this in Brooklyn
1–2 hours
DUMBO
Views of the Manhattan Bridge and the East River
30–60 mins
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
One of the best views of Manhattan
1 hour
Brooklyn Bridge Park
A stroll along the waterfront with views of the skyline
15–30 mins
Jane’s Carousel
A classic carousel with views of the bridge
1–3 hours
Prospect Park
Brooklyn’s largest park and a quieter alternative to Central Park
1–3 hours
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
A botanical garden perfect for a quieter day
Williamsburg
Just a dozen or so years ago, Williamsburg was primarily a neighbourhood for artists and creative types looking for an alternative to Manhattan. Today, it is one of the most popular places in Brooklyn, yet it hasn’t lost its character.
It is here that you’ll find independent shops, small galleries, trendy cafés and some of the best views of Manhattan.
It’s best to explore it without a specific plan. Unlike DUMBO, it’s not about a single attraction or viewpoint here. The greatest pleasure comes from strolling through the streets and discovering places along the way.
It’s worth popping down to the East River waterfront, which offers panoramic views of Midtown Manhattan. It’s one of those places that looks particularly stunning at sunset.
If I had to choose one Brooklyn neighbourhood to return to on my next visit, Williamsburg would be very high on that list.
If you enjoy exploring the lesser-known parts of New York, it’s also worth planning a day out in Queens. In a separate guide, Queens, New York: The Perfect Day Trip Outside Manhattan (What to See and Where to Eat), I highlight my favourite spots in this often-overlooked part of the city.
Bushwick and South Williamsburg
If you have more time in Brooklyn or are returning to New York for another visit, it’s worth venturing beyond the most famous spots.
One such place is Bushwick – a neighbourhood known primarily for its street art. It is here that you’ll find the Bushwick Collective, one of New York’s largest open-air street art galleries. Murals cover the entire building walls, and the neighbourhood is constantly changing. Even if you’re not interested in street art, a stroll through this part of Brooklyn lets you see a completely different side of the city compared to the elegant Brooklyn Heights or trendy Williamsburg.
A few underground stops further on is South Williamsburg.
This is one of the most distinctive parts of Brooklyn and is home to a large Orthodox Jewish community. A stroll through the neighbourhood gives the feeling that you’ve left New York behind for a moment and found yourself in a completely different world. It is precisely these contrasts that make Brooklyn so interesting. In the space of a single day, you can go from modern skyscrapers and trendy cafés to places that have retained their own rhythm and traditions.
These aren’t places I’d recommend to everyone on their first visit. However, if you’re spending two days in Brooklyn, it’s definitely worth considering adding them to your itinerary.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Brooklyn
Is Brooklyn worth a visit on your first trip to New York?
Definitely. If you’re spending more than 3–4 days in New York, it’s worth setting aside at least one day for Brooklyn. This is where you’ll find some of the best views of Manhattan, atmospheric neighbourhoods, parks and places that show the more local side of the city.
How much time do you need to explore Brooklyn?
It’s best to spend 1–2 days in Brooklyn. In one day, you can see DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights and Williamsburg. Two days will also allow you to visit Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden or Bushwick.
What are Brooklyn’s top attractions?
The most popular places include:
- DUMBO
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade
- Williamsburg
- Prospect Park
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden
- Bushwick Collective
Is Brooklyn safe for tourists?
Yes, the parts of Brooklyn most frequently visited by tourists, such as DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg and Prospect Park, are considered safe. As in any big city, however, it is worth taking basic precautions and using common sense.
Which is better: Brooklyn or Manhattan?
It depends on your travel style. Manhattan offers New York’s most famous attractions, whilst Brooklyn is quieter, more local and offers the chance to see the city from a different perspective. Ideally, it’s worth visiting both parts of the city.
How do you get to Brooklyn from Manhattan?
The easiest way is by the Underground or on foot across the Brooklyn Bridge. A walk across the bridge is one of New York’s most popular attractions and a great way to start exploring Brooklyn.
Is walking across the Brooklyn Bridge worth the hype?
Yes. It’s one of those attractions that really lives up to expectations. It’s best to go in the morning when there are fewer people and the light is good for photos.
Where can you find the best views of Manhattan?
The best vantage points in Brooklyn include:
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- DUMBO Waterfront
- Domino Park in Williamsburg
Is Williamsburg worth a visit?
Yes. Williamsburg is one of Brooklyn’s most distinctive neighbourhoods. It’s a great place for a stroll, shopping in independent boutiques, popping into a café and admiring the Manhattan skyline.
When is the best time to visit Brooklyn?
Brooklyn can be visited all year round, but it is particularly pleasant here in spring and autumn. In spring, the cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden are an added attraction, and in autumn, the parks and waterfronts take on exceptional colours.
Is Brooklyn good for photography enthusiasts?
Definitely. DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights and Bushwick are among the most photogenic places in the whole of New York.
Is the Brooklyn Botanic Garden worth a visit?
Yes, especially if you’re spending more than a day in Brooklyn. The garden is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and one of the most beautiful green spaces in New York.
Looking for more ways to experience New York beyond Brooklyn? Read my guide New York Without Breaking the Bank: How Much Does a Trip to NYC Really Cost? where I share real travel costs, practical tips and the experiences that are truly worth your budget.
