If you are visiting New York City, chances are you are staying in Manhattan. Though that is definitely where you should spend most of your time, don’t neglect the other boroughs! This is the ideal one-day itinerary for Brooklyn with lots of walking and exploring the must-see sites.
Make your way to City Hall in Lower Manhattan. From here, start the mile walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, the iconic landmark and first bridge to use steel for cable wire. The history of the construction and subsequent stability concerns (all of which were squashed by parading elephants) are fascinating if you have time to take a tour!
After a mile, walk down the first set of steps on your left. Meander to Brooklyn Heights, a posh neighborhood with the quintessential brownstones and charming cobble streets. Walk along Hicks Street and then to the “Fruit Streets” before winding your way to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Then take the Squibb Park Bridge down to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Explore the little paths along the way, walking north in the direction of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Grab a breakfast sandwich at locals approved Bread & Spread. Check out the art galleries and store fronts. For any other food options, Time Out Market has a variety. Walk up the main exterior stairs at Empire Stores, formerly a coffee warehouse, to see one of the better views of the city. To get the classic DUMBO /Manhattan bridge photo, walk to Washington and Water St.
Next, hop on the East River ferry heading to Hunter’s Point. There are kiosks where you can buy a ticket or you can order on the NYC ferry app. Make your way to the back and then go up the stairs for the outdoor seating. Get off just three stops and 20 minutes later in Greenpoint, the most northern part of Brooklyn. Grab a bite at crazy-good Mexican eatery Oxomoco or take advantage of the Polish neighborhood and stop by Pierozek for mouth-watering pierogis.
Walk to Broadway Street, which is the beginning of North Williamsburg. Take the route along Bedford Ave, the main street, with its boutiques, garage sales, and pop-ups. If you enjoy thrift shopping, stop at Crossroads Trading, Monk Vintage or The Attic. Artists and Fleas is a great market to support local businesses as well. Keep an eye out for the amazing murals that are on almost every block and get updated regularly.
Then walk under the Williamsburg Bridge to South Williamsburg to take in the sites of the fascinating Hasidic Jew community. This ultra-orthodox neighborhood is like stepping into another world. Look around but he respectful.
Circle back and dinner is just a few blocks away at Misi, an Italian restaurant by James Beard-winning chef Missy Robbins or the renowned steakhouse Peter Luger’s. Then walk along the water, from Domino Park to Marsha P. Johnson State Park.
The last destination is the Williamsburg Hotel for a cocktail. There’s no better view from the roof or glamorous water tower. When it’s time to go, it’s just a five minute walk to the L subway, that will take you straight back into Manhattan in minutes.
Tip: Biking in Brooklyn is also an amazing way to get through the neighborhoods. The city has biking lanes (many along the water). Bikes are included in the Go City pass, which is perfect for those who are in town and exploring the city for more than a few days.
