Destination guideNew York · United States
46 Things to Do in Brooklyn (2026)
Brooklyn is a borough of New York City located on the westernmost end of Long Island.
Read more
It was established as the Dutch town of Breukelen in 1646 and remained an independent city until its consolidation with New York City in 1898. Brooklyn contains several of the oldest surviving structures in New York City. The Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House, built in 1652, is a Dutch saltbox-frame house and a designated National Historic Landmark. The borough was the site of the Battle of Brooklyn in 1776, a major engagement of the American Revolutionary War.
- 46 spots
- 8 must-try dishes
- Researched October 2026
- 24 sources
Must-try in Brooklyn8 dishes
Sourdough Pizza Where to order it in Brooklyn
Salmon Lox Focaccia Where to order it in Brooklyn
Hand-Carved Pastrami Where to order it in Brooklyn
Trinidadian Doubles Where to order it in Brooklyn
Roast Beef N Cheez Where to order it in Brooklyn
Smoked Brisket Where to order it in Brooklyn
Seeded Laffa with Smoky Eggplant Where to order it in Brooklyn
Birria Tacos Where to order it in Brooklyn
The short answer
- The top things to do in Brooklyn, from 24 sources researched October 2026, start with:
- 8 must-try dishes are on the map, each with the places to order them.
46 places worth your time in Brooklyn
Things to see and do
Brooklyn Museum
Why it’s on the map
This is New York City's third-largest museum, housing an encyclopedic collection that spans five floors of a grand Beaux-Arts building.
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Why it’s on the map
Completed in 1883, this neo-Gothic suspension bridge is the definitive architectural icon of the borough, featuring massive granite towers and a web of steel cables.
Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Prospect Park
Why it’s on the map
Designed by the same architects behind Central Park, this 526-acre sanctuary is the true 'backyard' for Brooklynites.
Brooklyn, NY, USA
Pebble Beach
Why it’s on the map
This scenic waterfront cove within Brooklyn Bridge Park provides an unobstructed, low-angle perspective of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the Lower Manhattan skyline.
65 Plymouth St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Premise · Fort Greene
Scenic Spot
Ice Skating Rink
Non Profit Organization · Boerum Hill
Non Profit Organization · Gowanus
Museum · Downtown Brooklyn
State Park
Movie Theater · Crown Heights
Coworking Space · Williamsburg
Cultural Center · Red Hook
Art Museum · Fort Greene
Deli · Manhattan
Plaza · Manhattan
Condominium Complex
Place to see
Where to eat
See the full Brooklyn food guide: where to eat and what to order.
L'industrie Pizzeria - Williamsburg
Why it’s on the map
Filmed by 13 travel creators.
254 S 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, USA
Mediterranean Restaurant · Southside
Indian Restaurant · Williamsburg
Coffee Shop
Indian Restaurant · Carroll Gardens
Restaurant · Dumbo
Bakery · Bedford-Stuyvesant
Bakery
Food Court
Pizza Restaurant · Williamsburg
Bakery · Prospect Heights
Steak House · Southside
Restaurant · Bedford-Stuyvesant
Fast Food Restaurant · Sheepshead Bay
Barbecue Restaurant · Red Hook
Mediterranean Restaurant · Fort Greene
Taco Restaurant · Williamsburg
Restaurant · Bedford-Stuyvesant
Bakery · Manhattan
Pizza Restaurant · Manhattan
Restaurant · Manhattan
Cafe · Bedford-Stuyvesant
Taiwanese Restaurant · Downtown Brooklyn
American Restaurant · Downtown Brooklyn
Shops and markets
Store
Shopping Mall · Dumbo
Bagel Shop · Manhattan
41 more places on the map
23 to eat · 15 to see and do · 3 to shop · 8 must-try dishes with where to order each
Start
When is the best time to visit Brooklyn?
- The best time to visit Brooklyn is during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October, when the weather is mild and the borough’s parks and outdoor markets are in full bloom. Summer brings high humidity and peak tourist crowds, while winter can be bitterly cold but offers lower hotel rates and festive holiday displays. For the best balance of pleasant walking weather and manageable crowds, aim for the late spring or early autumn.
How do I get around Brooklyn?
- MTA Subway System The most efficient way to get to and around Brooklyn from Manhattan or Queens. Major lines like the A, C, F, G, L, and Q connect various neighborhoods 24/7, and you can pay using OMNY contactless readers at every turnstile.
- NYC Ferry A scenic transit option connecting Brooklyn's waterfront neighborhoods like DUMBO, Williamsburg, and Sunset Park to Manhattan. It offers a unique perspective of the skyline and is a reliable alternative to the crowded subway system during peak hours.
- Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) The primary rail link for travelers coming from Long Island or JFK Airport via the AirTrain. Trains terminate at Atlantic Terminal in Downtown Brooklyn, providing a fast, commuter-rail connection to major transit hubs and the Barclays Center.
What should I know before visiting Brooklyn?
- Always walk on the right side of the sidewalk and step aside completely if you need to stop to check a map or take a photo.
- Expect to tip between 18% and 22% at sit-down restaurants, as service staff rely on these gratuities for their income.
- Use the OMNY tap-to-pay system with your phone or contactless card for seamless entry at all subway stations and on buses.
- Fold your pizza slice lengthwise to eat it on the go like a local and avoid using a fork and knife.
- Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and stick to well-lit, populated streets when walking between neighborhoods at night.
What’s new in Brooklyn in October 2026?
- CJ Hendry’s Flower Market: A viral, immersive art installation in Greenpoint (279 Calyer St) featuring thousands of plush blooms; open through October 19, 2026.
- Art of Manga at Brooklyn Museum: A major East Coast debut exhibition in the Great Hall showcasing original artwork from series like One Piece and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, running through January 2027.
- Open House New York Weekend: A citywide festival offering rare behind-the-scenes access to historic and architectural sites across Brooklyn, including the Navy Yard and Brooklyn Borough Hall, concluding today, October 18.
Research receipt
How this Brooklyn guide was researched
- Live web search, 14 of 14 research areas completed.
- Places verified against real place data — address, hours and coordinates come from the place record, not the article.
- Researched October 2026. A newer build for Brooklyn replaces this page automatically.
Sources checked
Planning questions
What are the top things to do in Brooklyn?
Start with Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Prospect Park, L'industrie Pizzeria - Williamsburg, and Pebble Beach: the places Varedelo's research (from 24 sources researched October 2026) puts first, each with its reason in the list on this page. All 46 places are pinned on the Brooklyn map.