Walking Alice in Manhattan, New York: 5 Spots

Researched by Varedelo

Planning notes for Brooklyn

Must-try foods in Brooklyn

• Coal-Oven Pizza
  Coal-Oven PizzaBrooklyn's most legendary culinary export. Iconic spots like Di Fara in Midwood and Lucali in Carroll Gardens define the borough's standard: a thin, charred crust topped with high-quality mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil. It is a mandatory pilgrimage for any food lover.
• Brooklyn-Style Bagel with Lox
  Brooklyn-Style Bagel with LoxBoiled in local water before baking, these bagels are uniquely plump and chewy. A quintessential order consists of an 'everything' bagel from stalwarts like Bagel Hole or Shelsky’s, loaded with a thick 'schmear' of cream cheese, salty lox, capers, and red onion.
• Junior's Cheesecake
  Junior's CheesecakeThe definitive New York cheesecake, born at the corner of Flatbush and DeKalb Avenues in 1950. It is famous for its dense, creamy texture and sponge-cake crust. While available elsewhere, eating a slice at the original neon-lit diner remains a local rite of passage.
• Oxtail Sandwich on Coco Bread
  Oxtail Sandwich on Coco BreadA standout Caribbean-Brooklyn fusion popularized by Coco Bred. It features rich, fall-off-the-bone braised oxtail stew stuffed into sweet, pillowy Jamaican coco bread. It reflects the deep West Indian culinary roots of neighborhoods like Flatbush and Crown Heights.
• Syrian-Korean Syko Pizza
  Syrian-Korean Syko PizzaA unique cultural mashup from Windsor Terrace. This 'pizza' uses a thick, savory scallion pancake as a base, topped with Middle Eastern staples like meat shawarma or falafel, hummus, and pickled vegetables. It is a prime example of Brooklyn's modern, experimental immigrant cuisine.
• Beef Patty with Cocoa Bread
  Beef Patty with Cocoa BreadA staple of Brooklyn's street food scene, particularly in Little Caribbean. This flaky, turmeric-tinted yellow pastry is filled with spiced ground beef and often wedged inside a split loaf of buttery coco bread for the ultimate high-carb, savory local snack.

Trip guide

• About Brooklyn
  About BrooklynBrooklyn is a borough of New York City located on the western end of Long Island. Originally inhabited by the Lenape people, it was settled by the Dutch in the 17th century as the village of "Breukelen." It operated as an independent city until its consolidation with New York City in 1898. Historical Heritage The borough contains numerous sites dating to the colonial and revolutionary periods.
• When to go
  When to goThe best time to visit Brooklyn is during the shoulder seasons of May to June or September to October, when the weather is mild and the borough’s parks and outdoor markets are in full bloom. Summer can be uncomfortably humid and crowded, while winter offers lower hotel rates but brings freezing temperatures and potential snow. For the best balance of manageable crowds and pleasant walking weather, aim for late spring or early autumn to avoid the peak mid-summer tourist rush.
• Getting around
  Getting around Brooklyn

  • MTA Subway System The most efficient way to travel from Manhattan or Queens and navigate locally; major lines like the A, C, F, G, L, and Q connect various neighborhoods 24/7 using OMNY contactless payments or MetroCards.
  • NYC Ferry A scenic transit option connecting Brooklyn's waterfront neighborhoods like Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Sunset Park to Manhattan and Queens via the East River and South Brooklyn routes for the price of a standard bus fare.
  • Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) A primary commuter rail link for travelers arriving from Long Island or JFK Airport (via AirTrain), terminating at Atlantic Terminal which offers immediate access to Barclays Center and multiple subway connections.
• Local tips
  Local tips

  • Use the OMNY contactless system or a MetroCard to navigate the borough via subway, as driving and parking are notoriously difficult for visitors.
  • Always walk on the right side of the sidewalk and step aside completely if you need to stop for directions or photos to avoid blocking busy residents.
  • Expect to tip between 18% and 22% at sit-down restaurants, and always check if smaller local eateries are cash-only before ordering.
• What’s new
  What’s new in Brooklyn

  • The Livingston: Brooklyn’s first Hyatt hotel, a 22-story tower in the Cultural District, is a major 2026 opening near Barclays Center.
  • Brooklyn Museum First Saturdays: The viral free after-hours series is trending for 2026 with themed events like 'Imitate No One' and 'Everyday Rebellions.'.
• New York City Tourism + Conventions↗
  New York City Tourism + ConventionsThe official destination marketing organization and visitor guide for the five boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan.