The best sights of New York are not only found in Manhattan! We take you to the other side of the East River to the most beautiful sights in Brooklyn. Start on the legendary Brooklyn Bridge, through Brooklyn Bridge Park into the photogenic Dumbo and the hip Williamsburg to the beach at Coney Island!
You’ll soon find out: The atmosphere in Brooklyn is very different from Manhattan. It is much more contemplative, relaxed and down-to-earth than the other side of the East River with its huge skyscrapers. But also the sightseeings of Brooklyn are worthwhile to see in the truest sense of the word: From world-famous spots to addresses where many New Yorkers like to go themselves, everything is there.
To make it easier for you, we have sorted the sights in the article by Brooklyn neighborhoods. If you’re starting from the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll be able to see our favorite sights in that order.
The Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River and thereby connects the districts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It is an absolute icon of the city of New York, one of our favorite sights of Brooklyn and should definitely be visited by you.
The best way to cross the Brooklyn Bridge is on foot – or you can rent a bike and cross the East River. Several thousand New Yorkers do this every day, commuting between their work in Manhattan and their apartment in Brooklyn.
My tip: Be sure to walk on the marked areas – there is one lane for bicycles and one for pedestrians. New Yorkers are always in a hurry!
Where is the Brooklyn Bridge?
You can find the Brooklyn Bridge in Manhattan right next to City Hall. From here it is easier to reach than on the other side of the river.
Subway Manhattan: 4 5 6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall or J Z to Chambers Street
From the other side of Brooklyn, you can either cross the bridge at the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place or go to the Washington Street underpass, about two blocks from Front Street.
Brooklyn subway: 2 3 to Clark Street, A C to High Street or 4 5 to Borough Hall
The Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Brooklyn Bridge Park meanders as a green ribbon along the East River and has a lot to offer: from lawns for relaxing to small café roasters.
My tip: Get yourself a coffee at the Brooklyn Roasting Company and sit down in Brooklyn Bridge Park to enjoy the magnificent view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the skyline of Manhattan.
Address: 334 Furman Street, Brooklyn
Subway: A C to High Street
Pilot at Pier 6 in Brooklyn
Pier 6 at Brooklyn Bridge Park is a popular destination for children and adults. There are great playgrounds, beach volleyball courts, green areas, and many other attractions. But our favorite spot at Pier 6 is definitely the Pilot ship restaurant.
The best way to enjoy the atmosphere on the moored two-master is to sit on the deck and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine. The view of Lower Manhattan, over the Downtown Manhattan Heliport to the Statue of Liberty, is just amazing!
In the past, the pilot ship even served as a ferry for soldiers in the Second World War and has already circumnavigated the world twice as a research ship.
Address: Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn
Subway: 2 3 4 5 to Borough Hall, N R W to Court Street Station
Brooklyn Heights at sunset
The Brooklyn Heights Promenade should not be missing in the list of Brooklyn’s best sights. From here you have probably the best view over the East River to Manhattan. Many of the famous postcard motives were made from here. Take a little time, stroll along the promenade and enjoy the fantastic view.
The best known and most popular viewpoint on the Promenade is at Fulton Ferry Landing. There, you can take some really fantastic pictures.
From the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, you can also see the helicopters taking off and landing that make the sightseeing flights over New York.
Address: Montague St &, Pierrepont Pl, Brooklyn
Subway: 2 3 to Clark Street Station
DeKalb Market Hall
In the basement of the City Point in Brooklyn, a true paradise for foodies and taste fireworks awaits you! The DeKalb Market Hall is currently the largest food hall in New York City and brings together over 40 different local vendors. We couldn’t get out of our amazement, so many delicacies!
DEFINITELY COMES WITH AN EMPTY STOMACH!
Not only the food but also the ambiance is really wonderful. The walls are decorated with local street art masterpieces, the small restaurant stalls are all individually decorated according to the country of origin.
Address: 445 Albee Square W, Brooklyn
Subway: 2 3 to Hoyt Street, B Q R to DeKalb Av Subway Station
The Manhattan Bridge on Washington Street
In DUMBO, one of the most popular photo locations in Brooklyn (if not all of New York) awaits you. At the corner of Washington Street and Water Street, the imposing arch of the Manhattan Bridge rises up between the fronts of the houses and magically attracts photographers, especially during the blue hour.
The abbreviation DUMBO stands for “Down under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass” and describes an area that could not have changed more rapidly. It is also known from many well-known films that used exactly this image detail (“Once upon in America” with Robert de Niro for example).
Not too long ago, there were mainly factory buildings here – one of the most famous is the so-called Eskimo Pie Building on 100 Bridge Street. Built-in 1908 and 1908, it served for many years as the headquarters of the Thomson Meter Company. Old factory buildings like this one are what make Dumbo so special.
Address: Washington Street and Water Street
Subway: F to York Street Subway Station
Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park
In the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park, you will find Jane’s Carousel. The also very popular photo motif below Brooklyn Bridge is open all year round. A ride on the Carousel costs $2 and definitely promises pure romance.
Jane’s Carousel is not just for kids – you’ll see from the audience that everyone has fun!
Address: Old Dock St, Brooklyn
Subway: A C to High Street, F to York Street
The Timeout Market in Brooklyn
The Time Out Market in Dumbo is located directly at the Brooklyn Bridge Park – perfect for taking a break after a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
However, the concept of Time Out is very different from other food markets in NYC. Why? A total of 20 restaurateurs who have been awarded a place in the highly competitive Time Out Market are among the best restaurants in the city.
THE TIME OUT MARKET IS A FOOD MARKET THAT IS ACTUALLY A BIG RESTAURANT
This is how one employee described the Time Out Market to us on the opening day. The gourmets among you must try the delicacies here!
Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn
Subway: A C to High Street, F to York Street
The Domino Park in Brooklyn
One of the newest parks in Brooklyn has been created on the former site of the Domino Sugar Refinery. The Domino Park on the East River consists of several areas, all of which are really worth seeing.
Our personal favorite is the Elevated Walkway, where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the East River and the skyline of Manhattan. Especially in the evening, when you can see the illuminated Empire State Building with the reflecting lights on the water, the view is incredible.
MY TIP: COME TO THE PARK AT SUNSET!
Domino Park also has a really nice playground that picks up many parts of the sugar factory. It looks like a mini-factory, really well designed!
Address: 300 Kent Ave, Brooklyn
Subway: L to Bedford Avenue
The Smorgasburg Food Market in Brooklyn
Food Heaven: The Smorgasburg Food Market
The Smorgasburg Food Market in Williamsburg is one of the hippest open-air food markets in New York City!
The selection is huge: Up to 100 different stands sell their delicacies here – all freshly prepared and as individual as New York itself.
SMORGASBURG MEANS SOMETHING LIKE “A MIX OF FOOD”.
Smorgasburg takes place every weekend in spring and summer. Williamsburg is no longer the only location in New York, but it is our favourite!
Address: East River State Park (90 Kent Ave at N. 7 St.)
Subway: L to Bedford Av Station
Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg
The Brooklyn Flea is a paradise for all bargain hunters and has been called the “coolest bazaar in the world” – and rightly so in my opinion. At the Brooklyn Flea, you can really get everything: from vintage clothes to great designer pieces, from jewelry to bicycles and decorative items.
You can find more second hand shops and great stores in our Williamsburg Shopping Guide.
When and where is the Brooklyn Flea?
Fort Greene Flea: 176 Lafayette Ave, Saturday 10-17
Subway: G to Clinton-Washington Avenues Station, A C to Lafayette Avenue Station
Dumbo Flea: Manhattan Bridge Archway Plaza, Sunday 10-17
Subway: F to York Street Subway Station
Street art in Bushwick Brooklyn
Street art fans get their money’s worth in Brooklyn’s Bushwick district. Thanks to the Bushwick Collective, you can see works by over 800 street artists from around the world, including legends such as Adam Cost and Dan WitzBushwick. Around the Bushwick Collective area there are almost 100 blocks of street art! So you can spend the whole day exploring the area.
If you just want to see the highlights, you’ll find the most famous works on Troutman Street and St Nicholas Avenue.
Bushwick’s street art is constantly changing, so you’ll always find something new to see every time you visit. Most of the works are on view for no longer than a year.
Address: Around Troutman Street at St. Nicholas Avenue, Brooklyn
Subway: L to Jefferson Street
At the Boathouse in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park
Prospect Park in Brooklyn is one of my favorite parks in New York, next to Central Park in Manhattan. During the summer many concerts and events take place here – often free of charge.
Especially for families with children, Prospect Park is ideal because there is a lot to do and see, it is green and relaxed and much quieter than Manhattan.
Prospect Park is also the most central place in the whole of Brooklyn and borders on a total of seven districts! Clockwise from the north are Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Lefferts Gardens, Prospect Park South, Windsor Terrace, and Park Slope. The main entrance is the Grand Army Plaza.
Address: Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn