The 32 Absolute Best Brooklyn Attractions
What to do in Brooklyn? We've got you covered!
Are you looking for the best Brooklyn attractions? But what are the most important sights in Brooklyn? In my more than 20 visits to New York, I’ve been to Brooklyn every time – what you absolutely have to see in Brooklyn, I’ll tell you right here!
You’ll notice it right away: The atmosphere in Brooklyn is completely different than in Manhattan. It’s much more relaxed – yet the attractions in Brooklyn are worth seeing: from world-famous spots to addresses where many New Yorkers like to go themselves, it’s all there. To see which of Brooklyn’s highlights are closest to you, you can also view them on a full-screen map further down: 👉 The Best Brooklyn Attractions on a Map.
The Top Brooklyn attractions on a map
Our tips for visiting the best Brooklyn attractions on a budget!
If you are on a family holiday, or visiting the city with a group of friends and need to book 4 tickets for each attraction, or are alone but just have a tight budget set for your trip, we have something really special for you. New York City sells discount attraction passes which allow you to visit all of the must-see NYC attractions for less while giving you the flexibility of deciding what you want to see once you get there!
Offering discounts of up to 60% on many sights, tours, and attractions New York City sightseeing passes are the ultimate way to save money. Find out which one will save you the most based on the attractions you want to see here:
Here are my 32 Favorite attractions in Brooklyn
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01
Brooklyn Bridge
Building in DumboOur Highlight
The Brooklyn Bridge is used by over 120,000 vehicles across its 6 lanes, 4000 pedestrians, and 3000 bikes, per day. The views of NYC from the Brooklyn Bridge are spectacular and it is an absolute necessity that you walk across the bridge during your trip to NYC. Especially at sunrise and sunset this is one of NYC’s most photogenic spots. Just be prepared to be surrounded by a bunch of people.
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02
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Park in Dumbo
You will find the beginning of Brooklyn Bridge Park just below Brooklyn Bridge. With amazing views of the skyline across the water and some great places to sit and enjoy the view, this park is a must-visit! For those of you who like running, this is an amazing place to do so, especially with the amazing Manhattan skyline view. There are also tons of green spaces, basketball, volleyball courts, and soccer fields.
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03
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Other Attraction in Dumbo
From here you can enjoy the fantastic view over Lower Manhattan and the One World Trade Center.
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04
Washington Street in Dumbo
Other Attraction in Dumbo
Don’t forget to capture the most famous photo on Washington Street in Dumbo: With the Manhattan Bridge and the tiny Empire State Building in the background, the street is popular with all tourists to take the perfect photo. Manhattan Bridge is the second famous bridge in Dumbo. If you like, you can also cross it on foot and enjoy the great view of the skyline as well as the Brooklyn Bridge from there.
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05
Pilot Brooklyn
Sea Food Restaurant in DumboOur Highlight
As you know, we love the two-master “Grand Banks” at Piers 25 in Manhattan. The same operators now have a counterpart, the Pilot Brooklyn, at Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Enjoy a sensational view of Manhattan with a drink in hand – or enjoy smaller (but delicious) seafood dishes!
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06
Domino Park
Park in Williamsburg
This beautiful park opened up in Williamsburg in 2018. It’s called Domino park because the former Domino Sugar factory was located at that very spot. Now, it’s filled with greenery, food vendors and a playground for kids. It is located directly on the East River and you have a great view of the city from here. The park invites you to play volleyball or have a picnic.
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07
Jane's Carousel
Other Attraction in Dumbo
In the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge Park there is a beautiful carousel for young and old all year round. From there you can also enjoy the great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
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08
Time Out Market
Food Market in Dumbo
The “Food Market” concept proves to be a great success in New York City. In May 2019, the Time Out Market opened in Dumbo: and offers around 20 different vendors, 2 bars, a rooftop with an additional 4 restaurants. The food market in Dumbo on 55 Water Street is expected to be just as successful as its other chains such as the one in Lisbon. The absolute best thing about the location is the view from the balcony. It provides unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline as well as the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge.
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09
Smorgasburg Food Market
Food Market in Williamsburg
Smorgasburg Food Market is one of the hottest open-air food markets in New York City. People come here to meet, eat, drink and enjoy the view of the Manhattan skyline on the East River Waterfront during the warmer months. Smorgasburg means “a mixture of food” and offers a huge selection of small stalls. The main spot for Smorgasburg is in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and is very popular among the locals. It’s more of an experience and it’s always a great time with friends.
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10
Coney Island Boardwalk
Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
A day trip to Coney Island is definitely worthwhile and while you are there, make sure to stay until sunset. At the beach it is just beautiful and very idyllic.
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11
Rooftop Reds
Other Attraction in DumboOur Highlight
The only problem with this beautiful view of the NYC skyline? It just happens to be interrupted by NYC’s only rooftop vineyard!
Located in Brooklyn, Rooftop Reds is actually the world’s first commercially viable urban rooftop vineyard. That means in addition to getting a wide-open view of the NYC skyline, you’re also supporting one of the most innovative wine projects in NYC.
And what would a glass of wine be without a great pairing? Rooftop Reds has this covered with a wide selection of gourmet cheeses to start the meal, then a partnership with nearby pizzeria Il Porto. If you’ve got a bold wine, pair it with Al Diavolo Pizza for a spice-forward blend.
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12
Brooklyn Flea
Second Hand Store in Dumbo
For almost 10 years, tourists and locals alike have been making the pilgrimage to Brooklyn to visit one of the most famous flea markets in New York. Antique household goods, vintage furniture and clothing, jewelry and all sorts of other knick-knacks are sold by the 60 vendors of the Brooklyn Flea market. Of course, Brooklyn Flea also has food! From Hong Kong Pork Buns to waffles, you’ll find everything here. Here is a little tip from us. Take a few minutes and just chat with the sellers. They often tell their own personal stories, how they put their ideas into practice or why they love New York. You meet a lot of great and creative people at the flea markets in New York!
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13
DeKalb Market Hall
Food Market in Dumbo
DeKalb Market Hall is the biggest food hall in Brooklyn. This food market houses about 40 food vendors including classic names such as Katz and newer, up-and-coming names. They serve everything you can possibly imagine. You can find pastries, pizzas and even ramen. It’s a good example of how diverse NYC is.
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14
Bushwick
Other Tours in BushwickOur Highlight
Street art fans will fall in love with Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood. Thanks to the Bushwick Collective, there are works by over 800 street artists from around the world to see, including legends like Adam Cost and Dan WitzBushwick. Around the Bushwick Collective area, there are nearly 100 blocks of street art! So you can spend all day exploring the area.
If you just want to see the highlights, the most famous works can be found on Troutman Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. The street art in Bushwick is constantly changing, so you can always discover something new every time you visit. Most of the works are on display for no longer than a year.
Address: Around Troutman Street at St. Nicholas Avenue, Brooklyn
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15
Prospect Park
Park in Park Slope
The park is the counterpart of Central Park. Both parks were designed by the same architect. The 2.4 km² large park has a lot to offer. Just like Central Park, Prospect Park has numerous green spaces, a lake, the Litchfield Villa, a zoo, courts for sports, entertainment possibilities and even a botanical garden. Prospect Park is a great alternative if you would like to escape the busy lifestyle in Manhattan.
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16
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Park in Park Slope
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is the natural wonder of New York City and is especially popular during the cherry blossom season. Many people come to the botanic garden in Brooklyn just to see this natural spectacle. This place always has a special aura to it, as there is something wonderful blossoming here in any season. It’s located right inside Prospect Park in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
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17
Brooklyn Museum
Museum in Park Slope
The Brooklyn Museum opened its doors to the public in 1897. Measuring around 560,000 square feet, the Brooklyn Museum, located in Park Slope is the second-largest art museum in the United States. You’ll have plenty of space to explore during your visit and the museum features a massive collection of over 1.5 million objects displayed throughout the five floors.
Many events are held at the Brooklyn Museum as well such as fashion shows.
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18
Green-Wood Cemetery
Other Attraction in Park Slope
The cemetery is located about 10 minutes walking distance from Prospect Park. On an area of 1.9 km² there are about 600,000 graves and on the hill Battle Hill you can enjoy a great view of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty.
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19
Governors Island
Other Attraction in Outside of New York City
When the weather is beautiful in New York City and you want to escape for a moment from the noise, the hustle and bustle, then a trip to Governors Island is something to consider. The Governors Island Ferry will take you across the East River for $4.
Since 2021 Governors Island is open all year round!
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20
New York Transit Museum
Museum in Dumbo
The New York Transit museum focuses on the history and the development of public transportation in NYC. The museum covers and explores everything from the construction of the subway lines to the history of the bus systems in the city. It’s one of the oldest public transportation systems in the world. Here, visitors will get to explore the different train models that the city used and is a great experience for families with kids. Of course, there are great photo opportunities as well.
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21
Harriet's Rooftop Bar
Rooftop Bar in DumboOur Highlight
Be sure to check out the 1 Hotel Rooftop and Garden Bar, even if you don’t decide to stay there. You can enjoy a fantastic view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridge. The bar serves great drinks and finger food.
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22
Williamsburg Bridge
Other Attraction in WilliamsburgOur Highlight
The Williamsburg Bridge spans from the Lower East Side in Manhattan to Williamsburg in Brooklyn. Perfect for pedestrians and cyclists, crossing the bridge gives you enjoyable views of Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge as well as Domino Park in Williamsburg.
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23
Barclays Center
Other Attraction in Park Slope
Barclays Center is Brooklyn’s very own sporting and entertainment venue. When the former New Jersey Nets decided to move over to Brooklyn, the city and borough decided to build a brand new venue. It is now home to the Brooklyn Nets, The New York Islanders, Brooklyn Boxing, and concerts.
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24
Brooklyn Children's Museum
Museum in Dumbo
The Brooklyn Children’s museum was founded in 1899 and was the first museum developed only for kids. With many permanent exhibitions and attractions, there is always something to see or do here. Overall, it’s a great place for family outings with the young ones.
Children are encouraged to play and experience numerous activities and exhibitions.
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25
Cyclone
Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
The famous roller coaster at Coney Island is one of the city’s landmarks. In countless movies it has been the scenery and had to withstand many forces of nature. The ride should not be underestimated – it is also a great memory of the original Coney Island.
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26
Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park
Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
A remnant from old times is Deno’s Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. Here you will find many rides, some of which are almost 100 years old.
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27
Luna Park
Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
The theme park in Coney Island is a must for young and old. Opening hours vary depending on the weather. Inform yourself before you plan a trip there. Characteristic for Coney Island is the nostalgic charm of the amusement park, which attracts thousands of people – especially New Yorkers – when the weather is good.
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28
New York Aquarium
Other Attraction in Coney Island & Brighton Beach
The sea creatures in the aquarium offer a nice alternative if the weather is not suitable for a visit to the beach. Here you can learn everything about the underwater world of the oceans.
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29
Westlight NYC
Rooftop Bar in WilliamsburgOur Highlight
The Westlight in Brooklyn is considered one of the most beautiful rooftop bars in New York – and rightly so! It belongs to The William Vale Hotel and has a rooftop bar, a lounge area, a bar and a restaurant. What distinguishes the Westlight from many other spots is the unspoilt panoramic view of Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan.
Get personal tips & tricks, specifically tailored to your trip!
We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!
All Brooklyn Attractions on a map
A map with all MUST SEE in Brooklyn can be found here – just click on “FULL MAP” if you want to see more. You can click on each spot on the map to find out everything you need to know!
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