Brooklyn Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Brooklyn Bridge Park showing a city, a bridge and a river or creek
Brooklyn
Brooklyn Museum which includes interior views and heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Brooklyn featuring night scenes, a city and skyline
Brooklyn

Brooklyn Travel Guide Video

Feel the energy of this bustling neighbourhood and sample the latest offerings of this great borough, all set against the backdrop of the iconic Manhattan skyline.

Brooklyn is the hub of all things creative. Characterised by thriving arts and music venues, and home to contemporary fashion outlets, bars and restaurants, this borough offers you the best of cutting-edge New York.

Brooklyn’s history maybe hints at its current trend-setting status. It only became part of New York at the end of the 19th century, and its population was faced with tough living conditions and high levels of crime. Far from keeping people away, this rugged history has attracted everyone from families to students and young professionals, and it is now New York’s most densely-populated borough.

You’ll find the streets of Brooklyn buzzing with life, lined with street vendors and pavement cafés. For the best vintage clothes and collectibles, don’t miss the many flea markets and shops in the Williamsburg area. In particular, Bedford Avenue offers many charming cafés and boutiques. Or why not head to Greenpoint to visit Five Leaves Café, Bar and Oysters, designed by the late Heath Ledger, for a bite to eat? From gourmet restaurants to the award-winning Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (don’t forget to try a scoop) via some of the best Italian pizza, pasta and gelato, Brooklyn caters for all food tastes.

Brooklyn’s beautiful parks offer a perfect way to work off some of this calorific indulgence, or simply to relax. The borough’s Prospect Park was designed by the same team that was responsible for the city’s iconic Central Park. Or alternatively, visit Sunset Park where you’ll have the chance to explore Brooklyn’s own Chinatown. For the more adventurous, and season and weather permitting, take a dip in the public pool at McCarren Park or spend an evening at the outdoor cinema.

If you choose only one activity in Brooklyn, make it a walk across the famous Brooklyn Bridge to Manhattan. With a span of nearly 2 kilometres, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the New York skyline. Why not stop in the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park? Or wander around the prestigious Dumbo area to view multi-million dollar developments? This is true luxury New York style!

Brooklyn also showcases a vibrant art scene, with a vast choice of independent galleries both in Williamsburg and across the borough. This provides a platform for all the emerging talent that Brooklyn is so famous for. Alongside, you’ll find many spaces dedicated to established internationally-recognised artists and photographers. Make sure you don’t miss the fascinating Brooklyn Museum with both its long-term installations and ever-changing programme of exhibitions covering art and culture from across the centuries.

EVEN Hotel Brooklyn by IHG

EVEN Hotel Brooklyn by IHG

4 out of 5
46 Nevins Street, Brooklyn, NY
The price is NZ$356 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$356
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Brooklyn. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,475 reviews)
"This place is perfectly located in Brooklyn! Walkable to Brooklyn Bridge & zoo & botanical garden and so many subway stops nearby. I went from here to Manhattan no problem and sane to Aquarium. Loved yoga and flex bands in room. Workout room nice. Def staying here again"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

EVEN Hotel Brooklyn by IHG
The Lodge Red Hook

The Lodge Red Hook

3 out of 5
17 Seabring Street, Brooklyn, NY
The price is NZ$262 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
NZ$262
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Brooklyn. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,328 reviews)
"The breakfast crew was awesome!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

The Lodge Red Hook
Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel

Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel

4 out of 5
228 Duffield Street, Brooklyn, NY
The price is NZ$251 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$251
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Brooklyn. Enjoy room service, WiFi (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,271 reviews)
"Convenient location to everything, shopping, restaurants, grocery stores, discount stores, subway, buses. Everything is within walking distance"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Sheraton Brooklyn New York Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aura Hotel Brooklyn

Aura Hotel Brooklyn

3.5 out of 5
56 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, NY
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Brooklyn. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,108 reviews)
"Comfortable bed, nice that there are only 5 or so rooms per floor. Liked the apartment-ish vibe with the microwave, mini-fridge, and sink. It was easier to keep groceries and cut down on the cost of eating out. Definitely worse for wear in some areas (peeling paint, stained/dented walls) but overall ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 2025

Aura Hotel Brooklyn
Luxury Cozy 1-bedroom Brooklyn Brownstone

Luxury Cozy 1-bedroom Brooklyn Brownstone

Brooklyn
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Brooklyn. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Barclays Center ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3 reviews)
"This spot was what we'd hoped it'd be for our trip. It's within convenient reaches of the 2,3,4,5 trains, is in a beautiful and safe area, slept our family sufficiently, and had a WASHER/DRYER combo!!The communication was excellent from the host and though we had our reservation cut then reinstated ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

Luxury Cozy 1-bedroom Brooklyn Brownstone
Charming 2-bedroom Brownstone with Bar and Balcony in enchanting Brooklyn

Charming 2-bedroom Brownstone with Bar and Balcony in enchanting Brooklyn

Brooklyn
Stay at this vacation home in Brooklyn. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Barclays Center Brooklyn and Brooklyn Cruise ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (6 reviews)
"Great location and place to stay!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul. 2025

Charming 2-bedroom Brownstone with Bar and Balcony in enchanting Brooklyn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Brooklyn