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.
