Downtown Brooklyn Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A bridge with a large arch and a building with a 'Santander' sign.
A city street lined with modern buildings, a bridge, and a flag.
A busy urban street with a prominent bridge in the background.
A weathered brick building with arched windows and a sign that reads "west elm".
A brick building with arched windows and a large bridge in the background.

Brooklyn’s signature medley of old and new provides the backdrop to this revitalized district, where you’ll find fresh arts venues behind historic streetscapes.

Experience the lively pace of Downtown Brooklyn, a centrally located neighbourhood formerly known for the towering high-rises of its business district. Today, Downtown Brooklyn has refreshed its tree-lined streets and ushered in a lively arts community. Go shopping in outdoor malls, see what’s playing at a performing arts venue or watch a sports event at a local college campus. Select from a wide range of tastes at Downtown Brooklyn’s collection of acclaimed restaurants and vendors.

Get a sense of Downtown Brooklyn’s historic architecture at Brooklyn Borough Hall, one of the borough’s oldest and most important heritage structures. Other architectural landmarks include the heritage-listed Federal Building and Post Office and towering One Hanson Place, formerly the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower. Check out the eclectic mix of stores represented by the Fulton Street Mall. This open-air mall has a wide range of chain stores, independent boutiques and discount outlets.

Stroll along Downtown Brooklyn’s leafy thoroughfares, where pretty old brownstones line the streets. Make your way to the neighbourhood’s cultural precinct to find an exciting programme of daily events, shows and exhibitions. Visit the Theatre for a New Audience, BRIC Arts Media House, Brooklyn Academy of Music or New York Transit Museum. Art installations, live shows and special events are regularly held at MetroTech Commons. See what’s showing at Barclays Centre, which regularly hosts basketball and boxing matches.

Breathe the fresh air at Cadman Plaza Park. Walk between parks all the way from Brooklyn Borough Hall to the Brooklyn Bridge. Head to the northeastern corner of Downtown Brooklyn and Bridge Plaza to observe river and skyline views.

Taste flavours from around the world at Downtown Brooklyn’s cafés and restaurants. Visit Michelin-starred establishments or get acquainted with local vendors serving freshly made snacks.

Downtown Brooklyn is located in the northwestern section of the borough of Brooklyn. Reach the area easily via many subway and bus lines. Alternatively, stay in one of Downtown Brooklyn’s hotels and explore the neighbourhood on foot.


Stay near popular Downtown Brooklyn attractions

Activities


Our pick of the best Downtown Brooklyn Hotel Deals

Row Nyc

Row Nyc

4 out of 5
700 8th Avenue New York NY
The price is NZ$368 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$368
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Popular attractions Times Square and Broadway are located nearby.
8.2/10 Very good! (1,257 reviews)
"Room was nice, great location, very long check in line. Expedia advertises free breakfast, but that is NOT true when booking through them. The manager was very understanding and did comp our breakfast one day. I would stay there again!"

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2026

Row Nyc
Hyatt Grand Central New York

Hyatt Grand Central New York

4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street New York NY
The price is NZ$444 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$444
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very good! (7,639 reviews)
"Next bus stops and subway station"

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2026

Hyatt Grand Central New York
Lotte New York Palace

Lotte New York Palace

4.5 out of 5
455 Madison Ave New York NY
The price is NZ$1,053 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$1,053
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in New York. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,217 reviews)
"The room was well maintained cleaning staff exceptionally helpful. Reception and door staff very pleasant and welcoming"

Reviewed on 26 Aug 2026

Lotte New York Palace
NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave. New York NY
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$349 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
NZ$349
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in New York. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave New York NY
The price is NZ$374 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$374
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel

PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager hotel

4 out of 5
215 Chrystie St New York NY
The price is NZ$527 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
NZ$527
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 6 bars/lounges and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
PUBLIC, an Ian Schrager 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.

Our guide on where to stay in Downtown Brooklyn

Find the best Downtown Brooklyn areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown Brooklyn
Learn more about Downtown Brooklyn

Brooklyn

Known for its great live music and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in Brooklyn. You can visit top attractions like Barclays Center Brooklyn and Brooklyn Bridge, and jump on the metro at Kingston - Throop Avs. Station or Nostrand Av. Station (Fulton St.) to see more of the city.

Midtown

Times Square and Rockefeller Center are a few top attractions in Midtown. Hop around the city on the metro at 42 St. - Bryant Pk. Station or Times Sq. - 42 St. Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, soaring skyscrapers and acclaimed art galleries.

Bronx

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Bronx. If sightseeing is on the list, Yankee Stadium is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Bronx Park East Station or E 180 St. Station to see more of the area.

Central New York City

Known for its soaring skyscrapers and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Central New York City. Check out top attractions like Times Square and Rockefeller Center, and jump on the metro at 49th St. Station or 50 St. Station (Broadway) to see more of the city.

Chelsea

Chelsea is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Madison Square Garden and Joyce Theater. See more of New York by jumping on the metro at 23 St. Station (8th Av.) or 23 St. Station (7th Av.).



Downtown Brooklyn Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip:

Explore a world of travel with Expedia