Things to Do in Brooklyn
The bridge, the waterfront parks, brownstone neighborhoods and the beach at Coney Island.
See top-rated activities »About Brooklyn
Brooklyn would be one of the largest cities in the country on its own, and it was an independent city until it joined New York in 1898. The classic way in is on foot across the Brooklyn Bridge, opened in 1883 and the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world. The walkway runs above the traffic for about a mile from City Hall in Manhattan to the foot of Brooklyn Heights, with the skyline behind you the whole way; go early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
At the Brooklyn end, DUMBO, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a former warehouse district of cobbled streets, galleries and cafes, with the much-photographed view of the Manhattan Bridge framed between buildings on Washington Street. Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches along the waterfront below, with lawns, piers, sports fields and Jane's Carousel in a glass pavilion by the river. Up the hill, the Brooklyn Heights Promenade looks across the harbor at Lower Manhattan.
Inland, Prospect Park was designed by Olmsted and Vaux after they finished Central Park, and many think it is the better of the two. Around it are the Brooklyn Museum, with large Egyptian and American collections, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, famous for its cherry trees in spring. North along the East River, Williamsburg and Greenpoint are known for bars, music venues, vintage shops and waterfront parks, and the Smorgasburg food market draws big crowds on weekends from spring to fall.
At the end of several subway lines, Coney Island is the city's classic beach and boardwalk. The wooden Cyclone roller coaster of 1927 and the Wonder Wheel of 1920 still run, alongside the newer rides of Luna Park, and the New York Aquarium sits beside the boardwalk. Nathan's Famous has sold hot dogs on Surf Avenue since 1916. Next door, Brighton Beach is home to a large Russian and Ukrainian community, with markets and restaurants to match.
Don’t Miss
An 1883 suspension bridge with a raised pedestrian walkway and skyline views.
A waterfront park on old piers, with lawns, playgrounds and Jane's Carousel.
One of the largest art museums in the city, with strong Egyptian and feminist art collections.
A 52-acre garden known for its cherry blossoms, Japanese garden and rose garden.
Olmsted and Vaux's Brooklyn park, with a long meadow, a lake and a zoo.
Boardwalk rides, including the historic Cyclone roller coaster.
Sharks, sea lions and sea otters beside the Coney Island boardwalk.
Top-Rated Tours, Tickets & Activities in Brooklyn
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ViatorTours, tickets, prices and reviews from Viator (a Tripadvisor company) and Tiqets — prices are per person, from, and were checked October 28, 2026. See & Do NY may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you.
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Get free trip quotes »Brooklyn — FAQ
Which way should I walk the Brooklyn Bridge?
Starting in Brooklyn and walking toward Manhattan keeps the skyline in front of you. Either way, stay in the pedestrian lane, watch for cyclists and go early to avoid the midday crowds.
How do I get to Coney Island?
The D, F, N and Q subway lines all end at Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue, about an hour from Midtown. The beach and boardwalk are free; rides are paid individually or with passes.
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