Fun fact: Brooklyn really was its own city, once upon a time, before it was consolidated into New York City in 1898. Regardless, there’s still more than enough to do here that could fill a visitor’s whole week let alone a weekend, without ever stepping foot in Manhattan.

This abbreviated guide (it’s really just scratching the surface of Brooklyn) will walk you through some of the best spots to check out over a weekend—no need for a packed itinerary, just a good pair of shoes. And yes, while you can take the subway very easily around here—except maybe on weekends, given inevitable and perpetual subway work—I think walking is the best way to see a given neighborhood, and then I like taking the bus between neighborhoods. The buses are often cleaner and less crowded than the subway, and you get a nice view.

Also note, I don’t shop much—I don’t like shopping in-person and prefer to do so online. The exception being independent bookstores and wine shops, thus why that section is so short.

Where to Go

Brooklyn Museum: An impressive art museum offering diverse exhibitions that range from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art. It’s also home to the renowned Feminist Art Center, including Judy Chicago’s iconic "The Dinner Party."

New York Transit Museum: Located in a decommissioned subway station, this museum dives into the history of New York City's public transportation system. It's a fascinating spot for anyone interested in the inner workings of the city’s iconic subway.

Brooklyn Bridge Park: A stunning waterfront park with breathtaking views of Manhattan, offering everything from bike paths to playgrounds. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with a skyline backdrop.

Prospect Park: Designed by the same landscape architects behind Central Park, Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s backyard. It’s perfect for outdoor activities, with acres of green space, a lake, and even a zoo.

Domino Park: Built on the site of a former sugar refinery, this waterfront park in Williamsburg offers a unique blend of industrial history and modern recreation. It’s a great place to relax, with a playground, dog run, and taco stand.

Sunset Park: This vibrant neighborhood is known for its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty. The park itself is a great spot for a picnic, and the area boasts a diverse food scene.

Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club: A lively venue that brings a bit of Floridian flair to Brooklyn, with indoor shuffleboard courts, tropical drinks, and a fun, laid-back vibe. It’s a great place to unwind with friends.

Nitehawk Cinema: A beloved indie theater that pairs first-run and classic films with a full menu of food and drinks. It’s the perfect place to catch a movie and enjoy a meal or cocktail, all from the comfort of your seat.

Where to Shop

Books Are Magic: An independent bookstore owned by novelist Emma Straub, offering a well-curated selection of books and frequent author events. It’s a cozy, welcoming spot for book lovers of all kinds.

The Ripped Bodice: The only bookstore in Brooklyn dedicated entirely to romance novels, offering everything from classic love stories to contemporary tales. It’s a special and charming spot for romance enthusiasts.

Where to Grab a Bite to Eat

Bien Cuit: A bakery known for its perfectly baked bread and pastries, including the popular "Bien Cuit" loaf, which has a deep, caramelized crust.

Bagel Pub: A local favorite for bagels, offering a wide range of flavors and spreads. It’s the perfect spot to grab a classic New York bagel with a schmear or one of their creative specialty sandwiches.

Doughnut Plant: Famous for their innovative flavors and square-shaped doughnuts, their offerings are made with high-quality ingredients and come in both cake and yeast varieties. My favorites include the peanut butter and jelly as well as the vegan strawberry—don’t let the word vegan put you off, either, until you try this one.

DeKalb Market Hall: A bustling food hall in Downtown Brooklyn with a diverse array of vendors offering everything from Korean BBQ to NYC-style pizza. It’s a great spot to sample a variety of cuisines in one place. My favorite is the sesame noodles at Hana Noodle Station.

Ample Hills Creamery: An iconic Brooklyn ice cream shop known for its whimsical flavors and creamy texture. Each scoop is made with locally sourced ingredients, making it a delicious treat on a hot day.

Milk Bar: A bakery that’s famous for its creative takes on classic desserts, like the Compost Cookie and Cereal Milk Soft Serve. It’s a fun, indulgent stop for dessert lovers.

Where to Eat Lunch or Dinner

Hoek Pizza: A Red Hook gem known for its thin-crust, wood-fired pizzas made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The cozy, casual setting makes it a great spot for a laid-back meal. And on summer evenings, it’s lovely to sit outside with a glass of wine and a slice and watch the sunset over the water.

Claro: A Michelin-starred restaurant in Gowanus offering Oaxacan-inspired dishes with a focus on handmade tortillas and seasonal ingredients. The backyard patio is perfect for al fresco dining.

Al Di La: A long-standing favorite in Park Slope, Al Di La serves up Northern Italian cuisine in a cozy, rustic setting. The homemade pastas and Venetian-inspired dishes are not to be missed. And if the dining room is full, you can usually find a table in the small downstairs cafe setup around the corner.

Colonia Verde: A warm, inviting spot in Fort Greene that offers a Latin American-inspired menu with a focus on wood-fired cooking. The open-air garden (covered when it rains or it’s too hot out, so they turn up the AC) is a great place to enjoy a leisurely meal, either at lunch or dinner.

Colonie: A farm-to-table restaurant in Brooklyn Heights offering seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The space is sleek and modern, with an open kitchen that adds to the dining experience. The portions are generous, but they’ll be more than happy to box anything up for you at the end of the meal.

Lucali: One of Brooklyn’s most famous pizzerias, known for its incredible thin-crust pies. Be prepared to wait (maybe bring some canned wine), but it’s well worth it for what many consider the best pizza in New York.

Olmsted: A Prospect Heights restaurant that focuses on hyper-local ingredients, many of which are grown in the restaurant’s own garden. Also don’t skip the bread basket.

Where to Have Brunch

Miriam: A popular spot in Park Slope offering Israeli-inspired brunch dishes like shakshuka and labneh. The cozy, casual vibe makes it a perfect weekend brunch destination.

Sunday in Brooklyn: There are pancakes, and there are Pancakes because the ones at Sunday in Brooklyn are so good they deserve to be a proper noun. Known for its famous malted pancakes, this Williamsburg spot offers a creative brunch menu with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Absolutely make a reservation.

Vinegar Hill House: Tucked away in a quiet corner of Brooklyn, Vinegar Hill House offers a rustic, homey atmosphere and a brunch menu that features hearty, farm-to-table dishes. The pancakes are made to order and the incorporated fruit changes regularly depending on the season.

French Louie: A Boerum Hill bistro that blends French and American flavors in its brunch menu, with options ranging from croque madame to buttermilk pancakes. The outdoor seating is perfect for people-watching.

Where to Drink

June: A natural wine bar in Cobble Hill offering an extensive selection of organic and biodynamic wines. The cozy, dimly lit space is ideal for a relaxed evening out or date night.

Place des Fêtes: A small, intimate bar in Clinton Hill that focuses on natural wines and small plates (you’ll want to order several) with a Mediterranean influence. It’s the definition of a hidden gem with a welcoming, neighborhood vibe.

LaLou: A wine bar in Prospect Heights with a carefully curated list of natural wines and a menu of small plates that pair perfectly with your drink. The atmosphere is casual yet sophisticated.

Lavender Lake: Previously in Gowanus but relocated to Williamsburg, this bar offers a spacious dining room and bar area with a menu of craft cocktails and comfort food. It’s a great spot to unwind with friends in a laid-back setting. They also have one of the best weekly trivia nights in the city.

Halyards: The closest you’re going to get to a port-side dive bar without actually being near the water. (Unless you count the Gowanus Canal…) This no-frills bar in Gowanus offers a solid selection of beers, cocktails, and a pool table. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for a low-key night with friends.

Ginger's Bar: The only Lesbian bar in Brooklyn, it has a welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of drinks. It’s also a good spot for watching Gotham FC and other women’s sports games.

Clover Club: A solid choice on Smith Street in Cobble Hill, this stylish cocktail bar is known for its expertly crafted drinks and vintage-inspired décor. It’s a perfect spot for a date night or a special occasion.

Weather Up: A cocktail bar in Prospect Heights that focuses on classic drinks with a modern twist. The dim lighting and elegant interior make it a great place for a quiet drink.

Blueprint: A cozy bar in Park Slope offering a menu of well-made cocktails and small plates.

Dirty Precious: A Gowanus bar with a playful atmosphere and a menu of inventive cocktails. It’s a fun spot for a night out, with a mix of indoor and outdoor seating.

Rooftop Reds: The world’s first commercially viable rooftop vineyard, located in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Enjoy a glass of wine with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline on the weekend. During the summer, the winery hosts movie screening nights.

Red Hook Winery: Situated on the waterfront, this winery offers a selection of wines made from New York State grapes. The laid-back tasting room is a great place to sample local wines.

Finback Brewery: A brewery in Gowanus offering a rotating selection of craft beers, from IPAs to stouts. The spacious taproom is perfect for sampling a few brews with friends.

Strong Rope Brewery: A family-owned brewery in Gowanus that focuses on using New York State ingredients. The taproom has a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, with board games on the tables available for patrons. Also very dog-friendly.

Where to Stay

Arlo Williamsburg: A modern hotel with a minimalist design, offering comfortable rooms and a rooftop with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s a great base for exploring Williamsburg.

The William Vale: A luxury hotel in Williamsburg known for its sleek design and incredible rooftop pool. The rooms are stylish and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views.

Wythe Hotel: A boutique hotel in a converted factory, blending industrial design with modern comforts. Located in the heart of Williamsburg, it’s a favorite among travelers looking for something unique. Also don’t miss Bar Blondeau (previously known as Lemon’s), a sleek cocktail bar with unobstructed views of Manhattan and a menu featuring plenty of innovative cocktails and zero-proof drinks.

The Hoxton Williamsburg: A trendy hotel that combines contemporary design with a cozy atmosphere. True to the Hoxton brand around the world, the communal spaces on the lobby level are ideal for socializing and working remotely.

A Weekend Guide to Brooklyn