What to Do in Brooklyn in One Day
Published 09/18/2017
Brooklyn, the reigning capital of cool—as well as home to stately townhouses, grand churches and enough residents to make it America’s fourth-largest city on its own—is an essential part of any NYC visit. Though 24 hours won’t be enough to cover everything, you can pack a lot of sights, sounds and tastes into one (busy) day in the borough. To get the most out of a short visit, follow our guide below.
1
Brooklyn Bridge
1
Tillary St. (at Adams St.)
Start your day by walking—or biking—across one of New York’s most recognizable landmarks. From the Manhattan side, enter the pedestrian path on Centre Street directly across from the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station. Borough to borough, your walk should take a little over 20 minutes (though you’ll surely pause along the way).
2
Brooklyn Bridge Park
2
334 Furman St.
Exit the bridge near this photo-ready green space, known for its sweeping views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. The park features a roller rink, food vendors and public art installations.
3
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
3
Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
This tree-lined walkway is your next stop along the Brooklyn waterfront. It’s a peaceful spot (even above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway) from which to take in more views of the East River and Lower Manhattan, along with those of the historic district’s landmark brownstones and mansions.
4
Tom’s Restaurant
4
782 Washington Ave.
Prospect Heights is just a couple of subway stops away from the cobblestone streets of Brooklyn Heights. Emerge near this classic diner, which has been family-owned and -operated since the 1930s. It serves up brunch favorites like lemon-ricotta pancakes, huevos rancheros and egg creams (a throwback NYC beverage). If there’s a line, the friendly staff will give you free coffee and orange slices while you wait.
5
Grand Army Plaza
5
Grand Army Plaza at Eastern Parkway
Next stop: Grand Army Plaza, whose memorial arch is a beaux-arts monument that marks the main entrance to Prospect Park. The plaza also holds the picturesque Bailey Fountain and, every Saturday, a greenmarket below the arch.
6
Prospect Park
6
95 Prospect Park West
Prospect Park is the borough’s backyard, bordering five Brooklyn neighborhoods and attracting more than 10 million visitors a year. Hiking, carousel riding and snacking at Smorgasburg are just a few of our favorite ways to explore the green space.
7
Brooklyn Museum
7
200 Eastern Pkwy.
Housing roughly 1.5 million works, the Brooklyn Museum’s art collection represents diverse cultures across nearly all of recorded history. Check out our complete guide to the museum for highlights like the Steinberg Family Sculpture Garden, the ancient Egyptian art exhibition and the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art.
8
Awoke Vintage
8
132 N. 5th St.
Hop back on the train and do some shopping in ever-trendy Williamsburg. Bedford Avenue is a go-to stretch for boutiques, bookstores and vintage shops, like this quirky spot tucked within the Williamsburg Mini Mall.
9
McCarren Park
9
Lorimer St. between Bayard St. and Driggs Ave.
McCarren is an area favorite for outdoor recreation, with sunbathers, ball players, joggers and walkers regularly filling its 35 acres. Stroll through the park to get from Williamsburg to Greenpoint (and vice-versa).
10
Five Leaves
10
18 Bedford Ave.
This cozy bistro is a prime spot for people-watching, whether from its nautically themed interior or its sidewalk seating across from McCarren Park. The food is on-trend and well executed. At dinner, expect to see kale salad, shishito peppers, truffle fries and the signature burger topped with fried pineapple and a sunny-side-up egg.
11
Brooklyn Bowl
11
61 Wythe Ave.
No day in Brooklyn is complete without dipping into the nightlife scene. Williamsburg has every kind of bar, including cocktail lounges, beer halls and a boozy video arcade. At the ever-popular Brooklyn Bowl, pair your nightcap with live music (including visits from touring acts) and, of course, a relaxing game of tenpin.