Top Things to See and Do in Williamsburg

People browsing clothes and accessories outside shops on a city sidewalk.

Awoke Vintage. Photo: Victor Llorente

Find Your Next Hip Outfit

Awoke specializes in fun, casual vintage pieces—clothing and accessories—that make you want to keep browsing for more.

A busy outdoor café with people sitting at tables, umbrellas, and trees along a sidewalk.

Brooklyn Winery. Photo: Vincent Tullo

Sip and Snack at a Winery

You can tour Brooklyn Winery to learn about the production process or just make a visit to the tasting room to sample the goods (along with food that complements the wines).

City skyline with tall buildings, bridge, train, and sunset sky with clouds and colorful hues.

Williamsburg Bridge. Photo: Julienne Schaer

Take in City Views from the Bridge

While other bridges may get more acclaim and foot traffic, the Williamsburg Bridge has great views and is both walkable and bikeable.

Two women walk on a paved path in a park with green grass, trees, and people in the background.

McCarren Park. Photo: Julienne Schaer

Hang Out with Locals in the Park

The playground of the neighborhood, McCarren Park has soccer fields, tennis courts, movie screenings, a farmers’ market and plenty of space to lounge around when the weather allows.

People sitting at tables on a rooftop patio overlooking a city skyline at sunset.

Courtesy, The William Vale

Head to the Top of the William Vale

The rooftop bar at this hotel serves up fancy cocktails and refined snacks with a side of skyline.

People sitting at a table with plates of salads, wine glasses, a flower centerpiece, and cutlery.

Leuca. Photo: Amy Lombard

Dig Into a Modern Italian Feast

Andrew Carmellini’s Leuca has Southern Italian flavors down pat, with meats and pizzas from a wood-fired grill, rustic pastas and a three-course Sunday Supper.

Four people sitting on a boat with a city skyline and bridge in the background.

NYC Ferry. Photo: Daniel Harel

Hop on the NYC Ferry

The ferry along the East River has two terminals in Wiliamsburg—at the north and south ends of the neighborhood—but one advantage of hopping on is getting to see the neighborhood itself from the water.

A vintage store with display cases, wall photos, and a sign reading Petrellas Point.

Courtesy, The City Reliquary Museum

Check Out New York City History

City Reliquary is really one of a kind. A small room holds a varied and fascinating collection of NYC ephemera—a delight for anyone interested in local curiosities.

People shopping, one person wearing a long polka dot dress and black boots.

Seven Wonders Collective. Photo: Gabby Jones

Keep Shopping for Vintage Finds

Multiple vendors come together at this secondhand-clothing collective.

A body of water with rocks along the shore and a city skyline in the background.

Marsha P. Johnson State Park. Photo: Jeanette Spicer

Honor an NYC Activist

Named for the trans activist who played a crucial role in the fight for LGBTQ rights, Marsha P. Johnson State Park holds spots for low-key recreation, community events and quiet contemplation.

A city skyline with tall buildings and a river, in the background, with a busy outdoor market in the foreground.

Smorgasburg. Photo: Grace Jeon

Taste the Flavors of the World

One other thing in Marsha P. Johnson State Park: Smorgasburg, which takes place Saturdays. You’ll get to try foods from all types of vendors.

A city street with a large mural of a girl on a building, people walking, cars parked.

Williamsburg murals. Photo: Julienne Schaer

Admire the Street Art

The longtime artsy side of the neighborhood frequently shows up on doors and walls, including the above, sometimes referred to as the "Mona Lisa of Williamsburg" This is just one article that can help point the way.

Two people with bicycles stand by a river, looking at a bridge with city buildings behind.

Williamsburg waterfront. Photo: Daniel Harel

Bike Along the Brooklyn Waterfront

Going on two wheels along the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway is a lovely way to take in some verdant urban landscape and East River views.

A dimly lit theater with red chairs and tables, large screen showing a jungle scene.

Nitehawk Cinema. Photo: Liz Clayman

Dinner and a Movie . . . at the Same Time and Place

It might seem old hat by now, but movie theaters that had food service and cocktails did not always exist. This location of Nitehawk was the first such spot in New York State.

People sitting and walking by a river with a city skyline in the background. Green trees and grass.

Domino Park. Photo: Daniel Harel

Take a Waterfront Walk Where the Past and Present Meet

Domino Park, a redevelopment of the Domino Sugar Refinery—whose factory shell still stands—that operated here, features elements of its industrial history along a scenic green riverside stretch. Play volleyball, hit the farmers’ market, take in the water views or just stare the mighty facade converted sugar warehouse.