Best things to do in Brooklyn, 2026.

Red Hook Tavern graces our list of the best burgers in New York City, but not without reason. Inspired by classic taverns and steakhouses, Red Hook Tavern was opened in 2019 by the mastermind behind Hometown Bar-B-Que (arguably the best in NYC).

The juicy burgers at this beloved spot draw a local crowd, and I don’t use “crowd” loosely, the wait is upwards of an hour during weekends. Try to make a reservation or be prepared to wait. The small menu is a welcome change of pace, keeping the focus on some great appetizers, a few salads, and the burgers and steak. Doesn’t hurt that the restaurant oozes old-world charm, great vibes all around!

Brooklyn offers the most striking panoramic views of Manhattan’s iconic skyline, so it’s safe to say that visiting a rooftop bar is one of the most popular things to do in Brooklyn. I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that you’ve heard of the super famous rooftop bar in Williamsburg called Westlight (at the William Vale Hotel).

Well, same-day reservations are nearly impossible to score, so allow me to offer an equally great second option. Bar Blondeau at the Wythe Hotel. Located a mere two blocks from the Westlight, Bar Blondeau is much easier to get into last minute and the views are remarkable!

Sitting under the shadow of NYC’s most famous bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park is a beautiful 85-acre waterfront park that stretches 1.3 miles along the East River. Irresistible views of the Manhattan Skyline take center stage as happy couples pepper the lawn with picnic blankets and pizza boxes in tow. The park has a few attractions like playgrounds, sports fields, gardens, and a scenic promenade.

It’s very popular in the summer months when the park hosts outdoor movies. I always make sure to bring out-of-town guests here, especially at sunset. Nobody is immune from the magical feeling of seeing the skyline light up for the night. Relaxing in the park with your special someone is (easily) one of the most romantic things to do in Brooklyn.

The Brooklyn Museum is often overlooked by those visiting Brooklyn for the first time, which is a pity. One of the largest and oldest museums in the country, it was established in 1896 and houses an impressive collection of more than 500,000 objects.

The museum spans various cultures and time periods, displaying everything from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to contemporary art. Best known for the extensive collection of Egyptian antiquities, the Brooklyn Museum is a hit with locals due to the innovative rotating exhibits (that tackle social and political themes).

Some spots just hit different when you stumble on them yourself.

Founded in 1910, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a spot you can’t afford to miss while visiting Brooklyn. Spanning 52 acres, the garden is home to more than 14,000 varieties of plants and attracts nearly one million visitors per year.

I never get tired of this view.

It’s especially famous for the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, where over 200 cherry trees blossom in spectacular fashion. In fact, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is mentioned on our list of the best spots to see cherry blossoms in NYC.

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is an famous New York experience. Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is an architectural marvel that was deemed the longest suspension bridge in the world when it was built. Spanning about 1.1 miles over the East River, the bridge connects Brooklyn to Manhattan and takes about 30 minutes to cross. Offering stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline and the Statue of Liberty, this one of the coolest things to do in Brooklyn with kids in tow.

Did You Know? The Brooklyn Bridge is older than the Tower Bridge in London (by 11 years!). ReadThought-Provoking NYC Facts You Probably Don’t Know (Yet).

Spanning an impressive 35 acres, Industry City is a cool waterfront complex of abandoned buildings that have been transformed into a dynamic mix of local shops, breweries, and great restaurants. Known for hosting tons of seasonal events, the area is ripe for exploration!

Between the charming bookstores, incredible food, and top-notch sake brewery, you’ll find yourself occupied for an entire day. Any way you slice it, visiting Industry City is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn, so don’t miss it!

Green-Wood Cemetery spans 478 acres and the spring blooms simply can’t be beat. The highest concentration of cherry blossoms can be found in the Valley Water and Sylvan Water ponds. There’s also a fascinating art installation called Here Lie the Secrets of the Visitors of Green-Wood Cemetery. It’s a grave designed specifically for secrets! Visitors can write their most intimate secrets on a sheet of paper and finally lay them to rest.

Come early. Seriously. The crowds hit hard by noon.

In repurposing a massive waterfront warehouse, the Time Out Market is a glorious food hall that houses some of the best restaurants in NYC. This my go-to spot when traveling with a group of friends who never agree on where to eat because there’s something for everyone.

Make an effort to snatch an outdoor table on the rooftop (which has one of the best happy hours in NYC on weekdays from 4 pm-7 pm). You’d normally have to make reservations a month in advance and slip the host a crisp $20 bill for views like this (seriously).

Peter Luger has earned a reputation among locals for offering some of the best dry-aged steaks in New York. Opened in 1887, this cash-only, no-frills establishment is considered one of the most famous restaurants in New York City.

The restaurant’s unapologetic commitment to time-honored traditions and quality makes it a beloved staple for locals. Savvy tourists know to make the trek as well, eager to experience this quintessential New York dining institution steeped in history. All this to say, Peter Luger’s is one of the top spots to visit in Brooklyn for foodies.

Offering spectacular views of Manhattan and the Williamsburg Bridge, the park has a great playground, food stands, a dog run, and water features for kids to run wild. If you’re visiting Brooklyn with kids, you’ll want to add Domino Park to your Brooklyn Itinerary!

The Brooklyn Flea (located in DUMBO) is considered one of the best flea markets in NYC. Started in 2008, the market is open on Saturdays & Sundays from April through December. You can score vintage and handmade goods that support artsy locals and help keep waste out of landfills. If you’re into vintage shopping, I suggest spending some time perusing the market while visiting Brooklyn (you never know what you’ll find!).

Founded in 1976, the New York Transit Museum is located inside of a decommissioned subway station in Downtown Brooklyn. The museum offers a fascinating look at the city’s robust transportation system (one of the busiest and oldest in the world!).

Visiting the New York Transit Museum is a great Brooklyn activity for families with young kids. The museum covers a century of subway history through the use of vintage subway cars that date back to 1903. The cars display era-appropriate ads, which are both fascinating and comical.

You’ll find everything from old tokens and turnstiles to historical maps and signage, alongside interactive exhibits that tell the story of the immense effort and engineering feats behind New York’s impressive public transportation network. This Brooklyn museum provides a unique educational experience and a nostalgic trip down memory lane, it’s fun for the whole family!

Prospect Park was designed by Frederick Olmstead and Calvert Vaux (the architects responsible for designing Central Park). Much like Central Park, Prospect Park is massive and is full of pretty lawns, mature trees, and even areas for BBQ pits (take that, Central Park!).

Folks tend to congregate around the top attractions, like the Long Meadow (spanning 90 acres), the Prospect Park Zoo, the charming Boathouse, the Picnic House, and Concert Grove. If you’re visiting during the summer, check out the list of free concerts hosted at the Prospect Park Bandshell. Locals tend to outnumber tourists, so the vibe is more relaxed.

But mind you, there are some heated debates between New Yorkers as to which park is best, since both Brooklyn residents and Manhattan residents are passionate people. Regardless of the wrangle, one thing is certain, relaxing at Prospect Park is easily one of the most relaxing things to do in Brooklyn.

Coney Island is a legendary amusement park in Brooklyn, New York. A place steeped in nostalgia and brimming with thrill-seekers, this famous destination has been a local hotspot for decades. Known as the site of America’s first roller coaster (the “Switchback Railway” which opened in 1884), Coney Island is home to the famous Cyclone roller coaster, a landmark since 1927.

The area draws millions of visitors each year, not just for its rides, but also for the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest, a quirky Fourth of July tradition since 1916. Besides the adrenaline-pumping amusement parks, Coney Island is home to the New York Aquarium, a famous boardwalk, and sandy beaches. If you have the time to spare, spending a day at Coney Island is one of the most famous things to do in Brooklyn.

Few neighborhoods in NYC go all out for the holidays like Dyker Heights. The neighborhood has become the go-to spot for Christmas (and Halloween) decorations, but not without reason.

Residents spare no expense when decorating their homes with outlandish displays. There’s definitely a sense of (friendly) competition among neighbors! Just when you think you’ve seen the brightest, most colorful house, boom! There’s a more impressive one down the block. This neighborhood is worth a detour for anyone researching the best things to do in Brooklyn during Christmas.

My adviceDyker Heights Christmas Light (DHCL) is a tourism company run by the residents of Dyker Heights. The company offers bus-tours of the neighborhood (paid) with convenient pick-up and drop-off points in Manhattan.