18 WONDERFUL Things to Do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

A local covers the best things to do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Once an industrial waterfront district, Williamsburg has undergone a significant transformation in the past decade. Vacant warehouses and factories have been converted into art studios, trendy shops, and chic restaurants. There’s a gravitational pull to this area for locals are visitors alike, here’s a handful of fun things to do in the area.

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Things to Do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Table of Contents: Fun Things to Do Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Table of Contents: Williamsburg Things to Do

Things to Do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Quick Recap of the Best Things to Do in Williamsburg NYC
- Further Reading for Williamsburg
- Further Reading for Brooklyn
Things to Do Williamsburg (Helpful Map)

Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out my helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (10 Best Neighborhoods +3 to Avoid). Don’t have time? Here’s my favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.

Domino Park Sunset, romantic things to do Williamsburg

Catch Sunset at Domino Park

Address: 15 River St, Brooklyn, NY

Hanging out at Domino Park is one of the best things to do in Williamsburg thanks to the impressive Manhattan skyline that looms across the East River. The views are unrivaled and there’s a magic that comes with being by the water (especially during sunrise & sunset!).

The five-acre park sits on the Williamsburg waterfront and offers ample seating facing the water which many New Yorkers come to clear their minds. They have giant reclining chairs that are a great place to tan or otherwise just enjoy the view.

Domino Park is also a great place to bring kids to burn off energy if you’re in need of a break. Along with plenty of room to run around there is also a playground for kids to enjoy. With that said, during the summer you’ll find all the kiddos swarming around the two water features the park offers in a blissful frenzy. It’ll be hard finding a better thing to do in Williamsburg with kids!

Sift Through the Racks at Awoke Vintage

Website: Awoke Vintage
Address: 132 N 5th St, Brooklyn, NY

Awoke Vintage is gaining popularity, and rightfully so. Starting as a single store in Williamsburg, it has expanded to three thrift stores across New York City in just a decade. The shop has a delightful charm, and its inviting neon sign outside makes it impossible not to stop by—it’s one of the best things to do in Williamsburg.

Thrift shopping in NYC can be hit or miss, but Awoke Vintage has made it easier. Just follow them on Instagram, check out their stories, and message them if you see something you like. They’ll send you an invoice, and you have an hour to pay before the item goes back on the shelf. Plus, you can choose to have it shipped or pick it up in-store.

Here is a quick round-up of other great vintage stores in Williamsburg:

Brooklyn Woke Vintage | 158 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
Chickee’s Vintage | 135 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249, United States
L Train Vintage | 629 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States
Monk Vintage | 500 Driggs Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211, United States

Enjoy Drinks at Westlight Rooftop Bar

Website: Westlight
Address: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn, NY

What better backdrop for a photo than the sweeping views of New York City? Westlight is one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn located on the 22nd floor of The William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg.

The meticulously crafted drinks and delectable small bites are just a few reasons why a visit to Westlight is considered one of the best things to do in Williamsburg. With floor-to-ceiling glass panels, this Brooklyn rooftop bar provides a 360° view of the city.

This is my go-to rooftop bar in Brooklyn and one of my favorite things to do in Williamsburg when I have friends visiting from out of town. After every visit, I fall more in love with the NYC skyline. I highly recommend ordering the fries here, I dream about them often!

Celebrate a Special Occasion at Peter Luger

Website: Peter Luger
Address: 178 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY

Enjoying the unforgettable steaks at Peter Luger is a top-notch experience in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Dating back to 1887, this cash-only establishment takes great pride in focusing on perfectly cooked dry-aged steaks and keeps frills to a minimum (luckily for us).

We celebrated my husband’s birthday at this iconic NYC restaurant and landed in the porterhouse for two. The steak came out sizzling hot (generously buttered, of course), and within one bite we found ourselves speechless. The filet minion portion of the cut had a velvety smooth texture that is hard to put into words and get out of your head.

Local’s Tip: If you’re visiting during the lunch hour make sure to order the burger (often considered one of the best burgers in New York City).

Spend a Rainy Day at McNally Jackson

Website: McNally Jackson
Address: 76 N 4th St Unit G, Brooklyn, NY

When looking for charming New York City bookshops, run, don’t walk, to McNally Jackson. This beloved bookstore was originally founded in 2004 by Sarah McNally.

The flagship store is located in the heart of SoHo and — to nobody’s surprise — spread like wildfire over the course of 15 years. There are currently three locations across NYC and one of them happens to be in Williamsburg. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Williamsburg, the bookshop is huge, clean, and modern. It’s easy to get lost among the shelves as you pick up titles that catch your eye, looking for gems.

The bookstore is warm and inviting for people of all backgrounds so it has become a neighborhood hub for bookworms. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Williamsburg with kids since they have a dedicated seating area and book selection.

Eat Your Weight at Smorgasburg

Address: Marsha P. Johnson State Park, 90 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY

One of the top things to do in Williamsburg for foodies is Smorgasburg, often dubbed “The Woodstock of Eating.” It’s a highly anticipated event in NYC during spring, gaining the title of the largest weekly outdoor food market in the U.S. With vendors from across the city gathering in one place, you can sample a wide array of cuisines.

The Williamsburg location, held at Marsha P. Johnson State Park every Saturday from April to October, is the original and most popular spot. With over 60 vendors, it’s a food lover’s paradise, attracting 20,000-30,000 visitors weekly.

Enjoy a Pint at Brooklyn Brewery

Website: Brooklyn Brewery
Address: 79 N 11th St, Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn Brewery needs no introduction. This New York City microbrewery has made headlines for its perfectly balanced lagers that can be found in stores across the country, heck I even saw them in a grocery store in Paris.

Visiting has to be one of the best things to do in Williamsburg whether it’s for a casual hangout or date night. You’re greeted by cozy leather couches, wood-trimmed everything, and ample picnic tables. Come to think of it, it’s very reminiscent of those epic basement hangouts we all dreamed of in high school.

And as if it wasn’t already one of the best things to do in Williamsburg, the Brooklyn Brewery makes ordering a breeze. Every table is equipped with a QR code, simply scan and place your order. The food and drinks will be delivered when ready!

Locals tip: Brooklyn Brewery offers brewery tours, if interested, you can read about the small batch tours

Brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn

Website: Sunday in Brooklyn
Address: 348 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Sunday in Brooklyn is a neighborhood favorite, aiming to be a go-to spot for cocktails, dinner, and the best brunch in NYC. With an open and bright feel, including a summer rooftop garden and wood-burning ovens in winter, it’s a perfect hangout.

Their standout dishes include cheddar biscuits with sausage gravy and thick pancakes with hazelnut maple praline syrup. Whether lounging in the living room-like atmosphere or enjoying the seasonal delights, brunch on Sunday in Brooklyn is a top pick in Williamsburg.

Relax at McCarren Park

Address: 776 Lorimer St, Brooklyn, NY

Right on the border between Williamsburg and Greenpoint, McCarren Park is a hotbed for anyone hoping for a breath of fresh air. It’s impressive that the more than 100-year-old park has managed to remain a popular stomping ground for locals.

The park has plenty of fields and courts that enable you to partake in a variety of sports. The ability to play soccer, softball, tennis, and volleyball all within the park makes visiting one of the best things to do in Williamsburg. As you’d expect, this is also one of the best things to do in Williamsburg with kids. With tiny NYC apartments, the park is a gem that provides energetic littles to burn off some steam.

The park even has a pool! Since it’s operated by the city you can enjoy one of the best things to do in Williamsburg for free, the pool will only cost you a brief wait in line! For opening dates check the NYC Park’s website.

Score Reservations at Misi

Website: Misi
Address: 329 Kent Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Before I receive any hate mail, yes I am fully aware Misi is a new kid on the block in a town full of historic Italian restaurants. However, I’d be remiss not to mention it as one of the best things to do in Williamsburg, the food is damn good!

Misi makes all their pasta by hand and every bite is a testament to their skill. I’ve tried the spinach and mascarpone-filled Tortelli, sheep’s milk ricotta-filled occhi, and buffalo butter fettuccine, and making me choose just one is akin to making me pick a favorite child.

And do yourself a favor, when visiting make sure to order the whipped ricotta toast, you’ll thank me later. Pair it all with a glass of wine and you’ll understand why enjoying a meal at Misi is easily one of the best things to do in Williamsburg!

Best coffee shops NYC — Devocion, one of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg

Go on the Hunt For the Best Coffee Shops

Sure, going from bar to bar is a good way to spend an evening, but what if you don’t drink or you’re bored on a random Tuesday at noon? To that I say, go cafe hopping! If you’re in the neighborhood and are searching for fun things to do in Williamsburg Brooklyn, I challenge you to bop around coffee shops to find the best one.

Williamsburg is renowned for having some of the NYC’s best cafes. It’s easy to walk the busy streets and come across numerous coffee shops that overflow in the area. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a list of things to do in Williamsburg that doesn’t mention the elite coffee scene, so might as well see what all the fuss is about!

Quick round-up of the best coffee shops in Williamsburg:

Devoción
Qahwah House
Partners Coffee
Oslo
Hungry Ghost

Further reading: Need more options? Check out 10+ Bold Brooklyn Coffee Shops.

North 5th Street Pier and Park Williamsburg NYC

Stroll North 5th Street Pier

There are few places in New York City as relaxing as Williamsburg. Having so much access to parks along the water give the neighborhood irresistible easy-going vibes. As such, one of the most iconic things to do in Williamsburg is strolling the pier at sunset.

My favorite area is North 5th Street Pier because the skyline views are unparalleled. You can expect to see folks using the pathways for exercise, picnic blankets being splayed out and every bench filled.

Hatchets and Hops in Williamsburg Brooklyn

Try Your Hand at Axe Throwing

Website: Hatchets and Hops
Address: 98 N 11th St, Brooklyn, NY

Whether you’re just trying to impress a date or you need to let off some steam, one of the best things to do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn is to throw some axes. And yes, it’s just as therapeutic as it sounds! At Hatchets & Hops, folks can enjoy one of the best bars in Williamsburg while literally chucking axes at targets.

I suppose in retrospect mixing booze and sharp weapons sounds a tad dangerous… but Hatchets & Hops does a great job at creating a safe and welcoming environment. The bar sticks to beer and cider and leaves the liquor for “throwing axes in the woods” — their words not mine.

Oh and not to mention there is a highly trained instructor hanging out with you the whole time. Between the instructor and the cages that surround the targets safety is paramount when you’re enjoying one of the best things to do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Soak Your Stress Away at The Bathhouse

Website: The Bathhouse
Address: 103 N 10th St, Brooklyn, NY

I know I’m not the only one with enough knots in my back to warrant a badge from the Boy Scouts. Luckily one of the best things to do in Williamsburg is to stop at The Bathhouse to relax and unwind. The spa pulls all the stops to make you comfortable. Located inside a former warehouse, it has a cool and mysterious allure. There’s an array of pools and saunas to loosen up your tense muscles but you can take it a step further.

The Bathhouse offers a slew of massages (that can be booked as a couples massage, too) to get you back to tip-top shape. And as if it’s not already one of the best things to do in Williamsburg, The Bathhouse even offers exfoliating scrubs.

Quick Recap of the Best Things to Do in Williamsburg NYC

Hang out at the pier
Grab beers at Brooklyn Brewery
Enjoy drinks on a rooftop at Westlight
Go thrifting at Awoke Vintage
Go on the hunt for the best coffee shop
Show off your skills with axe throwing
Go for a stroll in Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Enjoy some of the best pasta in Brooklyn at Mini
Catch some sun at McCarren Park
Celebrate a special occasion at Peter Luger
Eat your weight in goods at Smorgasburg
Spend the day at the Bathhouse
Get lost in McNally Jackson’s
Grab brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn
Spend the evening at Domino Park

Things to Do Williamsburg (Helpful Map)

And there you have it folks, my rundown of the best things to do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. As always, don’t hesitate to let me know if we missed anything.

Cheers!

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