The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Brooklyn, New York Now
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There's plenty to discover in New York City's most populous borough, Brooklyn. At this point, it really is a city unto itself. Between its world-class nightlife, stunning Manhattan skyline views and boundary pushing cuisine—Brooklyn has earned an enviable reputation. The transformation started with Williamsburg, which is what put Brooklyn on the map for this generation of New Yorkers.
Though each neighborhood has its own little personality and ecosystem—Cobble Hill and Park Slope are great residential neighborhoods to stroll. Bushwick still has plenty of reliable mom-and-pop stores nestled within trendier boutiques. With one day in Brooklyn, you can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, visit Brooklyn Bridge Park, and explore all that Dumbo and Williamsburg have to offer. These are the top five reasons why Brooklyn, New York should be on your bucket list.
1. A Foodie’s Paradise: The Cuisine + Cocktails
Lingo offers a unique blend of Japanese American cuisine in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn. The restaurant's name, which means apple in Japanese, is a nod to the owner and founder's roots in Tokyo and her affection for the “Big Apple.” The cocktail program at showcases a diverse selection of Japanese spirits and seasonal ingredients. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying their signature cocktail, Lingo—concocted with Akashi whisky, calvados and sakura bitters.
Led by Chef Emily Yuen, the menu at Lingo features a creative fusion of Japanese and American flavors. Favorite dishes include Steak Tartare with black sesame, smoked cheddar and nori wraps, Smoked Tamago Sando with salmon roe and fresh herbs, Lingo Beef Pie with hokkaido style braised beef curry, bone marrow, leeks, carrots, and english peas, as well as Spicy Fried Chicken with whole cornish hen, chili gremolata, charred lime. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try the Oolong Tea Ice Cream with strawberry powder and monaka wafer or Condensed Milk Panna Cotta with black sesame praline and grilled black plum.
Located next to Transmitter Park, Lingo provides a picturesque backdrop to enjoy dinner and drinks. With its unique blend of flavors and cozy atmosphere, this hotspot is a must-try for visitors and locals alike looking to experience Japanese American cuisine in Brooklyn, New York.
2. Artistic Vibes: Brooklyn Museum and Street Art
At 560,000 square feet, the Brooklyn Museum is the third largest museum in New York City. With nearly two million works as part of the collection, just about every form of art is represented here. Standouts include a selection of paintings by Dennis Hopper and Norman Rockwell, and a top-notch Egyptian artifacts gallery.
Notable exhibits are usually overshadowed by the Met and MoMA, but the Brooklyn Museum has some top-flight shows of its own. Examples include a look at the life of Georgia O'Keeffe and "One Basquiat," which explores Brooklyn-born artist Jean-Michel Basquiat's relationship with the New York City’s largest borough.
Source: Mark Zhelezoglo for Hall des Lumières
The Museum of Digital Experiences, or MoDE, is New York City's first all-digital museum. The first exhibition features 14 unique digital art installations created using the forefront of technology and interactive arts. It’s the first museum focused on showcasing the artists of the future.
3. Luxury Shopping: Williamsburg and Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn, New York is an amazing place to shop and it's quite a different experience from Manhattan's SoHo or Fifth Avenue. You’ll want to start by exploring the neighborhoods such as Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, and Williamsburg. If you're searching for one-of-a-kind vintage finds, the best two places to hunt for them are in various shops in Williamsburg.
Source: NYC & Company
Brooklyn is home to Etsy, the popular online marketplace, and many neighborhood stores sell unique, handmade clothing, gift items, jewelry, and household items from pottery to pillows, created by local artists and artisans. The annual Waterfront Artists Coalition and galleries in Bushwick and DUMBO are wonderful places to see the work of local sculptors, painters, and artists.
4. Botanical Beauty: Brooklyn Botanic Garden and Prospect Park
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is as committed to conservation and to inspiration. Soak up 52-acres of natural beauty and enjoy more than 18,000 kinds of plants from all over the world.
The garden is open year-round and has plants for every season, plus indoor tropical gardens and bonsai trees. Don't miss the tranquil Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and, in spring, the Cherry Esplanade.
5. Architectural Marvels: DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge
Known as America's first suburb, Brooklyn Heights is truly a gem. It's an area with beautiful homes in various architectural styles, from Federal to Greek, Gothic, and Renaissance Revivals, in forms ranging from carriage homes to mansions. In Dumbo, restored century-old buildings have bricks the color of merlot. Antique railroad tracks glimmer on streets lined with stone—and two of New York’s most handsome structures, the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges, are front and center.
The Flatbush neighborhood in Brooklyn is a picturesque area renowned for New York City’s largest collection of magnificent Victorian mansion houses. Walk through Brooklyn's trendy Williamsburg neighborhood and you’ll discover a strong sense of aspirational cool. The once abandoned waterfront is now filled with shiny new condo towers and stunning views of Manhattan.
WHERE TO STAY IN BROOKLYN, NEW YORK
The William Vale has become a buzzing hub for Brooklyn visitors and locals alike to connect and recharge—whether that’s over a cocktail at the pool or a rooftop film screening. An ideal home base for visitors looking to experience the creative energy that makes Williamsburg, Brooklyn so vibrant, you’ll discover balconies in every guest room and thoughtful amenities like award-winning service, smart technology, and floor-to-ceiling windows that make every moment feel exceptional. Located on the 23rd floor, just above Westlight, 360-degree views of Manhattan and Brooklyn give this rooftop a vibrant energy and unbeatable views—from sunrise to sunset. It’s a stunning backdrop year-round, hosting popular events like a winter skating rink and the summer Turf Club pop-up, featuring lawn games and a special cocktail menu.
