Itineraries for Your Trip to Brooklyn
3 Days in Williamsburg for First Timers
Williamsburg is one of the first places I went when I moved to New York. Though based in Manhattan, I found myself in the routine of taking the train to Brooklyn with friends. We came to Williamsburg for late-night parties and top-notch food, to browse thrift stores and flea markets, and to soak up the ineffable energy.
Today, that same thrill still greets me. Williamsburg's destination-worthy restaurants, bars, and breweries are some of the best in town; its quirky boutiques are perfect for shoppers; its street art gives it a special something; and its lingering pockets of old-school heritage undergird its charm. Three days is perfect to see the best of Williamsburg—here’s how.
Expect to freeze in winter and swelter in summer—come prepared for the seasons.
If you have time for just one thing, make it a neighborhood walking tour to soak up Williamsburg’s unique energy.
Few things better epitomize Brooklyn’s countercultural cool than its thriving street art scene. Take a graffiti-centric walking tour to discover its vibrant artworks. Eastern Williamsburg and Bushwick are among the best places to admire pieces by local and international street artists. Explore with a guide—or even learn basic graffiti techniques yourself.
Now, stroll back to central Williamsburg and kick off an immersive walking tour that won’t just show you the neighborhood’s key sights but will also educate you about the area’s rich history and culture. You'll be rewarded with immaculate views of the Manhattan skyline.
No good foodie day out is complete without drinks. While the neighborhood is a destination for wine and cocktail bars, beer might be Williamsburg’s favorite drink (thanks to heavyweights like Brooklyn Brewery). A pub crawl is a fun way to visit multiple bars in one excursion.
You’ve seen Williamsburg on foot—but wait ’til you explore it on two wheels. Traveling by bike is a popular local way of getting around, and for visitors it’s an easy, active way to see the neighborhood. Pedal with your guide to spots that many visitors overlook (and dip into nearby areas).
Another way to see Williamsburg is with a local. Finish your trip with a private, customized tour. You’ll feel like a Brooklynite as you stop at natural wine bars to must-shop thrift stores. It's the ultimate way to cap off your Williamsburg experience.
