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Things to do in Brooklyn

Itineraries for Your Trip to Brooklyn

Brooklyn locals share their perfect days.
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1 Day in Brooklyn for First Timers

Curated by Claire Bullena former Brooklyn resident (and forever enthusiast).

In the last decade, Brooklyn has transformed from Manhattan’s gritty younger sibling into a cultural powerhouse all its own. One day is enough time for a whistle-stop tour of New York City’s hippest borough—from bicycle tours and Brooklyn Bridge walks to a taste of its famous food scene. Here’s how to make the most of your Brooklyn stay.


Morning

If you spend the day in Brooklyn, you’re gonna want to make an entrance. Traipsing across the Brooklyn Bridge isn’t a bad start. One of New York’s most iconic landmarks, the Bridge—which measures 1.1 miles (1.8 kilometers) in length—is a popular walking, jogging, and biking spot for both locals and tourists. Visit it on a tour to learn its history and capture photos of the New York Harbor and skyline. Some tour itineraries kick off from Lower Manhattan, while others depart from Brooklyn—select one that works best for your schedule.

Afternoon

Following your Brooklyn Bridge adventure, pause to drink in the unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline, grab a bite at one of Brooklyn Bridge Park’s casual eateries, or join the line at Grimaldi’s—one of the borough’s iconic pizzerias—if you have time to spare. Next, spend your afternoon getting to know one of Brooklyn’s character-filled neighborhoods on a local-led walking tour. Depending on your interests, you can discover street art in Bushwick, learn about the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s World War II history, join the hipsters in Williamsburg, spot Victorian houses in Flatbush, or stroll among the picturesque brownstones in Brooklyn Heights.

Night

Brooklyn’s vibrant food scene—which mingles classic New York fare with cutting-edge restaurants—has helped propel the borough onto the international stage. No Brooklyn tour would be complete without an indulgent meal, so dedicate your evening to dining in style. Travel by vintage taxi to the borough’s famed coal-fired pizzerias, or stroll into a neighborhood restaurant that catches your eye. Beer is also a big deal in Brooklyn; a brewery tour or pub crawl provides an indulgent way to see out the day’s adventures.

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