A Guide to Brooklyn, NYC: Discover The Best Cafes, Shopping, and More

Brooklyn is one of New York City's five boroughs. The charming neighborhood sits between Staten Island, Queens, and Manhattan. Brooklyn is laid back, yet posh. It is easily one of the best boroughs, and my personal favorite. In Brooklyn you will find amazing cafes, unique shopping, stunning brownstone buildings, and plenty of adorable dogs walking around. There is so much to discover in Brooklyn! Read on to the best guide to Brooklyn, NYC.

This post is all about A Guide to Brooklyn: Discover The Best Cafes, Shopping, and More.

Where To Stay In Brooklyn

Luxury Brooklyn Hotels

• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge - Hotel 1 Brooklyn Bridge is a five star luxury hotel in the heart of the popular DUMBO neighborhood in Brooklyn. The stunning hotel offers views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan. Hotel 1 has a boho socal kinda vibe. With light wood and whites throughout the hotel. At this top notch Brooklyn Hotel you will find a stunning outdoor swimming pool, an excellent restaurant, a top notch spa, bar, and more. This stunning hotel is our favorite in this guide to Brooklyn.
• The William Vale - The William Vale Hotel is located just northeast of DUMBO in Williamsburg. The charming Williams Vale offers luxury accommodations, two lovely restaurants, floor to ceiling windows, a bar, a gym, and a stunning rooftop pool. The William Vale Hotel fully embraces Brooklyn with art from local artists and the signature laid back Brooklyn vibe.
• Wythe Hotel - Located just north of The William Vale Hotel is a charming boutique hotel, The Wythe Hotel. The Wythe Hotel sit just beyond the fantastic Bushwick Park and offers stunning views of Manhattan. Housed in a one hundred year old warehouse, The Wythe is a rather small hotel with only sixty nine rooms. Some unique features of the Wythe is heated floors, thirteen foot windows, and original timber ceilings. At the Wythe you will find a restaurant, a bar, family sized rooms, twenty four hour front desk service, and more.

Middle Range Brooklyn Hotels

• Ace Hotel Brooklyn - The Ace Hotel is located in the picturesque Boerum Hill Neighborhood. I love this location because it isn't as busy as Dumbo, but you still get the city feel. The four star boutique hotel features a gym, a restaurant, a bar, family sized rooms, twenty four hour front desk service, and more. The Ace is thoughtfully appointed with mostly lights with pops of color in the art pieces. If you are looking for a stylish boutique hotel in Brooklyn be sure to checkout the Ace Hotel.
• The Hoxton, Williamsburg - The Hoxton Hotel is situated by all the best cafes, restaurants, and boutiques in the heart of Williamsburg. This cozy Brooklyn Hotel fully embodies comfort with plush comforters, aesthetically pleasing interior designs, a lovely in house restaurant & bar, room service, and more. You will also find a jaw dropping view of Manhattan from The Hoxton.
• Hilton, Brooklyn, New York - Located in Downtown Brooklyn, The Hilton offers everything you could need for the perfect trip. At the Hilton Brooklyn you will find a fitness center, gym, bar, restaurant, family sized rooms, and more. The design is corporate and similar to other Hilton Hotels.

Budget Brooklyn Hotels

• The Box House Hotel - Situated just north of Williamsburg is the colorful Box House Hotel. At the Box House hotel you will find affordable accommodations alongside top notch facilities. The once factory offers a restaurant, a bar, a gym, family sized rooms, breakfast served daily, and more. The Box Hotel is a lovely affordable option in Brooklyn.
• Moxy Brooklyn Williamsburg - Moxy is situated in Williamsburg. The Moxy Hotels often rank highly among the best hotels. The Moxy Brooklyn offers guests with a gym, two restaurants, a bar, and more.
• The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn - The Tillary is in the heart of downtown Brooklyn. At The Tillary you will find affordable rooms and all the amenities you could need. At the Tillary Hotel you will have access to a bar, family sized rooms, twenty four seven front desk service, and more.

Read Next - 15 Of The Best Hotels In Brooklyn, NYC

Map Of Brooklyn

What To Do In Brooklyn

Explore DUMBO

This guide to Brooklyn would not be without DUMBO. DUMBO is easily the most exciting and popular parts of Brooklyn. Located right next to Manhattan, DUMBO is home to the famous Brooklyn Bridge alongside plenty of unique shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels.

If you are visiting Brooklyn from Manhattan DUMBO is the place to go because it is easily accessible from Manhattan. While in DUMBO be sure to walk along the waterfront park, take in the breathtaking views of Manhattan, and snap a few pictures on the Brooklyn Bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge is New York City's most iconic bridge. The one hundred and fifty five year old bridge connects Manhattan to Brooklyn and offers stunning views of the city. The bridge is both car and pedestrian friendly.

Some amazing viewpoints of the Brooklyn Bridge include The Brooklyn Bridge Lookout, The Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pebble Beach, 1 Hotel, The Time Out Market Rooftop, and The Emily Warren Plaza.

Stop By One Of The Parks

Brooklyn is full of stunning parks and outdoor spaces. If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city be sure to stop by one of the tranquil parks.

The best parks in Brooklyn include Prospect Park, Domino Park, The Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Fort Greene Park.

Visit Williamsburg

Williamsburg is one of New York City's most trendy and hipster neighborhoods. With cool cafes, unique boutiques, laid back restaurants, and indie concerts almost every night, Williamsburg is a must visit neighborhood in Brooklyn.

While in Williamsburg be sure to check out Domino Park, Smorgasburg, The West Coffeehouse, The Williamsburg Bridge, and Bedford Avenue.

We did this food and walking tour of Williamsburg and has a blast. I had no idea of the culinary delights in this Brooklyn Neighborhood!

Brooklyn Flea Market

Brooklyn easily has the best Flea Markets in NYC. If you are looking for unique clothing, furniture, or trinkets head over to Brooklyn on a Saturday.

There are a few different flea markets in Brooklyn. The most popular is the Brooklyn Flea located under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO. Another market you could checkout is Smorgasburg-Prospect Park or The Greenpoint Terminal Market.

Most vendors accept both cash and card.

Brooklyn Museum

Located just outside of Prospect Park is the Brooklyn Museum. The Brooklyn Museum houses a massive art collection of over five hundred thousand thousand pieces.

Some notable collections and expeditions in the Brooklyn Museum include the American Art expedition, The Brooklyn Artists Exhibition, The Egyptian Gallery, The Japan Gallery, and more. If you are a fellow art lover or history guru than you must visit the Brooklyn Museum.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Located in Prospect Park, The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a great place to escape the city and learn all about foreign plants. The fifty two acre garden is home to art collections, research collections, cherry blossoms (in the spring), gardens, education programs, activities, and conservation's.

Walk Along The Waterfront

Take a stroll along the Brooklyn Waterfront. With views of the East River, Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Dumbo, The Brooklyn Waterfront is a picturesque place to walk, run, or bike. You will find hidden trails and plenty of green spaces to frolic in on the Brooklyn waterfront.

Where To Dine In Brooklyn

Best Cafes In Brooklyn

• Breakfast By Salt's Cure - With locations in Brooklyn and The West Village, Breakfast by Salt's Cure is a great place to grab brunch or even just a quick coffee. This amazing breakfast joint specializes in mainly pancakes, but they also offer eggs, egg sandwiches, hash browns, and more. The Carroll Gardens location in Brooklyn offers both indoor and outdoor seating and is open Wednesday - Sunday from 8am to 3pm. Be sure to try the hash browns - they are the best I've ever had!
• Poppy's - Poppy's is a small grab and go breakfast joint just a few minutes walk from Breakfast By Salt's Cure. This adorable cafe is known for there coffee and pastries. The menu is limited, but everything is delectable. Be sure to try the cardamom latte or a morning bun! There is only outdoor seating at Poppy's. Poppy's is one of our favorites on this guide to Brooklyn!
• Arabica Coffee - Arabica Coffee is a Japanese cafe located in DUMBO and just a few steps from the Brooklyn Bridge. This minimalist coffee shop often ranks as one of the best in the city.
• Devoción - Devoción is a cozy cafe located in Williamsburg. This cafe is unique because you will get the freshest coffee in the city. At Devoción the beans are only ten days old!

Read Next - 18 Of The Coolest Coffee Shops In Brooklyn, NYC

Best Restaurants In Brooklyn

• Lillo - Lillo is a tiny Italian joint located in Brooklyn's Cobble Hill neighborhood. The cash only restaurant is known for their fabulous pasta. Lillo is affordable and local!
• Olmsted - Located in Downtown Brooklyn, right by Prospect Park is Olmsted. Olmsted is a farm to table restaurant serving mainly American food.
• Tanoreen - Tanoreen is a Middle Eastern restaurant situated in the heart of the Bay Ridge neighborhood. This amazing restaurant serves up the best hummus, kabobs, falafels, and shawarma in Brooklyn!
• La Vara - La Vara is a laid back Spanish restaurant in the heart of the Cobble Hill neighborhood. You will find traditional Spanish food at LaVara. Some of my favorite dishes were Ajo Blanco, Pulpo de Roca, and the Rossejat.
• Peppa's - You will find Peppa's in Downtown Brooklyn. This casual Jamaican Restaurant is known for its jerk chicken. Check out Peppa's if you are looking for an affordable place to eat or a late night bite.

Best Bars In Brooklyn

• Maison Premiere - The Maison Premiere is a ritzy cocktail and oyster bar located in Williamsburg. This elegant bar and restaurant offers an array of wines, cocktails, and beers.
• The Long Island Bar - Located in Brooklyn Heights, The Long Island Bar is one of the most iconic bars in Brooklyn. The fifty five year old bar offers a retro vibe. You will find inventive drinks alongside the classics at The Long Island Bar.
• Leyenda - Leyenda is a Latin American restaurant located in Boerum Hill. This bar transports you to Mexico City with the decor and vibes. Be sure to try the tacos alongside your margarita!
• Goldie's - Goldie's is a dive bar located in Greenpoint. Goldie's is a great place to go if you are looking for cheap drinks!

Best Tours To Take In Brooklyn

• NYC Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Food Tour
• New York: Food, History and Culture of Brooklyn Tour
• Williamsburg Food Tasting & Walking Tour
• Brooklyn Bike Tour

How To Get To Brooklyn

New York City's public transit is top notch. So getting to Brooklyn will be a piece of cake. If you are coming from Manhattan you can take the subway, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, or drive into Brooklyn.

If you are entering Brooklyn from Staten Island you will have to take a car or bus over the Verrazano Bridge.

The Closest Airport to Brooklyn is JFK. You can take the subway into Brooklyn or Manhattan from JFK.

Best Time To Visit Brooklyn

Brooklyn and New York is lovely year round. It really just depends on whatever vibe you are looking for. I am partial to NYC in the fall because of the crisp weather and colorful leaves. Over the holidays you will find amazing decorations throughout the city. In the spring the weather gets warmer are you will see cherry blossoms. During the summer there will be plenty of outdoor events and great weather.

A Guide to Brooklyn, NYC Wrap Up

Brooklyn is one of the best boroughs in New York City with its picturesque streets, amazing cafes, laid back vibes, and top notch restaurants. We hope that this guide to Brooklyn, NYC helps you plan the best trip ever. If you have been to any cool places in Brooklyn please leave us a comment! If you liked this post we think you will love our Ultimate NYC Travel Guide, A Quick Guide To The Best Bagel Shops In NYC - From a Local, and 11 Tips For Doing NYC On a Budget.

Happy Travels,

Daisy

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