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About this guide

Brooklyn is a thriving community of unique cultures and traditions. The historical neighborhoods of Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights are the birthplace of some of the most culturally significant figures of our time. There are so many Black-owned boutiques that highlight New York’s eclectic fashion scene with travelers from all around the world. The thriving culinary scene is filled with delectable soul food, comforting Caribbean cuisine, and authentic African delicacies. Brooklyn is an immersive experience celebrating the enduring legacy and contributions of Black and immigrant communities year-round.

Get Away: Getting To and Around Brooklyn, NY

By Air

Though Brooklyn doesn’t have its own major airport, there are three major international airports near the New York borough. La Guardia, John F. Kennedy, and Newark Liberty airports are the closest and busiest Northeast airports.

By Car 

Brooklyn has plenty of rideshare services, like Uber or Lyft available. There are also more traditional taxis throughout the city. If traveling with a larger group with more luggage, travelers should consider looking at more economical rideshare SUVs. 

Public Transit 

NYC subways operate all day and night throughout the boroughs for convenience and affordability. The MTA bus system in Brooklyn covers more areas than the subway system but may slow down during higher traffic times. There’s also a network of bike-sharing companies stationed throughout bike-friendly streets to enjoy the sights of Brooklyn. 

Explore Brooklyn On Foot

Walking around Brooklyn NYC is a great way to take in beautiful sights, and iconic landmarks. Visitors can enjoy an array of hidden gems for food, shopping, festivals, and more. Travelers can enjoy all the sights and sounds of Brooklyn while exploring the city on foot.

Quick facts

Eastern Standard Time (EST)

USD ($)

English

Good For

Food and Culture Tours

Music and Art Festivals

Group Trips

Budget & Luxury Travel

Keep in mind

  • Brooklyn Book Festival (October)
  • Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (December)
  • New York Fashion Week (February and September)
  • Rolling Loud NYC
  • AfroPunk

Gourmet

Gourmet: Places To Eat In Brooklyn, NY

Clover Hill in Brooklyn Heights

Clover Hill is a 30-seat Michelin-star restaurant in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District with a seasonal love letter menu to the borough. Executive Chef Charlie Mitchell is the only Black Michelin-star chef in New York City and the winner of the 2022 Michelin Guide New York Young Chef Award. 

Brooklyn Beso

For over ten years, Brooklyn Beso has provided the Brooklyn community with Latin and Caribbean fusion dishes with the perfect atmosphere for food, music, dancing, and drinks. They have a unique Brunch and dinner menu, adventurous cocktail blends, and late-night live events.

Bellyful NYC

Bellyful NYC shares Pan-African culture making the wonderfully mouthwatering Jamaican flavors all the more exciting. The menu has so much variety including hearty Jamaican oxtail stew to lighter seafood soup.

BLVD Bistro

Head straight to Harlem for some satisfying Southern fusion soul food at Black-owned BLVD Bistro. Husband and wife team Carlos and Markisha Swepson carry Black-owned wines, spirits, and unique cocktail blends. 

Dept of Culture Brooklyn

Founder of the Dept of Culture Brooklyn, Executive Chef Ayo Balogun, launched this new Brooklyn restaurant with a North Central Nigerian menu. As part of the local IYA EBA pop-up dinner series, dishes include Indigenous Nigerian rice, Egusi, and Dodo ati ice cream.

Tipsy Scoop

This ice cream shop with a twist creates whimsical liquor-infused recipes with a custom-made ice cream base. Founder, Melissa Tavvs, and her family's love of ice cream and cocktails inspired the creation of Tipsy Scoop.

Play

Play: Things To Do In Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn Pop-Up

The Brooklyn Pop-Up is a rolling market of indoor and outdoor retail events showcasing Black-owned businesses. It features over 40 mostly women-owned vendors offering handmade crafts of accessories, fashion, jewelry, beauty, and home goods.  

Cafe Erzulie

The Cafe Erzulie is a cafe and flower shop serving delicious Haitian-inspired food and coffee during the day. At night, the cocktails, island-spiced menu, and rhythmic live music light up the backyard garden with a tropical Caribbean vibe.

Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

The Dyker Heights Christmas Lights is one of New York’s best attractions during the holiday season. With over-the-top decorations and all kinds of Christmas trees, this post-Thanksgiving display suits travelers of any age. 

Brooklyn Museum

Home to cultural exhibits, the Brooklyn Museum includes collections from musical icons like Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean) and Alicia Keys. From ancient Egyptian to modern-day American exhibits, the museum holds impactful pieces of historical artwork.

Peace + Riot

From Moroccan poufs and cultural cleansing ritual tools to Sadé sweatshirts and Brooklyn street art, Peace + Riot offers a curated range of products. Owner and Brooklyn native Achuziam Maha-Sanchez’s African and Caribbean heritage inspired this shop.

Brooklyn Food, History & Culture Tour

This food and culture tour serves up the best foodie hidden gems in the borough. Guests indulge in Brooklyn's best cuisine including New American, Middle Eastern, and Italian foods with a map to take afterward.

Speakeasy and Secret Bar Tour

Established in 2014, this speakeasy tour is one of the pioneer Speakeasy experiences in New York City. Led by licensed history teachers, guests visit concealed bars through secret vault doors for an authentic historical experience.

Drama & Discourse Theatre Experience

The Drama & Discourse tour showcases Brooklyn's vibrant theater scene with the highest-rated theatre Airbnb experience. With discounted access to a show and insightful discussions over food and drinks, visitors learn about Broadway and local theater.