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About this guide
Brooklyn pulses with layered histories, global traditions, and unmistakably big creative energy. Neighborhoods like Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights have shaped generations of influential cultural voices while continuing to nurture Black and immigrant communities today. Trend-setting Black-owned boutiques reflect New York’s ever-evolving fashion spirit, and the borough’s culinary landscape invites visitors to savor soulful Southern comfort, rich Caribbean flavor, and deeply rooted African cuisine. More than a destination, Brooklyn is an immersive celebration of culture, resilience, and artistic legacy unfolding year-round.
- Best time to travel: June to August and November to December (peak season); April to May and September to October (shoulder season); January to March (off-season)
- Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Currency: USD ($)
- Noteworthy: New York Fashion Week (February and September), AfroPunk (August), Brooklyn Book Festival (October), Dyker Heights Christmas Lights (December)
- Best for: Multicultural Food Tours, Music and Art Festivals, Friend Group Trips, Budget And Luxury Travel
Get Away: Getting To and Around Brooklyn, NY
By Air
While Brooklyn has no major airport of its own, travelers typically arrive through three of the busiest nearby hubs. These include LaGuardia Airport, John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport. Each one provides domestic and international access within a reasonable distance of the borough.
By Car
Rideshare services and traditional taxis are widely available throughout the city, making door-to-door travel convenient. Larger groups or travelers with extra luggage may find SUV-size rideshares to be the most practical option.
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.
New York City’s subway system operates around the clock, offering reliable and budget-friendly connections across the boroughs. Brooklyn’s extensive bus routes provide additional neighborhood coverage across the boroughs. Meanwhile, bike-share stations create flexible options for short trips and waterfront exploration while enjoying the city.
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
Good For
Multicultural Food Tours
Music and Art Festivals
Friend Group Trips
Budget And 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 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.
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 has a settled vibe in the Pan-African culture making the wonderfully mouthwatering Jamaican flavors all the more exciting. There is so much variety from the hearty richness to a lighter seafood soup.
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.
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.
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.
The Black co-owned Milly’s Neighborhood Bar on Greene Ave in Bed-Stuy feels like a cozy brownstone living room with friendly staff and a curated menu. Local favorites with a twist like chopped cheese egg rolls with spicy banana ketchup, guava BBQ wings, and their classic “Milly’s Burger”.
Play
Play: Things To Do In Brooklyn, NY
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 has rhythmic live music events at night that light up the backyard garden with a tropical Caribbean vibe. The delicious island-spiced menu serves Haitian-inspired food and cocktails to complement the vibe.
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.
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.
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.
The Brooklyn Food, History, And Culture Tour serves up the best foodie spots in the borough. Guests indulge in Brooklyn's best cuisine including New American, Middle Eastern, and Italian foods with a map to take home.
Established in 2014, the Speakeasy And Secret Bar Tour is one of the pioneer nightlife experiences in New York City. Led by licensed history teachers, guests visit concealed bars through secret vault doors for an authentic historical experience.
The Drama and Discourse Theatre Experience 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.
