The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary in Brooklyn: From A Local

Top Spots & Hidden Gems

This blog is about the perfect one-day Brooklyn guide.

Going to Brooklyn? The city is bursting with culture, innovation, and history; every corner here tells a story. Whether you’re a foodie, art lover, or history buff, Brooklyn offers a slice of New York life unlike any other borough!

Here is my perfect day to spend in Brooklyn from a local! (Definitely pack your comfy shoes!)

Morning Start: Breakfast in Brooklyn

You can’t come to New York and not get bagels! One of my favorite places to get a bagel in Brooklyn is Greenberg’s Bagels in BedStuy. You can get the classic BEC (bacon, egg, and cheese) and they even have a vegan version (which I LOVE). It’s also very affordable.

Another great option is Ursula, a new Mexican-inspired cafe & Bakery in BedStuy. This place is amazing and has great breakfast burritos (for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans)! New Yorkers are not usually known for their breakfast burritos, but this spot can change your mind!

Other Great Brooklyn Breakfast Spots

Exploring Williamsburg

Williamsburg has a rich history of art, markets, food, and culture, making it a must-visit neighborhood for anyone wanting to experience Brooklyn! From the cobbled streets lined with vintage shops to the waterfront offering stunning views of Manhattan, Williamsburg blends the old with the new in exciting and unexpected ways.

Street Art and More

In Williamsburg, art is not confined to galleries. Instead, it spills out onto the streets, transforming the neighborhood into a vibrant canvas of expressive street art. Wander the streets to find murals that tell stories of urban life and cultural diversity.

Shops

Williamsburg is known for its shopping both local and more!

Artists & Fleas – A vibrant marketplace where local artisans and vintage dealers showcase their crafts and wares, perfect for finding one-of-a-kind items.

Rough Trade NYC – A large independent music store offering a wide selection of vinyl records, CDs, and hosting live music events.

Mast Brothers Chocolate – Renowned for their artisanal chocolate, crafted on-site from bean to bar, offering tours and tastings.

Catbird – A popular boutique specializing in delicate jewelry, particularly known for its dainty rings and personalized service.

Brooklyn Denim Co. – Specializing in high-quality denim and casual wear, this shop offers both off-the-rack and tailored options.

Spoonbill & Sugartown Booksellers – An eclectic bookstore known for its wide range of art and design books, alongside literary classics and contemporary novels.

Brooklyn Flea Market

Next, head down to Dumbo for Brooklyn Flea Market! Open Saturday & Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm ET, it’s a perfect way to spend the early afternoon.

Entry is free, and you can easily spend several hours browsing through the assortment of furniture, collectibles, antiques, art, jewelry, and so much more!

It’s an ideal spot for thrifters and those looking to discover unique finds without breaking the bank. Perfect for anyone wanting to dive into Brooklyn’s vibrant second-hand and vintage scene.

Lunch Time: Dumbo

For a great lunch spot or a place for drinks with a view, I highly recommend Time Out Market New York. It’s a waterfront hangout with great views of Manhattan, and it has a mix of food, drinks, and cultural events!

Time Out Market Food Options:

Wayla – Thai Food
The Maiz Project – Handcrafted Arepas
Pastrami Queen – Sandwiches
Pat Lafrieda Meat Purveyors – Burgers & Steaks

For more food options check out this link.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade

Walk off your lunch at the Brooklyn Heights Promenade! It offers views of the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and Manhattan skyline. It’s also a great place for the most Instagrammable spots! Stroll along the tree-lined walkway, and you’ll find benches perfectly positioned for watching over the city. The promenade’s peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely afternoon escape from the hustle and bustle of the city!

Afternoon Activity: Prospect Park

Then make a stop over to Prospect Park! Prospect Park is one of my favorite parks throughout all the boroughs (controversial, I know). There’s so much to do and you can spend hours or even all day there. Take a break from walking and set up a picnic with friends, go people-watching, and enjoy the sunset.

Prospect Park is full of hidden gems beyond the well-known paths and famous attractions like the Long Meadow and the Prospect Park Zoo.

Here are some lesser-known spots and activities:

The Vale of Cashmere
- Tucked away in the northeastern part of the park, this somewhat secluded area is known for its lush foliage and tranquil ponds, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude or a picturesque picnic.

Lookout Hill
- Offering some of the best views of the park, Lookout Hill is the place to be for nature lovers and photographers. It’s especially beautiful during the fall with all the different colors.

The Camperdown Elm
- Located near the Boathouse, this uniquely twisted and gnarled elm tree is over 140 years old and has been the subject of many artistic renderings. It’s a quiet spot for contemplation.

The Ravine
- Known as Brooklyn’s only forest, the Ravine is a part of the park’s natural areas and offers a chance to experience a more rugged landscape with waterfalls and dense woodland.

LeFrak Center at Lakeside
- While popular for its ice-skating rink in the winter, the LeFrak Center also offers less-known activities like paddle boating and water cycling during the warmer months.

Prospect Park’s Watercourse
- A lesser-known fact about Prospect Park is its intricate water system designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. Walking along the watercourse, you’ll find several waterfalls and quiet spots away from the crowds.

Dinner in Bushwick

Once you’re done relaxing and enjoying the views from Prospect Park, head over to Bushwick for some yummy meals! One of my favorite places to eat in Bushwick is Klom Klorm. It’s a low-key, affordable Thai restaurant with curries, satay, and noodle dishes.

Alternative Bushwick Restaurants:

Bunna Cafe – Vegan Ethiopian Food
Queen – Mediterranean Food
Miate – Columbian-European Food

Nightlife in Brooklyn: Bars and Live Music

I love going out in Brooklyn! There are SO many options from bars, live music, clubs, and so much more and it’s not nearly as expensive as going out in Manhattan.

Here are some of my favorite places to go:

Elsewhere (East Williamsburg) – Club & Live Music
Baby’s All Right (Williamsburg) – A popular spot combining a restaurant, bar, and music venue
Friends and Lovers (Classon Ave) – A Club & Live Music
Goldie’s (Greenpoint) – A bar with a retro Vegas vibe

Let me know in the comments if you get to go!

Brooklyn Guide: Final Thoughts

I truly hope this itinerary helps you discover the perfect day in Brooklyn! Whether you’re shopping in Williamsburg, enjoying the panoramic views from the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, or exploring the rich history and nightlife, Brooklyn has something special to offer at every turn.

After your adventure, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Let me know which spots you loved and the memorable places you visited. Brooklyn is a treasure trove of experiences, and I can’t wait to hear all about it!

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