Things to do in Brooklyn for self travelers
Enjoy self-guided audio tours with included attraction tickets in one appAll self-guided activities
The New York Aquarium offers an intimate peek into the underwater world with a variety of aquatic displays, starring penguins, sea lions, sharks and more! From the _Aquatheater_'s sea lion shows to the conservation-minded displays of _Glover’s Reef_, there's plenty to keep the most excitable budding marine biologist transfixed for hours with these New York Aquarium tickets.
Embark on a journey through time with this in-depth Self-Guided Audio Tour that circles the rich tapestry of Brooklyn's history. This audio experience is designed for the curious traveler with a keen interest in the tales and architectural beauty of yesteryear. Commencing with the breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge from Pier 2, the tour weaves through the storied streets, revealing the borough's transformation from its foundational years to the present day. Venturing from Brooklyn Bridge Park, highlights include the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help with its awe-inspiring Gothic splendor, the Brooklyn Borough Hall's Greek revival grandeur, and the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower's looming presence. The path traces cultural keystones such as Walt Whitman's House and the expansive Green-Wood Cemetery, before drawing to a close at the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. As the tour concludes at the Navy Yard, participants are left with enduring impressions of Brooklyn's architectural marvels and the secluded narratives each edifice holds. The in-app accompaniment allows for a self-paced exploration, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience through Brooklyn's historic corridors.
Embrace the spirit of Brooklyn on this self-guided audio tour that takes you through the heart of Williamsburg, a neighborhood brimming with culture, history, and a fresh buzz that's captivating visitors. Ideal for explorers at heart and city wanderers, this tour will guide you to key sights and tucked-away gems, and is specially tailored for those wanting to experience the essence of Brooklyn at their own pace. Starting at the historic Domino Sugar Refinery, this walk traces the evolution of Williamsburg along the scenic East River. You'll encounter the rich tapestry of the community: vibrant street markets, iconic architecture like the Williamsburg Bridge, and much-loved cultural institutions including the Brooklyn Art Library and the Music Hall of Williamsburg. The tour concludes at the Brooklyn Bowl, where the eclectic spirit of the area shines brightest. Along your journey, take in the artistic street art, sample the local vibe at the Brooklyn Brewery, and unearth the stories behind legendary locales like the Peter Luger Steak House. With this audio tour, you'll not only see but feel the pulse of Williamsburg, creating unforgettable moments from the rush of music to the hush of the river's edge. Discover the diversity, energy, and heartbeat of Brooklyn with each step, centered on the unique sights and sounds that make Williamsburg truly exceptional.
Brooklyn’s comedy roots run deep, with stars like Chris Rock, Mel Brooks, and Joan Rivers all hailing from this part of New York. EastVille carries on that comedy tradition and brings belly laughs to the borough. If the promise of laughter isn’t enough to draw you in, then the no drink minimum is sure to get you through the door. There’s homemade popcorn, specially-crafted cocktails, and plenty of seating to enjoy the show.
About Brooklyn
The best walking tours to do in Brooklyn are:
The best tours to do in Brooklyn with kids are:
The must-see attractions in Brooklyn for a first visit are:
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The best indoor tours in Brooklyn for rainy days are:
Insider tips for visiting Brooklyn
WeGoTrip Inc is a local guide who has been publishing tours since for your discovery of hidden gems and local specialities of Brooklyn on their personal guide page (view profile). Explore their expert tips planning trip to Brooklyn.
When I visit Brooklyn for shopping, I usually split my time between Williamsburg, Cobble Hill, and Greenpoint. Williamsburg is great for independent fashion and design shops around North 6th and Wythe, especially on weekdays before the crowds roll in. In Cobble Hill, I like wandering Court and Smith Streets for beautifully curated home goods, bookstores, and small-label boutiques that feel very local. Greenpoint is my pick for vintage, ceramics, and Polish specialty stores along Manhattan Avenue. If you visit Brooklyn and want things to do in Brooklyn beyond big-name retail, these neighborhoods give you the real rhythm of Brooklyn. In any travel guide Brooklyn, I’d rank them first.
I usually recommend Brooklyn Bridge Park first, especially for families with kids of different ages. When I visit Brooklyn with family, we start at Pier 6, where the water lab, slides, and climbing areas keep children busy for hours, then grab pizza or ice cream nearby in Brooklyn Heights. The ferry views and Jane’s Carousel add just enough excitement without feeling hectic. For me, it’s one of the best things to do in Brooklyn because it mixes play, skyline views, and easy walking. If you’re comparing tours in Brooklyn, attractions in Brooklyn, or deciding what to see in Brooklyn, this stretch of Brooklyn feels the most relaxed and genuinely family-friendly.
When I want quieter attractions in Brooklyn, I head to places locals actually linger. I love the Sunset Park waterfront at Bush Terminal Piers for harbor views without the Brooklyn Bridge crowds, especially near sunset. In Green-Wood Cemetery, I usually walk up Battle Hill for one of the best skyline lookouts in Brooklyn, then wander the winding paths past old mausoleums and monk parakeets. Another favorite is the Brooklyn Public Library’s hidden rooftop garden at the Central branch when it’s open. If you’re sorting out what to see in Brooklyn beyond the obvious or skipping standard tours in Brooklyn, these spots feel personal, calm, and distinctly Brooklyn.
In my travel guide Brooklyn advice, I usually tell people to give Brooklyn at least two full days, and three if you like exploring neighborhood by neighborhood. When I visit Brooklyn, one day often disappears into Prospect Park, Park Slope, and the Brooklyn Museum, while another goes to Brooklyn Heights, DUMBO, and a long walk along the waterfront. A third day lets you slow down for Greenpoint cafés, Williamsburg shops, or Sunset Park food stops. There are too many things to do in Brooklyn to treat it as a quick add-on, especially if you want time for local bakeries, brownstone streets, and sunset views instead of rushing.
When I visit Brooklyn for food, I usually send people to Sunset Park, Greenpoint, and Bed-Stuy first. Sunset Park gives you incredible regional Mexican tacos around 5th Avenue, plus excellent Chinese spots closer to 8th Avenue, so one neighborhood covers a lot. In Greenpoint, I go for Polish bakeries, pierogi, and newer restaurants that still feel rooted in Brooklyn rather than staged for visitors. Bed-Stuy is where I look for Caribbean cooking, especially along Nostrand and Fulton. If you visit Brooklyn hungry, these areas show why eating is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn. In any travel guide Brooklyn, I’d put them ahead of flashier dining districts.
When I visit Brooklyn for the first time with friends, I keep the day layered instead of rushed. I start with a walk through Brooklyn Heights for brownstones and promenade views, then cut down into DUMBO early, before the photo crowds build under the Manhattan Bridge. After that, I usually head to Prospect Park or the Brooklyn Museum, depending on the weather, and end in Fort Greene or Williamsburg for dinner. For me, these are the most satisfying things to do in Brooklyn because they mix daily neighborhood life with standout attractions in Brooklyn. If you’re deciding what to see in Brooklyn or skipping standard tours in Brooklyn, this route feels balanced and local.
When I’m helping someone plan time around Brooklyn, I usually suggest mixing waterfront views, neighborhood wandering, and one cultural stop. I like starting at Brooklyn Bridge Park early, then walking up through Brooklyn Heights for the promenade and quiet side streets lined with historic row houses. After that, Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden make a great pair, especially in spring, and Greenpoint is perfect later for cafés, vintage shops, and skyline views from Transmitter Park. For me, these are some of the strongest attractions in Brooklyn because they show different sides of Brooklyn. If you’re sorting out what to see in Brooklyn without relying on standard tours in Brooklyn, this feels balanced and local.
In my travel guide Brooklyn advice, I usually say late spring and early fall are the sweet spots. When I visit Brooklyn in May, June, September, or early October, the brownstone blocks are lively, Prospect Park is at its best, and walking the waterfront from Brooklyn Heights to DUMBO actually feels pleasant. Summer in Brooklyn has great outdoor energy, but the subway platforms and midday heat can wear you down fast. Winter is quieter and more local, which I like for museums, cafés, and uncrowded neighborhood walks. If you want the widest mix of things to do in Brooklyn, I’d choose September to visit Brooklyn.