Brooklyn walking tour & neighborhood guide
The Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO's cobblestones and Williamsburg's creative streets.
Video by Wind Walk Travel Videos on YouTube, uploaded May 2017. All rights belong to the creator. Like or comment on YouTube ↗
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Brooklyn would be one of America's biggest cities if it stood alone, and for many visitors it has become as essential as Manhattan. Its waterfront looks straight across at the skyline, its brownstone streets are among the prettiest in New York, and its neighborhoods set the tone for much of the city's food, art and music.
The bridge, DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights
The classic way to arrive is on foot over the Brooklyn Bridge. Opened in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, and its raised wooden promenade offers views of Lower Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty and the East River. The walk across takes around 30 to 40 minutes with stops for photos.
On the Brooklyn side, DUMBO, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a former warehouse district of cobbled streets. The view of the Manhattan Bridge framed between brick buildings on Washington Street is one of the most photographed in New York. Next door, Brooklyn Heights is a calm neighborhood of 19th-century brownstones, and its Promenade looks over the harbor to the skyline.
Williamsburg and beyond
North along the river, Williamsburg is Brooklyn's creative hub, full of murals, vintage shops, music venues and rooftop bars, with waterfront parks facing Midtown. Nearby Greenpoint keeps a strong Polish heritage, while Fort Greene, Park Slope and Prospect Heights offer leafy streets, Prospect Park and the Brooklyn Museum.
Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches for 1.3 miles along the waterfront below Brooklyn Heights, with lawns, piers, a restored 1920s carousel and some of the best sunset views of Manhattan.
A classic walk in Brooklyn
Start in Lower Manhattan near City Hall and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Head down into DUMBO for the Washington Street view, wander through Brooklyn Bridge Park along the water, then climb to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. If you still have energy, take the ferry or subway up to Williamsburg for the evening.
Walk the bridge early in the morning to avoid the crowds, and keep to the pedestrian side of the path, because cyclists use the other lane. The East River Ferry is a cheap and scenic way to hop between Brooklyn's waterfront neighborhoods.
Top sights in Brooklyn
- 1
Brooklyn Bridge
The 1883 suspension bridge with a raised walkway to Manhattan.
- 2
DUMBO
Cobbled streets and the famous Manhattan Bridge view on Washington Street.
- 3
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Waterfront lawns and piers facing the Manhattan skyline.
- 4
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
A quiet esplanade with a panoramic view of Lower Manhattan.
- 5
Williamsburg
Street art, vintage shops and waterfront parks.
- 6
Prospect Park
A large park designed by the creators of Central Park.
Food markets & where to eat in Brooklyn
Smorgasburg
A huge outdoor food market held on weekends from spring to autumn.
DUMBO waterfront
Pizza, ice cream and cafés by the bridges.
Williamsburg
Food halls, bakeries and late-night eats around Bedford Avenue.
Atlantic Avenue
Middle Eastern grocers and bakeries near Brooklyn Heights.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
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