Ever since I knew I was going to New York, I knew I wanted to visit Brooklyn. Brooklyn has been thriving over the past decade and is the place to explore. I planned a whole day for a visit and it was one of my favorite parts of the trip. From the beautiful cobblestone streets to James Beard and Michelin star restaurants, enjoy wandering this stunning (and quieter) area of New York.
Keep reading for our 5 Must See Spots in Brooklyn after the jump!
Walking the Brooklyn or Manhattan Bridge
This is a must-do when visiting NYC. There’s some great options once you walk off the bridge. I would first stop at the famous Grimaldi’s for a delicious slice. (If you’re looking for a less crowded walk, choose to walk across the less crowded, but equally beautiful Manhattan bridge.) For idea photo ops, make sure to traverse back to Manhattan on the Brooklyn Bridge during golden hour.
Here’s how to get there from Manhattan:
Take the subway downtown to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall stop. Cross Park Row and walk across the bridge.
DUMBO Neighborhood and Brooklyn Bridge Park
If you’re here on the weekend, head to the Brooklyn Flea, the Farmer’s Market, and grab brunch in Atrium Dumbo. This restaurant has been nominated for a Michelin Star. Make reservations or expect a long long wait. After getting walking across the bridge make your way to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Here you’ll find a stunning park, shots of the city, and the bridges. (If you’re ever wondering where photographers get shots below the bridge along brick buildings and cobblestone streets, it’s here.)
If Grimaldi’s pizza isn’t your thing and you’re looking to fill your sweet tooth, head to Almondine for some amazing macaroons or the famous Jacque Torres’ shop for some phenomenal cookies or frozen hot chocolate. When on the East Coast, you should always try a lobster roll and we highly recommend Luke’s Seafood. With outdoor seating underneath the bridge, overlooking the bay, making for the perfect lunch spot.
Pressed Juicery
Heading toward Williamsburg, make sure to stop into the Pressed Juicery. (We know they have West Coast locations, but it’s one of our absolutely favorites and decided to stop in.) It’s located right at the 7th street subway terminal. It was a warm day as we crossed the bridge and we were more than ready for a bit of rest and a sweet treat. Keeping things simple we had the matcha freeze and chocolate freeze. The matcha was the favorite and kept things clean with a frozen blended juice of matcha, apple, spinach, kale, lemon, and ginger. It was amazing and we’ll be visiting the locations in Sacramento very soon!
Sea
Located in the heart of Williamsburg this Thai restaurant is unlike any other. With floating pools, lily pads, and beautiful wooden pergolas that separate the space throughout the restaurant, they’ve nailed atmosphere and given nods to Asian interiors and design. We opted for the duck curry and Pad See Ew. Both of our entrees were amazing and hit the spot before we headed back across the bridge.
Mast Chocolate
Most of us have come to know and love the Mast brothers and their story. As entrepreneurs, they’ve introduced us to craft chocolate and helped put Williamsburg on the map. They offer tours of their chocolate making process at their shop in Brooklyn. The cost of the tour includes a $10 credit, so make sure to stock up on their signature Brooklyn flavor and delight in their stunning packaging. (It’s won design and packaging awards over the years so make sure to delight in every editorial detail of their store.)
Do you have any favorite spots in Brooklyn? Any summer travels you’ve been going on? We’d love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below!