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Brooklyn

Our most recommended things to do in Brooklyn

NYC: 1-Hour Cruise Around Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

1. NYC: 1-Hour Cruise Around Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island

Take a 60-minute boat ride to within 100 feet of the Statue of Liberty. Cruise right under the Brooklyn Bridge and see the most famous skyline in the world. Your live English guide will point out the sites as you journey along the river including the Empire State Building, the new Freedom Tower, the Manhattan Bridge, Governor's Island, and more. Make use of both the indoor and outdoor seating, along with large open windows for your viewing pleasure. Get within touching distance of "Lady Liberty" and then move on to Ellis Island to take photos of the famous entry point to New York City. Marvel at the skyline of Manhattan and its famous skyscrapers, including the new One World Trade Center. Glide down both the east and west sides of Lower Manhattan on this roundtrip cruise, and purchase drinks and food from the concession stand aboard the boat. 

New York: Go City Explorer Pass - 90+ Tours and Attractions

2. New York: Go City Explorer Pass - 90+ Tours and Attractions

Explore iconic New York with Go City for one low pre-paid price. With a selection of over 90 must-see NYC attractions, museums, and tours, you can save up to 50%* compared to buying separate attraction tickets. Design your own New York adventure with access to the most popular attractions on one easy-to-use digital pass. Options include the Statue of Liberty Ferry, 9/11 Memorial, Empire State Building, EDGE, and many more. Pick between a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10-choice pass, browse the guide or Go City app to plan your itinerary and check entry requirements. Scanning your pass at the gate or ticket office of an attraction (or tour) for the first time will activate it. You then have 60 days to use the remaining choices purchased. Your pass also features special perks including gift shop discounts or a free audio guide at selected attractions, helping you make the most of your New York trip and save even more along the way. The New York attractions you can choose include:  Museums & Galleries • American Museum of Natural History • 9/11 Memorial & Museum • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) • Intrepid Museum • Guggenheim Museum • The Whitney Museum of American Art • Fotografiska New York • Museum of Sex • Museum of the City of New York Experiences • Empire State Building • Top of the Rock • One World Observatory • Edge • Central Park Bike Rental • Rise NY • 9/11 Museum Workshop: Hands-on 9/11 Tour • SPYSCAPE • Madame Tussauds • Harlem Jazz Series • Harlem Bike Rental • Surrey Bike Rental Governors Island • Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rental by Unlimited Biking • New York Yankees Game Tickets Tours & Cruises • Rockefeller Center Tour • Big Bus New York Hop-on Hop-off: 1-Day Classic Tour • Best of NYC Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing • Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island Ferry • The RIDE • Harbor Lights Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing • NYC Landmarks Cruise: Circle Line Sightseeing • Central Park Bike Tour • Madison Square Garden All Access Tour • Radio City Stage Door Tour • Greenwhich Village at Night Walking Tour • St Patrick's Cathedral Tour with Express Entry • Graffiti and Street Art Tour Walking Tour of Brooklyn • Secrets of the Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island Walking Tour • Broadway & Times Square Walking Tour • Central Park TV & Movies Walking Tour • Yankee Stadium Tour • Wall Street Walking Tour • Catacombs by Candlelight • Pride Walking Tour • NYC TV & Movie Bus Tour • Top of the Highline and Hudson Yards Tour • Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Walking Tour • Chinatown Walking Tour • High Line - Chelsea - Meatpacking Tour • Little Italy Walking Tour • Greenwich Village Walking Tour • Best of Brooklyn Walking Tour in Williamsburg • Woodbury Common Bus Tour (Round Trip + VIP Coupon Booklet) • Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts Walking Tour Food and Drinks • Food on Foot Tours • Spirits on Foot - Beer, Spirits & Wine Crawl *Savings based on sample itineraries on Go City website.

New York: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

3. New York: Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

Experience the perfect introduction to New York with a Hop on Hop off Big Bus tour. Relax on an open-top double decker sightseeing bus while listening to insightful and engaging digital commentary. The bus route takes you on a captivating journey through New York's rich history and vibrant modern life, as well as its many memorials and museums. You'll have the opportunity to hop off and explore the city's most iconic historical sites, including the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Broadway, and the One World Trade Center with its 360-degree view of the stunning skyline. Pay tribute to the memory of those lost in the tragic event at the 9/11 Memorial just steps away. The Downtown Loop is a 90 minute circuit, while the Uptown Loop is 75 minutes. Many guests choose to ride a full loop to see the city before deciding where to hop off on the next loop around. Buses arrive every 10-15 minutes on the Downtown Loop and every 30 minutes on the Uptown Loop throughout the day. Explore Lower Manhattan on the Downtown tour, including popular neighborhoods such as the Flatiron District, World Trade Center, Battery Park, SoHo & NoHo, Greenwich Village & East Village, Chelsea, and the Financial District. Wander around Wall St. to see the famous Stock Exchange and Charging Bull. Eat your way through Little Italy and Chinatown, shop at the high-end boutiques in SoHo, or see the open-air observation deck at The Edge in Hudson Yards. Then make your way to the Upper East Side, home to some of New York’s most popular museums. Explore the Frick Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). The Uptown Loop takes you through Midtown, passing by Grand Central Terminal and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Add a relaxing and scenic cruise around Liberty Island to complete your trip. Enjoy spectacular views of Lady Liberty and many more New York landmarks from a prime position on the Hudson River. Cruises last 1 hour and feature an onboard cafe and full bar, restrooms, outdoor deck space, air conditioning and indoor seating with large windows. Journey through New York on two wheels with an included offer at Unlimited Biking, NYC's premiere bike rental company. Purchase a 1-hour (minimum) bike rental and receive an extra hour free! Or, enjoy $5 OFF per person for any bike tour or Segway tour.

NYC: Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour

4. NYC: Manhattan Island All-Inclusive Helicopter Tour

Experience the best views in New York City from inside a helicopter, complete with large floor-to-ceiling convex windows for your viewing pleasure. On your flight you will see the beautiful Central Park, Hudson River, and New York Harbor, including the Intrepid Museum. Cruise past the Rockefeller Center, Empire State Building, the World Financial Center, and the Chrysler Building from up high, as well as the iconic Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Greenwich Village, South Street Seaport, and the Brooklyn Bridge, which dates all the way back to 1883. With tour narration and all heliport fees included, there is no better way to enjoy the dramatic and ever-evolving New York City skyline.

NYC: Skyline and Statue of Liberty Night Cruise

5. NYC: Skyline and Statue of Liberty Night Cruise

Enjoy the best views of the New York skyline on this happy hour cruise around lower Manhattan with onboard food options and a covered outdoor dance floor. This 2-level boat has indoor and outdoor decks to make the most of this unforgettable experience. Cruise down the East River, under the Brooklyn Bridge & past South Street Seaport as you head out to the Statue of Liberty for sunset photos. See One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, Ellis Island and buildings of all shapes and sizes light up the night sky. There is light commentary to help you identify the many famous buildings and neighborhoods you will see as you cruise along the Hudson River and the East River, on both sides of Manhattan Enjoy a happy hour special, beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks from the cash bar, If you are hungry you can purchase snacks and food options like burgers, chicken fingers, nachos, pasta, hot dogs and hot pretzels. Enjoy the fun music as you dance and mingle on the covered outdoor deck. With a friendly crew and an incredible setting, this happy hour skyline cruise is the perfect way to unwind and experience the magic of New York City at night.

NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise

6. NYC: Statue of Liberty Express Skip-the-Box-Office Cruise

Departing from Downtown Manhattan in Battery Park, this express cruise is the fastest way to get up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty and enjoy best views from the water. Enjoy insights onboard from your tour guide with live narration. Begin your cruise experience at Battery Park's Slip 6. Get your souvenir photo with Lady Liberty in the background while you wait. Board the vessel, sit back, and set sail on your round-trip sightseeing cruise. Bask in the panoramic view of downtown New York's celebrated towers, memorials, and Landmarks while you relax on board the state-of-the-art boat.  Cruise right over to see the Statue of Liberty, one of the most iconic symbols in the world. On your way to Lady Liberty, you’ll sail past and learn about Ellis Island, once home to the United States’ busiest immigration station, where approximately 12 million immigrants came through.  You will also see Governors Island, a former military base that has since been redeveloped with a beautiful park for the public to enjoy.

NYC: Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office

7. NYC: Circle Line Harbor Lights Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office

Experience New York at sunset on a cruise of the harbor, and take in all the sights and lights of Manhattan aboard a climate-controlled boat. Grab your friends, family, and coworkers - or even a random stranger - and embark on an unforgettable journey of the harbor with "Lady Liberty" keeping watch. With a drink in your hand, purchased from the fully stocked bar, feel the breeze on your face and be mesmerized by the shimmering skyline. Get endless photo opportunities to make you an Instagram star as you sail past legendary attractions such as the Statue of Liberty and get perfect views of the Freedom Tower - One World Trade Center, Empire State Building, Pier 54 (Titanic Pier), Battery Park, and more. See where millions of immigrants were processed when they arrived in America at Ellis Island, cruise past Governors Island, the South Street Seaport, and Brooklyn Bridge. Marvel at unrivaled views of the Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge, and Chrysler Building, and discover the East Village, United Nations Building, and USS Intrepid Pier from a different perspective. 

New York: 1-10 Day New York Pass for 100+ Attractions

8. New York: 1-10 Day New York Pass for 100+ Attractions

See all that NYC has to offer with the official all inclusive NEW YORK PASS. Visit 100+ attractions with a single mobile pass for one great price. Check in the view from the top of Empire State Building, take a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty, hop on and off a Big Bus Tour, and more. Simply choose how many days you'll be in New York and get unlimited admission to many of the city's best attractions, tours, and experiences. Activate your pass at the first attraction or tour you go to. Once activated, your pass records when and where you first used it and how long it will remain valid for. Your New York Pass is then valid for the number of consecutive days that you've purchased. Activities include: Popular Experiences • Empire State Building • Big Bus 1-Day Downtown & Uptown Hop-on Hop-off Tour • Top of the Rock Observation Deck • 9/11 Memorial & Museum • Edge • One World Observatory • Statue of Liberty Ferry & Ellis Island Immigration Museum • Best of NYC Cruise by Circle Line • Madame Tussauds New York • Central Park Bike Rental by Unlimited Biking • Guggenheim Museum • The RIDE Museums & Galleries • American Museum of Natural History • MoMA - Museum of Modern Art • Intrepid Museum • Museum of Sex • Whitney Museum of American Art • Fotografiska New York • Museum of the City of New York • New York Historical Society • Museum of Arts and Design • Museum of Jewish Heritage • Skyscraper Museum • New York Hall of Science • Museum at Eldridge Street • International Center of Photography • MOMA PS 1 • Staten Island Museum • The Paley Center for Media • The Museum of Chinese in America • Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum Family-friendly • Central Park Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking • 9/11 Museum Workshop: Hands-On 9/11 Tour • Marvel & DC Superheroes Walking Tour • Yankee Stadium Tour • LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, New Jersey or Westchester • Staten Island Zoo • Staten Island Children’s Museum Hidden Gems • New York Botanical Garden • Catacombs by Candlelight Tour • Harlem Jazz Series – Tuesday and Friday • New Museum • Cathedral of St. John the Divine • Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden • ARTECHOUSE New York Tours & Cruises • Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour • Rockefeller Center Tour • The Official Chinatown Walking Tour • How Money Was Made: Wall Street Walking Tour • Harbor Lights Cruise by Circle Line • Clipper City Tall Ship – Statue of Liberty Cruise (seasonal) • The Official Little Italy Walking Tour • New York City News Media Tour • Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Walking Tour • Brooklyn Bridge Guided Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking • See 30+ Top New York Sights Walking Tour Attractions and tours are subject to change. Check the digital guide for an up-to-date attraction line-up including opening times and instructions on how to access each attraction before you go. Some tours and attractions require advance reservations. * Savings based on sample itineraries on Go City website.

From Manhattan: 4-Hour Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Bus Tour

9. From Manhattan: 4-Hour Dyker Heights Holiday Lights Bus Tour

Experience Christmas in New York City on a comfortable bus tour of Dyker Heights, world-known for its luminous light displays. Witness the festive decoration tradition that the residents have kept alive since the 1980s. Drive from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Enjoy this lively Italian-American neighborhood with your tour guide. Due to narrow streets, buses are not allowed in Dyker Heights, so hop off the bus and follow your guide to the two most illuminated streets in the area. See Lucy Spata's house, which started the tradition of Dyker Lights in the '80s. Walk along the most spectacularly decorated houses. Next, stop at the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO/Brooklyn Heights. Enjoy the view of the Manhattan Skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge for about 25 minutes. Return via the Manhattan Bridge. End the experience at Bryant Park, where you can visit its famous winter market on your own.

NYC: Circle Line Landmarks Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office

10. NYC: Circle Line Landmarks Cruise Skip-The-Box-Office

Take in many of the iconic sites of midtown and lower Manhattan on a semi-circle boat cruise. Enjoy magnificent views of the world's most recognizable skyline and get a close-up look at Lady Liberty and Ellis Island from the water. See the sights with a local tour guide who brings to life the breathtaking sights and the fascinating history behind the Big Apple. Sail down the Hudson River, cruising around the Battery, and up the East River. Pass under the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg Bridges to the United Nations building before heading back to Pier 83, the starting point for your tour.

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Frequently asked questions about Brooklyn

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Brooklyn

Megan Indoe is a Brooklyn based travel enthusiast who shares her adventures with her husband and photographer Scott Herder across their travel channels on social media and their blog, Bobo & Chichi as well as their local adventures and tips in New York at Your Brooklyn Guide.

What should I do on my first trip to Brooklyn?

While DUMBO and Williamsburg are among what most visitors think of when they hear Brooklyn, there is so much more. One not to be missed place near DUMBO is the Brooklyn Heights Promenade which offers panoramic views of the New York Harbor, Statue of Liberty, World Trade Center and Lower Manhattan skyline, as well as the Brooklyn Bridge along the mansion and tree lined pathway with ample seating and views!

What are some hidden gems to see in Brooklyn?

A neighborhood that’s an absolute hidden gem to visitors to the city is the neighborhood of Red Hook. This neighborhood sits on the waterfront of the New York Harbor and has at least a dozen independent art galleries, incredible Statue of Liberty and sunset views at Louis Valentino Jr. Park and Pier, wine tasting at the Red Hook Winery, a great food and drinking scene, and awesome photography spots that many people are unaware of. Red Hook is a bit isolated in terms of public transportation since the subway doesn’t service this neighborhood, so you either walk the 15-20 minutes from Carroll Gardens and the nearest subway, take the NYC water taxi directly to Red Hook, or use Citi Bike rentals.

How much time should I spend in Brooklyn?

On a trip to New York City you need to spend at least a full weekend around Brooklyn as there really is so much this borough has to offer. For a first timer, you should spend one morning in and around DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights then head to Williamsburg in the afternoon and evening for some of the best thrift shopping in the city, great dining, bars, and nightlife plus additional waterfront views of the skyline from the parks dotted along the East River.

Day two could easily be spent at Coney Island or if historic amusement parks aren't your thing we recommend spending the morning in Park Slope by grabbing bagels and enjoying breakfast on a bench in Prospect Park, walking around visiting the Old Stone House historic landmark and shopping along 5th and 7th Avenues. After lunch, walk or Citibike through Gowanus to Carroll Gardens all the way to Red Hook and visit a brewery or go wine tasting, check out the views of the waterfront, and enjoy dinner at upper deck of Brooklyn Crab and grab dessert at Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie.

What food is Brooklyn known for?

While in Brooklyn you can try just about any cuisine from around the world but if I had to pick two iconic meals to eat it would be bagels and pizza.

The secret ingredient to the city’s famous bagels and pizza is the New York City water which is some of the best quality drinking water in the country.

Our personal favorite bagel spots includes Bagel Pub which has a few locations around Brooklyn. Get an everything bagel and pick your favorite flavor of cream cheese or two! Another great bagel spot is Shelsky’s Brooklyn Bagel, which has two locations and they offer really great bagel, egg, cheese, and meat of your choice breakfast sandwiches on their bagels.

Brooklyn does pizza well and there are so many incredible pizza spots that you could spend a lifetime tasting them all. Juliana’s in DUMBO is where you can find one of the best pizzas in the city brought to you by someone who has been generationally in the NYC pizza business since the earliest days. Another great spot is Table 87 who does coal fired oven pizzas which are hard to come by in the city since being outlawed.

What is the best way to get around Brooklyn?

Getting around Brooklyn couldn’t be easier. You have many transportation options including the subway which connects the entire city and all you need is a credit card to tap or you can buy a MetroCard and pre-load it with money so you can get around the city for less than $3 a ride.

Depending on where you're wandering to in Brooklyn you can actually walk between some of the most popular neighborhoods - which is one of my favorite things to do since you typically walk through gorgeous brownstone filled streets and neighborhoods that really let you take in the beauty Brooklyn is known for.

Citi Bike rentals are easy and available in most parts of Brooklyn. Download the app and set up an account or link your Lyft account and when you need a bike you can check the app for the closest docking stations as well as find where you can dock the bike when you're done using it again. There are now electric Citi Bikes available too which are great if you don't want to work up a sweat but are a bit more expensive.

Taxis are not as common in Brooklyn but they do exist, you're better off using a rideshare app in this area so you're not searching for a cab.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Brooklyn?

There are a few great neighborhoods to stay in Brooklyn. If this is your first visit then you will want to pick one of the beautiful hotels with views in Williamsburg or DUMBO.

DUMBO is a bit closer to the rest of exploring Brooklyn and you have waterfront views of Lower Manhattan with easy access to iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. You can access the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian pathway in DUMBO to take you to Manhattan too.

Williamsburg has great hotel options, many of which have rooftop bars and/or pools with skyline views. This is a great neighborhood to stay in if you want easy access to Midtown and are looking for a fun area for nightlife in Brooklyn.

What is the best thing to do in Brooklyn for couples?

Couples should definitely take advantage of a gorgeous Brooklyn sunset from either a waterfront picnic in Brooklyn Bridge Park or from one of the many incredible rooftop restaurants like Harriet’s Rooftop Lounge in DUMBO.

What are the best annual events in Brooklyn?

In the summer you have to check out Smorgasburg which takes place on Saturdays in Williamsburg and Sundays in Prospect Park. Smorgasburg is best enjoyed with friends so you can sample and taste many different dishes available from the different food vendors and some of the most popular food trucks in the city.

What are the best areas for outdoor activities around Brooklyn?

Brooklyn has so many amazing parks to enjoy. Be sure to check out Prospect Park, Central Park’s Brooklyn sister designed by the same architects. If you’re familiar with Central Park you’ll notice the similarities but they are still very different parks. In Prospect Park you want to check out the picturesque boathouse, walk through the different arches including the newly refurbished Endale Arch near Grand Army Plaza, and if you’re visiting in the winter check out the ice skating at LeFrak at Lakeside for one of the largest ice skating rinks for a fraction of the price.

Another park that’s great for outdoor activities is Brooklyn Bridge Park. Continue on the waterfront pathway towards Brooklyn Heights to find all the piers that have different playing fields, picnic areas, and outdoor activities to enjoy plus designated grilling areas all with some of the best skyline views in the city.

What are the best beaches around Brooklyn?

Coney Island Beach is the best in terms of having multiple offerings in addition to having a beach you can lounge around at all day or swim. Hang out at the beach, or if its a weekend summer day and this stretch of sand is a little crowded you can walk 10 minutes and enjoy the quieter shores of Brighton Beach, home to a large Russian community. Be sure to walk along the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk and witness century old rides like the classic Wonder Wheel and Cyclone roller coaster at one of America's oldest and most famous amusement parks.

Which neighborhood has the best nightlife?

There are a few great spots for nightlife in Brooklyn but the two most popular for nightlife include the nightclubs in Bushwick and bars in Williamsburg.

Which neighborhoods are best for families?

Park Slope is a very family-friendly neighborhood, which is why it's one of the most desirable neighborhoods to live in the entire city for families as well as DUMBO. You can find plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly activities in both of these neighborhoods.

Which neighborhoods are the most budget-friendly?

If you're looking to save money consider staying and or dining in Bushwick which has the nightlife and great food options! Check out some of this neighborhoods tortilla shops like Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos for a delicious meal that won't break the bank as well as places that sell pizza by the slice, Joe's in Williamsburg is one of the best slice shops in the city and a great meal to save money.

Which neighborhoods should you visit if you'd like to splurge?

If you're looking to splurge you will want to book a room with skyline views at either 1 Hotel in DUMBO or the William Vale in Williamsburg. For dinner you can enjoy dinner at the River Cafe under the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO, just keep in mind there's a dress code here or if you really want to go all out secure a reservation in advance for Peter Luger's Steakhouse and enjoy one of the best steakhouses in the city. Typically you need to make a reservation months in advance and you will need to have cash on hand to pay.

Which neighborhood should couples add to their list?

DUMBO is full of romantic eateries with views, sunset spots perfect for an evening picnic like at Brooklyn Bridge Park or sit on the bench together watching the sun go down at Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and charming cafes.

What are some fun facts/history behind DUMBO neighborhood?

DUMBO is no doubt one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in the city as well as packed with fascinating history and remnants from the past. This neighborhood is full of large brick buildings from the American industrious boom. Many of the luxe apartments and venues in this neighborhood are in transformed, historic warehouse buildings and you can still spot the historic Belgian blocks under the streets in certain areas. Underneath the Brooklyn Bridge is Fulton Ferry Landing which served as a ferry service between Manhattan and Brooklyn since the 1600s when Brooklyn was nothing but farmland. Next to Fulton Ferry Landing you can grab a scoop of award-winning ice cream from Ample Hills named after and paying homage one of the most famous Brooklynites and figures in American Literature, Walt Whitman who worked as the Editor of the Brooklyn Eagle newspaper in the Eagle Warehouse Building across the street.

Other Sightseeing Options in Brooklyn

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What people are saying about Brooklyn

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 17,185 reviews

I think this was great value for money being that you see multiple landmarks outside of the Statue of Liberty. I learnt soo much from the tour guide too. I went by myself and I really enjoyed it. I usually get sea sick and didn’t on this journey, I even stood outside whilst it was moving and I did not get sick once! I arrived 5 minutes before my slot and had no issues getting on the boat. The team were very nice and professional.

I would say the best thing I’ve done while in New York, if you’ve done the typical touristy stuff and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city this is the perfect quirky laid back experience.

A really lovely way to capture memories of being in the New York. I had a nice time walking around the city to each location.

So easy to use at each attraction and saved a lot of money when doing the city climb at the edge. Would definitely buy again

Quite basic boat etc but beautiful views and so close to the statue 😍