Brooklyn

Written by Sharon Weissburg, edited by Tansy Kaschak on 4.28.22

Brooklyn is great. It’s vast. It’s diverse. It’s progressive. Most importantly, it’s what you make of it. While the island across the river feels endlessly busy and buzzing, Brooklyn offers a wildly varied environment that allows visitors and locals alike to choose the intensity and tone of our experience, from quiet mornings sipping coffee and lounging in lush parks to wild nights out in some of the world’s most fascinating spaces. Brooklyn is about its people, and we’ve gathered some of the best to share their secrets.

Just across the East River from Lower Manhattan, Brooklyn fans out in a vast expanse of 77 neighborhoods home to 2.6 million people, each with its unique character and culture. And did you know: if Brooklyn were an independent city, it would be the 4th most populated in the country?

When to Visit 

Brooklyn abounds in things to do and see all year round, but there are a few seasonal touchpoints that we’re always waiting for: the New York marathon in early November, the blooming of the cherry blossoms at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in April and May, springtime in Carroll Gardens, Halloween parties in Bushwick, and summertime beach outings in the Rockaways are just the tip of the iceberg. In Brooklyn, everything is possible.

Where to Stay

Whether you’re planning a Brooklyn vacation, considering a staycation, or looking for the best hotel for your favorites coming to town, we’ve rounded up our top hotels in the borough.

Click here for our Brooklyn Hotel Guide

Mostly in Williamsburg or Downtown, they are directly connected to most neighborhoods of Brooklyn. We love a good bus, train, bike ride, or, even better, our own two feet to take us on our adventures.

What to Do, Eat, and See

There’s no shortage of attractions in Brooklyn — in fact, the options can make our heads spin. So we’ve asked a handful of savvy Brooklyn residents for their personal favorites in their neighborhoods.