A Perfect Day in Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn is so much more than just another suburb in New York City. Today, the Borough of Homes and Churches feels more like a city in its own right, known for the distinct diversity of its neighborhoods, for its cultural richness, art and entertainment scene, and abundance of sights and attractions. It’s a world worth exploring, even if it’s just for one day.

8 a.m. Start Your Day Early with a Visit to Brooklyn Bridge Park

Go for a stroll or maybe even a jog along the East River, admiring the early morning view of the iconic landscape of the lower Manhattan skyline. Take some time to admire the Brooklyn Bridge, a structure of beauty and one of the most iconic landmarks of New York City.

10 a.m. Reward Yourself with a Delicious Brunch in Cobble Hill

Make your way over to Cobble Hill, an old-time Italian neighborhood known for great pizza, antique bookshops, and great restaurants. Treat yourself for a delicious brunch at Brucie                     , one of the best brunch spots in all of Brooklyn, which offers a perfect combination of upscale Italian blended with a perfect retro-rustic casual charm. There are always pancakes on the menu at Brucie loaded with butter, maple syrup, and bacon. For something more savory, try one of their fried egg dishes. The menu varies day by day, so every meal at Brucie’s is different.

12 p.m. Take a Stroll in the Botanical Gardens or Explore the Brooklyn Museum

Spend a few hours exploring the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, a 52 acre garden that’s been opened to the public since 1911. If you are lucky enough to be visiting in spring, you’ll get a chance to discover the largest cherry blossom trees in one place outside of Japan.

Culture and history buffs may prefer to spend the afternoon at the Brooklyn Museum, the second largest art museum in New York City. Its permanent collection includes more than one million artifacts, ranging from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to modern-day art.

If you happen to be in the city on a Saturday, pop into the Grand Army Plaza Farmer’s Market, on the Northwest corner of Prospect Park, for a great selection of fresh local produce and a cheeky afternoon snack, like the cider donuts!

4 p.m. Dabble in Some Vintage Shopping

Let’s face it, a visit to Beacon’s Closet is a bit of a Brooklyn must-do for a trendy shopaholic visitor. This chain of incredibly cheap yet hip second-hand stores is constantly inundated with fresh arrivals from neighborhood fashionistas. And with convenience of four different locations, including one in Park Slope, it is easy to include it in your Brooklyn trip’s itinerary.

7 p.m. Watch the Sun Go Down Over Williamsburg Bridge

After a long day of walking around the city, it’s time to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Head over to one of the rooftop bars in Williamsburg for some pre-dinner drinks and a perfect sunset view over Williamsburg Bridge. Try a place like Reynard or Berry Park.

9 p.m. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry

There is no shortage of choices for dinner and drinks once the sun goes down and Williamsburg is a perfect neighborhood to finish your perfect day in NYC. It’s a diverse area popular for its art scene, hipster crowd, and a great choice of restaurants with all kinds of cuisines.

After dinner the choices are plentiful. New hot bars and restaurants are popping up here every month, but old-time favorites, like the dive bar, Lady Jays, and the whiskey bar, Noorman’s Kil, continue to draw in their regular crowds.

Late night partiers will enjoy the scene at Output Club that hosts many up-and-coming names as well as well-known acts. Good night’s always end at the stylish Brooklyn Bowl, a neighborhood bowling alley with really strong beer that stays open until at least 2 a.m.

Must-Eat: Explore Brooklyn’s Food Tours

Taking part in a Brooklyn Food Tour is one of the best ways to sample bits and pieces of the city’s best culinary offerings. You can taste your way through a series of neighborhoods and experience the diversity of ethnic communities that make up Brooklyn’s fascinating food scene.

Popular Hotels in Brooklyn

There are many great hotels in Brooklyn from $88. The Aloft New York Brooklyn hotel is a great budget choice starting at just $109 per night. Majority of top end hotels are located in Downtown Brooklyn, while many budget and mid-tier hotels are situated along the Third Avenue corridor that connects the neighborhoods of Boerum Hill, Park Slope, and Gowanus. Trendy and boutique hotels are often found in areas like Williamsburg and Carroll Gardens. Hostels and Airbnb options are also popular with savvy travelers.

This post was posted by Fiona Moriarty on Hipmunk’s Tailwind blog on June 11, 2015