On my recent trip to New York, I was lucky enough to spend some time in Brooklyn. And I’ve got to say, I could totally live there. The street art, the food, the people, the bars, the pizza, it’s just SUCH a cool borough. And I haven’t even scratched the surface.
But I figured I would share a few Brooklyn experiences with you in my itinerary for the perfect day in Brooklyn, New York. Although I should warn you, it involves a LOT of food and drink. But hey, you’re on holiday, right?
Ideal Day Itinerary in Brooklyn
10AM: Brunch at Egg or Harefield Road
You must start your day in typical NYC fashion, with brunch of course. And I can recommend two fabulous yet very different brunch spots in Williamsburg, depending on your tastes.
Egg is a cool spot for a sophisticated brunch with super crispy hash browns and American staples like biscuits and gravy. Harefield Road is a more budget option but is a really hearty brunch and amazing value for money ($13 for brunch, a mimosa and a hot drink y’all).
11.30AM: A walk around Williamsburg and up to Greenpoint, looking out for street art
The best part of Brooklyn for me is just walking around the place and spotting all of the cool street art that lines every corner. So a post-brunch morning stroll from Williamsburg up to Greenpoint is very rewarding. Plus there will be a few cool shops to peruse enroute.
Oh and if you like, stop by Oslo Coffee for a cup of joe, it’s real good.
12.30PM: Get a donut at Peter Pans and eat it in Mccarran park
Donuts are a must in NYC and the ones from Peter Pan’s Pastry and Donut Shop are just scrumptious. There’s a reason there’s a line to get into the place. But don’t let it put you off, the queue moves quickly, the staff are super friendly, and best of all it’s so cheap! I paid under $9 for a box of 5 donuts and 2 hot drinks. Just make sure you try the Blueberry Buttermilk flavour because it is TO DIE.
Take your treats to go and eat them outside at nearby Mccarren Park, where you can see local sports teams in action and do a spot of people watching. Fingers crossed for sunshine.
2PM: Head over to Smorgasburg and the Brooklyn Flea with great Manhattan skyline views
Spend the afternoon over at East River Park where the pop-up events of Smorgasburg and the Brooklyn Flea Market take place each weekend between April and November. Smorgasburg is an outdoor food market with all of the usual suspects like pulled pork and mac and cheese, but also a whole host of weird and wonderful delights, such as spaghetti donuts from Pop Pasta and churro ice cream from Dulcinea Churros!
The Brooklyn Flea is also there with vintage clothes and record goodness. Both events have outstanding skyline views from the park too!
4PM: A cocktail at The William Vale
A rooftop bar is a must when in New York, and especially in Brooklyn. The William Vale is a new addition to the rooftop bar scene but just gets everything right so I totally recommend a visit. The cocktails are delicious, the decor is chic, it doesn’t feel too pretentious and the views are ridiculous. Seriously, the views are the main appeal of this beaut.
Just be warned that cocktails are around $16 so only get one to enjoy the view with and move on to somewhere cheaper!
6PM: Dinner at Berry Park
There are a tonne of dinner options in Brooklyn, but I really enjoyed eating at Berry Park. This is actually anther rooftop bar but a lot more casual with a cool atmosphere, rowdy crowds and big fairy lights. But they also do great food. I had the Mac & Cheese with bacon and a side of frickles and it was amazing. And everyone else I was with said the same – really good food, y’all.
7.30PM: Brooklyn Brewery tour
I love a good brewery tour but all the ones I’ve done are so different, so it’s hard to know what to expect when you go to a new one. Well the Brooklyn Brewery tour is pretty low-key, with a tour around two of the big rooms in the brewery and a really funny talk from the guide. He drinks as he gives the talk and tells some pretty funny anecdotes. So even though it’s fairly small, it’s definitely worth a visit.
But the main draw is the bar in this place. It’s buzzing and full of fairy lights and just has an amazing atmosphere in there. You pay with wooden tokens that you buy as you walk in and there’s a cool selection of craft beers. I liked it a whole lot.
9PM: Evening playing games at Barcade or The Whiskey Brooklyn
Finally, after you’ve had your fill of beers, head over to one of the cool bars in Williamsburg that have fun games that you can play as you drink!
Barcade is fab for the gamers out there with retro arcade games like Mariokart, TMNT and Tekken. Plus, they do great cocktails. Alternatively, The Whiskey Brooklyn has awesome all-american games like skee-ball, basketball and even a beer pong game! It’s a lot of fun.
There you have it, a fabulous day in Brooklyn, full of delicious food, cool bars and a damn awesome neighbourhood. Is there anything you would include in your ideal Brooklyn day itinerary?
Let me know in the comments below or tweet me @HeelsInBackpack!
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If you liked this, try these bad boys on for size:
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