Brooklyn, one of New York City’s five boroughs, is our favorite — and not just because it's the home of the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon. No matter how long you're in town, or what you came here to do (ahem, run 13.1 miles), you won't have any trouble finding things to do, see, and eat. The only problem you're likely to run into will be finding time to squeeze in everything on your list.
With neighborhoods ranging from Williamsburg - a nightlife hotbed that also has great restaurants, and a serious music scene - to picturesque Brooklyn Heights — packed with historic brownstones and carriage houses - and scenic DUMBO (that's Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass) with views of Manhattan that'll take your breath away, Brooklyn has a tight grip on both old and new. It’s not a cliché to say there’s something for everyone.
Read on for even more specific recommendations of what to do, see, and eat in Brooklyn.
This is New York, so public transit, particularly the subway is your friend. The NYC Ferry is also a great option. Getting a taxi (sometimes these are green instead of yellow in Brooklyn) is also a time-honored choice, and you won't typically have trouble flagging one in the street.
Of course, we have UBER & Lyft, and we've also got ZipCar for short term rentals. Citibike is a popular bike-sharing service you might enjoy checking out.
Marriott New York Brooklyn Bridge - Visit our exclusive booking page for the best deals on rooms at the home of our pre-race Expo.
For other discounted hotel options, check here.
So many choices... here are a few of our favorites:
Frankie's 457 Spuntino - One of Brooklyn's hidden gems. Great pasta, chops, and more.
Beanmonger Coffee - Grab an expertly crafted coffee.
F&F Pizza - A neighborhood favorite, try the Cacio e Pepe slice.
Buddy's Buritto & Taco Bar - Banging burritos and tasty tacos, eat in or take out.
Bar Toto – A favorite local spot for salads & pasta.
al di la Trattoria- Northern Italian cuisine with an emphasis on local sources.
Giuseppina – Wood-fired thin-crust pies.
V-Spot – Vegan, kosher & gluten-free eats with Latin accents.
Luigi's Pizza - Classic Brooklyn slice joint, try the Grandma's slice.
Antonio's Pizza - Eat like a regular at this neighborhood favorite.
Peter Luger – The classic New York steakhouse. Get the porterhouse for two.
Mesa Coyoacan – Inventive tacos, try anything with the mole.
Dziupla – Traditional Polish fare with a modern American twist.
Diner – Upscale diner in a 1920s Pullman rail car.
L'industrie - Considered NYC's best slice.
KARCZMA – Old school Polish restaurant in an awesome farmhouse.
Forma Pasta Factory - Handmade pasta dishes flash-boiled to order.
Peter Pan Donut & Pastry Shop - Old-school bakery donuts & pastries, plus your classic egg creams.
Chrissy's Pizza - Started making pies in an apartment, now it's Greenpoint's most popular pizza.
The Social Brooklyn - House-made ice cream, donuts, milkshakes with race weekend specials for our athletes.
Bagel Pub – Bagels with an amazing schmear selection with locations in Park Slope & Sunset Park as well.
Chavela's - Mexican fare along with a selection of tequilas & specialty cocktails.
Vinegar Hill House – Elegant farm-to-table spot in a historic building.
Westville Dumbo – American cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients.
Gran Electrica – Margaritas (and also some tasty Mexican eats).
Russ and Daughters Brooklyn - Classic Jewish bakery serving one of NYC's best bagels since 1914.
Dekalb Market Hall - Located in City Point this food hall is not to be missed.
Doughnut Plant - Unique and vast selection of handcrafted donuts.
Japan Village - So many mouth-watering choices in this Asian-themed food hall.
Hometown BBQ – Our favorite local spot for pit-smoked brisket and pulled pork.
The Astarita - Family-friendly, family-owned local pizza joint.
Tacos El Bronco – The best taco truck in Brooklyn with a brick-and-mortar location just a few blocks away.
Judy's - Neighborhood fave serving up coffee, wine, beer and good vibes.
Zona Sur - Casual bistro for brunch or dinner with outstanding cocktails.
Red Hook Lobster Pound – A local seafood favorite.
Ft. Defiance – Get the oysters for brunch or dinner.
Defonte's - Amazing sandwiches as seen on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.
This is Brooklyn, so pretty much anything you can imagine, you can do here. Some things we like…
Located close to Prospect Park, this urban botanic garden beautifully connects people to the world of plants.
The Brooklyn Museum
Our own world-class art museum, with rotating exhibitions and a stellar permanent collection
New York Transit Museum
Fascinating subway cars and buses from the early days of public transportation. Great for train-loving kids.
Prospect Park Zoo
Small local zoo with a petting area and farm animals. Nearby is a 100-year-old carousel.
Kick-Axe
Gowanus spot for (you guessed it) throwing axes. Yes, really. That’s a thing.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Interactive exhibits for kids, near the Brooklyn Museum in Crown Heights.
Sunshine Laundromat
Laundromat by day; NYC’s finest collection of pinball machines by night. Williamsburg
Green-Wood Cemetery
One of the city’s oldest cemeteries, designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted. Weekend tram tours. Greenwood Heights
Kings County Distillery
Moonshine and bourbon in the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. Tours and tastings: Tuesdays through Sundays.
The Wyckoff House
One of the oldest homes in NYC, dating to 1652, in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood.
Grand Army Plaza Green Market
Saturday morning spot for seasonal produce, fresh fish, baked goods and more.
The Cyclone
The most famous wooden roller coaster in the US, and one of the oldest (1927) still in operation. Coney Island.