Considered America’s first suburb, Brooklyn Heights has many historic and beautiful neighborhoods that blend charm and history. As a first-time visitor, recurrent visitor, or local, there are always charming streets to explore, landmarks to visit, and cozy cafes to stop at.
That’s right. Brooklyn Heights has so many fun activities to do, historic sites to discover, and local gems to explore. Don’t know where to start? Here are the best 15 things to do in Brooklyn Heights to help you make the most of your time.
15 Best Things To Do in Brooklyn Heights
1. Walk on the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the great things to do in Brooklyn, so it doesn’t matter if this is your first time or you’re a regular. But if you’re a visitor to New York, walking across this bridge is considered a rite of passage. Fair warning – you should know this bridge is mostly crowded either by tourists or vendors, especially during the holidays.
But this shouldn’t keep you from exploring, too. The best thing is to go as early as you can before the crowd starts coming in. And since you’ll be getting amazing views of Lower and Midtown Manhattan, the Manhattan Bridge, and Dumbo, you should be prepared to take pictures.
2. Have A Picnic At Brooklyn Bridge Park
You’re bored on a sunny day, but what is there to do in Brooklyn? The sun is out, the birds are singing, and the air is cool. This is the best time to have a picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park. This nature park has volleyball courts, basketball courts, biking paths, playgrounds, and a skating rink.
So instead of being cooped up at home, call your friends to meet you up at the Brooklyn Bridge Park for some fun outdoor activities. Whether on your own or with friends, you can visit this park for some recreational activities or for a fun but peaceful time out, and if you’re planning to make it extra special, here are some picnic ideas for a perfect day out you can try.
3. Take a Historic Walking Tour
A fun way to learn about Brooklyn is to go on a historic walking tour where you can learn more about the historic buildings, homes, and streets in the city. You can decide to just stroll on your own, but booking a walking tour with Big Onion can give you access to more information — especially if you enjoy exploring places with a travel like a local mindset.
On the paid tour, you’ll learn about the city’s agricultural and architectural history while also exploring historical spots like The Hotel St George, Columbia Heights, and the Grace Court Alley. But if you decide to explore on your own, you’ll end up exploring more spots in areas like Atlantic Avenue, Remsen Street, and Hicks Street.
4. Go Thrift Shopping
If there’s any fun thing to do in Brooklyn, then it’s to go shopping, cos who doesn’t like affordable stuff? If you want affordable ways to change your style by getting timeless basics, unusual pieces, or the latest fashion trends, then thrift shopping is it.
So if you want to find stunning pieces to express yourself, then take time to explore stores like the Underground Thrift Store where you can browse through a unique collection, or Urban Jungle where you can scan through an endless amount of clothing. It doesn’t matter which thrift shop you visit, just make sure to bring a tote or shopping bag, cos you won’t be leaving this thrift store empty-handed!
Suggested Reads- 20 Thrift Stores In New Orleans To Visit
5. Tour The Plymouth Church
The Plymouth Church was one of the centers for an antislavery movement that later became a stop on the Underground Railroad for fugitive slaves. So if you want to learn about the antislavery movement, taking a tour here is one of the things to do in Brooklyn. You can either go on a tour during the weekday or after the worship service on Sunday.
During the tour, you’ll see the pew where Abraham Lincoln sat during his presidential campaign, the basement where fugitive slaves stayed, and the ring given to the slave child Pinky in celebration of her freedom. You’ll also be amazed at the stained glass art and the urban design and architecture of this building.
6. Explore The Fruit Sitting Area
You’re wondering what there is to do in Brooklyn, but have you explored the Fruit Sitting Area or the Fruit Bowl? And no, it’s not an actual fruit bowl but a combination of fruit-named streets, which are Orange, Cranberry, and Pineapple Street. Exploring these streets is a must cos you’ll get to see various attractions, local shops, and cafes.
But if you want a peaceful time out, then just head to the Fruit Sitting Area, sit on any of the benches, and relax. You can even come here to take breathtaking natural pictures, have a picnic, read a book, people watch, or just get fresh air.
7. Walk Through The Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Another important thing to do in Brooklyn Heights, especially as a visitor, is to walk through the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This waterfront promenade runs along the street from Remsen to Cranberry Street.
On weekends, you can decide to get breakfast at any of the nearby cafes and take a long walk through the promenade. If you get tired during the walk, you can sit on the benches and enjoy the amazing views of downtown Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
8. Visit The New York Transit Museum
If you’re visiting with kids, then the best thing to do in Brooklyn is to stop at the New York Transit Museum. This is like a large playground filled with subways, elevated cars, buses, and trams for the kids to touch, sit, and explore.
There’s something here for everyone, so while the kids are amazed at the trains, you can explore the interactive exhibits and learn about the transportation history of this city. You’re free to touch the archival objects on display and wander in and out of the car models. This is what makes it especially fun for the kids.
9. Explore Montague Street
If you want to see where culture, history, and modern styles blend, then exploring Montague Street should be on your list of what to do in Brooklyn Heights. This street has various shops, cafes, and restaurants, and leads directly to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.
As you explore, you’ll see various historic buildings you’d like to stop at and vibrant local businesses where you want to get something. But you should be prepared to brave the crowd here, filled with shoppers, history buffs, and culture enthusiasts.
10. Visit The Center for Brooklyn History
The Center for Brooklyn History was formerly known as the Brooklyn Historical Society, but in 2020, it got an upgrade and became part of the Brooklyn Public Library. For history buffs, there’s no better thing to do in Brooklyn Heights than to read through the history of the city.
On special days, you can attend the art exhibits, educational programs, and public programs held at this community hub. But if you’re a researcher, student, or tourist and you want to look through the archives or special collection of Brooklyn’s 400-year history, this is the place to visit.
11. Grab Lunch From Lassen & Hennigs
What do you do if you get hungry while exploring the things to do in Brooklyn Heights? Well, that’s simple. Just stop at Lassen and Hennings on Montague Street and get delicious lunch salads and sandwiches.
This deli landmark is very popular in Brooklyn for serving delicious homemade desserts. After you get your lunch, you can also order the sprinkled cookies, muffins, or the red velvet cake to go. So grab lunch and desserts from this spot and head over to the benches at the Promenade to eat before you continue exploring.
12. Eat Dinner At Colonie
You can plan a romantic dinner with your partner at Colonie, that is after you’ve made your reservations. This restaurant serves seasonal but local American meals with a bit of an Italian side so you can expect vegetable dishes, homemade pasta, and fresh seafood.
From their bar to the open kitchen and delicious menu, you’re sure to have a delicious time here. You can order vibrant meals like roasted sweet potatoes, dressed with preserved lemon, a swoop of labneh, and sesame. Or try out the delicious lump crab tagliatelle with serrano and artichoke, or the braised cabbage. If you’re visiting from out of town and love finding unique places to stay, pair your food journey with a stay at an unforgettable hotel nearby or on your next trip.
13. Eat Pastries At L’Appartement4f
One of the Instagram-worthy things to do in Brooklyn Heights is to stop at the famous L’Appartement4f. You may have to arrive early to get into the line but their croissants, cookies, and bread are worth the wait.
After stuffing yourself with their delicious mini croissant cereal, chocolate chip cookies, and baguette, you can decide to walk home to burn the calories. By day, this spot is a bakery but at night, you can come here to have drinks with your friends, though you’ll need to make your reservations early.
14. Go For Cocktails With Friends
One of the fun things you can do in Brooklyn Heights is to plan a night out with your friends to bar spots where you can get delicious meals and great cocktails while listening to good music. There are various options, but you can try out spots like Pilot, Inga’s Bar, Elsa, and The Long Island Bar.
These bars serve delicious burgers, martinis, and inventive cocktails where you can vibe with your date or friends. But if you want cocktails during the summer, then you should stop at Pilot, where you can even better enjoy your drinks and dinner on the boat.
15. Sing Karaoke At Montero’s
After you’re done exploring the things to do in Brooklyn Heights, you can end your day at this Karaoke bar. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, you can stop here to sing or listen to hilarious variations of songs you know and love.
Montero Bar and Grill has served this city for more than 80 years, so you’ll likely find grad students, karaoke devotees, tourists, and regular neighbors. And if you think you don’t karaoke, then with a sip of the wines or shots of the liquor sold at the bar, you might find out you’ve changed your mind.
Conclusion
With its history and charming neighborhoods, you’re sure to fall in love with the city. Especially after strolling through the promenade, enjoying delicious meals at the Colonie, and dancing at Ingrid’s bar.
Everything you do in Brooklyn Heights is bound to be a part of fun, unforgettable memories. So what are you waiting for? Get comfortable, show, and use this guide to explore the best things to do in Brooklyn Heights.
