Things to do in Williamsburg Brooklyn
- Enough food for lunch
- Street art
- See the waterfront with great views of the NYC skyline
- Let us show you the neighborhood and hear fascinating history
- Small group tour
- 5-star rated
Here’s a quick intro to Williamsburg, Brooklyn:
Our Top 10 Things to do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn:
Walk along Bedford Avenue
Bedford Avenue is definitely the main artery of Williamsburg. Although it’s worth noting that Williamsburg spans an additional several stops down the L subway line so it’s quite a large neighborhood! Gentrification has certainly infected the nabe, but there are still lots of authentic locally owned boutiques, bars and restaurants to check out. Did you know? That Bedford Avenue is the longest street in Brooklyn, running 10.2 miles (16.4 km) and 132 blocks, from Manhattan Avenue in Greenpoint south to Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay, and passing through the neighborhoods of Williamsburg, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Midwood, Marine Park, and Sheepshead Bay.
Hit a rooftop
Enjoy sunset cocktails at one of the many hotel rooftop bars with incredible views of the Manhattan skyline. There are tons of places to pick from but one of our favorites remains the Wythe Hotel (current rooftop bar is called Bar Blondeau – make a reservation here). For an upscale experience that’s hard to beat, there’s the William Vale’s . And if you want to party in a water tower tank, hit the Williamsburg Hotel. We recommend making a reservation if possible or going EARLY as there can be lines. There is also the Hoxton Hotel or simply enjoying the skyline and sunset from one of the waterfront parks in Williamsburg.
Refuel with a quick slice
Our faves: Joe’s Pizza or Best Pizza (Best Pizza is also a stop on our Williamsburg Bites Food Tour.)
Get a scoop
Our top pick is Odd Fellows in Domino Park. Take in this new park on the waterfront while enjoying one of their inventive flavors. Other options: Milk Bar (cereal milk soft serve, yummm), Tipsy Scoop (boozy ice cream!), or Van Leeuwen.
Get a beer
Brooklyn Brewery is not to be missed and they are closing after 2025! If they’re closed or too busy, you can also grab a Brooklyn Beer at Mable’s Smokehouse next door. They have excellent BBQ (including a great vegetarian option!). Also a stop on our Williamsburg Bites Food Tour.
Take in the waterfront
And on your way there, if you like hot sauce, be sure to swing by Heatonist (they make the hot sauce for HOT ONES, if you’re a fan).
McCarren Park
Soak up the local scene with a stroll through this large park. On the other side is Greenpoint, another fantastic neighborhood with more shopping, bars, restaurants, and more.
Get a coffee and people watch
Our favorites: Cafe Beit on Bedford Avenue, Devocion, Du’s Donuts and Coffee (celebrity chef Wylie Dufresne is the “Du”) or Cafe Mogador in the morning (try to grab a seat outside and enjoy their delicious Moroccan breakfast).
Hit a quirky museum
City Reliquary is still one of our favorite things to do in Williamsburg. It’s not trendy but it’s so different and so very Brooklyn. Open Thursday – Sunday but check the website or call before dropping by. You can also hit nearby Milk Bar, Fette Sau or neighborhood favorite bar w great bar food, The Commodore.
Vintage Shopping
Awoke Vintage
(Williamsburg & Greenpoint)
Not too expensive and not too cheap – they are right in that sweet spot and have tons of amazing finds for every style and occasion.
Crossroads Trading
(Williamsburg, Brooklyn) 135 N 7th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
This is where some of us personally trade in clothing, so it stands to reason that we never walk out of this store without finding something pre-loved that we can’t live without.
Beacon’s Closet
Multiple locations (Manhattan & Brooklyn)
One of the more famous vintage store brands in NYC & Brooklyn. The stores are generally large and they’ve got something for everyone.
