Brooklyn City Guide
WNYC Transmitter Park
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If you’re planning a trip to New York City, make sure Brooklyn is on your itinerary. Why? Because each neighborhood here offers something unique. From the trendy streets of Williamsburg to the artsy vibe of Bushwick, and the historic charm of Crown Heights, Brooklyn is a world of its own.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best dining spots, must-see attractions, and essential travel tips to help you explore the borough like a local.
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table of contents
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brief history
Brooklyn is the second-largest borough of New York City, right after Queens, and was originally inhabited by the Lenape Native Americans.
Dutch settlers established the area in 1634, naming it "Breuckelen" after a town in the Netherlands.
In the 19th century, Brooklyn remained an independent city until it joined New York City in 1898.
Today, Brooklyn is recognized for its rich cultural diversity, eclectic neighborhoods, and thriving arts and food scenes, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and travelers alike.
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know before you go
LANGUAGE
English is the main language you’ll hear, but you’ll also catch a bunch of other languages like Spanish, Chinese, Yiddish, French Creole, Russian, Hebrew, Italian, Turkish, Urdu, and so many more. Basically, Brooklyn is a melting pot of cultures!
CURRENCY
Dollar $ (USD)
TIPPING
It's customary to leave a tip of 15 - 20% at the end of each bill, depending on the level of service you received during the day.
In the evenings, the percentage usually goes up to 20 - 30%.
SAFETY
Brooklyn is generally safe, but it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. If you’re walking alone, avoid loud headphones and stay alert.
For women, consider walking with others, especially late at night. Trust your instincts and stick to well-lit areas.
Always be mindful of traffic, and if you’re new to the area, don’t hesitate to ask locals for tips on safe routes.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
911 - Call for emergencies like injuries or threats to life.
311 - For non-emergencies like noise complaints, trash issues, or homeless assistance.
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plan your trip
Best time to visit Brooklyn
Brooklyn has all four seasons.
Winters can be extremely cold with occasional snowfall, although recent years have seen less snow due to global warming.
Spring brings brisk temperatures and the beauty of blooming flowers.
Summers can get very hot and humid, but thankfully, some parts of the city are surrounded by water — which occasionally brings in refreshing breezes.
Fall — my favorite season — is beautiful with burning bright colored leaves on the trees, and I’d say it also has the best weather to walk around and enjoy the city.
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Brooklyn bucket list
Ditch the touristy spots and discover Brooklyn like a local with the best food spots, places to check out, and things to do.
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getting around
Walking
Walking is the best way to explore Brooklyn. You can see the beautiful neighborhoods, visit local coffee shops, grocery stores, and more!
Subway
If you need to travel longer distances, Brooklyn's subway is an eco-friendly option. It connects various train lines to help you get from point A to point B.
One thing that I've noticed, though, is that it's easier to get from Brooklyn to Manhattan, but harder to get around Brooklyn. So make sure to plan out your logistics when you're thinking about using the subway to get around in Brooklyn.
CitiBike
For those who prefer an even more eco-friendly option, CitiBikes are available for rent and offer a convenient way to travel from one location to another.
To use a CitiBike, you can use your Lyft app to rent a CitiBike. Open your app, go to the bottom and you’ll see "Bikes." Click on that, and once that’s open, you can scan the QR code on the bike and it’ll unlock.
To return your CitiBike, simply push in your bike and make sure, on the side, it has a green light that flashes and you’re good to go!
Rideshare
(Uber, Lyft, Revel, yellow cab)
If you prefer ride-sharing, both Uber and Lyft are available in the area. For an even more environmentally friendly option, Revel Rideshare offers professional drivers in Tesla cars, so you can reach your destination while supporting efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
It’s not very common to see a yellow cab in Brooklyn, but you can use the Curb app to request a taxi. From there, it’s the same as using Lyft, Uber, or Revel – you just pay with your phone. If you decide to flag down a yellow taxi, you can Pair & Pay with the Curb app. Simply scan their QR code and pay through the app.
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where to dine
From upscale fine dining to local spots, Brooklyn’s food scene is a must-explore.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants that deserve a spot on your must-visit list for unforgettable meals!
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where to explore
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find your perfect stay
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check out my Taiwan vlog!
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Last Updated: 12.12.2024
