New York’s Other Borough: Brooklyn
Say “New York” to many people, and the images that come to mind are entirely from a relatively tiny slice of this sprawling and diverse city. But there is a lot more to New York than Manhattan. One area that a growing number of visitors are discovering is Brooklyn.
For sometime now native New Yorkers have been enjoying the continuing renaissance of this storied part of the city. Even Manhattanites are embracing what Brooklyn residents have known all along: Brooklyn has something for almost anyone. Increasingly out-of-town visitors are following along to experience the many wonderful sights (and tastes) of Manhattan’s most accessiable neighbor.
New York is nothing without its neighborhoods, and this is as true in Brooklyn as anywhere else. Featuring the picturesque row-houses of Brooklyn Heights, the vibrant DUMBO neighboorhood along the river with its fun and funky bars and restaurants (and some of the best pizza in the city), the posh Park Slope area, the Russian ambiance of Brighton Beach, Williamsburg’s art scene, not to mention Coney Island (hot dog anyone?), Brooklyn is — as Borough President Marty Markowitz says – ”a must-visit for tourists looking for a hip, historic, authentic and diverse experience.”
A personal favorite is the Brooklyn Museum. With a wonderful collection of art and artifacts from around the world and across eras, this museum lets the visitor sample a wide variety without overwhelming with any one theme. And the adjoining Botanic Garden is a beautiful spot to take a break from the hustle of the City. The museum has a number of good restaurants in the area and is just a short subway ride from Manhattan (and has its own stop) or on weekends grab the free shuttle from Manhattan.
Another thing worth checking out is a Chassidic Walking Tour in the Crown Heights neighborhood. You’ll get to experience a slice of New York that is both iconic and a bit off the beaten path (plus get a free deli lunch in the process). There is a great video available on the Chassidic Welcome Center’s site to give you a sense of what you’ll experience on the tour.
If you are going to New York, definitely add Brooklyn to your visit. It is easy to get to — just walk across the historic Brooklyn Bridge (with great views of the City and the River) or take your pick from many of the subway lines to get you into any and all of the neighborhoods. A New York Explorer Pass covers a number of the top things to do in Brooklyn, including those mentioned above, as well as a bike tour of the waterfront and key bridges or a City Sights bus tour of the Borough.
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Great post, with interesting tips !