Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from midtown Manhattan, Downtown Brooklyn is one of the America’s fastest growing downtowns. Downtown Brooklyn is most well-known for its extensive culture and history, along with some business headquarters, restaurants to cure all cravings, and shops to keep you spending for days. With so many family-friendly things to do and see in this Brooklyn neighborhood, Downtown Brooklyn deserves an ample amount of time to explore.
Here are our top five reasons we love Downtown Brooklyn, and why you should consider spending a day or two exploring the neighborhood:
End of the Brooklyn Bridge
One of the most famous landmarks of New York City is the Brooklyn Bridge. Whether you are traveling across the bridge by foot or by car from the Manhattan side, this 1883 bridge will drop you right in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn, as it ends on the intersection of Boerum Place and Tillary Street.
Take in the Culture
Downtown Brooklyn is perhaps most well-known for its culture district. Come to see a performance by the Brooklyn Ballet or a show at the Kumble Theater, gallery hop between the A.I.R. Gallery and the Klompching Gallery, or attend a concert at the Brooklyn Music School. Walk around one of the many museums that call this neighborhood home such as the New York Transit Museum or The Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts. You are sure to find something for all ages here.
Relish in the Rich History
Explore the neighborhood and the history that it encompasses. The Brooklyn Borough Hall, located in Downtown Brooklyn, is one of Brooklyn’s oldest and most significant buildings. Originally named City Hall, it was once home to the offices of the Mayor and City Council as well as being home to a courtroom and jail. It is Brooklyn’s oldest public building and is a designated New York City Landmark. That being said, you do not have to step foot into a museum to see the deep history of this neighborhood. Original architecture of buildings and signs of stores standing through the decades as well as vintage subway entrances such as the one at the Hoyt Street station line the streets of Downtown Brooklyn. Make sure to take a look around while you’re wandering the streets. You are sure to recognize some of the older, original decals.
Satisfy Your Inner Foodie
Foodies unite! Deep from the heart of the Lone Star State all the way to Downtown Brooklyn, visit Hill Country Barbecue Market for a true Texas BBQ experience. Not sure what you are in the mood for? Take a walk through DeKalb Market Hall for your choice between a diverse selection of 40 vendors selling food ranging from arepas to sandwiches to poké. Afterward, make sure to visit the original location of Junior’s for some world-famous cheesecake or stop into Ample Hills Creamery for an unforgettable scoop of ice cream from the Brooklyn-based parlor. No matter where you go, Downtown Brooklyn has restaurants for your inner foodie.
 Courtesy Hill Country Barbecue Market |
| Stop by Hill Country Barbecue Market to fuel up with some good ol’-fashioned Texas barbecue. |
Sit back and Relax in the Park
There is no excuse not to sit back and relax when you get to Downtown Brooklyn. Whether you just walked more than a mile across the Brooklyn Bridge or you just want to relax your feet while your child lets out their extra energy, this neighborhood has many options for you within just a few blocks. While you’re here, make sure to visit Walt Whitman Park, the Brooklyn War Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Plaza, Columbus Park, or McLaughlin Park. The Brooklyn Bride Park is also within walking distance in Dumbo and Brooklyn Heights along the East River waterfront—and warrants a second day exploring the area with so many fun things for kids to do! These parks are a great escape from the bustling Brooklyn neighborhoods and give you a chance to kick back and relax outdoors.
