Brief History of Brooklyn

As for the rest of New York City, the first true inhabitants of Brooklyn were Native-American Tribes. We find the first European settlements only in the 17th century, they were Dutch and they used steamboats to connected to the main island of Manhattan (New Amsterdam back then.) The daily ferries allowed for the transportation of both goods and people. But it was only with the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge that the rural area turned into a big city where doing business became increasingly profitable.

Over the years Brooklyn grew richer with many different ethnic groups settling across the borough, mostly of European descent, and with a strong Italian community. The borough has gone from periods of great depression and poverty with high crime-rates and drug-related incidents to rich, prosperous, fast-growing days.

Major restoration and construction works have just finished and others are still in progress. The harbor front has been completely renovated with open public spaces. New parks have been created in place of the old existing sheds and piers while all the old port warehouses have been maintained and restored, a visit worth your time would be the Red Hook Neighborhood, not to mention Williamsburg and Dumbo which have become a mecca for young artists, full of galleries, restaurants, and boutiques.

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What to Visit in Brooklyn

Here below, we see some of the things you shouldn't miss, if you want to visit the borough of Brooklyn with all its attractions, culture, history, and exciting everyday life.

• Brooklyn Heights starting from Plymouth Church of the Pilgrims, walk down the streets east of Willow, Pineapple, Orange, Cranberry, Clark, Pierrepont, to admire the architecture of the old Townhouses. Don't miss one of the most beautiful views of the New York Skyline: the Promenade, a splendid walk along the river. This is a walk you must do both by day and by night, get here just before sunset and enjoy the view!
• Barclay Center with the Flea Market (wintertime inside the Williamsburg Savings Bank) and the Park Slope neighborhood, an emerging, young neighborhood.
• Dumbo: There are many reasons to visit this beautiful and vibrant area of ​​New York. More and more accustomed to hosting high-level international events such as the DUMBO Arts Festival which invites you to spend a wonderful weekend around the Brooklyn Bridge Park to admire local arts.
• Prospect Park with Grand Army Plaza: The Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in the mid-nineteenth century, is one of Brooklyn's most valuable destinations and a national landmark.
• Brooklyn Botanical Garden
• Green-Wood Cemetery, the highest point in Brooklyn and from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the Statue of Liberty, offers art and nature, some of the monuments inside were created by the most famous architects of New York, from Warren & Wetmore (Grand Central Terminal) Griffith Thomas (the famous cast-iron buildings of SoHo) and Stanford White (the Washington Arch).
• The Brooklyn Museum is certainly one of the most important in the city with over 1.5 million works on display.
• The Brooklyn Bridge alone is worth a visit to New York!

Jane’s Carousel: A Nostalgic Ride with a View

Tucked inside Brooklyn Bridge Park, Jane’s Carousel is a beautifully restored vintage carousel offering a touch of nostalgia right along the East River. Originally built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, it was meticulously restored by artist Jane Walentas, who spent over 20 years bringing the carousel back to its former glory.

Housed in a sleek glass pavilion designed by famed architect Jean Nouvel, the carousel spins to life with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge — making it an iconic photo spot and a favorite for families and couples alike.

Admission: $2 per ride

Hours: Thursday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Closed Monday through Wednesday (hours may vary seasonally, so it's best to check ahead here)

Whether you're taking a break from walking the Brooklyn Bridge or planning a dreamy afternoon in Dumbo, Jane’s Carousel adds a whimsical touch to your Brooklyn adventure.

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Tip: Discover Brooklyn with a local

To be able to see the best of Brooklyn and especially in the most beautiful hours, we organized a walking tour with the Water Taxi departing from Pier 11. A ride along the East River to move from Manhattan to Brooklyn and then we will start the tour ...

For more information - See The Brooklyn Tour by Water taxi

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Where to Eat in Brooklyn & Williamsburg

Here are some of the most renowned restaurants found in Brooklyn.

• Peter Luger, a butcher and Steak-House in Brooklyn just south of the Williamsburg Bridge. For a city that burns everything quickly, a place still open since 1887 is certainly a must-try. For 28 years, it was named the best New York Steakhouse by Zagat , and in 2002, it was awarded a star by the Michelin guide. The place has maintained the long wooden counter, the exposed beams, and brass chandeliers thus preserving his old-fashion atmosphere.
• Grimaldi's Pizza - For a good pizza, even if in my opinion it is difficult to find bad ones in New York :-)! 1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Bakeri in Williamsburg - A small Bakery (Bar Cafeteria) excellent for breakfasts and quick bites. 150 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
• Five Leaves - For typical American cuisine ... Be ready to face the long lines. 18 Bedford Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11222
• Diner: A dining car from 1926 that takes you back in time and you will certainly be satisfied with the dishes they offer. 85 Broadway Williamsburg, Brooklyn 11249
• Roberta’s: To try their excellent Brunch and of course their famous pizza. 261 Moore St Brooklyn, NY 11206
• Lilia – Upscale yet warm, this Italian spot by Chef Missy Robbins is a go-to for handmade pasta and wood-fired seafood. Reservations are a must.
• Smorgasburg (weekends, seasonal) – An open-air food market offering dozens of vendors with everything from Korean BBQ tacos to vegan ice cream — a must for foodies.
• Cafe Mogador – A neighborhood staple blending Moroccan flavors with a laid-back Brooklyn vibe. Their brunch is legendary.
• Devoción – A coffee lover’s dream, with lush greenery and some of the freshest Colombian brews you’ll find in NYC.

Brooklyn still remains a place considered "different", people speak with a distinct accent and are known as ambitious with a bit of an attitude (albeit a good one!) We remember some names of famous people born and raised in Brooklyn -- Mickey Rooney, Mae West, Woody Allen, Barbra Streisand, and Al Capone.

Williamsburg: From Industrial Roots to Trendsetting Hub

Once an industrial enclave dotted with factories and working-class housing, Williamsburg has transformed into one of Brooklyn’s most dynamic and trendsetting neighborhoods. Over the past two decades, it has become a cultural epicenter known for its blend of art, music, fashion, and food, while still preserving traces of its historic character and multicultural past.

Williamsburg was originally settled by the Dutch in the 1600s, but its growth accelerated in the 19th century as it became a hub for manufacturing and shipbuilding. By the early 2000s, artists and creatives flocked to the neighborhood for its affordable loft spaces, eventually giving way to a vibrant renaissance that introduced galleries, rooftop bars, independent boutiques, and some of the best dining in the city. Today, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience Brooklyn’s cutting-edge culture, wrapped in gritty charm and stunning waterfront views.

What to See & Do in Williamsburg

Domino Park – A beautifully designed public park on the East River, built on the site of the old Domino Sugar Factory. Think skyline views, a modern playground, splash pad, and relaxing spaces to unwind.

Street Art Tours – Explore bold murals and street art scattered throughout the neighborhood, especially around North 10th Street and Bedford Avenue.

Artists & Fleas – A weekend market (open Saturdays & Sundays) featuring handmade art, vintage finds, and unique Brooklyn-made products.

East River Ferry Ride – Hop on the NYC Ferry for a scenic and affordable ride between Williamsburg and Manhattan — it’s both practical and picturesque.

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Traveling to New York? 3 Articles to learn how to get around the city

Read our  Top-3 Articles to learn how to get around New York City using Public Transportation.

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