Brooklyn is very distinct from the rest of New York City. Perhaps it is because it used to be its own city until 1898. Perhaps it is due to its geography, right beside and jutting below Manhattan. Whatever it is, there is a lot to do and see in this famed borough. These are some of the best things to do while staying in a Brooklyn hotel.
On a day with nice weather, walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It may be cliche, but all cliches exist for good reason. Built in 1883, the gothic arches are a great example of 19th century American architecture. The bridge and was the longest suspension bridge in the world for twenty years. After crossing to the Brooklyn side, you will notice a long line winding down Old Fulton St. Join it and wait for the best pizza in the city (and maybe even the world). Be warned: Grimaldi’s is cash only. Once you sit, choose an original pie and if you’re with hungry people, another pie with the works. Afterwards, walk around DUMBO for some arts and culture. This is an afternoon you will remember for a long time.
If you’re staying at a Brooklyn hotel over the weekend, choose a day to walk Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg. The current hipster capital of the world, this neighborhood has gone from washed up warehouses to million dollar penthouses in little over a decade. There are boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and crowds of beautiful young people. Ask the locals where to go for brunch, or stop into any recently Zagat rated restaurant. You won’t be disappointed.
If you want to take a trip into Brooklyn’s history, hop on the B,D,F, N or Q train from your Brooklyn hotels. Take it south to Brighton beach. Be amazed at the lack of English spoken in this predominantly Russian neighborhood. Walk west on the boardwalk and if you’re in the mood, go for a dip in the ocean and continue walking until you come to Coney Island, the former Las Vegas of New York. Connected via landfill to the mainland, this island attracted crowds eager to get away from the city and revel in luxury and sin. After WWII, however, automobile access allowed folks to journey to the more distant Jones Beach on Long Island and Coney Island’s popularity waned. Since, Coney Island has become a preterite amusement park. The nearby aquarium and one amusement remaining park, the Astroland are still worth visiting, but most of the crowds are gone. Except outside Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. Your visit will inspire nostalgia for a never-experienced time, and will leave you feeling like you’ve just seen an old friend after a long absence.
These three day trips will allow you to better understand Brooklyn’s history. You will see three entirely different areas and recognize how Brooklyn has changed over the past two hundred years. And when you get back to your Brooklyn hotel, you will want to write down all the stories you’ve garnered from your adventures in Kings County.
