48 Hours in New York (My Brooklyn Itinerary)

I promised myself that every time I create content focused on things to do in NYC, I’ll include exploring a different borough. After all, there is SO much to see!

I, like most visitors to the Big Apple, tend to create a New York itinerary solely for Manhattan. I get it. It’s where all the well-known tourist attractions are found. Naturally, those visiting NYC for the first time will gravitate to the touristy stuff. But the city has so much more to offer.

Coming from Toronto, I am a short one-and-a-half-hour flight away, which means I have the luxury of visiting New York City more frequently.

On this trip, I set out to create the best Brooklyn itinerary to share with all of you. So, let’s get into it!

This article is now available as a mobile app. Go to GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.

The 48 Hour New York Itinerary: Brooklyn Neighbourhood Edition

Go, Brooklyn, Go, Brooklyn, Go, Brooklyn!

Don’t get me wrong, I will never get bored with Manhattan. The island is amazing!

All I’m saying is that when you say New York, there are four other boroughs besides Manhattan to explore. Since my beautiful family resides in Brooklyn, New York, it was the obvious borough to explore first.

Every time I visit New York, I must spend an afternoon/evening with my family (my aunt and her husband cook up this mouth-watering feast).

Pray. Eat. Laugh. Then talks of travel, politics, history, family, etc. I look forward to it every year!

For this trip, I was limited to 2 days in Brooklyn. This will be a small taste of some awesome Brooklyn attractions, that will include foodie spots, beer spots, Instagrammable spots and some history spots for those who like that stuff.

But first, let’s talk accommodations…

The Best Place to Stay in New York City

Well, as you can probably imagine, when it comes to accommodations, there are tons of options. Naturally, Manhattan and its touristy areas will have the most pricey options, but you can still find some reasonable selections if that’s where you choose to stay. I’ve personally stayed in the Row NYC, and from check-in to the room itself, the place is fantastic. Right around the corner from Times Square, too!

My brother stayed at the 1 Hotel Central Park and the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge during the same weekend. He’s loved the 1 Hotel brand ever since staying in the one in Miami. He raved about these hotels nonstop while hanging out on the rooftop patio of the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, waiting for his room to be ready. The hotel’s interior is stunning, and the view of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge from the hotel’s patio is breathtaking.

However, if you’re like me and just want a place to rest your head without the bells and whistles, then an Airbnb out in New Jersey will do just fine for your budget.

All 3 hotels we’ve stayed in are on or near the PATH line, which makes getting into New York simple. 

Things to Do in Brooklyn, NYC

Brooklyn Bridge

The iconic Brooklyn Bridge is where I ended my original 48 Hour New York Itinerary for Manhattan before heading into Brooklyn for my Aunt’s epic dinner. You can’t go to Brooklyn and not visit the Brooklyn Bridge! It stretches 1,825m (roughly 6,000ft!) and the New York landmark towers over the Hudson River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. The bridge’s upper level has a world-renowned pedestrian/cyclist walkway, while the lower level of the bridge functions as a roadway for vehicles travelling to and from the two boroughs.

DUMBO

Insert elephant joke here_____. I, however, am too mature. DUMBO stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” Not sure if it’s an East Coast thing, but we tend to just call it like it is. It’s weird, but obvious names are proof of my theory. I can’t confirm this for sure, but I heard that comedian Jerry Seinfeld once said Dumbo was once called “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge.” The locals didn’t like being called DUMB, so they added the overpass.

Anyways, this legendary Brooklyn neighbourhood is well known for its cobblestone streets, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and eccentric vibes.

Manhattan Bridge | Once Upon A Time In America

Although the Manhattan Bridge is often overshadowed by the famous Brooklyn Bridge, it set the precedent for modern suspension bridges in the U.S. Despite being the “little sibling” of the two bridges, the Manhattan Bridge has the one-up on the Brooklyn Bridge: it has a vehicle roadway on the upper level, a pedestrian/cyclist walkway on the lower level, and is part of the above-ground line for the D, B, Q, N trains.

One Girl Cookies

With all three of its locations in Brooklyn, One Girl Cookies is a one-of-a-kind “artisanal” bakery specializing in cakes, cookies, and pies. The company’s rich history is perfectly complemented by its deliciously rich sweets!

Yeah, it took me a while to get outta here! No weekend in Brooklyn is complete without a stop here for a sweet treat.

Brooklyn Heights

Brooklyn Heights is an affluent residential area here in Brooklyn, well known for its low-rise architecture and its many brownstone rowhouses.

Luke’s Lobster

Luke’s Lobster first opened in the East Village in 2009, bringing traceable, sustainable seafood to guests across the country. If you’re a seafood lover, this is definitely one of the must-see restaurants in Brooklyn, NYC. Working directly with fishermen, they cut out the middleman for the best-tasting lobster, crab, and shrimp.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

What used to be a fireboat house is now a small ice-cream shop serving delicious ice cream with an unreal view of the Manhattan skyline.

Sweet! Literally.

Bargemusic

If there’s one thing Brooklyn is well-known for, it is the city’s celebration for the arts. Bargemusic, once a coffee barge, is now a quaint performing arts center overlooking the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline. The wooden floors, intimate setting, and the old-school aesthetic of Bargemusic make it an ideal place to enjoy live performances year-round.

Williamsburg

When it comes to being hip and fad, Williamsburg takes the cake. This eclectic Brooklyn neighbourhood seamlessly meshes Orthodox Jewish culture with everything that is trending in contemporary culture. If you’re looking for bars, dining options, boutiques, thrift shops, the arts, or just about anything, Williamsburg is a one-stop shop for almost everything that’s trending. It’s one of the best neighbourhoods in Brooklyn for those interested in a fun, one-of-a-kind trip.

Smorgasburg Food Market

Smorgasburg Food Market is arguably the largest “weekly open-air food market in America,” welcoming up to 30,000 patrons each weekend! I highly recommend stopping by for locally sourced ingredients and yummy treats.

Greenpoint

The northernmost Brooklyn neighbourhood with a large Polish community is often referred to as Little Poland.

Williamsburg

Fada

Southern French cuisine with a Marseille ambiance, that’s how I would describe Fada. They have been serving fine Southern French food since 2002 and carry the heart and culinary palate of Southern French cuisine all the way to Brooklyn.

Williamsburg

Toby’s Estate Coffee

Looking for a small artisanal coffee shop in Brooklyn minus the obnoxious hip vibes? Toby’s Estate Coffee, a “small batch roaster,” prides itself on the quality and complexity of its world-sourced coffee. The dedicated team at Toby’s makes it its mission to provide customers with some of the best coffee west of the Atlantic!

Mast Brothers Chocolate

“The family that eats together stays together.” This statement is literally true! Mast Brothers Chocolate is a Brooklyn-based family business that prides itself on sustainability, minimal processing, minimal sugar use, and organic ingredients.

How can you say no to chocolate that’s been well-received by The New York Times?!

Earwax Records

“Williamsburg’s oldest record shop; still here in 21st century Williamsburg”. Need I say more? Earwax Records has been in Williamsburg since 1991 and continues to sell vinyl, CDs, cassettes, posters, and just about anything pertaining to music.

Places like this are nostalgic for me.

When I was a kid, I used to take apart and put together my Dad’s turntable. Needless to say, he was not impressed.  But the smell of records, the cover art and the sound it produced are incomparable. It’s one of my personal favourite places to visit in Brooklyn.

Greenpoint

Five Leaves

Five Leaves is an ideal place for having brunch while you’re in Brooklyn. The menu is a fusion of New American cuisine drizzled with a bit of Australian panache.

Greenpoint | Williamsburg

McCarren Park

McCarren Park is a 35-acre park shared and loved by Brooklynites. It is the perfect place to enjoy all sorts of activities, like bocce, basketball, handball, swimming, soccer, and much more! It’s a staple in any Brooklyn itinerary.

Williamsburg

Brooklyn Brewery

The big white cursive “B” on a green backdrop. The logo is iconic, worldwide, and just a taste of all that Brooklyn has to offer. Since 1988, Brooklyn Brewery has been brewing quality craft beer. The Williamsburg-based brewery offers tours and beer tasting. It’s the perfect place to try Brooklyn’s iconic beer.

Dumbo

Empire Stores

Referring to a cluster of boutiques ranging from restaurants & dining to cultural centers, the Empire Stores make up the heart of DUMBO’s main shopping area.

St. Ann’s Warehouse

Don’t be fooled by the warehouse’s appearance. St. Ann’s has been one of Brooklyn’s leading performing arts institutions for the past 35 years, with an array of off-Broadway and independent productions. It’s a great opportunity for lovers of the performing arts to take in a show when they visit Brooklyn, NYC. Check out their website to see what’s on the calendar during your trip.

Brooklyn Heights

1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

If there’s one word to describe 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, that word is “unreal”. As I already mentioned, this Brooklyn hotel overlooks Brooklyn and Manhattan, offering an unparalleled view. On top of that, patrons can dine at the hotel while soaking in some of the best views of the city. Whether you’re searching for the perfect hotel experience or seeking memorable things to do in Brooklyn at night, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge is worth checking out.

Grimaldi’s Pizza

Pizza is an often-debated topic. Finding the best NY pizza is an even more debated topic. I discovered the same debate was super common in Naples, Italy. But when it comes to Grimaldi’s Pizza in Brooklyn, any attempt at a debate is squashed by the pizzeria’s world-class pies (pizza pies that is). Despite only opening their doors in 1990, Grimaldi’s feels like it’s been part of Brooklyn since Brooklyn was founded! Serving coal-brick oven pizzas by the pie, Grimaldi’s is a must-go-to stop during your trip.

Look at the friggin’ line!

Pack Your Bags! It’s Time to Visit Brooklyn, NYC

I am not finished with New York by any stretch of the imagination. Aside from the tourist attractions, every time I come to Manhattan, I feel like I’m coming to a new place. Nine times out of ten, what I came to see gets replaced with where I am in the moment. Throw the Brooklyn borough of art into the mix, and it’s another level of newness.

People often debate: Is Brooklyn worth visiting instead of Manhattan? The truth is that it’s not about replacing Manhattan; it’s about realizing NYC is so much bigger than just one island.

I think my New York Itinerary will always be evolving! 

The brick-and-mortar stays behind to tell stories while people come and go. As for me, as long as Toronto stays 1:30 minutes away by plane, I will always be coming and going to New York.

FAQs

Is Brooklyn Walkable for Tourists?

Yes, Brooklyn is incredibly walkable for tourists, especially in the waterfront neighbourhoods. Areas like DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, and Williamsburg have pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, scenic pathways, and dense clusters of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Walking across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge itself is one of the best ways to experience the transition from Manhattan into the heart of the borough.

What Are the Best Neighbourhoods to Explore in Brooklyn?

If you are short on time, the best neighbourhoods to explore in Brooklyn include DUMBO for historic cobblestone streets and skyline views, Brooklyn Heights for its classic brownstone architecture, and Williamsburg for its trendy boutiques, world-class breweries, and vibrant food scene. Neighbouring Greenpoint is also fantastic for a more laid-back vibe and mouth-watering dining.

What Is the Best Hotel Brooklyn NYC Has to Offer for Views?

For unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River, the hotel that many visitors to the area rave about is the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. Located right on the waterfront in Brooklyn Heights, it features luxury vibes and a stunning rooftop patio. It is perfect for taking in those classic NYC views or grabbing a drink against a backdrop of the city lights.

How Do You Get From Manhattan to Brooklyn?

The easiest and most popular way to get from Manhattan to Brooklyn is by using the NYC Subway, with many lines running directly through key tourist areas. For a more scenic journey, you can walk or bike across the pedestrian pathways of the Brooklyn Bridge or Manhattan Bridge, or take the NYC Ferry for a quick, affordable boat ride across the river.