subject: Which Brooklyn Neighborhoods to Visit While Staying in Your Brooklyn Hotel [print this page] Which Brooklyn Neighborhoods to Visit While Staying in Your Brooklyn Hotel
Brooklyn would be the fourth largest city in the country if it weren't part of New York City. That said, there's a lot to see. Read on to get a sense of what to do and where to go in this large borough. 1. Williamsburg: The nearly undisputed hipster center of the world. Bedford Avenue ten years ago was little more than a crack alley. Today, it is home to some of Brooklyn's most eclectic boutiques and restaurants. Artisanal coffee, artist's flea markets, and the beautiful waterfront park all contribute to this neighborhood's popularity.2. Coney Island: At the turn of the 20th century, this was the Vegas of the east coast. Since then, the beaches haven't been quite as packed, and there's no more Shoot the Freak. But you can still eat a Nathan's hot dog while watching the sun set on the horizon. That's timeless.3. Brooklyn Heights: The views of Manhattan as you walk along the Promenade are gorgeous. Then check out the historic brownstones and you will see why this neighborhood is worth visiting.4. Park Slope: Another historic district near Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum and the Botanical Gardens, this neighborhood also has a funky art scene and lots of good eats. 5. Red Hook: It's harder to get to, but this neighborhood is a slice of antebellum Brooklyn. The nautical nature of the geography affords beautiful views of the Statue of Liberty, as well as some of the coziest restaurants and bars in the borough. You will think you're in a different city. 6. Greenpoint: Like Williamsburg, but more Polish, this neighborhood is one of the few remaining ethnic enclaves in New York. For authentic Eastern European food, nowhere else has it beat. 7. BoCoCa: Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens are easily walk-able and have great restaurants. The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is close by as well, and is a great place to check out some film, performances or discount theater the day of the show. 8. Sheepshead Bay/Brighton Beach: Taking a trip to these largely Russian areas is like visiting the former USSR. In many of the smaller establishments they don't speak English but in the large nightclubs and restaurants on the beach, they sure do. Brooklyn is home to many cultures and ethnicities as well as some fascinating history. There's so much to explore and when you choose a Brooklyn hotel you don't have to worry about the distances from your home base.
