The City Reliquary
Tucked away in Williamsburg, The City Reliquary is a quirky little museum dedicated to preserving the fascinating history of New York City. This hidden gem houses a wide array of artifacts, memorabilia, and oddities that provide a glimpse into NYC’s past. From vintage postcards and antique toys to strange curiosities like a piece of the old Penn Station, you’ll find a treasure trove of items to admire and stories to discover.
The City Reliquary truly celebrates the spirit and culture of New York with exhibits covering topics like the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs, the history of Coney Island, the subway system, and notable New Yorkers like Jackie Robinson and Boss Tweed. It’s the perfect place for history buffs, nostalgia seekers, and anyone looking to learn more about the city’s roots.
Don’t miss their rotating exhibits that dive deeper into specific aspects of NYC history. And be sure to check out the Reliquary’s backyard, home to a community garden and outdoor installations like the Neon Garden and the Bicycle Tree!
The City Reliquary
370 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
(718) 782-4842
Green-Wood Cemetery
Established in 1838, Green-Wood Cemetery is not only one of New York’s most beautiful and historic cemeteries, but also a cherished green space and sculpture garden. Nestled in Brooklyn, this National Historic Landmark spreads across 478 acres and is home to over 600,000 permanent residents. But it draws in plenty of living visitors as well!
Beyond functioning as a cemetery, Green-Wood provides a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city. Meandering paths weave through rolling hills, ponds, and lush gardens. The grounds also house stunning architecture like the intricately detailed Gothic Revival entrance and the statue-adorned Civil War Memorial. Notable sculptures, mausoleums, and gravesites honor figures like Leonard Bernstein, Boss Tweed, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
Don’t miss Green-Wood’s events and tours to fully immerse yourself in local history. You can take part in expert-led walks focusing on topics like immigration, the Revolutionary War, and 19th century sculpture. Or attend cultural events like outdoor theater performances and concerts. Green-Wood Cemetery truly offers a multifaceted experience combining nature, art, architecture, and heritage.
Green-Wood Cemetery
500 25th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
(718) 768-7300
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an urban oasis not to be missed. Spread across 52 acres, these stunning grounds provide a much-needed escape from city life. The Botanic Garden’s diverse selection of gardens showcase over 14,000 types of plants. From tranquil Japanese gardens to fragrant rose gardens, breathtaking water lilies, and more, you’ll find beauty around every corner.
The Cherry Esplanade is a major highlight, exploding with pink and white blooms each spring. Wander through the Cranford Rose Garden’s over 5,000 roses in peak bloom June-September. The Native Flora Garden’s woodland path feels worlds away from the city. And the Steinhardt Conservatory’s tropical Bonsai Museum, Aquatic House, and Desert Pavilion transport you across continents.
Beyond the gardens, the Botanic Garden offers a slate of cultural events, educational programs, and seasonal exhibits. Grab a bite at the on-site eatery, stop in the gift shop, or simply relax on the lawn. Discover this Brooklyn treasure and see why it’s one of the most visited botanic gardens in the country.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11225
(718) 623-7200
Coney Island
Coney Island is quintessential New York. This Brooklyn beach neighborhood has been one of the city’s most iconic summertime playgrounds for over 150 years. Generations of New Yorkers have enjoyed strolling the bustling Riegelmann Boardwalk, riding the exhilarating roller coasters, and relaxing on the beach.
Today, Coney Island continues to be a beloved seaside escape. Thrill-seekers flock to Luna Park to ride the famed Cyclone wooden roller coaster and the state-of-the-art Thunderbolt steel coaster. The beach and boardwalk stay lively all summer long with colorful carnival games, amusement park rides, and nostalgic snacks like hot dogs and cotton candy.
Coney Island is also home to the New York Aquarium, showcasing over 350 marine species. Don’t miss the sea lion feedings! Right on the boardwalk, the Coney Island Museum celebrates the area’s rich history through immersive exhibits and artifacts. And you can catch a Brooklyn Cyclones minor league baseball game at MCU Park during the summer.
With its eclectic mix of classic seaside charm, amusement park excitement, and only-in-New-York character, Coney Island offers something for everyone.
Coney Island Beach & Boardwalk
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Prospect Park
Known as Brooklyn’s backyard, Prospect Park spans over 500 acres of gorgeous green space. Built in the late 1800s, this urban oasis provides a natural escape within the city. The park’s rolling hills, forested areas, meadows, and waterways offer a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy.
Stop and smell the roses in the Vale of Cashmere or the Fragrance Garden. Go for a scenic pedal around the park loop. Rent a boat and row across Prospect Park Lake. Pack a picnic and relax on Long Meadow. Let the kids run free at playgrounds and splash pads. Or discover forest trails, nature walks, and bird watching areas.
In addition to green spaces, Prospect Park contains sporting facilities, monuments, architectural landmarks, and cultural institutions. Don’t miss a concert at the bandshell, a show at the puppet theater, or exploring the Lefferts Historic House Museum. Whether you want to hike, bike, picnic, play sports, or just take in the fresh air, Prospect Park has it all.
Prospect Park
95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215
(718) 965-8951
New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum offers a fascinating look at the history of public transportation in NYC. The museum is even housed underground in a decommissioned 1930s subway station, adding to the experience. Visitors can explore authentic subway cars and buses from different eras, along with engaging exhibits about the legacy of the city’s intricate transit system.
See the very first underground subway car from 1904, trains from various decades, and more. Check out exhibits covering topics like the evolution of the MetroCard, transit memorabilia, the art of subway tile, and how the system recovered from 9⁄11. The New York Transit Museum highlights how integral mass transit has been to the pulse of New York City over the past century through its expansive collection of vehicles and artifacts.
Make sure to browse the well-stocked gift shop before you leave to take home a piece of transit history. Whether you’re a public transportation buff or are just looking for something unique to do in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is a great spot.
New York Transit Museum
Boerum Pl & Schermerhorn St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 694-1600
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
One of the best views of the Manhattan skyline can be found along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This pedestrian walkway stretches above the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, offering breathtaking panoramas of Lower Manhattan’s famous skyscrapers. Famous vistas include the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and One World Trade Center.
The promenade also serves as a scenic thoroughfare through the charming Brooklyn Heights Historic District. Lined with benches, greenery, and even public art installations, the promenade is a pleasant place for a stroll any time of day. But it particularly shines at sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle on the other side of the East River.
After admiring the views, pop into one of the cozy cafes, bistros, and shops along the tree-lined streets of the surrounding neighborhood. The promenade is easily accessible by multiple subway lines, making it a great addition to any Brooklyn itinerary.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Between Remsen & Cranberry Streets, Brooklyn, NY 11201
The City Reliquary
Tucked away in Williamsburg, The City Reliquary is a quirky little museum dedicated to preserving the fascinating history of New York City. This hidden gem houses a wide array of artifacts, memorabilia, and oddities that provide a glimpse into NYC’s past. From vintage postcards and antique toys to strange curiosities like a piece of the old Penn Station, you’ll find a treasure trove of items to admire and stories to discover.
Brooklyn Museum
The Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest and most renowned art museums in New York City. Its impressive permanent collection encompasses over 1.5 million works spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. Most notably, the museum houses the country’s foremost collection of Egyptian artifacts outside of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Beyond its permanent exhibits, the Brooklyn Museum hosts exciting temporary shows covering a diverse range of mediums, cultures, and artists. Don’t miss experiencing one of their thought-provoking contemporary art installations. Recent exhibits have showcased artists like Frida Kahlo, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Founded in 1897, the museum itself is a work of art. The striking Beaux-Arts building designed by McKim, Mead, and White contains soaring arched ceilings, grand staircases, and flooded with natural light. The museum’s sculpture garden and plaza provide an urban oasis, with regular outdoor art installations and events during warmer months.
With dynamic programming, a world-class collection, and stunning architecture, the Brooklyn Museum stands out as a premier NYC institution. Come discover art from across the globe and throughout the ages.
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11238
(718) 638-5000
Jane’s Carousel
This beautifully restored 1922 carousel sits right on the East River waterfront, offering stunning views of Manhattan along with old-fashioned fun. Jane’s Carousel is housed in a distinctive all-glass pavilion designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, creating a modern merry-go-round unlike any other.
Beyond admiring the scenery, visitors can take a ride on one of the 48 hand-carved horses. The carousel spins to the sound of an original band organ playing waltzes, gallops, and marches. Rides are $2 a pop, so you can hop on and off as you please!
The carousel was originally located in Youngstown, Ohio before being transported to Brooklyn. Named after Jane Walentas, who spearheaded the project to bring it to the waterfront, Jane’s Carousel has become an iconic Brooklyn destination. Kids and kids at heart will delight in this whimsical experience with beautiful views.
Jane’s Carousel
Old Dock St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(718) 222-2502
Grand Army Plaza
Grand Army Plaza is a beautifully landscaped public square and major Brooklyn crossroads. The circular plaza centers around the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Memorial Arch, a towering granite monument honoring Union Army soldiers and sailors killed in the Civil War. The arch makes a striking centerpiece to the open plaza.
Surrounding the square, you’ll find the main branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The area provides a nice spot to relax on the benches, go for a stroll, or snap some photos.
Visit on a Saturday morning and you’ll find the Grand Army Plaza Greenmarket in full swing. The bustling farmers market brings delicious artisanal food, locally-grown produce, and specialty goods from across the region.
Whether you’re passing through or spending time in the plaza, Grand Army Plaza makes for an impressive introduction to Brooklyn’s most storied cultural institutions and Prospect Park.
Grand Army Plaza
Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Industry City
Industry City is a vibrant hub for shopping, dining, culture, and innovation along Brooklyn’s waterfront. This massive complex spans over 6 million square feet within 16 repurposed warehouse buildings. The expansive courtyard and surrounding spaces are home to a dynamic mix of retail stores, eateries, artisanal workshops, cultural events, and more.
Wander through the airy courtyards to browse through a curated selection of shops and sample eats from the diverse food hall. Local makers create a range of products before your eyes, like jewelry, ceramics, chocolate, and clothing. The state-of-the-art Artist Studio Program provides workspace for over 500 emerging artists.
Special events happen year-round like outdoor markets, concerts, movie screenings, and art fairs. Whether you come to shop, eat, explore, or just take in the scene, Industry City has an undeniably cool vibe throughout its adaptive industrial campus.
Industry City
220 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232
(917) 633-6171
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