On your trip to New York City, consider basing yourself at a hotel in this hipster enclave, where you can eat and drink your way down Bedford Avenue and peruse the kitschy shops and designer boutiques.
Brooklyn Like You’ve Never Seen Before
Williamsburg is no longer just an affordable alternative to Manhattan – it’s a destination in its own right.
Spend the weekend market hopping
Brooklyn’s finest artisans convene in Williamsburg each weekend with a smattering of vintage, handmade, and culinary delights. By day, eat around the world at Smorgasburg (Saturday 11am-6pm) or shop for quirky crafts at the Williamsburg Flea (Sunday 10am-5pm), both on the waterfront. By night, hit up the Brooklyn Night Bazaar (Friday & Saturday, 7pm-1am) for the best of both worlds PLUS live music, art installations, and mini-golf.
Enjoy a drink with a view at a rooftop bar
With its prime location on the East River, Williamsburg provides stellar views of Manhattan – particularly from rooftops. They’re best enjoyed on a sunny day or summer night with a drink at one of the neighborhood’s rooftop bars. Try an artisanal cocktail from The Ides at the Wythe Hotel, a huckleberry lemonade at Berry Park, or a “specialty drink” at Upper Elm.
Experience the thriving coffee culture
Williamsburg is a coffee lover’s dream. No matter where you are in the neighborhood, at least one high quality coffee shop is bound to be within a 5 minute walk. Be sure to try the New Orleans Cold Brew at Blue Bottle Coffee, a pour over from Toby’s Estate, the latte at Gimme! Coffee, or a french press from Black Brick – and don’t forget to do some hipster (er, people) watching while you caffeinate!
Lunch at the Caracas Arepa Bar
For a great value meal, Caracas’ “budget Venezuelan eats” are hard to beat. Aptly named, its arepas steal the show with ample options for both carnivores and vegetarians. What’s more, their happy hour is til 7pm, 7 days a week. For a solid meal, try La Surena or De Pabellon, guacamole with chips, and a rum drink.
Dinner at Maison Premiere
For a fancier dining experience, head to Maison Premiere: a delightful reflection of New York, Paris, and New Orleans in one classy establishment. Oysters and absinthe are what they’re known for here, and they have a wide variety of options for each. Try to snag a table on the outdoor patio for a romantic date!
Catch some Zzzzs at the McCarren Hotel
The centrally-located Williamsburg hotel pens itself as the “first full-service lifestyle hotel in the neighborhood”. It has a lot going for it: its modern rooms overlook McCarren Park, and its rooftop houses a bar and a saltwater pool with fantastic views of the city. And in true Brooklyn style, they offer free bike rentals.
Coda Williamsburg
Brooklyn
Or sleep at The Box House
Just across McCarren Park in neighboring Greenpoint, The Box House offers a welcome retreat from the bustle of Bedford Ave and Williamsburg proper. Its industrial chic loft suites cater to small groups of 4-6 and feel more like a spacious apartment than a typical New York hotel room.
The Box House Hotel
Brooklyn
For more offbeat experiences in Williamsburg
- Drink beer, play table tennis, and check out the art gallery at PIPS (158 Roebling St)
- Sample unique ice cream flavors such as tobacco leaf smoked chili huckleberry or beet pistachio honey goat cheese at OddFellows (175 Kent Ave)
- Order drinks and dinner from your seats during a movie at Nitehawk Cinema (136 Metropolitan Ave)
- Enjoy a wine and cheese tasting at Brooklyn Oenology (209 Wythe Ave) or Brooklyn Winery (213 N 8th St).