Williamsburg is where Brooklyn’s creative spirit comes alive. Once an industrial hub, it’s now a vibrant neighborhood filled with street art, indie boutiques, craft breweries, and waterfront parks. Whether you’re into vintage shopping, live music, or just soaking up the eclectic atmosphere, Williamsburg offers a unique slice of New York City. From rooftop bars with skyline views to hidden galleries and food markets, here are the top things to do in Williamsburg.
Stroll Through Domino Park
Set along the East River with stunning views of Manhattan, Domino Park is a beautifully designed public space that’s equal parts relaxing and photogenic. Built on the site of the old Domino Sugar Factory, it’s a perfect blend of history, industrial architecture, and modern landscaping. Think colorful seating, fountains, turf lawns, a playground designed like a sugar refinery, and plenty of space to chill.
The elevated walkway offers sweeping views of the skyline and Williamsburg Bridge—especially gorgeous at sunset. You’ll also find taco trucks nearby (we see you, Tacocina), which means a spontaneous riverside picnic is always an option.
Browse the Vendors at Artists & Fleas
If you’re into unique finds and independent brands, Artists & Fleas is a must-do. This buzzing indoor market showcases a rotating cast of local creatives—jewelry makers, vintage curators, candle crafters, illustrators, and fashion designers—offering one-of-a-kind items you won’t see anywhere else.
The vibe here is part Brooklyn, part boho bazaar, and 100% cool. It’s the kind of place where you’ll chat with the person who made your tote bag, try on rings that double as tiny sculptures, and walk out with something fun you didn’t even know you needed. It’s open on weekends and located right next to Smorgasburg and Brooklyn Flea in the warmer months, making it easy to turn your visit into a full-on Williamsburg shopping day.
Grab a Beer at Brooklyn Brewery
Grab a Beer at Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Brewery is more than just a place to drink—it’s a Williamsburg institution. Located just off Wythe Avenue, this brewery helped spark the Brooklyn craft beer scene and remains a go-to for locals and visitors alike. The industrial-style tasting room is casual and lively, with long communal tables, brick walls, and a rotating selection of beers on tap.
You’ll find everything from their classic Brooklyn Lager to limited edition IPAs and creative seasonal brews. Tours are available on weekends, giving you a peek into the brewing process and a bit of beer history while you’re at it.
The vibe is social and unpretentious, and it’s just as fun for beer geeks as it is for casual sippers. Whether you’re stopping in for a quick pint or hanging out for the afternoon, Brooklyn Brewery is one of those places that feels like the beating heart of Williamsburg.
Eat Everything at Smorgasburg
Come hungry. Smorgasburg is the largest open-air food market in America, and its Williamsburg location—right on the East River—is the stuff of foodie dreams. Held every Saturday in warm weather months, this market gathers over 60 local food vendors serving everything from ramen burgers to lobster rolls, vegan donuts to handmade dumplings.
It’s lively, colorful, and a sensory overload in the best possible way. The lines can be long for fan favorites, but that’s all part of the experience—and the people-watching is excellent. Bring a group so you can share and sample as much as possible, then find a patch of grass or a bench to take in the Manhattan skyline while you dig in.
Beyond the food, the vibe here is pure Brooklyn: DJs spinning tunes, dogs on leashes, vintage sunglasses, and toddlers dancing mid-bite. It’s laid-back, delicious, and a must-do if you’re in Williamsburg on a weekend.
Catch Live Music at Baby’s All Right
Baby’s All Right is one of Williamsburg’s coolest live music venues, blending indie edge with a laid-back party vibe. The space is intimate but high-energy, with a quirky mirrored wall, pink lighting, and a lineup that ranges from buzzy new bands to surprise sets by big-name artists playing low-key gigs.
You’ll find everything from synth-pop to punk, hip-hop to folk, and it always feels like you’re discovering something new. Tickets are affordable, and the bar serves solid cocktails and snacks if you’re making a night of it. It’s one of those places that feels stylish but never tries too hard—and the crowds are here for the music, not the scene.
Sip Natural Wine at Four Horsemen
Sip Natural Wine at Four Horsemen
Co-owned by James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, Four Horsemen is a stylish, minimalist wine bar that takes its vino seriously—but without the snobbery. The focus is on natural wines from small producers around the world, and the knowledgeable staff will happily help you find something funky, fresh, or just plain delicious.
The vibe inside is moody and mellow—dim lighting, bare wood tables, and vinyl playing softly in the background. It’s ideal for date night, a slow catch-up with a friend, or a solo unwind with a glass and a bite. Speaking of bites: the food is excellent. Think sourdough with cultured butter, seasonal vegetables done to perfection, and charcuterie that rivals any wine bar in Paris.
Even if you’re not a wine expert, Four Horsemen makes it easy to enjoy the experience. It’s Williamsburg at its most grown-up and effortlessly cool.
Snap a Photo at the Williamsburg Bridge
The Williamsburg Bridge isn’t just a way to get between Brooklyn and Manhattan—it’s a full-on experience. Whether you’re walking, biking, or just taking in the view from one of the nearby parks, this massive steel structure delivers on drama. The bridge stretches over the East River with its signature blue beams, and the pedestrian and bike paths offer skyline views that rival any rooftop bar.
Start your walk on the Brooklyn side and head toward Manhattan for golden-hour lighting and that satisfying “I’m walking to another borough” feeling. The walkway is lined with graffiti, stickers, and art that reflect Williamsburg’s creative energy. Cyclists, joggers, and people taking outfit photos are all part of the scenery.
It's not as touristy as the Brooklyn Bridge, which makes the vibe more relaxed and the walk more enjoyable. Just bring your camera—and maybe a snack—and enjoy one of NYC’s most underrated urban strolls.
Shop Vintage on Grand Street
If you’re into thrift finds and retro style, Grand Street is your shopping paradise. Williamsburg is known for its vintage scene, and Grand Street has a cluster of excellent shops where you can dig for hidden gems. From '90s Levi’s to mid-century sunglasses, distressed band tees to suede jackets, you’ll find pieces with real personality.
Favorites include Awoke Vintage, known for curated racks and super-friendly staff; Beacon’s Closet, a slightly chaotic treasure trove of secondhand fashion; and Monk Vintage, where funky finds are practically guaranteed. Prices range from bargain to boutique, but you can always score something unique.
What makes shopping here so fun is the neighborhood feel—these aren’t cookie-cutter stores. Every shop has a vibe, a soundtrack, and a point of view. Grab a coffee, take your time, and let the racks surprise you. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s a stylish way to spend an afternoon.
Catch an Art Show at The Hole
Catch an Art Show at The Hole
Williamsburg’s art scene is alive and well, and The Hole is one of the coolest places to see it in action. This contemporary gallery, with roots in Manhattan, brings its eclectic energy to Brooklyn with bold, colorful, and sometimes delightfully weird exhibitions. From emerging local talent to internationally recognized artists, shows here are always engaging—and usually free to visit.
The space itself is airy and minimal, letting the work speak loud and clear. One week you might see neon-splashed pop surrealism, the next a conceptual installation made entirely of wax. What ties it all together is a sense of fun and curiosity—The Hole never takes itself too seriously.
Brunch at Sunday in Brooklyn
Sunday in Brooklyn is more than just a brunch spot—it’s a lifestyle. This corner café on Wythe Avenue is the kind of place you’d expect to see in a glossy food magazine, and it delivers in both looks and flavor. Think rustic-chic interiors, natural light pouring in, and beautifully plated dishes that taste even better than they look.
Their claim to fame? The malted pancakes with hazelnut maple praline and brown butter. But the menu doesn’t stop there—soft scrambled eggs, smoked salmon toast, and even an inventive veggie burger all shine. The cocktail list is brunch-ready too, with twists on classics like the Bloody Mary and mezcal-spiked iced coffee.
It’s a popular spot, so prepare for a bit of a wait on weekends—but it’s absolutely worth it. Grab a coffee, hang outside with the locals, and soak in the easy, stylish vibe that makes this place feel like pure Williamsburg.
Watch a Movie at Nitehawk Cinema
Dinner and a movie, but make it cool. Nitehawk Cinema is Williamsburg’s indie theater where you can catch everything from cult classics and arthouse flicks to first-run films—all while ordering food and drinks straight to your seat. The menu is surprisingly good, with dishes like truffle popcorn, housemade chicken tenders, boozy milkshakes, and full entrees if you’re in for a long haul.
The theater itself is a vibe: cozy, dimly lit, and full of character. Pre-show “reels” feature quirky, themed edits and old-school trailers, giving you a mini cultural deep dive before the feature even starts. Whether you're seeing an A24 drama, a throwback horror flick, or a midnight screening of The Room, it’s always a fun and immersive night out.
Perfect for a date or just treating yourself to a stylish solo movie moment, Nitehawk takes Williamsburg’s creative spirit and delivers it with popcorn and cocktails.
Explore Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Explore Marsha P. Johnson State Park
Right along the East River lies Marsha P. Johnson State Park, a 7-acre waterfront green space dedicated to the LGBTQ+ activist and trailblazer. Formerly known as East River State Park, it’s since been renamed and redesigned with vibrant murals, educational signage, and flower beds inspired by Marsha’s own signature floral crowns.
It’s one of the best places in the neighborhood to take a breather—watch the ferries go by, read under a tree, or stroll along the paths that weave between historic structures and open lawns. There’s also a direct view of the Manhattan skyline, making it a go-to for golden hour and skyline selfies.
You’ll often catch locals having picnics, kids running wild, or fitness classes popping up on the grass. It’s peaceful but never dull—just like Williamsburg. Whether you’re here to reflect or just rest your feet, this park is a beautiful tribute to one of NYC’s boldest icons.
Explore Street Art in the Northside
Williamsburg is basically one big open-air gallery—and the Northside, in particular, is packed with eye-popping murals and clever street art. From bold political messages to playful characters and massive photorealistic portraits, this part of the neighborhood is a dream for urban art lovers and Instagram-hunters alike.
Some standout spots? Walk along Berry Street, Bedford Avenue, and North 10th Street to see works by local and international artists. New pieces pop up constantly, so even if you’ve been before, there’s always something fresh to discover. Expect a mix of large-scale commissions, wheat-paste posters, stencils, and offbeat graffiti.
It’s an ideal self-guided walk—grab a coffee and wander with no agenda. You’ll likely stumble across cool boutiques, record shops, or quirky cafes in between murals. The best part? It’s all free, totally unscripted, and gives you a direct window into the creative pulse of the neighborhood.
Taste Your Way Through a Brewery Crawl
Williamsburg isn’t short on breweries—and one of the best ways to spend an afternoon here is by hopping between a few. Start at Brooklyn Brewery, then make your way to smaller, character-packed spots like Other Half Brewing Domino Park, known for their juicy hazy IPAs, and TALEA Beer Co., one of the city’s first female-founded breweries serving approachable, fruit-forward beers.
Each place has its own vibe: TALEA is airy and minimalist, Other Half leans industrial and artsy, and Grimm Artisanal Ales (a short stroll away) offers some of the most experimental beers in NYC, with a space that feels part-science lab, part-gallery.
Whether you’re into sours, saisons, or classic lagers, Williamsburg’s beer scene has something for every palate. Not a beer person? Many of these spots also offer natural wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options, so no one gets left out of the fun.
Browse Vinyl at Rough Trade NYC
Browse Vinyl at Rough Trade NYC
Music fans, this one’s for you. Rough Trade NYC is part record shop, part performance space, part lifestyle hangout—and a great stop even if you’re not in the market for new vinyl. The walls are stacked with everything from indie favorites to obscure reissues, and the knowledgeable staff will gladly help you dig for your next favorite band.
The space itself is huge and beautifully curated, with reading nooks, listening stations, and even a small performance stage that hosts intimate gigs and signings. It’s the kind of shop where you’ll come for one album and leave with a tote full of finds.
It also stocks a great selection of books, magazines, and merch, so whether you’re crate-digging or gift-hunting, you’ll walk away happy. And yes, they’ve got a coffee counter, because Williamsburg.
Take the Ferry to Manhattan
One of the most scenic (and affordable) ways to get to or from Williamsburg is on the East River Ferry. Forget the subway—this sleek boat ride gives you front-row views of the skyline, bridges, and waterfront neighborhoods, all for the price of a MetroCard swipe.
You can board at North Williamsburg Terminal and cruise down to DUMBO, Wall Street, or even up toward Long Island City and Midtown. It’s fast, easy, and wildly underrated as both transportation and sightseeing experience.
Grab a seat on the upper deck, snap some photos, and enjoy the breeze—especially during golden hour when the light hits the skyline just right. It’s peaceful, surprisingly uncrowded, and gives you a fresh perspective on the city you’ve been exploring on foot.
Catch a Sunset from a Rooftop Bar
To finish your Williamsburg adventure, head up—literally—to one of the neighborhood’s rooftop bars. Whether you’re looking for a chic cocktail lounge or a casual beer garden with killer views, there’s no better way to toast the day.
Westlight, atop The William Vale hotel, is the go-to for sleek drinks and panoramic skyline views. The cocktails are creative, the small bites are upscale, and the vibe is buzzy but polished. Want something more laid-back? Try The Roof at The Hoxton, where you’ll find comfy seating, great wine, and an easygoing crowd.
The views stretch across the East River, with the Empire State Building and Manhattan Bridge glowing as the sun sets. It’s magical, effortless, and pure NYC energy. Whether you're wrapping up a day of sightseeing or starting your night out, a rooftop drink in Williamsburg hits just right.
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