Welcome to Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Looking for the best things to do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn? You’ve come to the right place. Known for its vibrant indie culture, scenic skyline views, and creative community, Williamsburg is one of New York City’s most magnetic neighborhoods. Whether you’re here for the weekend or spending a few extra days soaking in the local vibe, there’s no shortage of Williamsburg Brooklyn attractions to explore.
From riverfront parks and street art to vintage markets and legendary food spots, this guide rounds up the top activities in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, perfect for visitors who want an authentic, art-forward NYC experience. Whether you’re into food trucks, photo ops, or live music, Williamsburg’s got you covered.
Top 11 Things to Do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
1. Walk the Williamsburg Bridge
One of the most iconic ways to arrive in Williamsburg is by walking across the Williamsburg Bridge. Spanning the East River and connecting the Lower East Side of Manhattan to Brooklyn’s South Williamsburg, this 1.4-mile bridge offers panoramic views of both boroughs. It’s open 24/7 and features a separate pedestrian and bike path, making it ideal for early morning jogs, leisurely afternoon strolls, or golden hour photos. As you walk east toward Brooklyn, you’ll spot street art, skyline silhouettes, and views of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges in the distance. It’s a perfect introduction to Williamsburg’s blend of grit and artistry.
2. Browse Artists & Fleas
A cornerstone of Williamsburg’s creative economy, Artists & Fleas is more than a market, it’s a curated experience. Located at 70 N 7th Street just off Bedford Avenue, it showcases over 50 independent vendors each weekend. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry and natural skincare to vintage denim and art prints. The vibe is young, eclectic, and unapologetically local. Many of the creators you’ll meet are Brooklyn-based, giving visitors the chance to take home a true piece of the neighborhood. It’s a must for design lovers, collectors, and anyone who appreciates the thrill of discovery.
3. Visit Domino Park
Dominating the Williamsburg waterfront, Domino Park is a stunning 5-acre public space built on the site of the historic Domino Sugar Factory. This revitalized area offers terraced lawns, an elevated walkway, a fog bridge, volleyball courts, and one of NYC’s most scenic playgrounds. With uninterrupted views of Manhattan, it’s a popular destination for both sunrise yoga and sunset picnics. The park also celebrates the site’s industrial past, incorporating salvaged refinery equipment into its landscape design. Bring a coffee from nearby Devoción or a taco from Tacocina and spend an afternoon lounging riverside.
4. Visit the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center (WAH Center)
Housed in the historic Kings County Savings Bank building, the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center (WAH Center) is a hidden gem that celebrates both contemporary art and the cultural history of the neighborhood. Located at 135 Broadway, the center showcases rotating exhibitions featuring local, national, and international artists across all mediums, from painting and sculpture to performance and video installations.
The venue itself is worth a visit: a landmark 19th-century building with soaring ceilings, detailed woodwork, and a grand staircase that sets the stage for a creative experience unlike any other. The WAH Center also hosts public lectures, performances, and community-focused events that connect Williamsburg’s past with its ever-evolving creative future. Admission is typically free or donation-based, making it a budget-friendly addition to your cultural itinerary.
5. Eat at Smorgasburg
Smorgasburg is a feast for the senses and a rite of passage for any Williamsburg visitor. Held Saturdays from April through October at Marsha P. Johnson State Park, this open-air food market brings together over 70 vendors from across NYC. Expect an ever-changing menu of global flavors, including Filipino barbecue, Venezuelan arepas, and Korean fried chicken. Seating is picnic-style with plenty of waterfront views, and the atmosphere is lively with music and community energy. Arrive early to beat the lunch rush, and come hungry, you’ll want to try more than one dish.
6. Tour the Brooklyn Brewery
Brooklyn Brewery is a landmark of the neighborhood’s craft beer scene. Founded in 1988, it played a major role in Williamsburg’s transformation from an industrial district to a cultural hotspot. Today, visitors can enjoy guided tours, taproom tastings, and seasonal eventsat their 79 N 11th Street location. Sample favorites like the Brooklyn Lager or limited-edition brews you can’t find elsewhere. The vibe is casual, friendly, and often includes live music or pop-up food vendors. Perfect for groups or solo visitors looking to unwind and get a taste of Brooklyn’s brewing heritage.
7. Shop Bedford Avenue
Stretching from McCarren Park to Broadway, Bedford Avenue is Williamsburg’s main commercial artery and a shopping haven for style-conscious visitors. Along its length, you’ll find indie fashion boutiques, used bookstores, quirky gift shops, and local design studios. Must-visits include Catbird for delicate jewelry, Spoonbill & Sugartown for curated reads, and Beacon’s Closet for vintage finds. Bedford Avenue also offers plenty of café stops for breaks between browsing—try Variety Coffee or Partners Coffee for a local caffeine fix. Whether you’re window shopping or on a spree, it’s the best place to feel the pulse of Williamsburg life.
8. Catch a Show at Music Hall of Williamsburg
Located at 66 N 6th Street, Music Hall of Williamsburg is a legendary venue that has hosted acts ranging from Vampire Weekend to Mitski. With a capacity of just 650, the space offers an intimate concert experience with excellent acoustics and unobstructed views from almost any spot. The lineup spans indie rock, hip hop, electronica, and experimental genres, reflecting the neighborhood’s artistic diversity. Bars are located on every floor, and nearby restaurants make it easy to pair your night out with a pre-show dinner. If you’re in town for the weekend, checking the MHOW calendar is a must.
9. Discover Local Street Art
Williamsburg is an open-air gallery, rich with graffiti, murals, and wheatpaste posters that change with the seasons. Areas like North 10th Street, Kent Avenue, and the blocks near Berry Street are particularly rich in visual art. While some works are sanctioned and permanent (like the iconic “MONA” wall by Brolga), others are temporary pieces from emerging voices in the local and global street art scene. Street art tours are available, but self-guided exploration is just as rewarding. Don’t forget your camera, these walls tell stories you won’t find in a museum.
10. Relax at McCarren Park
Spanning over 35 acres on the edge of Williamsburg and Greenpoint, McCarren Park is a beloved neighborhood hangout. It’s a green escape for joggers, dog walkers, families, and anyone needing a break from the buzz. The park includes baseball fields, a track, tennis courts, and an Olympic-size public pool open in summer. It also hosts seasonal farmers markets and outdoor movie nights. Grab a blanket and snacks from a nearby deli and settle in for a relaxed afternoon. It’s a peaceful spot that captures the local rhythm of Williamsburg life.
11. Catch a Show (or a Strike) at Brooklyn Bowl
Just a 15-minute walk from The Penny, Brooklyn Bowl is where live music meets laid-back fun. This iconic Williamsburg venue doubles as a bowling alley and concert hall, hosting everything from indie bands and hip-hop acts to funk DJs and tribute nights. The vibe is electric but unpretentious, perfect for group hangs, date nights, or post-dinner plans. Between sets or frames, fuel up with Blue Ribbon’s famous fried chicken and a local beer. Whether you’re there for the tunes or the tenpins, Brooklyn Bowl delivers a uniquely Brooklyn night out you won’t want to miss.
Why Williamsburg Is Great for Visitors
Williamsburg strikes the perfect balance between urban energy and neighborhood charm. Just one subway stop from Manhattan, it offers a slower pace without sacrificing culture or creativity. You can wander from a riverside park to an art gallery to a late-night ramen joint, all within a few blocks. The area is highly walkable, well-served by public transit, and packed with personality.
Whether you’re traveling solo, visiting as a couple, or bringing the whole crew, Williamsburg’s diversity of attractions makes it a de
stination in its own right. And with easy access to other parts of Brooklyn (and the ferry to Manhattan), it’s the perfect launchpad for a wider NYC adventure.
Staying at The Penny Williamsburg
For a truly local stay, The Penny offers boutique comfort right in the heart of Williamsburg. Located just steps from many of the attractions listed above, the hotel combines design-forward rooms with warm hospitality. Guests enjoy homey perks like in-room kitchenettes, pour-over coffee systems with complimentary coffee, and famously cozy cloud robes.
The Penny is more than a place to rest, it’s a reflection of the neighborhood itself. Through a partnership with LAND Gallery, the hotel features art by New Yorkers with developmental disabilities, making your stay feel inspiring and connected to the community. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or an extended visit, The Penny offers the perfect blend of creativity, comfort, and location.
Planning your visit to Williamsburg? Book your stay at The Penny and make the most of everything this vibrant neighborhood has to offer.
