Williamsburg: Brooklyn’s Other Must-See Neighborhood

What to Know About Williamsburg

• When people think of Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge and Bushwick, the street-art neighborhood, usually come to mind. But Brooklyn has much more to offer. If you have time, venture into Williamsburg, one of New York’s most dynamic neighborhoods.
• Williamsburg sits between the East River and Bushwick, so you can easily combine a visit here with Bushwick. The Williamsburg Bridge connects the neighborhood to Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Head north to explore Greenpoint as well.
• Unlike Bushwick and DUMBO, the neighborhood at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, you’ll encounter far fewer tourists in Williamsburg. The neighborhood is lively and multicultural, with schools, shops, and restaurants throughout.
• In the 1960s, you would never have ventured into Williamsburg—it was one of New York’s most dangerous neighborhoods, plagued by drugs, violence, and gang warfare. That’s all in the past now. Since the early 1990s, the area has transformed dramatically. Its central location in New York has made it highly desirable, with numerous development projects underway.

What to See in Williamsburg

• Don’t expect grand monuments like those on Manhattan—Williamsburg is about atmosphere. Walk along Bedford Avenue, the neighborhood’s main street, to soak it all in. You’ll find countless shops, bars, and restaurants.
• Like Bushwick, Williamsburg is gaining a reputation for street art. One of the most famous murals was created in 2015 by Brolga, a Brooklyn-based artist. It depicts boxer Mohamed Ali and stands at the corner of Bedford Avenue and North 5th Street. Another iconic piece is the “Mona Lisa of Williamsburg,” a giant portrait of a young girl painted in 2014 by Colossal Media and Steven Paul on a four-story building.
• Don’t miss Domino Park. This waterfront park opened in 2018 along the East River and has become a favorite with locals. More and more visitors come for the panoramic views of Manhattan, especially at sunset.
• Williamsburg is also home to Smorgasburg, the largest food market in America. Open every Saturday from April through October in East River State Park along the East River, at the corner of 90 Kent Avenue and North 7 Street. Around a hundred vendors offer specialties from around the world in a family-friendly atmosphere. The New York Times once called the event “Woodstock for food.”
• To leave Williamsburg, you can take the subway. Another option: cross the Williamsburg Bridge. Like the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, it has a dedicated lane for pedestrians and cyclists. There are high fences along the way, but you’ll enjoy a unique view of the East River and New York.

Williamsburg in Photos

Map of Williamsburg