If you visit New York , you will probably spend most of your time in the Big Apple , the Manhattan district . However, New York has more to offer , which is why in this article we would like to give you 20 reasons why you should check out Williamsburg in Brooklyn. This neighborhood is known worldwide for being very cool and hip. You will find a strange mix of converted warehouses in which the latest food options are presented and you can find very stylish retro clothes in the typical New York style. Many of New York's most creative minds started their businesses in Williamsburg before opening stores in Manhattan. You will find brilliant entertainment , great restaurants , bars and shops . This neighborhood also has an interesting history and is a particularly multicultural place. These are the reasons why you shouldn't miss Williamsburg:
1. …to party and dance until you are completely exhausted
Address: 74 Wythe Avenue
If you're patient enough for a long queue, strict bouncers and a mandatory and paid cloakroom, then you'll enjoy an incredible evening with the best DJs in the world. Dance until completely exhausted in this labyrinthine club and discover the different themed worlds.
2. ...to experience the big stars of tomorrow today
Address: 146 Broadway
Baby's All Right is known for discovering the next big stars in indie music. A great place, especially if you like indie.
3. …to listen to real cowboy music
Address: 152 Metropolitan Avenue
Put on your cowboy boots and head to Skinny Dennis, where you can hear the best country music in New York. You come for the music and stay for the delicious coffee and whiskey slushies.
4. …to bowl with DJ legends like Questlove (at least almost)
Address: 61 Wythe Avenue
Brooklyn Bowl is a restaurant, bar, disco and bowling center. A perfect mix that will ensure a lot of fun. Every week a different very famous DJ comes and plays for you, from jazz to hip-hop and many other genres of music. Try the bowling party. :)
5. ...to pamper your stomach with the tastiest and newest food in the world
Address: Williamsburg's East River Park, 90 Kent Avenue
When: April to November, Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
Join the 20,000 to 30,000 people who explore this food festival in the park from April to November. More than 100 different providers from different countries around the world present their local specialties here. Germany was once represented there with a Berlin kebab, which can now also be bought in Manhattan. This festival has also been recognized by the famous newspaper “New York Times”.
6. …to purchase amazing souvenirs from Brooklyn's most talented artisans
Address: 70 North 7th Street
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m
Over 100 exhibitors present their homemade works of art here at the market, such as hand-sewn kimonos, natural soap and specially made watches.
7. …to enjoy your greatest vintage shopping experience ever
Address: 74 Guernsey Street
This store actually belongs to another neighborhood in Brooklyn and is called Greenpoint. But it's worth running a little longer. You can expect an incredibly large selection of fashionable vintage clothing at surprisingly affordable prices. And while you're here, you can combine a visit to this store with a shopping trip to the following shops: Armacord (22 Conselyea Street), Monk (496 Driggs Ave.) and Olly Oxen Free Vintage (137 Montrose Ave)
8. ... to expand your record collection
Address: 64 N 9th Street
You can find all kinds of recordings here and give your personal collection an update. In return you get the latest that the market has to offer.
9. ... to rummage through junk (no joke)
Address: 567 Driggs Avenue
Imagine a huge warehouse with over 1000 square meters. And it is full of old treasures among a lot of junk. Here you can find everything from clothing from the 60s to a variety of furniture and decoration. Find your very personal souvenir of Williamsburg and New York here.
10. … to learn about the unique history of the place
Address: 370 Metropolitan Avenue
Image: The City Reliquary
This quirky museum lets you experience the skillful Williamsburg in a different way. Lots of pictures, postcards and even an old subway sign show you what the city looked like in the past.
11. ...to watch a film from an art gallery with delicious snacks
Address: 136 Metropolitan Avenue
Nitehawk is New York's finest dining theater experience. They show interesting reports, old classics and horror films at midnight.
Enjoy this unique experience with delicious food and a delicious cocktail. Each film begins with a 30-minute film, which is produced by the theater itself and always relates to the main film.
12. ...to find your perfect scent
Address: 318 Maujer Street
This Williamsburg perfumery lets you create your own scent. You can choose from over 700 ingredients to create your perfect scent. After you have chosen everything, your perfume will be mixed together in front of you and you can take it with you straight away.
13. ...to discover the best sketchbooks around the world
Address: 28 Frost Street
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m
It's not a typical library: instead of literary works, you'll find more than 36,000 sketchbooks from over 100 different countries. It's the creative heart of Williamsburg and you'll feel that inventive energy. Be inspired by the designs or even donate one of your own sketches and become part of this special library. :)
14. ...to get a great view of the Manhattan skyline
Address: 162 North 12th Street
Sample one of the extravagant cocktails at the rooftop bar of the Wythe Hotel, one of Williamsburg's chicest spots. You have a great view of the East River and offer you a panoramic view of the Manhattan skyline.
Please come along on our rooftop tour and explore this and other rooftop bars in Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan with us CLICK HERE .
15. ...to experience beach culture in the heart of Brooklyn
Address: 64 Frost Street
If you don't have time to visit New York's beaches, head to Battery Harris for a taste of sun, sand and summer. Enjoy the Caribbean-inspired drinks and delicious American hamburgers and enjoy a chilling sound in the background.
16. ...to expand your unique comic book collection
Address: 540 Metropolitan Avenue
Desert Island is a comic book store and a must for anyone who loves comics. From classics to new discoveries from all over the world, you can find a lot for your comic collection at home here. If you love comics, then all your dreams will come true here.
17. ...to try a recommended wine by famous musician James Murphy
Address: 295 Grand Street
An absolute must for anyone who loves LCD sound systems. The place was founded by the frontman himself. You can choose from more than 250 types of wine.
18. …for Best Menu in New York
Address: 81 Broadway, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Marlow & Son's is a Williamsburg original. A café by day and a chic restaurant by night. The owners make sure to only use fresh, local ingredients, which is why the menu varies depending on the season.
19. ...to marvel at the beautiful and classic Revival architecture
Address: 834 Driggs Avenue
This historical monument was a bank in the past and was built in 1875. The building is particularly impressive to look at at night, when the exterior facade is colorfully illuminated.
20. ...to experience the Hasidic Jewish community
Where: The area at Division Avenue, Broadway Avenue, Heyward Street and the Brooklyn Navy Yard
Explore Williamsburg's cultural diversity with a walking tour of the Orthodox, Hasidic Community where you feel like you are traveling back in time. The street signs are written in Yiddish and Hebrew and residents are decorated in their traditional clothing. Please be aware that you are in the area of a close-knit group and behave respectfully. This applies especially to abuse between men and women. Kissing on the street is very inappropriate here. Some of the locals can seem very cold and don't like tourists being in their neighborhood. However, it is still an experience that you should not miss. You should especially pause here:
Walk toward the yellow-walled synagogue of the Satmar sect of Judaism (address: 150 Rodney Street) and get a glimpse inside by looking through the windows. Stop by Oneg Heimishe Bakery (address: 188 Lee Avenue) and try the fabulous chocolate babka (Jewish chocolate cake). End your tour with a healthy meal at Gottlieb's (address: 352 Roebling Street) and sample kosher Hungarian food like pastrami and spring rolls.
Unlike any other place in the world, Williamsburg is a huge adult playground with wonderful and unique hangouts. Have fun exploring!
And if you would rather experience the whole thing with an experienced tour guide, then accompany us on our Bronx-Queens-Brooklyn tour , which we also offer for you in German. :)