Brooklyn Attractions New York

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One of the five boroughs of New York City just across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan, Brooklyn has the largest population of the five, numbering almost 2.5 million.

Astroland Amusement Park
1000 Surf Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11224
718-372-0275
Official Web Site
The only real Coney Island experience is the smell of hot dogs, ocean air, and screams from the thrill rides at Astroland. Find over 10 games of skill, 3 Arcades, 2 Coney Island Style Restaurants. NYC largest amusement park, home of the world-famous Cyclone!. It first opened on June 26, 1927, the Cyclone has emerged as the outdoor amusement industry's most famous, most influential, and most copied individual ride.

Bedford-Stuyvesant Historic District
na
Brooklyn, NY
no phone
Official Web Site
Take Duke Ellington's famous "A" train to Utica Avenue, and emerge in Brooklyn's largest African-American community, historic Bedford-Stuyvesant. Long, lovely rows of bay-fronted townhouses in the twelve-block Stuyvesant Heights Historic District look just as they did in the late 19th century, when the neighborhood was one of the city's most desirable. Your chance to peek inside some of the brownstones and meet their proud owners comes every October on the annual Bedford-Stuyvesant House Tour.

Brighton Beach
1121 Brighton Beach Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11235
no phone
Official Web Site
Brighton Beach is one of the last “old world” communities in New York City, serving immigrants since the early 1900's, when the first wave of European/Russian émigrés settled here. Today, it is still a community of émigrés - a neighborhood that encompasses people of almost every region of the world. Brighton Beach is one of the largest Russian communities in the United States. The area in southeast Brooklyn bordering Coney Island - is also known as "Little Odessa". 150,000 Soviet emigrants, mostly former inhabitants of Odessa, settled there in the last 25 years, having radically altered the face of that "old world" New York neighbourhood, once nicknamed "a retired poor man's Miami Beach".

Brooklyn Academy of Music
30 Lafayette Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217
718-636-4100
Official Web Site
Dating from its first performance in 1861, BAM has grown into a thriving urban arts center that brings international performing arts and film to Brooklyn. The first BAM facility at 176-194 Montague Street in Brooklyn Heights was originally conceived by the Philharmonic Society of Brooklyn as a home for its concerts. It housed a large theater seating 2,200, a smaller concert hall, dressing and chorus rooms, and a vast "baronial" kitchen. BAM presented both amateur and professional music and theater productions. Performers included Ellen Terry, Edwin Booth, Tomas Salvini, and Fritz Kreisler.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
1000 Washington Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
718-623-7200
Official Web Site
Celebrate the seasons at New York City's natural wonder. 'The premier horticultural attraction in the region,' acclaims the NY Times. Fifty-two acres of display gardens, indoor conservatory, and events for all ages. A short subway ride away.

Brooklyn Brewery
79 North 11th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-486-7422
Official Web Site
Located in the historic Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York, the Brooklyn Brewery is one of New York's first successful commercial breweries since Schaefer and Rheingold closed their doors in 1976. Opened in May 1996, the company's 70,000-square-foot brewery/warehouse complex includes the Tasting Room, a 300-seat facility that hosts community events, and the Brooklyn Brewery Company Store.

Brooklyn Bridge
East River
Brooklyn, NY
no phone
Official Web Site
Arguably the most influential bridge in American history, the Brooklyn Bridge remains one of New York City’s most celebrated architectural wonders. Designed by the brilliant engineer John Augustus Roebling (1806-1869) and completed by his equally ingenious son Washington Roebling (1837-1926), this elegant structure was, at the time of its completion in 1883, the longest suspension bridge in the world. It was the first bridge to be constructed using steel. The bridge links the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn which were once two separate cities

Brooklyn Children's Museum
145 Brooklyn Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
718-735-4402
Official Web Site
The world's first museum for children, founded in 1899. Permanent collection of 27,000 ethnological and natural history artifacts. Hands-on museum with interactive galleries focusing on science and culture. Special programs every hour. Rental space.

Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn Heights
Brooklyn, NY
no phone
Official Web Site
Known to be Manhattan's "best" bedroom community, Brooklyn Heights has become a premiere tourist attraction. A visit to the Heights has become as much of a "must see" as a stop at the Empire State Building. Sunsets on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade rival a visit to Victoria Peak in Hong Kong. The Promenade's enchanting environs is drawing people to its varied architecture -- beautiful wood homes built by sailing captains, brownstone mansions, and carriage houses galore. The Fulton Ferry State Park, located directly underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, is set to become the linchpin of the new Brooklyn Bridge Park as its renovation is nearly complete. (click here for QTVR of the park and its view.). With plans underway for a massive park from the Manhattan Bridge to Atlantic Avenue, this area contains unused piers and land that could become a world class park with unparalleled views of lower Manhattan and the NY Harbor. The new pier at the foot of Cadman Plaza is a draw for both tourists and wedding parties.

Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Remsen and Orange Sts
Brooklyn, NY 11201
no phone
Official Web Site
The city is filled with amazing views, but few can top the ones from this scenic third-of-a-mile stretch along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. Postcard-like views of lower Manhattan, South Street Seaport, the East River and the Brooklyn Bridge draw photographers, couples on romantic walks, and New Yorkers who want an inspiring place to sit and think.

Brooklyn Historical Society
128 Pierrepont Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-222-4111 x241
Official Web Site
In October, the Brooklyn Historical Society reopened after four years of renovations. The National Historic Landmark building was originally built in 1881 by George Post as the Long Island Historical Society. Founded in 1863, the Brooklyn Historical Society, BHS, is a nationally renowned urban history center dedicated to the exploration and preservation of documents, artwork and artifacts representative of Brooklyn's diverse cultures past and present. BHS provides access to its unparalleled collection through extensive educational programs, exhibits, neighborhood history guides, community outreach and its distinctive Brooklyn Walks and Talks series.

Brooklyn Lyceum
225 4th Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-857-4816
Official Web Site
Eschewing the notion of Brooklyn as an artistic outer borough, founder Eric Richmond has transformed the mammoth 1910 bathhouse into a cultural/social locus that houses three theaters, the WYNK cafe/internet center, a garden and a gift shop. This large 4,000-square-foot performance area has played host to such performances as CirqueBoom's "The Circus of Vices and Virtues," Anthony Schwartzman's "Hunger Dreams," "Antony & Cleopatra" and "Polyphonic Spree."

Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-638-5000
Official Web Site
The Brooklyn Museum, housed in a 560,000-square-foot, Beaux-Arts building, is the second-largest art museum in New York City and one of the largest in the country. Its world-renowned permanent collections include more than one million objects, from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to contemporary art, and represent a wide range of cultures. Only a 30-minute subway ride from midtown Manhattan, with its own newly renovated subway station, the Museum is part of a complex of nineteenth-century parks and gardens that also includes Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and the Prospect Park Zoo.

Chinatown
8th Avenue & 58th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11220
no phone
Official Web Site
Lesser known Chinese neighborhood among NYC boroughs.

Coney Island
Surf Ave. & Stillwell Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11223
no phone
Official Web Site
Coney Island is one of the best-known amusement parks in the US. It was with the coming of the NYC subway that this area became such a popular playground. Its 3.5 mile Boardwalk and sand beach is also famous as is the wooden Cyclone Rollercoaster (built in 1927) and the Wonder Wheel (built in 1920) both of which are NYC Landmarks. These are just some of the many rides and forms of entertainment for both kids and adults. On the corner of Surf And Stillwell Avenues is Nathan's Famous. Here is the site of the very first Nathan's which began as a nickel hot dog stand in 1916. As a matter of fact, there's a July 4th annual hot dog eating competition here. In 1999 our Mayor took part in welcoming the competitors to City Hall for their weighing in.

Doll and Toy Museum of NYC
610 Henry Street, Room 103
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-243-0820
Official Web Site
This non-profit museum has a growing international collection. Rotating exhibits include doll restoration, 21st century African-American dolls, the history of the teddy bear, construction toys, and more. By appointment only.

Fort Hamilton

Brooklyn, NY 11252
718-630-4101
Official Web Site
Historic Fort Hamilton is located in the south western corner of Brooklyn, New York surrounded by the communities of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights and Bensonhurst. The cornerstone of this coastal defense fort was set in 1825 and the first garrison flag was raised in 1831. While many of the original structures are gone, some having yielded to the construction of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, part of the old fort remains on the grounds of the United States Army Fort Hamilton Garrison. Colonels Row, the Fort Hamilton Community Club, Lee House and the Harbor Defense Museum are on the National Register of Historic Places. The historic museum is located in the caponier of the old fort and is virtually untouched..

Harbor Defense Museum
Fort Hamilton Military Community
Brooklyn, NY 11252
718-630-4349
Official Web Site
The U.S. Army military museum is located in the caponier of the old fort on the grounds of the United States Army Garrison at Fort Hamilton, Brooklyn, NY, adjacent to the base of the Verrazano Bridge. Built between 1825-1831, the fort and the caponier have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The fort underwent several structural modifications in the following century as advances in weaponry required the upgrading of its defenses and urban progress crowded its position. Fortunately, the land side of the fort still retains much of its original character and the caponier (a miniature fort guarding the main fort's gate) is virtually untouched. The museum contains artifacts and exhibits that explain the history of the fort and its role in the defense of New York from invaders.

Hogar Collection
111 Grand street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.388.5022
Offical Web Site
Hogar Collection Gallery is an artist run gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn that focuses on American and International emerging artists working in all contemporary artmaking practices including painting, sculpture, photography, installation, sound, video, drawing and furniture. Hogar Collection was established in 2003 by Todd Rosenbaum and Cecilia Biagini who wanted to create a place that gave artists opportunity to show and enter into the New York art world. Hogar meaning "home" in Spanish is meant to be a place that promotes and engages artists work in a comfortable environment that is accessible and exciting for collectors and aficionados alike. As well as the artists that the gallery regularly represents and promotes, Hogar Collection gives opportunities to outside curators who bring into the dialogue new voices. Along with exhibitions the gallery hosts cultural events including music/sound performances, video/film screenings and performance art.

Jacques Torres Chocolate
66 Water Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-875-9772
Official Web Site
In December 2000, Jacques opened his own chocolate factory serving the wholesale and retail markets. Jacques Torres Chocolate, MrChocolate.com LLC specializes in fresh, hand-crafted chocolates that are free of preservatives and artificial flavors. Jacques has given new life to classic recipes. He uses state-of-the-art technology in his custom-designed chocolate factory. Jacques Torres Chocolate is located at 66 Water Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 in the fashionable neighborhood of D.U.M.B.O. (down under the Manhattan bridge overpass).

Lefferts Homestead
Flatbush Ave. at Empire Blvd.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-789-2822
Official Web Site
Lefferts Homestead in Prospect Park is one of the few surviving Dutch Colonial farmhouses in Brooklyn. Built for a prominent 18th-century Flatbush landowner, it was home to at least four generations of the Lefferts family. Today it is operated by the Prospect Park Alliance as a Children's Historic House Museum.

New York Aquarium
Surf Avenue & West 8th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11224
718-220-5100
Official Web Site
It is the only aquarium in New York City and is part of the largest network of metropolitan wildlife parks in the country. With exhibits featuring over 8,000 animals, the New York Aquarium offers diversity, superb viewing, and world-renowned scientific expertise that assures a rewarding experience and the knowledge that people can make a difference in the ocean world around them. Learn about animals living as far away as the Southwest coast of Africa and the Arctic to those found locally in our own Hudson River.

New York Transit Museum
Boerum Place & Schermerhorn Street
Brooklyn, NY
718-694-1600
Official Web Site
The New York Transit Museum, one of the city’s leading cultural institutions is the largest museum in the United States devoted to urban public transportation history, and one of the premier institutions of its kind in the world. The Museum explores the development of the greater New York metropolitan region through the presentation of exhibitions, tours, educational programs and workshops dealing with the cultural, social and technological history of public transportation. Since its inception as a temporary exhibit in 1976, the Museum has grown in scope and popularity. The museum is housed in a historic 1936 IND subway station in Brooklyn Heights.

Open Tues. - Friday 10 am - 4 pm; Sat & Sun 12 noon to 5 p.m.
Adults $5; Children 3 - 17 years $3 Seniors $3 and Seniors are admitted free on Wednesdays.
The New York Transit Museum is closed Mondays and major holidays.

Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House Museum
5816 Clarendon Road
Brooklyn, NY 11203
718-629-5400
Official Web Site
Begun c. 1652, the Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House is New York City’s oldest structure and one of the oldest wooden frame houses in the country. It was the first site to be designated a Landmark upon the creation of the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1965 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968. Pieter Claesen emigrated from the Netherlands in 1637 as an indentured servant and through connections to Peter Stuyvesant, Director-General of New Netherlands, settled in what was then known as New Amersfoort in 1652. Successive generations of Wyckoffs farmed the land until 1901. His descendents donated the house to the City in 1969 and after an exhaustive restoration it opened as a museum in 1982.

Priska C. Juschka Fine Art
97 North 9th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718-782-4100
Official Web Site
Priska C. Juschka Fine Art provides a forum for young cutting-edge international artists to show new work in a range of media. The gallery's de-centralized location - Williamsburg, Brooklyn - encourages groundbreaking projects that addresses the evolving circuitry of visual exchange on both a global and local scale.

Prospect Park See a list of events
95 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY 11215
718-965-8951
Official Web Site
Prospect Park is a 526-acre urban oasis located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York City's most populous borough. The masterpiece of famed landscape architects Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who also designed Central Park, Prospect Park features the 90-acre Long Meadow , the 60-acre Lake and Brooklyn's only forest. The nation's first urban Audubon Center, the Prospect Park Zoo, and the Celebrate Brooklyn! Performing Arts Festival are just a few of the cultural attractions that make their home here at the Park.

Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse
Lincoln Road & Ocean Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-287-3400
Official Web Site
The Prospect Park Audubon Center at the Boathouse is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to wildlife preservation and natural education, located inside an Historic New York City Landmark. Surrounded by interpretive nature trails in acres of carefully restored natural habitat, the Audubon Center also houses the Park's Visitor Center, with an information desk, a cafe and a gift shop.

Prospect Park Zoo
Flatbush & Ocean Avenues
Brooklyn, NY 11238
718-399-7339
Official Web Site
Prospect Park Zoo is home to nearly 400 animals of more than 80 species. Kids will be amazed by close-up views of some of the wild's most unusual animals. The Zoo is operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, known throughout the world for its innovative ways of caring for animals while increasing visitor interaction. The exhibits feature animals in environments mirroring their natural habitats, so that kids can observe the animals up-close and personal. Exhibits include "World of Animals," where kids can meet prairie dogs and wallabies face-to-face. Other zoo residents include the cotton-topped tamarin, the hamadryas baboon, the red panda, and a vibrant band of birds, reptiles and amphibians. The Zoo presents special events like "Keeping Up with the Keepers" and "Boo at the Zoo" and educational programs for individuals and school groups. And, a visit to the zoo is a great bargain!

St. John's Episcopal Church
9818 Fort Hamilton Parkway
Brooklyn, NY 11209
718-745-2377
Official Web Site
Finally finished in 1835, St. John's was built to serve the Episcopalian troops stationed at Fort Hamilton. Known as the "Church of the Generals". Among those who attended services here were General Robert E. Lee and General Thomes J. (Stonewall) Jackson.

Verrazano Narrows Bridge
Route 278
Brooklyn, NY
no phone
Official Web Site
When it opened in 1964, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge was the world's longest suspension span. Today, its length is surpassed only by the Humber Bridge in England. The ends of the bridge are at historic Fort Hamilton in Brooklyn and Fort Wadsworth in Staten Island, both of which guarded New York Harbor at the Narrows for over a century. The bridge was named after Giovanni da Verrazano, who, in 1524, was the first European explorer to sail into New York Harbor. Its monumental 693 foot high towers are 1 5/8 inches farther apart at their tops than at their bases because the 4,260 foot distance between them made it necessary to compensate for the earth's curvature. Each tower weighs 27,000 tons and is held together with three million rivets and one million bolts. Seasonal contractions and expansions of the steel cables cause the double-decked roadway to be 12 feet lower in the summer than in the winter. Located at the mouth of upper New York Bay, the bridge not only connects Brooklyn with Staten Island but is also a major link in the interstate highway system, providing the shortest route between the middle Atlantic states and Long Island.

Waterfront Museum & Showboat Barge
699 Columbia Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231
718-624-4719
Official Web Site
The Lehigh Valley Railroad Barge #79 was built in 1914. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the only floating wooden covered barge of its kind restored and ready to receive visitors. It functions as the home of the Hudson Waterfront Museum, a floating classroom, a showboat, and an art exhibition space.

Other Brooklyn Websites/Articles

What to See and What to Skip in Brooklyn
Brooklyn is a distinct destination, marked by vibrant neighborhoods and a thriving scene for cultural and culinary artists. Throw in Brooklynites’ unique breed of hospitality, and this is suddenly a detour worth taking.

Brooklyn NY Web Portsal
650 E 32nd St, Brooklyn 11210
phone: 2403211855, email: nybrooklyn@towntweet.com
A community web portal for Brooklyn, NY weather, news, job listings, classifieds and more, you will want to check us out.

Brooklyn Wikipedia Site

Official Borough of Brooklyn Website

Visit Brooklyn
Keep up to date with news and information about Brooklyn by visiting our website. Learn how the Tourism & Visitors Area can help you navigate Brooklyn.