The best things to do in Brooklyn include historical sites, festivals, and plenty of outdoor attractions that are all popular among locals as well as visitors. Those travelers who visit this borough will find a splendid selection of Brooklyn attractions that will make any New York vacation memorable. No matter what else you’re planning to do on your vacation, be sure to get out of Manhattan and spend at least one day in this iconic neighborhood.

Brooklyn Bridge

Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge crosses the East River into Manhattan. Visiting is one of those free things to do in Brooklyn that is an absolute must for everyone who visits this area of New York. Not only is it officially a “structure of beauty,” as stated on the formal plaque designating it as a landmark, it is a significant step in the history of American engineering: It was the largest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its construction.

Coney Island

Visiting Coney Island is a great way to take advantage of a day trip enjoying some of the most entertaining Brooklyn attractions, from the Cyclone, the oldest operational wooden roller coaster in the world, to the Circus sideshows, museums, and events. You can ride the rides or simply wander around and enjoy the atmosphere; the latter is one of the best free things to do in Brooklyn on a summer afternoon.

New York Aquarium

Open 365 days a year, the New York Aquarium invites visitors for an entire experience, from the Sea Lion Celebration at the Aquatheater to the various underwater exhibits, including sharks, reefs, and tidal wave experiences, to the Sea Cliffs, featuring penguins, walruses, otters, and seals. This one of the best things to do in Brooklyn if you’re traveling with children; visitors of all ages will love the array of marine life here.

Brooklyn Botanical Garden

Walk through the enchanting collections of garden environments, including tropical water gardens, Japanese gardens, the elegant rose garden, and the cherry blossom pathway, which is truly beguiling when the trees are in bloom. While there is a general daily admission, visitors can take advantage of the membership opportunities and benefits as well as plan for a variety of spectacular events that take place in the assorted areas of the gardens.

Prospect Park

Designed by the same team that created Central Park, Prospect Park includes not only the park itself, but a number of neighborhoods, including Prospect Heights, Prospect Park South, Park Slope, and Windsor Terrace. Within Prospect Park, visitors will find a number of free things to do in Brooklyn, such as the Grand Army Plaza, the entrance to the park; the Park Slope district, one of the prized communities of the borough; and a number of natural features that create the allure of the park, attracting hundreds of visitors each day.

Museums

Visitors to this New York borough have a handful of museums and monuments nearly at their fingertips, including the Brooklyn Museum, New York’s second largest art museum; the New York Transit Museum, dedicated to the history of urban public transportation; the Brooklyn Children’s Museum, the first museum created just for kids, established in 1899; the Jewish Children’s Museum, focusing on Jewish culture and history, with exhibits of biblical history, Israel, Jewish holidays, and current Jewish life; and the Hogar Collection, and art gallery, featuring emerging and mid career artists using innovative design approaches for their art.

Charming, enchanting, and historically significant, the Brooklyn attractions provide locals and visitors alike with a seemingly endless list of things to do and see. From the informational museums to the delightful strolls through the gardens to the interesting things to do in Brooklyn Coney Island, guests can enjoy a well rounded experience in this intriguing borough of New York City.