Downtown Brooklyn

Manhattan isn’t the only thriving place in New York City. Check out this downtown area for a day (and night) to remember.

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Manhattan are the shining lights of Downtown Brooklyn. As the third-largest business district in New York City, you’ll naturally see towering skyscrapers and hurried-looking business people, but you’ll also find plenty of culture, green space, and restaurants to keep the whole family entertained.

What’s the first thing on your mind when you wake up? If you’re anything like us, it’s food… and coffee. Whether you’re an early riser or don’t climb out of bed until late, Downtown Brooklyn is sure to have a breakfast place for you. Casual cafés sit alongside trendy diners serving up fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and eggs just the way you like. When dinner rolls around, try out a family restaurant with burgers and fries, or consider the DeKalb Market Hall with over 40 different food vendors.

Need to relax? Meander through MetroTech Commons, a public space that often hosts modern art exhibits and special events. This area was named for the MetroTech Center, one of Downtown Brooklyn’s most notable landmarks and the largest urban research space in all of America.

Ready to shop? Find everything you need at the Fulton Mall, or trawl Jay or Livingston Street to support local retailers. From dollar stores to upscale clothing boutiques, you can spend as much (or as little) as your heart desires.

Downtown Brooklyn may have a laid-back nightlife scene, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty going on. Enjoy a drink at a casual bar or catch an improv comedy show at one of the student theaters dotted around town. Or, for an even more memorable night out, book tickets to a concert at the 18,000-seater Barclays Center.