Sunset Park

The Basics

Named for its large park—which offers great views of the Hudson River—Sunset Park was a thriving manufacturing hub from the turn of the 20th century until the end of World War II. It was also home to the Bush Terminal, the largest shipping, warehousing, and manufacturing complex in the US at the time.

Starting in the 1970s, Chinese, Indian, and Latino immigrants began to populate the neighborhood. To explore this diverse community, head to the area’s Saturday flea market, visit Industry City (a marketplace for local artisans and producers on the site of the old Bush Terminal), or take a foodie tour of the neighborhood.

Things to Know Before You Go

Sunset Park is spread out on the slope of a very tall hill; be prepared to do a significant amount of walking, uphill and down, if you want to explore the various parts of the neighborhood.

Head to the park itself, toward the top of the hill, for views of the waterfront and the Manhattan skyline.

Sunset Park is a residential neighborhood. Restaurants and shops are clustered along the area’s main avenues.

How to Get There

Sunset Park sits to the south of Red Hook and Park Slope. To reach the area by subway, take the N, R, or W trains from Manhattan to 45th St. or 53rd St., Brooklyn, or the D train to 9th Avenue. Alternatively, take a bus along 5th Avenue from Park Slope.

When to Get There

To make the most of the neighborhood’s restaurants and street life, head to the area during the weekend. The park the neighborhood is named for is a popular sunset-watching spot, especially in the summer months.

Taste the Best of Brooklyn

With immigrant populations from South and Central America, Italy, India, China, Korea and other parts of the world, Brooklyn is an excellent place to try foods from all around the globe. Make a reservation at one of the borough’s many award-winning restaurants, or join one of the many themed food tours that take visitors and locals alike to delicious spots across the borough. Options range from trips to craft breweries to neighborhood walking tours to artisanal pizza crawls.

Ways to explore

Sunset Park is a residential neighborhood with restaurants and shops clustered along the area’s main avenues. The best way to spend a few hours here is by walking around to work up an appetite and then feasting at one of the restaurants in its Chinatown. Sunset Park is spread out on the slope of a tall hill, so expect to do a significant amount of walking, both uphill and down, to discover the neighborhood. Many tours of Sunset Park focus on food, offering flavors from different immigrant groups alongside their history and culture.

Accessibility

This neighborhood is generally accessible to wheelchairs, including public transportation and its namesake park.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, sunscreen, cash

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, hat

Not allowed

None

Amenities

Restaurants, park with Manhattan views

Address

Sunset Park is a Brooklyn neighborhood that sits south of Red Hook and Park Slope. It’s possible to reach the area by public transportation or by driving.

Driving

Public transportation is the best way to reach Sunset Park. For those who prefer to drive, expect limited parking and traffic. Visitors can try their luck with street parking or try one of the parking lots near Industry City.

Public transportation

To reach Sunset Park by subway, take the N, R, D trains from Manhattan to 36th St or the R to 45th or 53rd, or the D train to 9th Av. Alternatively, take the bus along Fifth Avenue from Park Slope.

Best times to visit

Sunset Park’s namesake park is a popular sunset-watching spot, especially in summer. Time your visit to this green space to coincide with a picnic and watching the sunset.

Best days to visit

To make the most of Sunset Park’s restaurants and street life, visit on a Saturday or Sunday when locals are out enjoying the neighborhood.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall (May, June, September, and October) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring NYC neighborhoods on foot.

Special events

The Sunset Park neighborhood offers street festivals, concerts, and events throughout the year. The Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Lunar New Year Celebration draw crowds.