Williamsburg

The Basics

The heart of Williamsburg is Bedford Avenue, which is home to dozens of restaurants and boutiques. On weekends, you'll find artisans selling handicrafts and book vendors unloading paperbacks. Clothes shopping is a good bet in this fashion-forward neighborhood, and vintage and second-hand clothing stores offer everything from old-time denim to cowboy boots.

Williamsburg is also a historically diverse neighborhood. The Hasidic Jewish community lives on the south side, and visitors can book walking tours to learn about Hasidic history and religious practices. The fast-changing neighborhood is also home to waterfront condos, renovated warehouses, and trendy restaurants. Try a walking tour or bike tour to get the lay of the land. Local guides cover the essentials in only a couple hours, leaving visitors well prepared for self-guided adventuring.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Art enthusiasts can delve into Williamsburg's cultural underground on an art tour.

• Williamsburg is a big neighborhood best explored on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must.

• Foodies should consider a beer or pizza tour, since Brooklyn serves the tastiest by-the-slice pizza on the planet.

How to Get There

For a scenic route, stroll across the Williamsburg Bridge from Manhattan's Lower East Side. From there, it's a short walk to Bedford Avenue. Alternatively, you can hop on the subway. Take the L train to the Bedford Avenue station or the G train to the Metropolitan Avenue or Nassau Avenue station.

When to Get There

Weekends are bustling on Bedford Avenue. For brunch and boutique shopping, plan to arrive around 10am, since many of the shops open midmorning. For a night out, arrive in the early evening for dinner, but plan to stay late. Since locals love to party, bars and venues stay open well into the night—last call for drinks is 4am; many places don't get going until midnight.

Domino Park

Located off Kent Avenue, in the shadow of the old Domino Sugar Refinery, Williamsburg’s waterfront Domino Park offers unobstructed views and an East River breeze. Visit on a summer weekend and you might catch an outdoor concert or movie screening. At night, all year round, the park is the perfect place to watch Manhattan's skyline sparkle.

Ways to explore

The best place to begin an independent trip to Williamsburg is Bedford Avenue, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare. Come prepared to spend: Shopping is a good bet in this fashion-forward area, with its vintage and secondhand clothing stores, and street vendors who sell everything from handicrafts to paperbacks.

For a more structured experience, try a walking tour or bike tour to get the lay of the land, or book a food tour for a culinary immersion. South Williamsburg is also home to a longstanding Hasidic Jewish community, and visitors can book cultural tours to learn about Hasidic history and religious practices.

Accessibility

Some tours of Williamsburg are accessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Sun protection, umbrella, camera, cash for select shops and vendors

What to wear

Most Williamsburg tours take place outside, so be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Public transit, dining options, shops

Address

Williamsburg is located in North Brooklyn and is just a quick trip from Lower Manhattan. Public transit offers the easiest way to get there, although you can also drive, take a taxi or rideshare, or make use of the local ferries.

Driving

While you could drive to Williamsburg, the lack of affordable parking and congested traffic make doing so a hassle. It’s better to use taxis and rideshare services, which make getting there simpler.

Public transportation

Take the L train to Bedford Avenue or Lorimer Street; the G train to Broadway, Metropolitan Avenue, or Nassau Avenue; or the J, M, or Z trains to Marcy Avenue. Alternatively, follow the NYC Ferry’s East River route.

Best times to visit

Head to Williamsburg in the afternoon if you want to take advantage of its shopping options. Alternatively, visit during the evening to explore its thriving dining and nightlife scenes.

Best days to visit

Williamsburg comes alive during the weekends, when visitors flock to its green spaces and markets by day and parties by night. Weekdays are calmer, with fewer events going on.

Best months to visit

Spring and summer are popular times in New York City in general and Williamsburg specifically. Seasonal open-air markets draw crowds, and green spaces such as McCarren Park become particularly inviting.

Special events

One of Williamsburg’s most popular annual events is Smorgasburg, an open-air street food market that pops up every Saturday from April through October.