New York City (Fodor's, 2012) - Fodor's [270]
And in 1883 it got its own bridge. The Brooklyn Bridge, which drew the attention of the entire country, essentially became the final push that would rob the borough of its city status and fuel its merge with Manhattan. The marriage of the two cities took effect in 1898, much to the objection of Brooklynites, as it was widely dubbed, “the great mistake of 1898.”
Today, for many who’ve chosen to leave the island of Manhattan behind for Brooklyn in search of more living space (although not necessarily lower rent) living here is about celebrating the borough’s diverse neighborhoods that share a down-to-earth character. Neighborly chats take place on the stoops of brownstones, family-owned businesses preserve their heritages, and people are happy to eat and drink without the see-or-be-seen scene.
That’s not to say that restaurateurs and bar owners don’t mind drawing the attention of those across the river. The dining scene here is huge—so much so that Manhattanites are more than willing to hop on the subway to come—with new eateries opening seemingly on a weekly basis.
Aside from Brooklyn’s mellow family-friendly vibe in areas such as Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, and Boerum Hill, added to the mix is a group described with an overly-used moniker for which there’s no other appropriate word: hipster. Hipsters here are most strongly associated with Williamsburg, where the young artists flocked more than a decade ago, and soon after the area became known for its galleries, along with its pricy real estate to match.
It’s largely Brooklyn that has lent New York its streetwise and sincere personality, famously captured in films such as Do the Right Thing, Moonstruck, and Brighton Beach Memoirs. As it’s continually been dubbed “the new Manhattan,” this borough now attracts visitors not only from the city’s other boroughs but tourists from far and wide as well.
WHAT IT COSTS
At Dinner
At Hotels
¢
under $10
under $150
$
$10–$17
$150–$299
$$
$18–$24
$300–$449
$$$
$25–$35
$450–$600
$$$$
over $35
over $600
Price per person for a median main course or equivalent combination of smaller dishes. Note: if a restaurant offers only prix-fixe (set-price) meals, it has been given the price category that reflects the full prix-fixe price. Prices are for a standard double room, excluding 14.75% city and state taxes.
TRIP ADVISOR
Fodor’s partnership with TripAdvisor helps to ensure that our hotel selections are timely and relevant, taking into account the latest customer feedback about each property. Our team of expert writers selects what we believe will be the top choices for lodging in a destination. Then, those choices are reinforced by TripAdvisor reviews, so only the best properties make the cut.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TIME
The best way to enter this borough is by its most majestic bridge. Walking across the wooden pedestrian path of the Brooklyn Bridge—a classic New York experience—takes about 30 minutes, all worth it for the panoramic views of the skylines and the harbor. It’s also a great way to transition from the bustle of Manhattan into Brooklyn’s slower pace. After you exit onto Cadman Plaza, walk southwest to poke around Brooklyn Heights, a charming neighborhood of posh 19th-century brownstone homes, or walk north into the hip neighborhood of DUMBO to check out its adorable shops and stunning waterfront parks. To get to Brooklyn’s sights more quickly, take the 2 or 3 train to the Eastern Parkway/Brooklyn Museum stop. The museum, the Botanic Garden, the Children’s Museum, and Prospect Park are all close.
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GETTING HERE
To get to Williamsburg, take the L train from any 14th Street station in Manhattan to Bedford Avenue, the first stop in Brooklyn. You can reach Brooklyn Heights by the 2 or 3 train to Clark Street, the R to Court Street, or the 4 or 5 to Borough Hall. To get to DUMBO, take the F train to York Street or walk from Brooklyn Heights. The F to 7th Avenue will take you to the center of Park Slope. From there, walk uphill to