The best Brooklyn attractions

While tourists flock to Manhattan in droves, locals know that the best Brooklyn attractions rank among New York City’s most essential destinations. And there are tons of different types of things to do in Brooklyn, including hitting up some of the best flea markets or grabbing a bite at one of the best brunch spots in Brooklyn. From Gowanus to Greenpoint, add these fifteen stops to your Kings County itinerary.

Brooklyn Bridge

No mere river crossing, this span is an elegant reminder of New York’s history of architectural innovation. When it opened in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was a feat of engineering: It was the first structure to cross the East River and, at the time, the longest suspension bridge in the world. Now it attracts thousands of tourists and locals, who enjoy spectacular views of lower Manhattan and other city landmarks (such as the Statue of Liberty and Governors Island) as they stroll its more-than-mile-long expanse.