7 things to skip in Brooklyn and 8 to do instead, according to a local

Elana KleinFeb 17, 2023, 03:14 IST

View of the Brooklyn Bridge from Dumbo, Brooklyn.Elana Klein for Insider

Brooklyn's population is spread across 71 square miles, making it far less dense than Manhattan.
From bakeries to public parks, the borough is full of exciting things for visitors to do.

Since there are endless ways to structure a visit to Brooklyn, it's important to get locals' advice about which activities are worth your time — and which ones aren't.

Prospect Park in Brooklyn.Elana Klein for Insider

Since there are endless ways to structure a visit to Brooklyn, it's important to get locals' advice about which activities are worth your time — and which ones aren't.

Skip peak hours at the Brooklyn Bridge.

A large group of visitors on the Brooklyn Bridge.Heather Paul/Getty Images

Instead, start your day early and get one of the city's most beloved attractions all to yourself.

The Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise.Elana Klein for Insider

Skip the Uber.

A person waiting for a rideshare.d3sign/Getty Images

Instead, if you can, take a walk to absorb the details of the city and allow for spontaneity.

A street in Brooklyn during autumn.Elana Klein for Insider

Or head underground and take the subway.

Public art in a subway station.Elana Klein for Insider

Skip the generic chain cafes.

Starbucks in NYC.Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images

Instead, try an authentic Italian bakery.

Treats at an Italian bakery in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn.Elana Klein for Insider

Making food at your Airbnb or hotel isn't the only way to avoid the high cost of dining out.

People cooking in a kitchen.SolStock/Getty Images

But avoid pricey and overcrowded food markets like Smorgasburg.

People gathering at Smorgasburg in Brooklyn.Dariusz Gryczka/

Instead, pick up some groceries and have a picnic in Prospect Park.

A picnic in Prospect Park.Elana Klein for Insider

Skip the traditional souvenirs.

NYC souvenir magnets.Marc Dozier/Getty Images

Instead, visit a farmers market or flea market to buy souvenirs and gifts.

A flea market in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.Elana Klein for Insider

Skip pricey rooftop views.

Rooftop lounge in NYC.TriggerPhoto/Getty Images

Instead, go to Brooklyn Bridge Park for a picturesque view of the skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.

The view of the skyline from Brooklyn Bridge Park.Elana Klein for Insider

Finally, head to the Brooklyn Museum to see contemporary art and ancient artifacts.

The Brooklyn Museum.Colin D. Young/Shutterstock

Inside Glossier's giant new store, which is home to makeup conveyor belts and a replica subway station

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7 things to skip in Brooklyn and 8 to do instead, according to a local

Since there are endless ways to structure a visit to Brooklyn, it's important to get locals' advice about which activities are worth your time — and which ones aren't.

Skip peak hours at the Brooklyn Bridge.

Instead, start your day early and get one of the city's most beloved attractions all to yourself.

Skip the Uber.

Instead, if you can, take a walk to absorb the details of the city and allow for spontaneity.

Or head underground and take the subway.

Skip the generic chain cafes.

Instead, try an authentic Italian bakery.

Making food at your Airbnb or hotel isn't the only way to avoid the high cost of dining out.

But avoid pricey and overcrowded food markets like Smorgasburg.

Instead, pick up some groceries and have a picnic in Prospect Park.

Skip the traditional souvenirs.

Instead, visit a farmers market or flea market to buy souvenirs and gifts.

Skip pricey rooftop views.

Instead, go to Brooklyn Bridge Park for a picturesque view of the skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Finally, head to the Brooklyn Museum to see contemporary art and ancient artifacts.