The Brooklyn Borough Hall was built in 1851 as Town Hall. The building was designed by architect Calvin Pollard in the classical style. Brooklyn was founded by the Dutch in 1634 and named after the city of Breukelen (now a district of the municipality of Stichtse Vecht). Brooklyn was an independent city until 1898. With over 2.6 million inhabitants, Brooklyn is the most populous district of New York City. As an independent city, Brooklyn would be the 4th biggest city in the US after NYC, Los Angeles and Chicago. With around 13,700 inhabitants / km² Brooklyn is more densely populated than Berlin with only 4,000 inhabitants / km².

Brooklyn Borough Hall

For most tourists, the reason for visiting Brooklyn is the Manhattan skyline. The best viewpoint of the New York skyline is from Pebble Beach at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge. The small bay makes the East River appear even wider and you can see the entire Brooklyn Bridge with Downtown Manhattan in the background.

Pebble Beach

Between East River and Brooklyn Bridge there is a small square for sitting outside. At the corner of Water / Old Fulton Street you will find this little oasis. Cafes and restaurants benefit from an endless stream of tourists looking for access to the bridge or walking from the bridge to the water front. Infront of Juliana's Pizza, long lines form at any time of the day. The small square was wrested from the street and transfered into a place to sit and relax.

Old Fulton Street

Brooklyn's landmark is the Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower, built in 1929. The 156 meter tall office tower was the tallest building in Brooklyn until 2009. The skyscraper with golden dome and clock tower was designed by the architects Halsey, McCormack and Helmer. On the façade there are architectural quotations from different eras, this style is called eclecticism. The tower is located off the town center on Flatbush Avenue. In 2007, the office tower was converted into a luxury residential tower. 

One Hanson Place

The multi-purpose arena on Flatbush Avenue was built for the NBA team Brooklyn Nets. The Barclays Center also hosts concerts and other events. The arena can accommodate around 18,000 visitors. The building was designed by the architects AECOM and ShoP Architects. Barclays Center Brooklyn opened in 2012. In 2013 the MTV Video Music Awards took place here. The façade is made of weathered steel elements that are a reminiscent of Brooklyn's brownstones by their brown hues.

Barclays Center

In front of Prospect Park in Brooklyn stands a triumphal arch. The Grand Army Plaza was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux. The Soldier's and Sailors Arch was built in 1895. At this location, the first battle of the War of Independence took place. The Battle of Long Island was won by the British troops and they occupied the port of New York until they finaly accepted the American independence. The monument was built by the veteran organization Grand Army of the Republic.

Grand Army Plaza

The typical houses of Brooklyn are called brownstones. The name comes from the dark brown sandstone the row houses are built of. A long staircase to the first floor is also typical for the brownstone. The houses are built in long rows with pretty gardens in front. Brownstones are not only found in Brooklyn, Manhattan also has this type of building, but due to the higher building pressure, many of these houses have already been demolished and replaced by skyscrapers. Even in Brooklyn you have to know where to find typical streets. Beautiful homes can be found on Sterling Place between Washington and Underhill Ave. Very pretty houses with rounded facades are located on 9th Street between 7 Avenue Subway Station and Prospect Park (photo).

559 9th St, Brooklyn, NY

The island at the Atlantic Ocean became a summer destination for New Yorkers in 1829. A tram way was built to "Coney Island" and hotels and amusement flourished. Later on, large amusement parks were built to attract the masses. Meanwhile, "Coney Island" has lost its magic, but it is stil a great place to enjoy the ocean and stroll along the wooden Boardwalk.

Boardwalk, Coney Island 

www.coneyisland.com

The hip district of Williamsburg seems to be a normal neighborhood of Brooklyn at daytime. There are no sights or attractions to discover. Williamsburg is famous for it's night live. The cool neighborhood offers countless bars and restaurants. The center of Williamsburg is at the intersection of Bedford Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue. But actually the district has no dominant center. There are restaurants and shops everywhere, that's what makes Williamsburg so special, because you can find something interesting in every street. Most stores and restaurants are on Bedford Avenue. For restaurants and bars in Williamsburg check out > Restaurants New York.

How do you get there?

Williamsburg has three subway stations: Bedford Ave, Metropolitan Ave and Marcy Ave.

Hotel tip

Pod Brooklyn, it is located right in the heart of Williamsburg. The rooms are small but clean and the price is fine for New York City. Address: 247 Metropolitan Ave

Bedford Ave, Williamsburg

The Williamsburg Bridge spans over the East River and connects Manhattan with Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The Williamsburg Bridge is 2227 m long and was opened for trafic in 1903. The suspension bridge is held by two pylons, the longest span is 488 m. The Williamsburg Bridge is the only attraction in of Williamsburg. At the bridge is located at the Domino Park. From the river walk you can look at Manhattan and enjoy the sunset overlooking the New York skyline.

Williamsburg Bridge