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Visiting
Brooklyn

Brooklyn, one of New York City’s five boroughs, is our favorite — and not just because it's the home of the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon. No matter how long you're in town, or what you came here to do (ahem, run 13.1 miles), you won't have any trouble finding things to do, see, and eat. The only problem you're likely to run into will be finding time to squeeze in everything on your list.

With neighborhoods ranging from Williamsburg - a nightlife hotbed that also has great restaurants, and a serious music scene - to picturesque Brooklyn Heights — packed with historic brownstones and carriage houses - and scenic DUMBO (that's Down Under The Manhattan Bridge Overpass) with views of Manhattan that'll take your breath away, Brooklyn has a tight grip on both old and new. It’s not a cliché to say there’s something for everyone.

Read on for even more specific recommendations of what to do, see, and eat in Brooklyn.

Getting Around

This is New York, so public transit, particularly the subway is your friend. The NYC Ferry is also a great option. Getting a taxi (sometimes these are green instead of yellow in Brooklyn) is also a time-honored choice, and you won't typically have trouble flagging one in the street.

Of course, we have UBER & Lyft, and we've also got ZipCar for short term rentals. Citibike is a popular bike-sharing service you might enjoy checking out.

Where to Stay

The Hoxton, Williamsburg - Run all the way to The Hox for a friendly 10% off with code BKHALF. Nothing like recovering post-race in our cozy beds.

The Arlo, Williamsburg -  Use code BKHALF to get discounted rate.

The Ace Hotel, Boerum Hill - In Boerum Hill, on the edge of Downtown Brooklyn, at the ever-evolving intersection of everything. Use Promo Code LOCODISCO

Holiday Inn Downtown Brooklyn - Use MARATHON DISTRIBUTION GROUP SR in rate dropdown to get a discounted rate.

Where to Eat

So many choices... here are a few of our favorites:

Carroll Gardens & Gowanus

Park Slope

Williamsburg

  • Peter Luger – THE classic New York steakhouse. Get the porterhouse for two

  • Mesa Coyoacan – Inventive tacos. Try anything with the mole

  • Dziupla – Traditional Polish fare with a modern American twist

  • Diner – Upscale diner in a 1920s Pullman rail car

Greenpoint

Prospect Heights & Crown Heights

  • The Social Brooklyn - House-made ice cream, donuts, milkshakes with race weekend specials for our athletes

  • Bagel Pub – Bagels with amazing schmear selection with locations in Park Slope & Sunset Park as well

  • Chavela's - Mexican fare along with a selection of tequilas & specialty cocktails

DUMBO & Brooklyn Navy Yards

Downtown Brooklyn

  • Dekalb Market Hall - Located in City Point (where there is also a Cheer Zone) this food hall is not to be missed

  • Doughnut Plant - Unique & vast selection of handcrafted donuts

Industry City

  • Japan Village - So many mouth-watering choices in this Asian-themed food hall

  • Hometown BBQ – Our favorite local spot for pit-smoked brisket and pulled pork

Sunset Park

  • The Astarita - Family-friendly, family-owned local pizza joint with race weekend specials for our athletes

  • Tacos El Bronco – The best taco truck in Brooklyn with a brick-and-mortar location just a few blocks away

  • Judy's - Neighborhood fav serving up coffee, wine, beer and good vibes

  • Zona Sur - Casual bistro for brunch or dinner with outstanding cocktails

Red Hook

Things to Do

This is Brooklyn, so pretty much anything you can imagine, you can do here. Some things we like… 

The Brooklyn Museum
Our own world-class art museum, with rotating exhibitions and a stellar permanent collection

New York Transit Museum
Fascinating subway cars and buses from the early days of public transportation. Great for train-loving kids.

Prospect Park Zoo
Small local zoo with a petting area and farm animals. Nearby is a 100-year-old carousel.

Kick-Axe
Gowanus spot for (you guessed it) throwing axes. Yes, really. That’s a thing.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Interactive exhibits for kids, near the Brooklyn Museum in Crown Heights.

Sunshine Laundromat
Laundromat by day; NYC’s finest collection of pinball machines by night. Williamsburg

Green-Wood Cemetery
One of the city’s oldest cemeteries, designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted. Weekend tram tours. Greenwood Heights

Kings County Distillery
Moonshine and bourbon in the historic Brooklyn Navy Yard. Tours and tastings: Tuesdays through Sundays.

The Wyckoff House
One of the oldest homes in NYC, dating to 1652, in Brooklyn’s Flatbush neighborhood.

Grand Army Plaza Green Market
Saturday morning spot for seasonal produce, fresh fish, baked goods and more.

The Cyclone
The most famous wooden roller coaster in the US, and one of the oldest (1927) still in operation. Coney Island.

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