Downtown Brooklyn

Brooklyn’s signature medley of old and new provides the backdrop to this revitalized district, where you’ll find fresh arts venues behind historic streetscapes.

Experience the lively pace of Downtown Brooklyn, a centrally located neighborhood formerly known for the towering high-rises of its business district. Today, Downtown Brooklyn has refreshed its tree-lined streets and ushered in a lively arts community. Go shopping in outdoor malls, see what’s playing at a performing arts venue or watch a sports event at a local college campus. Select from a wide range of tastes at Downtown Brooklyn’s collection of acclaimed restaurants and vendors.

Get a sense of Downtown Brooklyn’s historic architecture at Brooklyn Borough Hall, one of the borough’s oldest and most important heritage structures. Other architectural landmarks include the heritage-listed Federal Building and Post Office and towering One Hanson Place, formerly the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower. Check out the eclectic mix of stores represented by the Fulton Street Mall. This open-air mall has a wide range of chain stores, independent boutiques and discount outlets.

Stroll along Downtown Brooklyn’s leafy thoroughfares, where pretty old brownstones line the streets. Make your way to the neighborhood’s cultural precinct to find an exciting program of daily events, shows and exhibitions. Visit the Theater for a New Audience, BRIC Arts Media House, Brooklyn Academy of Music or New York Transit Museum. Art installations, live shows and special events are regularly held at MetroTech Commons. See what’s showing at Barclays Center, which regularly hosts basketball and boxing matches.

Breathe the fresh air at Cadman Plaza Park. Walk between parks all the way from Brooklyn Borough Hall to the Brooklyn Bridge. Head to the northeastern corner of Downtown Brooklyn and Bridge Plaza to observe river and skyline views.

Taste flavors from around the world at Downtown Brooklyn’s cafés and restaurants. Visit Michelin-starred establishments or get acquainted with local vendors serving freshly made snacks.

Downtown Brooklyn is located in the northwestern section of the borough of Brooklyn. Reach the area easily via many subway and bus lines. Alternatively, stay in one of Downtown Brooklyn’s hotels and explore the neighborhood on foot.

Explore the best attractions in Downtown Brooklyn

Point of Interest

Discover the history of New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority at this unique museum, located in a decommissioned subway station in Brooklyn.