15 Things to Do in Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a neighbourhood of contrasts. Hipsters and Orthodox Jews live side by side in this area in northern Brooklyn. In just a few streets, the atmosphere changes radically: from the most striking street art and old factories converted into restaurants to the austerity of the Jewish quarter.

Brooklyn is a must on any trip to the city of skyscrapers, and within Brooklyn, for me, Williamsburg is one of those authentic areas full of contrasts that is well worth visiting. You can visit it on your own or take a complete tour of Williamsburg. Let me tell you what you can't miss.

This is one of the places you'll visit on the Williamsburg tour in Brooklyn. Less well known than its sister, the Brooklyn Bridge, this bridge connecting Williamsburg to Manhattan is worth a stroll around (and definitely more than one photo). You should also know that when it was built in 1903, it became the longest suspension bridge in the world.

Best of all, today you can cross it on foot or by bicycle, so there's no excuse not to venture onto it.

Williamsburg is a hipster neighbourhood with a very personal and alternative character. Although fast food chains and luxury residences (especially for Wall Street workers) have proliferated in recent years, authentic works of art continue to adorn the walls, and you will see many of them on the Williamsburg tour in Brooklyn.

And speaking of street art, we cannot fail to mention Eduardo Kobra, a Brazilian artist who creates the most spectacular murals you will see in the neighbourhood. He also has a very personal style, so I'm sure that after seeing a couple of his works, you'll recognise him as soon as you come across another one of his murals.

Specifically, "Fight for Street Art" is probably his most recognised work (it's a tribute to Andy Warhol and Basquiat). I'm sure you've seen it in a thousand photos. You'll find it at 147 Bedford Avenue.

If you thought Williamsburg was just about speciality cafés, street art and vintage shops, you'll be surprised to learn that it's also a great destination for children in New York. Both within the neighbourhood and its surroundings, there are activities designed for those travelling with their families who want to combine culture, play and adventure.

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg: a theme park full of roller coasters, shows with rescued animals and attractions designed for all ages. Younger children will love the Sesame Street area and the Battle For Eire virtual reality experience. A great plan for spending a whole day with the family.
• Water Country USA: if you visit Williamsburg in the summer, this water park is a safe bet. Wave pools, giant slides, lazy rivers and children's areas such as KIDsiderate ensure hours of fun and splashing around for all ages.
• Area53 Adventure Park: in the heart of Williamsburg, this indoor adventure park is perfect for cloudy or cold days. Zip lines, climbing, rope courses and areas adapted for the little ones, all in a safe and controlled environment.

One of the best ways to get to know the essence of Williamsburg is through its food. This guided food tour takes you through its most iconic streets while a local guide tells you about the history, evolution and cultural mix of the neighbourhood. Along the way, you'll stop at different restaurants and venues to sample more than five specialities that reflect the most authentic flavours of the area.

It's the perfect plan if you want to get to know Williamsburg from the inside, with a more relaxed and intimate approach and in a small group.

In northern Williamsburg, you can enjoy a delicious beer at the Brooklyn Brewery craft brewery. I recommend that you take the experts' advice and try the types of beer they suggest. The place couldn't be more authentic, so for me, it was the perfect place to take a break from tourist life and feel like a New Yorker for an afternoon.

Yes, the famous New York Contrasts Tour passes through here (as you'd expect) and is a great way to learn about the historical and cultural context of the neighbourhood. Although it doesn't linger too long in this part of the city, I can assure you that it will be a good introduction to the area and give you the necessary insights to enjoy it on your own later.

If you're thinking of taking the contrasts tour, you can read more about it in my article on the New York Contrasts Tour: how to book and prices, but I can tell you now that there are many tours of New York in Spanish that are worth considering if you want to explore the city with an expert guide.

Surely one of the main areas of the neighbourhood that arouses the most curiosity is the Jewish quarter. Within the Williamsburg neighbourhood, the Orthodox Jewish community lives mainly in the South Williamsburg area, which can be reached by crossing under the Williamsburg Bridge. The community's life is concentrated on Lee Avenue, the neighbourhood's main thoroughfare. This is where most of its temples and businesses are located.

I invite you to stroll through its streets and browse or buy local products in its shops, but if you want to read more about this specific area, I have written an article on what to do and see in New York's Jewish Quarter to help you explore the key parts of the neighbourhood.

By now, you've probably realised that street art is more than just a hobby in this area. And on the Williamsburg tour in Brooklyn, you'll get all the details. Along its streets, you'll come across murals, graffiti and authentic works of art that you'll want to keep in your memory.

Specifically, this spectacular mural is by French artist JR. You'll find it near Domino Park, and you'll be amazed by the combination of photographs of more than 1,000 New Yorkers and how he blends them with some of the city's most iconic buildings in black and white. You'll want to take a thousand photos, and the challenge will be to fit such a large work (the size is more than considerable) into your lens!

If you like music, I don't need to explain any further. You have to go to Rough Trade, a music paradise where you'll find thousands of CDs, vinyl records, books and posters of the most legendary artists in history, as well as alternative bands and groups that you'll love to discover. I warn you that you can lose track of time in there, but I assure you it will be worth it. You'll find it at 64 N 9th Street.

This walking tour of the neighbourhood will allow you to not only discover its streets and urban art, but also to taste traditional dishes in some of Williamsburg's most representative establishments. The tour, which lasts about three hours, perfectly combines the culture of the neighbourhood with its vibrant gastronomic scene.

During the tour, you'll stop at places like Northside Bakery, Mable's Smokehouse and Best Pizza, and as you sample each bite, you'll gain a better understanding of how cultural diversity has influenced the cuisine. If you like to get to know cities through your taste buds, this food tour of Williamsburg is for you.

New York is the city that has best redefined its former industrial spaces, and this park is a good example of that. What was once a sugar refinery is now a park and promenade that stretches along the river. The brick building with the huge chimney that guards the park gives this area an authentic feel, and its deckchair area is perfect for a break on a sunny day.

If you love green spaces, you should know that in the middle of New York's concrete jungle you will find spectacular parks with views of the river, the skyline, iconic buildings... Check out the best parks in New York here to choose where you will have your next picnic.

I loved the Devoción café with its Colombian soul and one of the best coffees I've tasted in New York to date. The place is very open, with lots of light and green details. Try to get a table next to the legendary Chester sofas to rest after your walk around the neighbourhood!

Foodies will find this area a paradise where they can enjoy the best coffees, brunches and menus in the city. If you want to plan your gastronomic route and play it safe, take a look at this list of places to eat in Brooklyn.

If there's one thing that stands out in Williamsburg, it's the authenticity of its establishments. Just stroll through the streets to find cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a good coffee or take out your laptop to work in a relaxed atmosphere.

I also highly recommend booking a food tour of Brooklyn to sample delicious dishes that will fill you with energy to continue your tour of Williamsburg.

I already warned you that you would find authentic places here, right? Well, at Home Coming you will find not only a super quiet place to have a good coffee (be warned, the coffee menu is huge and you won't know which one to choose), but also a place to buy flowers or even decorative and designer items.

Instead of taking home the typical key ring, I'm sure you'll find more than one original and authentic souvenir to give as a gift or treat yourself. Plus, the place is beautiful, so it doesn't cost anything to go in and have a look, right?

Another thing you can do in Williamsburg is go shopping. I'm sure that as you explore the neighbourhood, you'll find more than one little stall on the street, or even see how some clothing or antique shops literally take part of their shop windows out onto the street to attract the attention of passers-by.

But if you want to visit the ultimate shopping spot in Williamsburg, head to Artists & Fleas, where you'll find vintage fashion and art from emerging and renowned designers, second-hand items, decorative pieces... Without a doubt, it's a great place to pick up an authentic souvenir of your trip to New York.

And before you rush out to shop, organise your budget and locate the best shops and markets. Here's a list of the best things to buy in New York, but if you want to find luxury items at bargain prices, your best bet is to visit Woodbury Commons, one of the best outlets in New York.

Spending an afternoon on your own in Williamsburg, or even a whole day if you have enough time, will give you a very complete view of New York. You can stroll through the more touristy part of the neighbourhood, towards the north, but you can also immerse yourself in its Jewish neighbourhood, further south. The best way to get there is by ferry (here's a practical guide to using the New York ferry) or directly by underground. You can also take the opportunity to get to know Brooklyn in detail. Here's my guide on what to see and do in Brooklyn so that you can be as prepared as possible.

What to see in Williamsburg

In this area, you will find alternative places to enjoy a good brunch or a truly authentic coffee. You can also book a table for lunch or dinner at one of its hipster restaurants or stroll through its streets, which are completely different from those of Manhattan, where exposed brick industrial buildings, hotels and luxury designer homes reign supreme.

Last but not least, you can get to know the Jewish neighbourhood, home to one of the largest Orthodox Jewish communities in the United States. Walking through its streets, you can get an idea of how they live and what their customs are, as well as buy or consume delicious traditional Jewish products.

Is Williamsburg safe?

Before you continue to wonder if it is a safe area, let me tell you that it is. As a former industrial area, it is worth noting that it has seen worse times, especially around the 1960s, when crime was much more common in the area.

But when you get there, you'll see that, in general, it's a lively neighbourhood, with lots of New Yorkers coming and going (perhaps less hurriedly than in Manhattan) and full of cafés and quirky shops that give the area a unique personality.

Is it worth visiting with children?

Of course! Williamsburg has many areas suitable for walking, green spaces and outdoor terraces where you can sit down to rest or have a bite to eat with the little ones.

If you travel to New York with children, they may not appreciate the architecture of the area or the hipster atmosphere as much, but the parks, the huge street art murals and the tranquillity that contrasts with the chaos of Manhattan will win them over.

What if I go at Christmas?

The best thing about winter in New York is the lights and the Christmas atmosphere. Take advantage of your visit to Williamsburg to see the best of Brooklyn at Christmas: Dyker Heights. Starting in November and continuing throughout December, this Brooklyn neighbourhood is decked out in true American style with millions of coloured lights and Christmas decorations that are well worth a visit.