15 Things to Do in Williamsburg

Williamsburg is a neighbourhood of contrasts. Hipsters and Orthodox Jews live side by side in this area north of 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, Williamsburg is one of those authentic, contrasting areas that is well worth a visit. You can visit it on your own or take a complete tour of Williamsburg. Here's 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 bridge, 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 bike, so there's no excuse not to venture out and experience it for yourself.

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

And speaking of street art, we can't fail to mention Eduardo Kobra, a Brazilian artist who has created some of the most spectacular murals you'll 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 famous 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 specialty cafes, urban art and vintage shops, you'll be surprised to learn that it's also a great destination for kids in New York. Both within the neighbourhood and in the surrounding area, there are options designed for families who want to combine culture, fun and adventure.

• Busch Gardens Williamsburg: a theme park full of roller coasters, shows with rescued animals and attractions designed for all ages. Little ones will love the Sesame Street area and the Battle For Eire virtual reality experience. A great plan for a whole day out with the family.
• Water Country USA: if you visit Williamsburg in summer, this water park is a sure 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: right 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 younger children, all in a safe and controlled environment.

One of the best ways to get to the heart 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.

This is 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 letting the experts advise you and trying the different 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 sightseeing and feel like a New Yorker for an afternoon.

Yes, the famous Contrasts Tour of New York passes through here (as it should) 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 background information so that you can 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 well worth considering if you want to explore the city with an expert guide.

Without a doubt, one of the most intriguing areas of the neighbourhood is the Jewish quarter. Within Williamsburg, the Orthodox Jewish community lives mainly in South Williamsburg, which can be reached by crossing under the Williamsburg Bridge. The heart of the community is 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 neighbourhood 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 find out all the details. As you walk through the streets, you'll come across murals, graffiti and authentic works of art that you'll want to remember forever.

This spectacular mural, in particular, 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 (it's more than considerable in size) into your lens!

If you like music, no further explanation is needed. You have to go to Rough Trade, a musical 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 discovering. Be warned 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 discover not only its streets and urban art, but also to taste traditional dishes in some of Williamsburg's most iconic establishments. The three-hour tour perfectly combines the neighbourhood's culture with its vibrant food scene.

During the tour, you'll stop at places such as 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 discover cities through their food, this food tour of Williamsburg is for you.

New York is the city that has best redefined its old 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'll find spectacular parks with views of the river, the skyline, legendary buildings... Check out the best parks in New York here and choose where you'll have your next picnic.

I loved Devoción, a café with a Colombian soul and one of the best coffees I've had 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 from 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, keep this list of places to eat in Brooklyn in mind.

If there's one thing that stands out in Williamsburg, it's the authenticity of its establishments. Just take a stroll through the streets and you'll soon spot cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee or take out your laptop and 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 warned you that you'd find authentic places here, right? Well, at Home Coming, you'll find not only a super quiet place to have a good coffee (beware, 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 design 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 pop in and have a look, does it?

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

But if you want to visit the ultimate shopping destination in Williamsburg, head to Artists & Fleas, where you'll find vintage fashion and art by emerging and renowned designers, second-hand items, decorative pieces... It's definitely a good place to pick up an authentic souvenir of your trip to New York.

And before you rush out to start shopping, 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're looking for luxury items at bargain prices, your best bet is Woodburyo Commons, one of the best outlet malls in New York.

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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 most touristy part of the neighbourhood, towards the north, but you can also immerse yourself in its Jewish quarter, 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 explore Brooklyn in detail. Here's my guide on what to see and do in Brooklyn so you can be as prepared as possible.

What to see in Williamsburg

In this area, you'll 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 streets that are completely different from those in 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. As you walk through its streets, you can get an idea of how they live and what their customs are, as well as buy or sample delicious traditional Jewish products.

Is Williamsburg safe?

Before you keep wondering if it's a safe area, let me tell you that it is. As the industrial area that it once was, it's 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?

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

If you're travelling to New York with children, they may not appreciate the architecture of the area or the hipster vibe, 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. Make the most 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.