Welcome to Williamsburg
The bastion of cool, creative, and classic in Brooklyn.
Don’t overthink this attractive Brooklyn neighborhood. Is it too chic for its own good? Is it hard-working and industrial, circa early 20th century? Historic and modern, hipster and affluent, Williamsburg doesn’t work in contrast. Instead, it’s satisfyingly juxtaposed.
This neighborhood darling in Brooklyn attracts creative souls to its carefree streets and a great waterfront. Walk-up apartments and row homes populate central Williamsburg, while high-rises and condo complexes line the river. Walk-ups and row houses are similar in price to downtown Manhattan neighborhoods, while some of the other real-estate options are gradually increasing in price.
What to Love
- Historic roots
- Easy commute to downtown
- Waterfront location
- Great dining and nightlife scene
- Community vibe
- Green spaces
Local Lifestyle
“You be you” is the vibe in Williamsburg, where there’s still a hipster vibe, but with a decidedly more refined feel than in years past. You’re close enough to Manhattan to feel the allure of the city, but you have everything you could possibly crave right at your doorstep, from trendy shopping to culinary gems, pop-up street parties to fantastic music and nightlife. Buzzing Bedford Avenue brims with accessible social activities by day and night. New Yorkers love the easy commute via the L, M, and J trains, as well as the Williamsburg bridge, great for walking, running, and cycling.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Trend-setting new restaurants and bars range from haute cuisine to mom-and-pop establishments, swanky lounges, and dive bars with backyard patios.
Lillia brings wood-fired seafood to the neighborhood, as well as handcrafted pasta and classic Italian cocktails. At Fushimi, savor the fusion of traditional Japanese food with inventive French-inspired cuisines. Shalom Japan is turning heads with its owners' unique culinary perspectives, individual cultures, diverse cooking backgrounds, and passion for food. Try the wagyu pastrami sando or matzo ball ramen. Tuck into a dry-aged USDA steak at Peter Luger’s Steak House or a charcuterie plate at Parisian bistro-style Juliette. Learn how to make dumplings, then eat what you make, at Kings Co. Imperial or stop in for dim sum.
Shopping, too, is a delight in Williamsburg, where you can expect to find a new trinket or treasure at a hidden gem every time you head out. There are antique sales, old record stores, boutique jewelry shops, local indie designer boutiques, international brands, and more. For new and vintage, pop into Antoinette or Malin Landaeus.
Nightlife is on point in Williamsburg, whether you’re into the latest indie tunes and heart-pumping dance music. Stop by Baby’s All Right to move to the music in three distinct rooms: an eating/drinking lounge, a restaurant, and a band venue. Or, head to the 20,000-square-foot Brooklyn Bowl for strikes, mainstream acts, DJs sets, and themed nights.
Things to Do
Outside or in, Williamsburg has no shortage of activities for those seeking family-friendly fun, cultural outings, and recreation. During the warmer months, visit McCarren Park for a picnic, run the kiddos at Domino Park (the site of the old Domino Sugar Refinery), and take in the city skyline at night from East River Park (home to the beloved Smorgasburg food market spring through fall). Cycle along the Brooklyn Greenway Bike Lane that links Domino with East River Park along the Kent Avenue bike lane.
Treat out-of-town visitors to a stay at the William and Vale Hotel and gather for cocktails on the rooftop. Then, take them on a walking tour of the hand-painted murals about the neighborhood or a gallery tour with shows by long-established and new, innovative artists. For a look back in community history, visit The City Reliquary, home to a permanent display of NYC artifacts, rotating community collections, and annual cultural events.
Schools
Top educational opportunities in Williamsburg include:
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Brooklyn Arbor Elementary School, PK-5, public elementary school
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Williamsburg Preparatory School, 9-12, public high school
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Junior High School 50 John D. Wells, 6-8, well-rated public middle school
