Once an industrial wasteland, the Brooklyn waterfront today is home to the grassy Brooklyn Bridge Park. Running 1.3 miles (2 kilometers) along the East River bank, the park encompasses six piers and passes under the Brooklyn and the Manhattan bridges.

Start your visit by renting a bike from the shop at Pier 1 or at one of the Citibike stations throughout the park. Bikes can be rented by the hour or for the whole day. Take the bike path from Jay Street in the north to Atlantic Avenue in the south to get an overview of what’s on offer.

Visit one of the park’s two main lawns to get some of the best views of the Lower Manhattan skyline. The Harbor View Lawn on Pier 1 is the largest and features plenty of places to sit. In addition to its views, Pier 1 offers various places to enjoy delicious food and drink. Sip a chianti at the wine bar or eat some lobster from the vendors on the north side of the pier.

If you are feeling active, head to Pier 2 to join in a game of soccer or handball on the peninsular sports field. There are 5 acres (2 hectares) of courts here including basketball and shuffleboard as well as swing sets and picnic tables.Take the kids to the giant sandbox on Pier 6 or rest and look over the marina at Pier 5.

Cross under the Brooklyn Bridge to the Empire-Fulton Ferry area. On the inland side of this part of the park, abandoned warehouses have been repurposed into public spaces. For instance, the tobacco warehouse just north of the Brooklyn Bridge is used as an open-air theater. Catch a concert or a dance performance here during the summer.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is located on the waterfront of Brooklyn Heights. Buses and the metro stop at either both the northern and southern ends of the park.