Downtown Brooklyn Travel Guide

New York

A bridge with a large arch and a building with a 'Santander' sign.
A city street lined with modern buildings, a bridge, and a flag.
A busy urban street with a prominent bridge in the background.
A weathered brick building with arched windows and a sign that reads "west elm".
A brick building with arched windows and a large bridge in the background.

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 neighbourhood 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 neighbourhood’s cultural precinct to find an exciting programme of daily events, shows and exhibitions. Visit the Theatre 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 Centre, 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 flavours 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 neighbourhood on foot.


Stay near popular Downtown Brooklyn attractions

Things to do


Top hotels in Downtown Brooklyn

ROW NYC

ROW NYC

4 out of 5
700 8th Avenue New York NY
The price is £202 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
£202
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions Times Square and Broadway are located ...
8.4/10 Very good! (362 reviews)
"Pros- Although it was issues all weekend the staff provided great customer service. Every employee i encountered was friendly and helpful. Employees and management did offer free food and drinks for inconveniences caused upon my arrival. The location is conveniently located near several business ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2026

ROW NYC
Hotel Edison Times Square

Hotel Edison Times Square

4 out of 5
228 W 47th St New York NY
The price is £169 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
£169
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,893 reviews)
"We had a weeklong stay at the hotel as a family of 4. It was a great experience in the big apple with a wonderful room to stay in. The staff was helpful, polite and kind. Can’t wait to return!"

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2026

Hotel Edison Times Square
Hyatt Grand Central New York

Hyatt Grand Central New York

4 out of 5
109 East 42nd Street New York NY
Fully refundable
The price is £194 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
£194
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.4/10 Very good! (7,339 reviews)
"This hotel is in a great location but in poor condition. It is old and tired and certainly NOT worth the money they charge. I stayed in a high end suite and many things did not work, were finished poorly, or were simply not up to a standard set by the Hyatt."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2026

Hyatt Grand Central New York
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St New York NY
The price is £164 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£164
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this boutique hotel in New York. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.6/10 Good! (6,934 reviews)
"Can’t beat the location."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2026

Empire Hotel
NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS

4 out of 5
481 Eighth Ave. New York NY
The price is £145 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£145
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy 3 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.2/10 Very good! (6,964 reviews)
"Room was nicely clean, staff was so helpful and clear, balcony wasn’t open for our stay so I wasn’t charged for the upgrade and was able to still get a room with a view(of the Empire State Building, Madison square garden, penn station) MSG was kiddy corner from the hotel New Yorker. Everything you ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2026

NEW YORKER BY LOTTE HOTELS
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave New York NY
The price is £189 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£189
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in New York. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.4/10 Good! (8,651 reviews)
"The beds are very tiny and if you plan to share the bed with an adult, very crowded. The rooms are pretty small, but I figured that’s because it’s New York and they make the most of their space. The hotel was awesome and let us check in at 9 AM in the morning with no extra charge after we flew overnight. ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2026

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Where to stay in Downtown Brooklyn

Find the best Downtown Brooklyn areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Downtown Brooklyn
Learn more about Downtown Brooklyn

Brooklyn

Known for its great live music and charming cafes, there's plenty to explore in Brooklyn. You can visit top attractions like Barclays Center Brooklyn and Brooklyn Bridge, and jump on the metro at Kingston - Throop Avs. Station or Nostrand Av. Station (Fulton St.) to see more of the city.

Midtown

Times Square and Rockefeller Center are a few top attractions in Midtown. Hop around the city on the metro at 42 St. - Bryant Pk. Station or Times Sq. - 42 St. Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, soaring skyscrapers and acclaimed art galleries.

Bronx

Consider exploring the abundant dining options in Bronx. If sightseeing is on the list, Yankee Stadium is a top attraction. Hop on the metro at Bronx Park East Station or E 180 St. Station to see more of the area.

Williamsburg

Noted for its cafes and live music, there's plenty to explore in Williamsburg. Top attractions like McCarren Park Pool and The Living Room are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Metropolitan Av. Station or Lorimer St. Station (Metropolitan St.) to see more of the city.

Central New York City

Known for its soaring skyscrapers and eye-catching views, there's plenty to explore in Central New York City. Check out top attractions like Times Square and Rockefeller Center, and jump on the metro at 49th St. Station or 50 St. Station (Broadway) to see more of the city.



Downtown Brooklyn Travel Guide

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