Weekend on a Budget in Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn is the new "it" borough of New York City. Hot restaurants, boutiques, art galleries, museums--you want to explore it, but it's vast, new places are opening up nearly daily, and you have limited time and money. There are far more options available than what will fit in this list, but here are a few recommendations on what to do and see during a weekend on a budget in Brooklyn that will get you started without breaking the bank.
Prospect Park rivals Central Park in Manhattan for its beauty, particularly because both were designed by the same team of Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvin Vaux. Visit historic Revolutionary War sites, hike along nature trails designated by the on-site Audubon Center, birdwatch, take the kids to the zoo or for a ride on the carousel, ... More >
Prospect Park rivals Central Park in Manhattan for its beauty, particularly because both were designed by the same team of Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvin Vaux. Visit historic Revolutionary War sites, hike along nature trails designated by the on-site Audubon Center, birdwatch, take the kids to the zoo or for a ride on the carousel, or bring a blanket and chill out on the large lawn.
This museum has a top-notch Egyptian Art collection, a substantial decorative arts collection, and it's known for sometimes controversial shows. The convenient location (the 2/3 subway stops right out in front) can't be beat: It's right next to the the Botanical Gardens, which is a stone's throw from Prospect Park. It's one of the few ... More >
This museum has a top-notch Egyptian Art collection, a substantial decorative arts collection, and it's known for sometimes controversial shows. The convenient location (the 2/3 subway stops right out in front) can't be beat: It's right next to the the Botanical Gardens, which is a stone's throw from Prospect Park. It's one of the few museums remaining that asks for a suggested donation. Even at full price it's a reasonable $10, $6 for seniors and students. A great time to visit is on a Target First Saturday, which takes place the first Saturday of each month. Free admission plus special programs and entertainment, including excellent DJs.
There's a wonderful Bonsai Museum too.
OK, so there are plenty of places with better food to be had now in Brooklyn, with all the organic, sustainable, farm-to-table restaurants opening lately. But for classic Brooklyn fare and attitude that hasn't changed in decades, head to the original Junior's (opened in 1950) on Flatbush Avenue. It's famous for its New York cheesecake,... More >
OK, so there are plenty of places with better food to be had now in Brooklyn, with all the organic, sustainable, farm-to-table restaurants opening lately. But for classic Brooklyn fare and attitude that hasn't changed in decades, head to the original Junior's (opened in 1950) on Flatbush Avenue. It's famous for its New York cheesecake, but Junior's is also one of the few places where the matzo ball soup and pastrami sandwich are as popular as its southern fried chicken and collard greens.
The cherry blossoms in spring are a big draw for the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens as are the rose bushes during the summer. Find your zen in the Japanese Garden, enjoy watching kids learn about plants and flowers in the Children's Garden, or read a book on one of the wooden benches in the Shakespeare Garden. There's a wonderful Bonsai Muse... More >
The cherry blossoms in spring are a big draw for the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens as are the rose bushes during the summer. Find your zen in the Japanese Garden, enjoy watching kids learn about plants and flowers in the Children's Garden, or read a book on one of the wooden benches in the Shakespeare Garden. There's a wonderful Bonsai Museum too. Best part? Free admission Saturdays before noon.
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The Marriott may not be as exciting as a new boutique hotel, but it can't be beat for its central location in downtown Brooklyn, number of rooms, excellent value on weekends, and proximity to public transportation. And as its name suggests, you can walk to the Brooklyn Bridge from here.
| Prospect Park rivals Central Park in Manhattan for its beauty, particularly because both were designed by the same team of Frederick Law Olmstead and Calvin Vaux. |
This isn't my all-time favorite Brooklyn pizza joint, however it's still one of the best and highly recommended as the ingredients are always fresh, it's conveniently located, and just as most first-timers to New York have to go to Time Square and the Statue of Liberty, Grimaldi's has become a New York institution. Anyone looking for ... More >
This isn't my all-time favorite Brooklyn pizza joint, however it's still one of the best and highly recommended as the ingredients are always fresh, it's conveniently located, and just as most first-timers to New York have to go to Time Square and the Statue of Liberty, Grimaldi's has become a New York institution. Anyone looking for a classic thin-crust New York pie will be satisfied. Two can dine for $20. Cash-only. Its popularity and no-reservations policy mean there's a long line snaking around the corner on weekends and prime weeknight dining times. Try to get there before 5pm. After take a walk down Fulton to the river and gaze at the beautiful Manhattan skyline.
The boardwalk, the beach, Nathan's Famous hot dogs, the historic Cyclone wooden roller coaster, the freak shows--whether seeking mid-20th-century nostalgia, a dip in the Atlantic to cool off on a hot summer day, or bizarre sideshow entertainment hard to find anywhere else, Coney Island is the place to be. A $2.25 subway ride will get y... More >
The boardwalk, the beach, Nathan's Famous hot dogs, the historic Cyclone wooden roller coaster, the freak shows--whether seeking mid-20th-century nostalgia, a dip in the Atlantic to cool off on a hot summer day, or bizarre sideshow entertainment hard to find anywhere else, Coney Island is the place to be. A $2.25 subway ride will get you there in 30 minutes from downtown Brooklyn.
Take a little piece of Brooklyn home with you with a logoed t-shirt, messenger bag, hat, or jacket. Or just pick up a cute hipster outfit or two. With locations in Williamsburg, Smith Street, and Park Slope, one is never too far away. The products are well made and designed, and have become so popular around New York that there even are Brooklyn Industries stores in Manhattan and other cities around the country. Check out t... More
Take a little piece of Brooklyn home with you with a logoed t-shirt, messenger bag, hat, or jacket. Or just pick up a cute hipster outfit or two. With locations in Williamsburg, Smith Street, and Park Slope, one is never too far away. The products are well made and designed, and have become so popular around New York that there even are Brooklyn Industries stores in Manhattan and other cities around the country. Check out the bargain bins for the best deals on last season's wares.
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