Williamsburg is a town where creativity meets ambition. The place is known for its top-notch hipster vibe featuring an array of rooftop eateries, bars, and observation decks. In addition, Williamsburg's unique self-expression makes it a favorite weekend getaway for many tourists who attend live music, comedy events, and art shows.
Featuring awe-inspiring street art, Williamsburg is easily one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. The neighborhood is 15 minutes from Manhattan, making it easily accessible for tourists planning a day's visit to the destination. Here are exciting ways to explore Williamsburg in 24 hours.
Morning At Williamsburg
Here are a few activities to keep visitors busy in the morning:
Tour The Streets
The best way to kick-start an adventure in Williamsburg is by taking a walking tour of the town's decorated streets. Since 1990, the neighborhood has undergone a series of renovations, featuring stylish buildings and fabulous streets expressing the vibrant lifestyle of the area. Williamsburg's streets are well punctuated with shops, art galleries, and restaurants, giving locals and visitors many exploration options.
Visit The Williamsburg Bridge
Viewing the Williamsburg Bridge is a unique way of experiencing a Brooklyn morning. Opened in 1903, the bridge was one of the longest in the world at the time, stretching to about 7,308 feet in length. Originally, this iconic bridge was designed for trolley tracks and horse carriages but was later renovated by 1920 to accommodate cars. Today, tourists can enjoy scenic views of Brooklyn while walking or cycling on this architectural masterpiece. The bridge is toll-free.
Where To Take Breakfast
Williamsburg has many cafés and shops where visitors can treat their taste buds. After crossing Williamsburg's bridge, here are a few coffee shops worth checking out in the area:
- Hungry Ghost Coffee
- Doughnut Plant
The Hungry Ghost Coffee is a constantly expanding caffeine emporium taking New York City by storm, with seven of its 12 shops in Brooklyn and New York. Located at 232 Bedford Avenue, the coffee shop oozes a sense of Brooklyn style thanks to the rustic and chic-looking interior décor. Hungry Ghost Coffee serves excellent espresso beverages that are excellent for a mid-morning mood boost.
The Doughnut Plant is a must-visit for anyone in New York for a day. It boasts the first square-filled doughnuts. Tourists can also enjoy yeast, cake, and even Vegan doughnuts. The iconic doughnut place is located at 198 Bedford Avenue and is open from Wednesday through Sunday.
Afternoon At Williamsburg
After exploring the decorated neighborhood, it's time to experience the thrilling side of Williamsburg. Here are some ways to enjoy a Williamsburg afternoon.
Where To Visit
If the sun is out, very few things in Williamsburg can beat hopping onto a ferry while taking beautiful snapshots of downtown Manhattan. Costing only $2.75, ferrying around the region is a budget-friendly way of having fun on the water.
The tour takes about 45 minutes to complete and passes through Hunter's Point South, East 34th Street, South & North Williamsburg, Dumbo, and Pier 11. The cruise is a fresh way to explore Brooklyn's waterfront communities, featuring parks and neighborhoods. In addition, tourists can enjoy onboard amenities like device charging stations, snacks, and beverages.
Where To Eat
For food lovers, an afternoon doesn't feel complete without some enjoyable lunch. Luckily, Williamsburg thrives when it comes to cuisine. Smorgasburg is a fantastic spot serving delectable meals. This Brooklyn Flea spin-off attracts around 20,000 to 30,000 visitors every weekend. Upon entering this massive food hub, the first thing to notice is the mouthwatering scents that greet guests even before they take a seat. Tourists are spoilt for choice, as the spot boasts over 100 local food vendors, each specializing in innovative twists to their cuisine. Listed vendors at Smorgasburg include Carlito's Barbecue Taqueria, Thai Bird, and Wood Fired Edibles.
- Location: Marsha P. Johnson State Park (April to September), 25 Kent Avenue (October to March)
- Hours Open: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays, and Sundays
Night At Williamsburg
A night can’t be boring at Williamsburg. Here’s how to plan for it.
Where To Go
Before the night begins, stopping at William Vale Rooftop is worth the time. Here, tourists can catch stunning views of the sunset. Sitting on the 22nd floor of William Vale Hotel, the rooftop delivers unobstructed views of Manhattan. Alternatively, one can attend a rooftop party at Our Wicked Lady, which features a booming sound system, live music, and, of course, lots of dancing.
Williamsburg boasts a dine-in movie theater that combines dinner, booze, and film. Nitehawk Cinema is a perfect spot for a romantic date, as the novelty of table service is enough to keep couples wanting to visit again. Guests can feel like royalty as the staff tiptoe back along the rows in the cinema, serving delicious meals, booze, and snacks as guests watch the movie.
Cool Places To Stay In Williamsburg
The after-dark scene in Williamsburg accommodates everybody, from tourists with a family to couples on a romantic getaway. Fabulous places to spend a night in Williamsburg include:
- Wythe Hotel
- William Vale Hotel
The Wythe Hotel is an excellent choice for romantic couples. Due to its strategic location, the world-class hotel delivers epic views of Manhattan. Inside, the property features heated concrete floors, suites with chic industrial design, a rooftop bar, and a French Restaurant.
- Location: 80 Wythe Avenue
- Price Per Night: From $300 per couple
The William Vale Hotel is another cool place to stay in Williamsburg. Towering over the neighborhood, William Vale Hotel puts guests close to attractions like shopping malls and fine-dining destinations. In addition, the vantage location features a rooftop bar where guests can enjoy scenes of the NYC skylines. The hotel features cozy rooms characterized by stylish décor and fine linen. Visitors can enjoy access to a massage spa, a fitness center, and a rooftop swimming pool.
- Location: 111 N 12th Street
- Price Per Night: From $346 per couple
This extremely artsy neighborhood is enough to immerse visitors in Brooklyn's local culture. From trendsetting restaurants to wild nightlife, there is much to explore within a day's trip. Truly, Williamsburg is one of the coolest hangout spots in NYC.