Photo by Kim Pham
A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Downtown Brooklyn
Whether you're arriving for the first, second, or tenth time, the action in Downtown Brooklyn is self-evident and vital as ever
Sponsored by The Livingston Hotel
For all its supertalls, high-rises, scaffolding, and henge-worthy structures, it’s easy to dismiss Downtown Brooklyn as a side quest to a stay, overnight or extended, in the County of Kings.
But it’s 2026, and the district, more of a nexus of neighborhoods than one defined by firm cultural or geographic boundaries, has bloomed well beyond the bustle of an aspiring commercial zone, with some of the very best of the borough’s food, fashion, and entertainment now residing in its shifty boundaries or mere steps from them. That’s the long way of saying no matter whether you’re arriving for the first, second, or tenth time, the action in Downtown Brooklyn is as vital as ever, and should probably be upgraded from suggested stop to requisite day-long detour (if you’ve got the time for it). And that’s not just a speculative recommendation—allow us to make a case.
Here’s a guide to where to eat, drink, party, shop, and yes, eventually sleep, when visiting Downtown Brooklyn.
Where to Eat & Drink
Courtesy of Gage & Tollner
Gage & Tollner
372 Fulton St.
It’s pricey, sure, but Gage & Tollner is the oldest landmark restaurant in New York City. As such, the oyster and chop house retains its stunning late-Victorian-era decor and working gas lamps. It serves decadent seafood towers, thick steaks, crab cakes, and delicious cocktails. And if you can’t grab a dinner rez, their lunch menu is more than a consolation.
Courtesy of French Louie
French Louie
320 Atlantic Ave.
At the convergence of Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, and Boerum Hill, you’ll find French Louie. Ironically, it’s named after a French-Canadian Adirondack lumberjack, Louis Seymour. Thus, you’ll find a rustic reinterpretation of French bistro classics and signature dishes alike. It’s lively without being too much of a scene, and there’s a cute back patio for these warmer months of the year.
Photo by Scott Lynch
Strange Delight
63 Lafayette Ave.
Just a few blocks southeast from the busyness of Downtown, you’ll find yourself in Fort Greene, home to some of the borough’s most beloved meals. And we’d be remiss not to mention the NOLA-inspired seafood party at Strange Delight as one of the neighborhood’s many, many fantastic dining experiences. Since opening in 2024, the restaurant has become an essential experience, and its proximity to some of the other attractions on this list makes it a perfect stop for fueling (and refueling) while exploring the area.
Courtesy of Dekalb Market Hall
Dekalb Market Hall
445 Albee Square West
If your crew can’t make a decision, Dekalb Market might just be the way to go. The options seem endless, whether it’s Polish hits at Pierogi Boys, Korean street food at BK Ganham, classic deli items at A Taste of Katz’s, or Caribbean comforts at Likkle More Jerk, you can try out a variety of local favorites all under one roof.
Where to Party
Courtesy of Public Records
Public Records
233 Butler St.
Public Records really does it all. It’s the best spot to dance in Brooklyn outside of Bushwick and Far East Williamsburg’s club corridor. The sound system is amazing, the venue’s programming is deliberate, intentional, and diverse, and it doubles and triples as an all-day vegan cafe (with an exceptional coffee program), with a curated collection of magazines and records for sale up front.
Courtesy of Honeycomb Hi-Fi
Honeycomb Hi-Fi
74 5th Ave.
Inspired by the listening bars in Tokyo, Honeycomb Hi-Fi is a dark, intimate bar for an elevated listening experience. It’s all vinyl, all the time, with expertly crafted classic and house cocktails, featuring everything from rare Japanese whiskeys to black truffle honey.
Where to Shop
Courtesy of Ven.Space
Ven.Space
369 Court St.
Ven.Space is one of the best shops in any of the boroughs, and a perfect excuse to branch off to Carroll Gardens for some retail therapy. The multibrand menswear boutique (with no online sales) carries carefully curated luxury clothing, shoes, accessories, and select home goods. You’ll find and be able to try on (very rare experience at this point) brands like Dries Van Noten, Auralee, and Our Legacy.
Courtesy of McNally Jackson
445 Gold St.
The second of five locations, McNally Jackson’s downtown Brooklyn location, delivers, whether you need a read for your stay or for the flight in or out of town. Two stories of floor-to-ceiling books (including rare, vintage, and children’s titles) and a substantial section dedicated to stationery. There’s also a cafe worth losing an afternoon in.
Courtesy of Legacy
Legacy
247 Water St.
Make your way to DUMBO to check out Legacy, a cozy, family-owned vinyl shop with an impressive selection of hip hop, jazz, and funk records. (Physical media is back!) They regularly host events too, so check their Instagram to see if you can catch one while you’re in town.
What to See
Photo via Getty Images
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Parkway
Not far from Downtown, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the country, and it’s currently celebrating its 200th birthday with a ton of new exhibitions and installations. The Beaux Arts landmark building houses over 140,000 objects from all over the world and across six millennia of history.
Photo via Getty Images
Brooklyn Academy of Music
30 Lafayette Ave.
Brooklyn Academy of Music, otherwise known as BAM, is a multi-location not-for-profit performing and cinema arts center, but its main hall, the Peter Jay Sharp Building, is a gorgeously revived 1904 structure snugly centered in (and home to) a lot of the action. There’s programming across the BAM venues in the area every day, so it’s a must-stop during your visit.
Where to Stay
Photo by Kim Pham
The Livingston
291 Livingston St.
Finally, somewhere to rest your head, if only for a brief moment. New to downtown Brooklyn and the first Hyatt property in the borough, The Livingston is right in the mix of it all. 22 stories up and only 104 pet-friendly rooms, ensure you’ll have a view and very few neighbors on each floor. (Some even have balconies!) There’s a roof terrace, and the hotel’s restaurant, The Grove Lantern, serves fresh pastries from local bakeries, coffee, and espresso drinks seven days a week.
