Things To See And Do In Bay Ridge Brooklyn

Nestled in the southwest corner of Brooklyn lies the beautiful neighborhood of Bay Ridge. This district has a small town feel within the big city, largely due to its physical borders: the waters of The Narrows to the west and the local highways of the north and east. Its tree-lined blocks are peppered with stately apartment buildings, single-family homes and brownstones. The area also has several unique places and things to see and do, so here is a list of our top pick. Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Verrazano Bridge

Staten Island beach and Verrazano-Narrows Bridge

For a time the largest suspension bridge in the world, the Verrazano was one of the crowning jewels of master city planner, Robert Moses who fought contentious battles in order to get it built. Some parts of the neighborhood became collateral damage as entire blocks were blown out to make way for this behemoth. It is known as Bay Ridge’s calling card outside of New York. The bridge had a staring role in the hit film, Saturday Night Fever, and is the perennial starting line for the New York City Marathon. It still casts a long shadow over the neighborhood as it looms over all no matter where you go.

The Gingerbread House

Restaurants & Bars

Before the explosion of bars and eateries that have now become commonplace throughout the rest of borough during the past 15-20 years, Bay Ridge was the place for nightlife for all of Brooklyn. It still houses some of the best restaurants and bars in the borough. Tanoreen, considered by many as the best Middle Eastern eatery in the city, and Italian food staples, Gino’s Restaurant are never at a loss for patronage.
Tanoreen, 7523 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 748 5600

Gino’s Restaurant, 7414 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 748 1698

Fort Hamilton Army Base

This historic military site has been serving the community here since its inception in 1825. The building of this facility in Bay Ridge was strategically chosen based upon some previous Revolutionary War battles that were waged in the region. The Fort expanded in size during the Civil War and on through World War II. Since then, it has added Army Reservists and The National Guard to the base. There is also a Harbor Defense Museum with military artifacts for the public to see.
Harbor Defense Museum, 230 Sheridan Loop, Brooklyn, NY, USA, +1 718 630 4349

Owl’s Head and Shore Road Park

This is where the residents of Bay Ridge can let their hair down and play. These parks are a wonderful interconnected group of running and bike paths, tennis and basketball courts, ball fields, playgrounds, green spaces, skate half pipes, plus nature conservatories. This 4.5-mile loop is all within range of some stunning views of the great New York Harbor. Not too shabby.

Owl’s Head & Shore Road Park, Brooklyn, NY, USA

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.