9 Unusual Things To Do In Williamsburg

This list of the most unusual things to do in Williamsburg will show you a different side of Brooklyn’s most happening neighborhood.

1. Do karaoke in a couple’s apartment

Bar

Lion’s Roar Karaoke Lounge is quite literally a lounge. Husband-and-wife duo Roberto Williams and Zaida Soler Williams open up their disco-lit apartment to host rowdy groups every evening until the small hours. Bring your own booze and food and make yourself at home, but don’t take a shower in the apartment’s bathroom. “It should go without saying, but we had somebody do that once,” the Williamses say.

2. Go bowling in a dive bar

Bar, Pub Grub, American

Tucked down a quiet stretch of North 14th Street is a classic New York dive bar – dark, loud and smelling faintly of spilled beer – that doubles as a bowling alley. Put your name down early at The Gutter (there are eight lanes, and they’re very popular). Then grab a craft brew and some food from nearby Vinnie’s Pizza (they deliver) while you wait for your turn.

3. Listen to a live reggae band

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub

Looking for an after-dinner activity that’s livelier than a quick nightcap? Velvet Brooklyn on Broadway has a schedule of events every night of the week, including stand-up comedy, jazz and free live reggae on Mondays from 8pm. What better way to kick the week off right than with uplifting Caribbean ambience?

5. Watch a rebel gospel band

Bar, Pub Grub, American

Vince Anderson at Union Pool, Brooklyn, New York.

Monday evenings aren’t normally the most sociable night of the week, but you should make an exception for Reverend Vince Anderson and his Love Band. The ordained minister, who dropped out of Union Theological Seminary to pursue music, has his own unique brand of somewhat irreverent gospel that’s earned him a devoted following that’s willing to hit the dance floor at Union Pool from 10pm until late on a school night.

6. Take a workshop or class

Shop

There’s a huge multi-story Urban Outfitters concept store in Williamsburg, and it regularly hosts interesting lifestyle classes and workshops with local companies and personalities. Past events have included CBD yoga, “floral savagery” arrangement tutorials, adaptogen happy hours, piercing sessions and panels on how to manage your money better. Check the Facebook page to see what’s coming up next.

People participate in the Freakebana Workshop with FDK Florals

7. Watch indie movies in an old bodega

Cinema

You won’t get plush seats or table service at the Spectacle Theater, but this indie establishment has charms of its own. Established and run by a staff of cinephile volunteers, and situated in what used to be a neighborhood bodega, it screens quirky, rare and overlooked films not showing at your local AMC.

8. Break out your salsa moves at Bembe

Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub

Known for DJs spinning world music – from afrobeat to dancehall and reggaeton – the atmosphere at Bembe is enough to entice even the most ardent wallflowers onto the dance floor. Order yourself a tropical cocktail and start practicing those salsa steps.

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.