How To Spend 24 Hours In Williamsburg

The gentrification of Williamsburg, which was once the epitome of quirky-hip Brooklyn, gives it much more of a polished Manhattan feel these days – with Michelin-star restaurants, expensive boutiques and shiny high-rise condos populating the riverside blocks. Our recommendations for 24 hours in Brooklyn’s most tourist-friendly neighborhood are guaranteed to be a good time.

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Morning

If you’re coming from Manhattan, you’ll most likely take the L train to Bedford Avenue. This neighborhood thoroughfare (and the surrounding streets) is the best place to begin your day in Williamsburg.

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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.

CentralAmerica

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini

1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

CentralAmerica

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini

2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.

CentralAmerica

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini

3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.

SouthAmerica

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic

1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

SouthAmerica

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic

2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.

Europe

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic

1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

Europe

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture

2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.

Europe

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture

3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.

Asia

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic

1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

Asia

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic

2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.

Asia

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture

3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price

Africa

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic

1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

Africa

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic

2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.

Africa

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic

3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.

A person skateboards down Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg

Kick things off like you’re a local and it’s the weekend – with a big brunch and possibly an early cocktail. Try a healthy and indulgent mix of dishes at Cafe Colette, farm-to-table staples at Egg, or Moroccan-themed breakfasts at Cafe Mogador.

Egg

Restaurant, American

The farm-to-table menu at Egg includes brunch staples like biscuits and gravy, pancakes drizzled with Vermont maple syrup, and organic grits and eggs served with a choice of meat or kale. The restaurant’s farm, which utilizes organic- and permaculture-growing methods in the Catskills area of upstate New York, produces the ingredients used at Egg.

Cafe Colette, New York

Cafe, American

Cafe Colette is known for its brunch menu, which is extensive and diverse with a good ratio of healthy and indulgent dishes. Opt for the salmon bowl with farro and kale if you’re feeling virtuous, or the legendary burger and fries if you’re famished. Finish by splitting something from the “sweet little things” – like the warm chocolate toast – to top off the meal.

Cafe Mogador

Restaurant, Moroccan, Middle Eastern

Cafe Mogador has been serving award-winning Moroccan cuisine to patrons since the early ’80s and offers one of the more interesting brunches in the city (when you’re bored of avo toast, try eggs with hummus, tabouli, arabic salad and zahatar pita). The tagines – lamb or chicken stewed with apricots, prunes, chickpeas, raisins, preserved lemon, olives and spicy green herbs – are particularly memorable.

This part of Williamsburg is also home to the coolest boutiques you’ve ogled on Pinterest and Instagram. Shop delicate jewelry from local designers at Catbird, ridiculously hip indie labels at Swords-Smith, and masterfully curated retro clothing at Awoke Vintage.

Catbird, New York

Shop, Store

Catbird has been leading the charge when it comes to dainty, stackable jewelry since its opening in 2004. Its eponymous line is created in a local studio using ethically sourced stones and recycled fine metals – think teeny initial lockets and diamond ear climbers. The store also stocks a selection of jewelry pieces from New York-based designers, as well as sweet lifestyle items such as scented candles and illustrated cards that fit the hip vibe of their aesthetic.

Awoke Vintage

Store

Awoke is the brainchild of the Australian transplant Liz Power, who sensed a unique opening in the market upon moving to New York several years ago. Although Brooklyn has many vintage stores, most were either very cheap or very expensive, leaving little room in the middle of non-designer but exquisitely made garments and accessories. Awoke fills that niche, so come prepared to walk away with a well-priced treasure you’ve never seen the likes of before.

Afternoon

If the sun is out, stroll north along Bedford until you reach McCarren Park. This green space has a ton of amenities that make it a community favorite, including an outdoor public pool, communal barbecue grills, expansive sports fields and a running track. Grab a to-go coffee from The Bean and splay out on the grass for people- and puppy-watching. Alternatively, if the weather isn’t cooperating, catch a movie with table service at Nitehawk Cinema, enjoy bowling at The Gutter dive bar, or take a tour of Brooklyn Brewery.

Nitehawk Cinema

Cinema, Theater, Movie Theater

The appeal of Nitehawk isn’t just the movies it shows – a mix of acclaimed box-office hits and cult favorites from the archives; it’s also the novelty of table service. Waitstaff tip-toe back and forth along the rows delivering meals, snacks and booze to patrons, then stealthy leave a check before the end credits roll. Look out for specials themed to your particular movie, including mains and fancy cocktails.

The Gutter, Brooklyn

Bar, Pub Grub, American

Booze and a fun activity is a winning combination, so it’s little wonder that The Gutter – a dive bar with an attached bowling alley – is such a popular Williamsburg spot. Grab a number, order a craft beer and shoot some pool while you wait (it can get pretty busy). When your group finally gets called, head through to the bowling lanes and continue the fun with snacks and more drinks while you play.

Evening

Come evening, and you’ll find dinner options abound. Get oysters, champagne and Louisiana specialties at Maison Premiere, Detroit-style deep-dish pizza at Emmy Squared or (arguably) the best steak in the city at Peter Luger. Arrive early and you might even be lucky enough to snag a table at Lilia for Michelin-recommended Italian food.

Maison Premiere

Bar, Restaurant, American, Seafood, Gluten-free

Maison Premiere’s cozy, inviting interior features a horseshoe bar and leather booths, and in the back, there is a trellised patio. Its ambience will make you want to dress up for the evening. Start your meal with an absinthe cocktail and a tray of oysters; for the main course, the seafood gumbo with blue crab, gulf shrimp, oysters and andouille sausage is must-try.

Maison Premiere’s oyster tray is a great way to start a night

Peter Luger Steak House, New York

Restaurant, Cafe, Steakhouse

There are few steakhouses in New York City that are as charming as Peter Luger

Anyone who knows steak knows the name Peter Luger. Located just east of the Williamsburg Bridge in Brooklyn, Peter Luger Steak House opened in 1887. This world-renowned steakhouse has a storied tradition of meat selection, preparation, as well as a sauce available for purchase. The atmosphere is old-fashioned with vintage chandeliers and classic wooden chairs and tables. As one of the top steakhouses in New York, it can take weeks to get a reservation, so call well in advance.

The after-dark scene in Williamsburg has something for everybody. Catch one of New York’s bubblegum-hued sunsets from the roof of the William Vale or The Williamsburg Hotel while sipping cocktails, and then go to Bembe for salsa dancing or Kinfolk 94 for EDM DJs.

The William Vale

Hotel

Residents adore this Williamsburg hotel for its panoramic rooftop view, while guests get to experience the beauty tucked inside. Not only is contemporary art found in all of the guest rooms, but the hotel also regularly hosts cross-disciplinary artistic events, including musical performances and conversations with authors.

Bembe, Brooklyn

Bar, Nightclub, Pub Grub

Dance the night away to global tunes at Bembe. Music pumping throughout the place includes salsa, merengue, reggaeton, hip-hop and much more. Once you work up a sweat on the dance floor, cool off with mojitos and caipirinhas.

If you make it to the small hours and still have energy to burn, book a late-night karaoke slot at Lion’s Roar Karaoke Lounge. One Williamsburg couple opens their apartment for hosted, private singing sessions until 4am on weekends. Bring a large pizza and take turns “serenading” the group until your voice turns husky and your eyelids grow heavy.

When you’re ready for bed, make sure your room is booked at the Urban Cowboy – a boutique hotel with a Wild West feel, and by far the coolest accommodation option in the neighborhood. After a few hours of rest, you’ll be ready and raring for your next New York adventure.

Urban Cowboy

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast

You have to fill out a kind of application form to stay at the Urban Cowboy, complete with your Instagram handle. Don’t let that put you off, though – this boutique B&B is so cool that you’ll want to linger and chat with the owners, who have created a Wild West feel complete with giant dreamcatchers, thick woolen throws and copper, free-standing tubs.

People take in the Manhattan skyline from Williamsburg Market

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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See Our Culture Trips

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

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.