Whats Going on in Williamsburg 10 Things to...

There’s more to Williamsburg than hobo-inspired fashion, gluten-free diets and craft beer; Williamsburg is a scenic Brooklyn neighborhood that takes you away from the Manhattan madness and into a world of local artisans and a laid back yet buzzing atmosphere. Williamsburg is packed with one-of-a-kind shops and landmarks that often go unnoticed by tourists, yet it offers a unique NYC experience. Check out our list of ten things to do and see in Williamsburg.

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Perk Up at Blue Bottle

Coffee Shop, Tea , American

Hailing from Oakland, Blue Bottle coffee wholesaler, roaster, and retailer sets another location on its horizon. Now occupying the historic Lewis Steel Building, Blue Bottle utilizes a bunch of classic coffee crafting devices such as a vintage Probat roaster, a 1958 restored Faema Urania level espresso machine, innovative Japanese Kyoto-style ice coffee drippers, and a La Marzocco espresso machine to achieve artisan coffee excellence that leave coffee drinkers around the nation embracing the Blue Bottle cup of coffee.

Tour the Brooklyn Brewery

Brewery, Park

brooklyn brewery new york williamsburg USA america

Brooklyn Brewery lager is spotted all throughout New York, but it’s crafted locally in Williamsburg. For those wanting to learn about this distinguished brew beyond its appeal on the taste buds, The Brooklyn Brewery offers Saturday tours from 1 to 5pm, and hourly Sunday tours from 1 to 4pm. Friday and Saturday nights also welcome a happy hour and tasting events from Craft Beer Pong Tournaments, Breaking Aids Bike Night and more.

Eat at Smorgasburg

Farmers' Market, Market, Food Court, Food Stall, Food Stand, Philippine

The Smorgasburg local food market in Williamsburg

What happens when foodies mimic the Brooklyn Flea? Smorgasburg is born. Rounding in 75 to 100 vendors on the Williamsburg waterfront, packaged and prepared foods as well as beverages are available for all to buy. Regarded as one of Brooklyn’s most popular tourist destinations, Smorgasburg attracts over 10,000 guests every Saturday from 11am to 6pm. Smorgasburg’s season launched in April and will continue until November 17th. Vendors include Bolivian Llama Party, Grady’s Pool Party, and Queen Majesty Hot Sauce among many others.

Walk the Williamsburg Bridge

Bridge

Breathtaking cityscapes, views of the East River and a scenic route linking South Williamsburg to Manhattan’s Lower East Side are all available when you walk the Williamsburg Bridge. Two lanes for bikers and pedestrians provide comfortable travel for both parties who wish to take in the view. Cyclists enter a few blocks east of Washington Plaza, while pedestrians enter at Berry Street between South 5th and 6th Streets. Both pedestrians and cyclists may enter at Clinton Street and Delancey in Manhattan. Take in a view of the neighboring Brooklyn Bridge and up Manhattan, as well as an abundance of street art and graffiti.

Sulk in Artistic Expression at Brooklyn Art Library

Library

Home of The Sketchbook Project collection, the Brooklyn Art Library incorporates a reading room where you can dive your nose into a book or enjoy a hands-on artistic experience attending artist presentations. An estimated 12,500 sketchbooks from more than 130 countries sit on the selves, including the works of inspirational minds such as Ms. Sumayang and her drawn memoirs, printmaker Steven Peterman, and Web developer Shane Zucker to name a few. For six years the Sketchbook Project has bound art supplies, vintage good, and an intimate glimpse into the imagination of eloquent and innovative worldwide artists. The library is open 11am to 7pm everyday.

Tune Up with Rough Trade Records

Store

This former HBO prop warehouse has given itself a facelift as the 15,000 square-foot space is now consumed with all things music. From magazines to records to CDs and a sizeable performance space, this London-based label establishes its third store, and claims the title of the largest record store in New York City.

Watch a Film at The Nitehawk Cinema

Cinema, Theater, Movie Theater

The marquee of the Nitehawk Cinema in Brooklyn, New York advertising the new CBS series Interrogation on February 4, 2020. (Photo by Gabriele Holtermann-Gorden/Sipa USA)

This stylish bar and movie theatre creates the ultimate experience for film lovers. The Nitehawk Cinema has a downstairs bar paired with an upstairs cinema. The bar menu is curated by chef Saul Bolton, and offers a nice mix of craft brews—Brooklyn, Sixpoint, Goose Island—and specialty cocktails. The leather booths, dark features, burnished metal, and minimal movie paraphernalia sets the atmosphere for the bar, while luxurious chairs and triangular tables fill the cinema. The Nitehawk mainly plays indie flicks and certified blockbusters. It is advised to arrive early if you wish to eat, although you can order during the show. Alcoholic drinks are forbidden in the cinema due to New York State Law.

Visit the Music Hall of Williamsburg

Music Venue

Overseen by The Bowery Present, the Music Hall of Williamsburg is a tri-level venue in an industrial-chic setting that host’s variety events from a small sit-down dinner to a large cocktail reception. The venue is equipped with a main ballroom and large stage, fantastic sight lines, green rooms, gorgeous bathrooms and industry-leading sound and lighting equipment. Top-notch indie acts and veteran critical favorites are sure to pack the house.

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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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.