As an Upper West Sider, it’s a rarity that I leave my borough of Manhattan. But I love visiting Brooklyn, it is the borough to take in the best views of the Manhattan skyline. Brooklyn is a vibrant blend of culture, history, and charm.
To capture the heart of Brooklyn in a day with a dog, I suggest walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting DUMBO, Prospect Park, and Williamsburg. Below is my mostly walkable Brooklyn in a day adventure with Koa.
Insider tip: I suggest coming on a weekday, as the weekends are packed with people.
Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise
Start your morning by walking across the iconic landmark, the Brooklyn Bridge from the Manhattan side toward Brooklyn
The bridge is approximately 1.1 miles long, walking time is approximately 30-40 minutes
Insider tip: Start early, the bridge gets crowded later in the day as there are over 10,000 visitors daily.
Morning walk in DUMBO
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is known for its cobble-stoned streets, modern galleries, and waterfront views.
Grab a breakfast sandwich from Bread & Spread, a bagel from La Bagel Delight, or pancakes at Time Out Market's Clinton St. Baking Company.
Head over to Washington Street for another iconic photo shot of the Manhattan Bridge framing the Empire State Building between its arches
Next stop by St. Ann’s Warehouse and Jane’s Carousel
Continue to Brooklyn Bridge Park and enjoy the greenery and waterfront views
Keep walking south and you will hit the Brooklyn Heights Promenade
Insider tip: Grab your food to go and picnic at Pebble Beach or Brooklyn Bridge Park for a meal with a view.
Alternate options:
If you are here during lunch, grab a pizza to go from Grimaldi’s, Ignazio’s, or Juliana’s, and find a green space to picnic at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
On Sundays, find a great deal at the Brooklyn flea market is open from April – October, 10 am – 5 pm
Afternoon in Park Slope
Visit Grand Army Plaza and Brooklyn Public Library Central Branch
Take a leisurely walk and picnic at Prospect Park
The park also has a Dog Beach; however, we did not visit it as Koa is not a fan of water
Alternate options without a dog:
Brooklyn Museum is full of art collections spanning from Ancient Eygpt to Andy Warhol
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre botanical garden and conservatories with more than 200 cherry trees and 5,000 rose bushes
Evening in Williamsburg
Walk along Bedford Ave and enjoy the street art murals, boutique shops, and restaurants. Hang out and enjoy the music and vibrant nightlife.
Relax and grab a beer:
Radegast Halland Biergarten, grab a German beer and a giant pretzel
Brooklyn Brewery offers tours, beer tastings, or grab a pint
Alternate Options:
On Saturday a must-lunch spot is the Smorgasburg Food Market open form April – October, 11 am – 6 pm
I love a good steak and Peter Luger Steakhouse will not disappoint
Brooklyn Bowl is a bowling alley and bar with live music. Please note they do not take reservations and it is a first come first serve, wait times can be anywhere from 1 to 4 hours!
Alternate travel option without a dog:
Take NYC Ferry from Williamsburg, DUMBO, or Greenpoint back to Manhattan East Side. A great option during summer and sunset to view Manhattan and Brooklyn cityscape views
Of course, there is so much to do in Brooklyn, it is impossible to see everything in one day! Below are a few honorable mentions activities that you should consider adding to your day…or make it a two-day trip!
Catch a Brooklyn Nets game at Barclay’s Center
Coney Island long beach and boardwalk. Also known for The Cyclone, a colossal roller coaster, at the amusement park, Luna Park. I recommend going for the mermaid parade normally held in June and enjoying a hot dog from the original Nathan’s hot dog
Enjoy your day in Brooklyn! What other activities and food spots with a dog do you recommend? Comment below.
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