The hipsters’ paradise of Williamsburg is Brooklyn’s most up and coming (read: gentrified) area, with edgy coffee shops and unique boutiques around every graffiti-ed corner. The neighbourhood is a hive of young creative energy, and it’s a must-visit when you’re in New York. Want to know how to spend the perfect Saturday in NYC’s coolest neighbourhood? There are so many things to do in Williamsburg, whatever you’re in to – whether that’s live music, vintage shopping, delicious food (but like, who isn’t in to that?) or art.
Things to do in Williamsburg, NYC
Browse the stalls at Artists & Fleas
The Artists & Fleas Market is at 70 North 7th St and is open Sat + Sun 10AM – 7PM, and is also open daily in Chelsea and SOHO. The L train will get you to Bedford Avenue, and the old warehouse that hosts the artists and designers is just a short walk from the subway.
The emphasis at this market is on local creativity and community, and the vendors are always eager to talk about their stalls while a DJ provides the backing track for your spree.
Photo credit: @caoilfhionnrose
Browse the stalls for one of a kind pieces of handmade jewellery, fur coats and other little treasures – like a handbag I found that had an unusual feature: a built-in, functional old school telephone.
Eat lunch at Smorgasburg
All that shopping would make anyone hungry, so cross the road and make your way to the waterfront, where you can grab a bite to eat at the seasonal Smorgasburg food market.
Shop on Bedford Avenue
Not all shopped out yet? Take a stroll down Bedford Avenue and peruse the many clothing stores. I followed a sign and discovered a vintage sale in a garage!
Your next stop should be the indoor market, where you will find an array of clothes, books and more. Outside, street vendors line the sidewalks (see how American I am now?), touting bargains like $5 sunglasses. The streets themselves are a busy canvas, with art wherever you look.
I also stumbled upon Brooklyn Charm, where I picked up the trinkets to make my own jewelry. I chose a teeny tiny airplane, to remind myself that no matter what, I can always buy a ticket to a new life.
Also worth a visit is this Goorin Bros Hat Shop.
You may find Nomads wandering store parked near Bedford Avenue. Nomads is a tiny mobile boutique carrying some gorgeous knits and accessories. I could have spent all my dollars there, but eventually settled on a stunning black kimono. You can follow Nomads on social media to find out if they’ll be near you soon.
Drink at Surf Bar
Finish the day with a drink at the Surf Bar – it has a sand floor, so you can pretend you’re in the tropics when it’s snowing outside.
More things to do in Williamsburg
- Go bowling at a concert venue at Brooklyn Bowl
- Drink in a beer garden
- … or see how it’s made at Brooklyn Brewery. You can take a free tour on weekends!
- Catch a poetry reading at a local bookstore
- … or a show at the Music Hall of Williamsburg
- Check out avant-garde art at the Black and White Gallery
- Take in the views of Manhattan at East River State Park
- Shoot some hoops in Mccarran Park – and watch movies for free there in summer
- Eat while you watch a movie at Nitehawk Cinema
- Visiting in June? You’re there in time for the North Side Festival
- Get a different perspective by strolling over Williamsburg Bridge
What’s your favourite thing to do in Williamsburg? If you liked this post, you’ll probably enjoy my huge guide to five days in New York City. I lived there for three months and Williamsburg was one of my favourite neighbourhoods. I think I’m due a return trip!
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