Guide to Williamsburg, Brooklyn

While Lonely Planet’s New York City office may be smack in the middle of Manhattan, some two-thirds of our local staff identify as Brooklynites. One could argue that’s because the rent is (a little) cheaper. But ask any of our coworkers why they think Brooklyn is the better borough, and we could write a full essay.

Just one stop across the East River from Manhattan on the L train, visitors to NYC often hop over to Williamsburg as their introduction to the city’s most populous borough. Nowadays, the area is known for its trendy vibes, vintage shops and creative food scene; historically, it’s home to vibrant Jewish, Italian, Polish and Puerto Rican communities. It’s the neighborhood I call home, too, and I’m always finding myself unraveling its coolest corners.

A red sign with a QR code wrapped around a pole — **Left:** Kent Ave in Williamsburg. **Right:** The North Williamsburg ferry stop. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet (2)

People walking toward a ferry stop — **Left:** Kent Ave in Williamsburg. **Right:** The North Williamsburg ferry stop. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet (2)

Getting to and around Williamsburg

For $3 a ride, you can cross from Manhattan to Brooklyn by subway – it’s only one stop into the borough. If the weather’s nice, you could also pedal across the Williamsburg Bridge on a Citi Bike. Even better, if you’re traveling between waterfront neighborhoods, there’s nothing like the skyline views on a sunny day from the top level of the NYC Ferry, which has stops in both North and South Williamsburg. And of course, plenty of walking will be involved on any excursion in New York City.

Where to stay in Williamsburg

Save: Not only is Pod Hotel Brooklyn centrally located, but it has a sweet rooftop situation in addition to tiny, if cozy, rooms. Really: how much time are you actually going to spend in your hotel in the city that famously never sleeps?

Street view of a large hotel — **Left:** Street view of The Hoxton. **Right:** A spectacular view from one of the Hoxton’s rooms. Caitlin Riddell/Lonely Planet

The view of a city skyline through the window of a hotel room — **Left:** Street view of The Hoxton. **Right:** A spectacular view from one of the Hoxton’s rooms. Caitlin Riddell/Lonely Planet

Spend: Opened in 2022, The Penny has rooms that are colorful, modern and equipped with kitchenettes. I love its location, right at the unofficial line where East Williamsburg begins. The Hoxton is another chic option with a stylish lobby to hang out or work in, sleek rooms and K’Far, its all-day Israeli restaurant. Yes, that means all-day borekas.

A king-size bed with white linens facing a flat-screen TV mounted on a wall in a white room with sparse wood furniture — **Left:** A king bedroom at the William Vale. **Right:** The William Vale's rooftop bar, Westlight. The William Vale (2)

People dining in a rooftop bar with a city skyline view — **Left:** A king bedroom at the William Vale. **Right:** The William Vale's rooftop bar, Westlight. The William Vale (2)

Spend more: There are a few blocks around Wythe Ave lined with hotels that have elite views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline. (I call it hotel row.) The Wythe Hotel has a very industrial feel, with exposed brick and wood-paneled ceilings, but my favorite draw is the French restaurant downstairs, Le Crocodile. For a luxe, wellness-focused stay (hotel balcony included, which is rare for NYC), it doesn't get better than the William Vale. If you can't swing a room, their 22nd-floor rooftop bar, Westlight, is the perfect place to watch the sunset; or book a bespoke facial treatment at the in-house, family-owned Williamsburg Beauty Spa to keep on the wellness theme.

Where to get coffee (and baked goods) in Williamsburg

ppl: This place feels like you’re grabbing coffee in a cozy greenhouse rather than a cafe.

KIJITORA: Matcha lovers, this one’s for you. The tiramisu latte is also stellar.

Land to Sea: I love the specialty lattes like the ginger and mandarin flavors, as well as the Chinese pastries.

Balkan Grind: A traditional Turkish cafe near McCarren Park. Come for the coffee in adorable little teacups, stay for the baklava.

Paloma Coffee and Bakery: Their two main brick-and-mortar shops are in nearby Greenpoint, but Paloma has an adorable little outpost in Williamsburg, and they're always churning out innovative pastries that – dare I say – up the competition for the always-busy Radio Bakery in Greenpoint.

Where to eat in Williamsburg

Breakfast

A&C Super: My perfect morning includes a sausage-egg-and-cheese biscuit sandwich with a roast-y iced latte from A&C, best enjoyed on their sunny patio.

Bakeri: A beloved neighborhood bakery whose ham-and-cheese roll never fails me. They also have a scrumptious lunchtime sandwich menu.

Ceremonia Bakeshop: Famous for cakes and other sweet treats, Ceremonia has a breakfast burrito that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Santa Fe: Another elite breakfast burrito; you can add sausage, bacon or even more potatoes to the already-hashbrown-stuffed monster. Available at 8am until sold out.

People sitting in chairs and tables outside a corner restaurant. A sandwich sign leaning against the building says "Corned beef and cabbage sandwich." — Dépanneur in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet

Lunch

Anthony & Son Panini Shoppe: A longtime sandwich spot selling legendary paninis and heroes. I’m partial to the Anthony & Daughter, with prosciutto, burrata, arugula and fig jam.

Fedoroff’s: Order the Philly cheesesteak, "fries in pure lard" and a fountain soda. This place is owned and operated by folks from South Philly, so you know it’s the real deal.

Dépanneur: A self-proclaimed “better bodega,” Dépanneur serves top-tier sandwiches and coffee, and it’s fun to shop their small grocery store, filled with local products. Snag a sidewalk table for optimal people-watching.

Campbell and Co: Three words: curry chicken salad. They also serve a fabulous breakfast, sandwiches and bowls, and have a little grocery.

A tabletop fountain pours drinks into clear flutes — The martini fountain at Deux Chats in Williamsburg. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet

Aperitivo

Hotel Delmano: This is the kind of place you could take a date, but also your parents. I love the beautiful, vintage-inspired interior, natural wines and raw bar.

The Lot Radio: A glorified parking lot with an insanely beautiful aura and wine selection. Check their calendar and social media for DJ sets, especially in real time – I wound up at a spontaneous Tame Impala set last summer.

St Mazie: Great for a drink with daily live jazz, oyster happy hour on the back patio or even dinner downstairs. Check the live jazz calendar to see who’s performing which night.

Deux Chats: Clearly, raw-bar happy hours are popular in trendy Williamsburg. Deux Chats' is no exception. This place is intimate and friendly, and if you have a large group (or are feeling ambitious), you could always go for the gorgeous "martini fountain," which serves 13.

Pizza

L’Industrie: What everyone says is true: L’Industrie is one of the best pizza spots in the city, not just Williamsburg. Tip: order ahead (whole pizzas only) to skip the line.

Best Pizza: The name says it all. I also love buying their refrigerated dough to make pizza, calzones, stromboli and more at home.

Rosa's: Perfect for that late-night slice. The vodka slice is perfection, and I would love to shake the hand of their pepperoni supplier.

Mo's General: I hesitated to include this spot because it is my favorite third space in Williamsburg. But I can't gatekeep their thick, rectangular sourdough slices. (Legend has it the starter is 15 years old from Sicily.) Go with a group, order martinis and split a Caesar salad.

Dinner

Williamsburg has emerged as one of NYC’s top dining neighborhoods, but good luck getting a reservation at popular-but-worth-it spots like Lilia and Misi. Here are other go-to places where you’re more likely to get a table.

Rose Marie: A newcomer in summer 2025, Rose Marie's menu is everything I could want, featuring elevated comfort food with both Southern and Midwestern influences. It changes through the seasons, but think pickled green tomato martinis, perfectly crispy Idaho potatoes, crunchy green salads and chicken-fried steak.

Pecoraro Latteria: If you couldn’t finesse a Lilia reservation, this place hits the spot. It’s a gourmet Italian grocery by day – but I prefer to come at night for their simple, delicious pastas.

King’s Co Imperial: You know this place is good by the high number of both takeout drivers and in-house customers. Whatever I order, fried long beans and soup dumplings are always involved.

St Anselm: Okay, it’s not necessarily easy to get a reservation at St Anselm, but it’s definitely more doable than other neighborhood hotspots. This iconic steakhouse is just what you need after a long day of walking around.

A person with red hair looks out over a river at a city skyline — **Left:** Manhattan's skyline from Marsha P Johnson State Park. **Right:** McCarren Park. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet (2)

People lay out on blankets in the grass at a tree-filled park — **Left:** Manhattan's skyline from Marsha P Johnson State Park. **Right:** McCarren Park. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet (2)

What parks to visit in Williamsburg

McCarren Park: This is my favorite park in the neighborhood. It may not be the most glamorous, and the grass could certainly use some love – but it’s beloved by both Williamsburg and Greenpoint residents, who stroll around the park’s two loops or enjoy cocktails at ParkHouse. Saturdays, when the farmers market sets up, are especially lovely.

Marsha P. Johnson State Park: Named in honor of the famous LGBTQ+ activist, this state park has ample green space and spectacular views of Manhattan. In the summertime, go on Saturdays for Smorgasburg, a massive open-air food market.

Domino Park: This waterfront space offers the best unobstructed views of Manhattan and the East River; those with little ones will love the playground, one of the best in the city. On a warm day, I love the wooden lounge chairs.

People shopping at an indoor flea market — **Left:** Artists & Fleas. becauz gao/Shutterstock **Right:** Upstate Stock. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet

Exterior of a white building. The phrases "Fresh Coffee," "Quality Goods," and "Local Food" are painted on the building. — **Left:** Artists & Fleas. becauz gao/Shutterstock **Right:** Upstate Stock. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet

Where to shop in Williamsburg

Stella Dallas Living: Beautifully preserved vintage clothing and textiles, as well as an incredible leather bag collection. Head next door to their sister store, 10ft Single, for a thriftier vibe.

Artists & Fleas: I love digging through the booths at this local vendors’ market for all sorts of goodies, from vintage posters and handmade jewelry to the coolest secondhand clothes. (Note: they’re only open Saturdays and Sundays.)

Haricot Vert: Handmade, customizable jewelry using the most adorable charms, like sticks of butter, croissants, olives and tea cups.

Leif: Beautifully curated homewares, accessories and clothing. If you’ve received a gift from me, it was probably from here.

Upstate Stock: Gourmet groceries and goods made in New York. The Campfire Latte here is unlike any coffee I’ve ever had.

Where to spend a night out in Williamsburg

Bar Blondeau: Fancy drinks and river views on the rooftop of the Wythe Hotel.

Cafe Balearica: Grab drinks at the upstairs bar and head downstairs to dance the night away under a disco ball.

Fresh Kills: A cocktail bar with creative spirit. Tell the bartenders what you like to drink, and they’ll mix up something customized to your taste.

Union Pool: A former swimming pool supply store turned extremely cool bar. I love how many spaces there are here, from the outdoor patio (featuring a taco truck) to the backroom music venue. It’s perfect for a large group.

Mr Melo: Vinyl listening bar with fabulous cocktails.

What to know about Williamsburg

If you visited Williamsburg even 10 years ago, you’ll find it has changed dramatically since – take a walk down N 6th St, and you’ll be shocked to see both Chanel and Hermès stores, for example. A significant real estate boom has also severely raised rent prices (a trend certainly not limited to Williamsburg). And while trying new places is always the thing to do in New York City, there’s never been more urgency to support local businesses in each community.

Despite the luxury takeover and heightened gentrification, there are some truly special pockets of Williamsburg that have preserved their historic and charming identity while prioritizing independent vendors. I encourage you to savor those.

People sit on benches or stand near a fence on a pier, looking across a river at the Manhattan skyline — Summertime on the Williamsburg waterfront. Ann Douglas Lott/Lonely Planet

When to visit Williamsburg

My favorite season in New York City is late spring, when the dreadful winter winds have subsided, the city’s green spaces are budding into seasonal glory, and everyone is constantly out and about. Williamsburg’s parks are lovely this time of year, and I always see people enjoying spritz o’clock on my afternoon strolls. The summer crowds have also yet to descend. Bonus: Smorgasburg reopens for the season in April. Truly, though, Williamsburg is wonderful in every season.

I would know – I live here.