Brooklyn is New York City’s most populous borough, with 2.5 million residents. It also happens to be the home of many local New Yorkers who commute to Manhattan along with various ethnic groups. Although Brooklyn does not have as many iconic landmarks as Manhattan, there is still plenty to see in this ethnically diverse neighborhood.
Brooklyn was founded in 1636 by Dutch settlers. They named it Breuckelen, which is dutch for Broken Land. Brooklyn was connected to Manhattan by the Brooklyn Bridge in 1883. It became a New York City neighborhood in 1898.
Neighborhoods in Brooklyn are quite varied. Each one of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods has its own identity and special charm. Some of these neighborhoods include Park Slope, Brooklyn Heights, Williamsburg and Dumbo.
Brooklyn has long had a reputation as a borough with many segregated ethnic neighborhoods. Bushwick is a largely Hispanic neighborhood. Brighton Beach features many Russian and Ukrainian locals. Bedford Stuyvesant is home to one of the most famous African-American communities in the city, along with Brownsville and East New York. “Bed-Stuy” is a hub for African-American culture, often referenced in hip hop and African-American arts.
Brooklyn Heights features many mature streets, various types of town houses and narrow streets. Because it is quite close to Manhattan, Brooklyn Heights remains one of Brooklyn’s most expensive neighborhoods. The two most popular streets in Brooklyn Heights are Montague Street and Atlantic Avenue. You’ll find various shops and restaurants on these busy streets.
DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. DUMBO is one Brooklyn’s most exciting neighborhoods. You’ll find some of NYC’s best restaurants and gourmet shops. DUMBO is lined up with cobblestone streets and warehouse buildings that have been converted into lofts and apartments. The neighborhood is great for strolling around, especially its various galleries , restaurants and shops.
Prospect Park is especially vibrant during the summer months. There are many festivals and events that take place all over the neighborhood, along with the traditional barbecues and weekend events.
There are many famous New York City attractions located in Brooklyn, with the most famous being the Brooklyn Bridge. Other attractions include the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Brooklyn Museum and Coney Island.
