Do you want to experience one of the top cities in the world, New York City, but you are on a budget. If you are a parent to one or more children you are probably on a budget? If this is you, we have the solution. heat to Brooklyn, New York a more affordable part of New York City?
New York City consists of five boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. Each borough has its own flavor and unique attractions. For instance, the Bronx is the birthplace of hip-hop, and it is home to the world-famous Bronx Zoo. Other sights worth seeing include the New York Botanical Garden, Little Italy, and the Grand Concourse in the South Bronx.
Manhattan is considered the business district of NYC. Attractions include Wall Street, Central Park, and the Empire State Building. Additionally, world-renowned museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum are also worth visiting.
Queens offers foodies the opportunity to whet their gastronomic appetites. Cuisine types include Greek and authentic Asian food. Other sights to take in include the unique and inventive art at the Socrates Sculpture Park, the fantastic flora at the Queens Botanical Garden. For surfers, Rockway Beach is the place to visit for a sublime surfing experience.
Staten Island is home to some of the world’s most prominent architectural landmarks and beaches. Most visitors to Staten Island arrive on the free Staten Island Ferry, an attraction in its own right.
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Places to stay in Brooklyn
The Hoxton Williamsburg
On my most recent trip to Brooklyn, I stayed at the Hoxton. It’s got great views of NYC, a rooftop bar, and a chill lobby. The rooms are tight but that’s typical for the area. They offer complimentary coffee/tea in a common area 24 hours a day and free use of bicycles. All rooms provide conveniences like refrigerators and coffee makers, plus free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. There’s a rooftop terrace restaurant called Summerly.
Condor Hotel
The Condor Hotel is a family-friendly boutique hotel in the historic district of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Each accommodation or suite includes individual access to a beautiful garden, a private balcony, and a kitchenette, ideal for booking a stay for the whole family. Other benefits include satellite TV, a free continental breakfast, free calls within the US, and free WIFI throughout the building.
The Condor hotel is only 20 minutes away from downtown Manhattan, with a concierge service to book transportation, sightseeing trips, and restaurant reservations. If you’ve never visited Brooklyn with your family before, the hotel’s concierge service will also recommend family-friendly sights to see and places to visit.
As an aside, should you wish to spend part of your holiday in another NYC borough, Manhattan is a great choice. Consequently, some of the best family-friendly hotels include the Residence Inn NYC and the Hotel 50 Bowery NYC. Both of these hotels offer family-friendly accommodations, including clean, modern suites with two double beds, and served as a base from which to explore Manhattan.
Things to do in Brooklyn
Brooklyn has plenty of attractions on offer. Here’s a list of fun attractions.
Coney Island Boardwalk and Beach
Coney Island offers 3 miles of sandy beaches, perfect for children to have a great time. It also provides recreational facilities like beach volleyball, handball, and basketball courts, playgrounds, and amusement rides. Not only is Coney Island Boardwalk a great place to visit during the summer months, but it is also an excellent place to visit during the off-season. Attractions such as the New York Aquarium, Abe Stark Ice-Skating Rink, and MCU Park are open all year round.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
This museum was founded in 1899 and is the first children’s museum in the United States. It is perhaps interesting to note that, according to some experts, this museum is the first children’s museum in the world.
Its location is unusual in that it is located in a building situated in a predominantly residential area. This museum is housed in a multi-level underground gallery. It is the first green museum in NYC due to its closure, expansion, and reopening in 2008.
The Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s exhibits reflect children’s changing educational needs over time and well as its long history. Its stated aim is not only to present exhibitions to children but to engage with them and encourage and develop thinking and thought processes. The museum’s original purpose and function were to offer natural science exhibits to children born and raised in urban areas. Technology and culture were added to these exhibits after the Second World War.
Some of the current exhibits include World Brooklyn, Neighborhood Nature, Totally Tots, and The Nest, the newest outdoor installation or an interactive playscape situated on the museum’s rooftop terrace.
The Brooklyn Bridge Park
The Brooklyn Bridge Park is a recreational area located in the DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).
DUMBO used to be known as Gairville. It is divided into two areas: one located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges and the second located east from the Manhattan Bridge to the Vinegar Hill district.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park offers a wide variety of activities such as basketball, bouldering, soccer, volleyball, biking, and other age-appropriate playgrounds like the Pier 1 playground for tiny tots.
Dyker Heights
During the holidays make sure to stop by and see the Dyker Heights Holiday Lights. This neighborhood goes all out with the Christmas decorating.
Where to Eat in Brooklyn
Gran Torino
Gran Torino is an awesome place to grab brunch. Their Bloody Mary’s are outstanding and so is their huevos rancheros.
The Butcher’s Daughter
Another great place for brunch is The Butcher’s Daughter. It is a vegetarian restaurant. Located at 271 Metropolitan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211.
Vinnie’s Pizzeria
Poetica
More restaurant recommendations coming soon.
Read Next:
NYC in a Weekend: Everything to Do
New York City Romantic Getaway
Get Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).
Book Flights
I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! My second favorite site to find flights is Momondo, another great site for finding cheap flights.
Book a Place to Stay
I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.
If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO.
Rent Clothes
Rent clothes for your trip with Travel Style Expert for only $50 a month! The first 30 days are free!
Choose Activities and Tours
To find great activities in any area I use Get Your Guide and Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available.
When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If I am going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean I use Apple Vacations.
Rent a Car or Take a Lyft
More often than not Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Discover Cars.
