20 Must-go Places for Spending a Perfect Day in Downtown Brooklyn

Travel opens your mind, as they say — and we couldn’t agree more. We’re exploring other neighborhoods in search of the perfect itinerary, and today’s stop is Downtown Brooklyn. The area south of DUMBO is just a quick ride on the Q/R/N or the 4/5 from our Travel Agency hub and has enough 5-star stops to fill a whole day. Take a tour with us to our favorite spots.

6 ways to start the A.M. right

Pack your carry-on and start your downtown day with these upvote-worthy stops. And if you’re looking for a morning pick-me-up, you could bring along 1906 Go Beans instead of your morning coffee.

Junior’s

This one is a no-brainer. Junior’s is arguably the most iconic landmark of Downtown BK and their cheesecake is obviously a rite of passage. What you may not know is that they’re open at 7 a.m., serving up egg staples, griddle cakes, fresh pastries, homemade cheese blintzes, plus so much more. And if you want to pair your steak and eggs with a cheesecake and milkshake, we won’t judge.

New Apollo Diner

Breakfast is served all day here and you will surely not leave hungry. The New Apollo Diner lets you set your own omelets, pancake specials, waffles, french toast, and any style egg plate — with more than 30 add-ons ranging from steak to seafood to ice cream to fresh berries.

Fort Greene Park

A special treat for dog parents is that Fort Greene Park has designated areas for off-leash hours starting at 6 a.m., when the park opens, until 9 a.m. The park’s history is also full of highlights. Originally, it was the site of a fort in the Revolution War and the War of 1812. Poet Walt Whitman, then an editor, advocated for the space to become a public park in these more peaceful times. So whether you’re a history buff, dog lover, or want to just take a deep breath of fresh air, Fort Greene Park is a high point for a morning stroll — to-go B.E.C. optional.

Ping Pod

For a different kind of morning activity, Ping Pod opens at 6 a.m. sharp to welcome beginner and pro ping pong players. The chain is fully tech-driven and you can sign up online or through the app, invite friends, and even see replays of your best plays. And if you haven’t gotten enough pod for your morning fix, doors are open until 1 a.m. to welcome you back.

Devoción Coffee Shop

There’s nothing like some Colombian espresso to kickstart the day. Devoción gets their coffee straight from active farms in harvest; no warehouse beans here. They also import everything themselves, so your coffee roast is only a few days old by the time you take a sip. Be sure to pick up a fresh croissant while you enjoy the morning sunshine sitting in their rainforest-inspired space.

Ciao, Gloria

If the perfect day means starting with breakfast, then Ciao, Gloria off Atlantic Avenue is the first place to stop. Their next-level BEC swaps the eggs for frittata, the American cheese for cheddar, and the roll or bagel for house-made brioche. A touch of Calabrese aioli and a sprinkle of everything seasoning complete this highly recommended breakfast staple. For vegetarians, their AVEC swaps the bacon for avocado. Get your breakfast to stay, or head to Fort Greene Park for some people-watching, BEC or AVEC in hand.

4 spots to visit during lunchtime

Who knew that Downtown could also mean every town? For your lunch adventure, you can travel far and wide by staying local with these destination dining spots.

 

Dekalb Market

If you want an Epcot-style worldly dining destination, look no further than Dekalb Market on Flatbush Ave. Aside from seasonal food events, fan favorites include A Taste of Katz’s (a smaller sister location of the Katz’s), the Caribbean cuisine at Fat Fowl, fresh servings from the Arepa Lady, ramen, Chinese, and Brazilian — the list is almost endless. You’ve made the right choice to come here, but your choices will be endless. If you have the munchies by this point, you’ve been warned.

Tacombi Tacos

If you’re craving something more specific, look no further than Tacombi. As soon as you step into the brightly-colored restaurant, you’re transported to Mexico. Tacos rule here, but don’t skip the quesadillas, Mexican sodas, or cocktails. Every bite and sip here is as authentic as it gets.

Bokki Seoul Food

Feed your body and soul with Korean BBQ and you can call the day a win. Bokki serves up fresh, contemporary barbecue bowls, kimchi, ramen, and crispy Korean fried chicken. Located in a busy downtown area, it’s a great stop for a quick bite that’s unlike anything nearby.

Stroll down Fulton Street

If you just can’t make up your mind, walk down Fulton Street and let your nose guide you. The blocks between Lafayette Ave. and Greene Ave. are a feast: from Turkish Deniz to Mexican Habana Outpost, to authentic German beer garden DSK, and even carb-heaven Forma Pasta Factory, to so much more. If you can’t find anything here, you’re not hungry (or need another smoke break).

Top Downtown Brooklyn spots to check out in the afternoon

Now that you’ve strolled the world, it’s time to see how Brooklyn locals are walking off their lunch. With some chocolate treats in hand, you can’t go wrong with these getaways.

Fulton Mall Shopping

The area next to City Point Tower is a shopper’s paradise. Fulton Mall (aptly named after Fulton Street) spans a few blocks and has big-name brand stores as well as local stops. Albee Square, the public plaza at its heart, has a rotating calendar of events full of live performances and seasonal celebrations.

The Plaza at 300 Ashland

If you need a breather after all the downtown excitement, this is the spot. The Plaza at 300 Ashland always has something going on. Live music, art, events — but most of all: some good old-fashioned people watching. Grab a coffee from nearby and watch the world go by.

The Museum of Contemporary African Diaspora Art

Affectionately abbreviated as MoCADA, the museum celebrates the cultural breadth of Africa through galleries showcasing visual, written, and performing arts. If you want to expand your travels, MoCADA always has something going on across its four floors. It’s a worthwhile trip that can hardly be put into words.

Brooklyn Cat Cafe

Unless you’re allergic, you really can’t say no to this wholesome cuteness. The Brooklyn Cat Cafe is run solely by volunteers and is the only non-profit cat cafe in NYC. They also serve drinks and packaged snacks, so if you’re not coming home with a newly adopted furry best friend, you can fill whatever space you have left over from lunch. But let’s be honest, you’re coming here to play with the cats. Bonus travel points: you can visit there as you’re reading this article with their adorable kitten cam.

The Biggie Experience

Hip hop fans: make a beeline to The Biggie Experience, a museum and educational space dedicated to the legacy of Notorious B.I.G. Opened in March 2024, this Atlantic Avenue spot offers 45-minute slots to tour the intimate exhibit space and learn more about the challenges Biggie faced in his lifetime. The Biggie Experience is open Thursday through Sunday.

Activities to end the night right

Nighttime is the right time in Downtown Brooklyn to complete your wanderlust list. From small and intimate gatherings to big-time thrills, there’s something for everyone to end your trip on a high. And after all the excitement, these sleep time products can help you wind down after your downtown adventure.

Alamo Drafthouse

While feasting and filming simultaneously isn’t anything new these days, Alamo Drafthouse in City Point just does it better. Special screenings, movie parties, and nostalgic nights plus a menu that goes beyond the traditional popcorn (though, you must try the truffle herb parmesan popcorn) and lands you in the vicinity of juicy burgers, pizza, milkshakes, and cocktails. Be sure to stop by House of Wax for a nightcap and a look at Napoleon’s death mask, among other historic wax depictions.

EastVille Comedy Club

What pairs better with comedy than cannabis? Take a seat in Brooklyn’s oldest comedy club for a chance to LOL with the best. Comedic legends have been known to make impromptu stand-up appearances. There’s no drink minimum and their event calendar is so filled to the brim. If you have a comedy routine at the ready, you can also step into the spotlight and sign up for open mic nights.

Pool at Ocean’s 8 Billiards

Pool sharks and beginners are all welcome. But fear not, while there are dozens of pool tables, there’s still much more to Ocean’s 8. Ping pong, air hockey, bar games, and mini-bowling are also popular itinerary items. Their happy hour will also turn even the grumpiest frowns upside down: it runs Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 7 p.m.

BAM

Sure, Barclays Center is around the corner, but BAM has been bringing worldly events in theater, dance, music, opera, and film to Brooklyn for more than 150 years. The Brooklyn Academy of Music has a full calendar of events that range from black-tie to the latest movies, opening the doors for every kind of date night.

Gage & Tollner

For a “treat yourself” moment, Gage & Tollner is worth adding to your list. It’s been in near-constant operation since 1879, itself a testament to its role in the Downtown Brooklyn food scene. Known for a menu of oysters and steaks developed by executive chef Sydne Emi Gooden, this iconic surf and turf spot seats adventurers for dinner up until 10 p.m. For a bite and a drink, head to the restaurant’s second floor to check out Sunken Harbor Club, an intimate space for cocktails and small plates open until midnight on the weekends and 11 p.m. during the week.

Downtown Brooklyn is an easy trip — and easy to love

From morning to night, there’s something to keep this neighborhood adventure on a high note. If you can’t make it to The Travel Agency for a cannabis stop before your adventure, we’ll come to you. We offer delivery services to downtown Brooklyn seven days a week. And if you want more access to special destinations, join The Travel Club. You’ll be the first to know and try the latest cannabinoid travel accessories and bundles. All travelers are welcome.