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When it comes to cool, Brooklyn sets the bar pretty high. This New York City neighborhood is packed with hip eateries, chic shops, trendy bars, and Instagram worthy backdrops that attract artists, creatives, culture vultures and hipsters from around the world.
But, Brooklyn is a massive area and each of its neighborhoods offers something different to travellers. That’s why we wrote this comprehensive guide for where to stay in Brooklyn.
In this Brooklyn neighborhood guide, we break down the five best neighborhoods into easy to digest bites. We outline the best things to see, do and eat, so you’ll know exactly where to stay based on what you want to do.
So whether you’re into art, food, nightlife or family-friendly fun, this guide is packed with all the information you need to book your vacation with confidence and ease.
Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Brooklyn, New York City, New York.
Brooklyn is one of New York’s best areas to stay in. These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Brooklyn.
The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.
Cute room with garden | Best Airbnb in Brooklyn
This Airbnb, with its super central location, quite affordable nightly price (for the area) and a cute little garden, will be the perfect choice for your first stay in Brooklyn. You’ll have a private room which is basically like a mini studio since it’s equipped with a bathroom, kitchen and access to the garden. Both hosts are very kind and happy to help with anything – you’ll be in good hands.
NY Moore Hostel | Best Hostel in Brooklyn
This is our favourite hostel in Brooklyn because it has a great location in trendy Williamsburg. This loft-style hostel offers spacious dorms and private rooms with modern amenities and excellent linens. This property also has free wifi, a stocked kitchen and a comfy coffee lounge.
Need to spend some quality time with fellow backpackers? Get your fix by staying at one of these amazing hostels in New York!
Henry Norman Hotel | Best Hotel in Brooklyn
Henry Norman is our pick for the best hotel in Brooklyn. It is ideally located in Greenpoint, the best neighborhood to stay in Brooklyn for hipsters and trendsetters. This four-star hotel offers modern rooms with art-deco décor, A/C, and coffee/tea facilities. Guests can also relax on the outdoor terrace.
Brooklyn Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Brooklyn
Downtown
If you’re visiting Brooklyn for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than Downtown. This large and central neighbourhood has an excellent location. It is situated across the East River from Manhattan and boasts impressive and unforgettable views of the city that never sleeps.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is a hip and trendy neighbourhood located north of central Brooklyn. It is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world thanks to its lively nightlife, vintage shops, craft markets and hip hangouts, as well as cinemas, theatres, and museum venues.
Bushwick
Bushwick is a vibrant and eclectic neighbourhood located in northeast Brooklyn that is best-known for its colourful street art, charming cafes and trendy restaurants and shops.
Greenpoint
There’s no doubt about it, Brooklyn is one of the coolest places in the world. While it could be easy to call world-wide hipster favourites like Williamsburg and Bushwick the best areas to stay in Brooklyn, we’ve decided to highlight up-and-coming Greenpoint as one of the coolest places to stay in Brooklyn.
Bedford-Stuyvesant
The Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) neighbourhood is our best recommendation for where to stay in Brooklyn with kids. It is centrally located near Downtown and offers easy access to other areas like Bushwick, Williamsburg, Park Slope and Flatbush.
Brooklyn is, without a doubt, one of the coolest places in the United States.
It is the largest and most populous of New York’s five Boroughs and is situated on the westernmost point of Long Island, across the East River from Manhattan.
The Borough covers a land area of 180 square kilometres and is home to a population of more than 2.65 million people. It is divided a number of distinct neighborhoods, each offering something diverse to visitors.
In this guide, we’ll look at the five best places in Brooklyn to stay based on your budget and your interests.
Downtown is a lively neighborhood in central Brooklyn. It is home to a slew of historical landmarks as well as great restaurants, shops, bars, and more. Because there’s so much to see and do, Downtown is the best area in Brooklyn to stay in for first-time visitors.
Williamsburg is one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world. It is known for its hip hangouts and ultra-cool activities and is our best recommendation for budget Brooklyn accommodation.
Continue travelling north to Greenpoint. One of the coolest places to stay in Brooklyn, Greenpoint is bursting with industrial charm and boasts a great selection of restaurants, cafes and bars.
Bushwick is a large neighborhood in eastern Brooklyn. It’s our top pick for where to stay in Brooklyn for nightlife because it is where you’ll find some of the hottest clubs and bars in the city.
And finally, Bedford-Stuyvesant is a large neighborhood in the centre of Brooklyn. It is famous for its historic buildings and heritage architecture, and for its peaceful atmosphere. It has plenty of green space, which is why it’s our number one choice for where to stay in Brooklyn for families.
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Brooklyn’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Now, let’s take a look, in more detail, at Brooklyn’s best neighborhoods. Each is a little different from the last, so be sure to read each section carefully and pick the best neighborhood to stay in Brooklyn based on what you want to do.
#1 Downtown – Where to Stay in Brooklyn for Your First Time
If you’re visiting Brooklyn for the first time, there’s no better place to stay than Downtown.
This large and central neighborhood has an excellent location. It is situated across the East River from Manhattan and boasts impressive and unforgettable views of the city that never sleeps.
Downtown Brooklyn is also incredibly well-connected via public transit, so whether you want to pop into the Big Apple, or explore more of Brooklyn, you’ll be able to do so with relative ease.
This neighborhood is also a shoppers paradise thanks to the many discount shops and department stores that fill Downtown Brooklyn’s bustling streets.
Things to See and Do in Downtown
- Drink cocktails and take in the view from the Kimito Rooftop Lounge.
- Eat flavourful food at Junior’s Restaurant.
- Explore the trendy streets of Dumbo and snap that oh-so-iconic pick from Washington Street.
- Feast on American fare at the Vinegar Hill House.
- Go for a stroll at Pebble Beach.
- Indulge in delicious food at Superfine.
- Shop until you drop at the Fulton Street Mall.
- Sip a freshly brewed coffee at the Brooklyn Roasting Company.
- Snack and sample your way through colourful and buzzing Dekalb Market Hall.
- Visit the comprehensive New York Transit Museum.
- Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge.
Cute room with garden | Best Airbnb in Downtown
This Airbnb, with its super central location, quite affordable nightly price (for the area) and a cute little garden, will be the perfect choice for your first stay in Brooklyn. You’ll have a private room which is basically like a mini studio since it’s equipped with a bathroom, kitchen and access to the garden. Both hosts are very kind and happy to help with anything – you’ll be in good hands.
The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn | Best Hotel in Downtown
This hotel is conveniently located in Downtown, the best neighborhood in Brooklyn to stay in for first-time visitors. It has a rooftop terrace and 174 trendy and spacious rooms. This modern hotel also boasts a gym, laundry services, and breakfast is available.
Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown | Best Hotel in Downtown
A great location, contemporary furnishing and a myriad of chic features – it’s no wonder this is one of the best places to stay in Brooklyn! This three-star hotel is an excellent base for your Brooklyn adventures because it’s in close proximity to bars, restaurants, shops and museums.
Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown | Best Hotel in Downtown
Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown is a solid choice for your Downtown adventures. The crew here are super friendly and always ready to help with a smile. The location’s spot-on – just a quick stroll to Brooklyn Dumbo and the Manhattan Bridge. The rooms are pretty spacious (by New York standards, anyway), with everything you need to feel right at home. There’s tea and coffee available 24/7, plus a breakfast that’ll set you up for a day of exploring.
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View on Osprey#2 Williamsburg – Where to Stay in Brooklyn on a Budget
Williamsburg is probably the “hippest” place in Brooklyn at the moment. It coolness is partly due to the sheer amount of activities found here: there’s a lively nightlife, vintage shops, craft markets, and hip hangouts, as well as cinemas, theatres, and museum venues.
Although it’s one of the most expensive places to live in NYC, Williamsburg is actually one of the best places in Brooklyn to stay if you’re on a budget. Here you’ll find a handful of stylish hostels as well as relatively affordable hotels (at least by New York standards).
There is quite a bit to do in Williamsburg and you’ll be spoilt for choice for things to see, do and eat. Because it is so convenient here, we’d also recommend it for those staying in Brooklyn for only one night.
Things to See and Do in Williamsburg
- Choose from a great range of beers at the Brooklyn Brewery.
- Eat, drink and aim for a strike at Brooklyn Bowl.
- Enjoy a sweet treat (or two) at Mast Brothers Chocolate.
- Excite your senses with a snack from Crif Dogs.
- Go for a stroll on the Williamsburg Bridge.
- Grab a pint in the rooftop beer garden at Berry Park.
- Hunt for new-to-you treasures at Beacon’s Closet.
- Indulge in a mouthwatering slice of pizza from Shelter
- Snack and sample your way through more than 100 vendors at the weekly Smorgasburg food festival.
- Support local creatives at the Artists & Fleas market.
NY Moore Hostel | Best Hostel in Williamsburg
This is our favourite hostel in Brooklyn because it has a great location in trendy Williamsburg. This loft-style hostel offers spacious dorms and private rooms with modern amenities and excellent linens. This property also has free wifi, a stocked kitchen and a comfy coffee lounge.
Pod Brooklyn | Best Hotel in Williamsburg
Pod Brooklyn is a unique option for Brooklyn accommodation. This modern three-star hotel offers guests clean, comfortable and minimalist accommodations with excellent amenities and a delicious on-site restaurant. It is conveniently set in hip Williamsburg, one of Brooklyn’s best neighborhoods and is a short walk from bistros, bars and boutiques.
Pointe Plaza Hotel | Best Hotel in Williamsburg
This three-star Williamsburg hotel provides comfortable and clean accommodation at the heart of the neighborhood. It is within walking distance of great bars, shops and restaurants and offers amazing views of Manhattan. Guests of this hotel can also enjoy free wifi, an in-house restaurant, and a free shuttle service.
NYC Shipping Container Home | Best Airbnb in Williamsburg
Tucked in one of NYC’s most unique historical homes, this shipping container apartment is your private oasis in a busy neighborhood. With a community garden next door and all the gadgets you need – think reading lamps, extra pillows, and toiletires. The vibe here is cool and unique, and the hosts’ tips will give you a truly authentic Brooklyn experience.
#3 Bushwick – Where to Stay in Brooklyn for Nightlife
Bushwick is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood located in northeast Brooklyn that is best-known for its colourful street art, charming cafes and trendy restaurants and shops.
This historically Hispanic neighborhood has been attracting students, artists and creatives for years, and has steadily risen the ranks as one of the best areas to stay in Brooklyn thanks to its urban art, cultural diversity and exciting culinary scene.
Bushwick is also our number one pick for where to stay in Brooklyn for nightlife because it has so many fun, bustling and buzzing places to visit. From vivacious bars to wild clubs, Bushwick is bursting with nightlife options for visitors of all ages, tastes, styles and budgets.
Things to See and Do in Bushwick
- Dance the night away at the Bossa Nova Civic Club.
- Dine on pub food with a twist at The Rookery.
- Drink cocktails at Mood Ring, an astrology-themed bar.
- Eat, drink and enjoy a great night at the House of Yes.
- Enjoy a great selection of cool drinks, beers and cocktails at The Sampler.
- Excite your sense at Duckduck.
- Grab a slice at Roberta’s Pizza.
- Rock out to avant music at Trans-Pecos.
- Sample signature cocktails at Featherweight, a hip hideaway.
- See the awesome street art at The Bushwick Collective.
- Sip drinks at Nowadays.
Private room with private bathroom and backyard | Best Hotel in Bushwick
This spot is right in the heart of a lively, popular area! The room’s super clean, comfy, and makes the most of the space with smart design. You’ll have everything you need – a fully equipped kitchen with a coffee machine, free Wi-Fi, and a cozy bedroom. Oh, and did I mention the backyard? That’s pure gold in NYC!
Entire guest suite in Brooklyn | Best Hotel in Bushwick
This place is spacious, with two big, comfy bedrooms, both with AC. Communication with the host is spot on, and you’ve got all the essentials – coffee maker, shampoo, the works. The location is super convenient for hopping on the subway to Manhattan, plus you can walk to loads of coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and music venues. Monica’s spot is private, clean, and peaceful – the perfect base to chill and recharge after a day of exploring.
The Perfect Brooklyn Haven | Best Hotel in Bushwick
Jasmine’s place is spot on – prime location, super comfy, and boasting a gorgeous kitchen and bathroom. You’ll especially dig the soaking bathtub – it’s the perfect spot to unwind. The place is clean, well-maintained, and stocked with plenty of supplies. Check-in is a breeze, and the host’s recommendations are great. The neighborhood is buzzing with things to do, so you’re in for a treat!
Modern Brooklyn Guest Suite with Sunny Backyard | Best Airbnb in Bushwick
This Airbnb is a gem for your Brooklyn adventure. It’s spotless, super comfy, and decked out with cozy beds, fresh linens, and modern amenities. The design and decor is absolutely lovely. The host is a dream – helpful and quick to answer any questions. Plus, the location is on point, just a short walk to the subway for easy city exploring.
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Grab an eSIM!#4 Greenpoint – Coolest Place to Stay in Brooklyn
There’s no doubt about it, Brooklyn is one of the coolest places in the world. While it could be easy to call world-wide hipster favourites like Williamsburg and Bushwick the best areas to stay in Brooklyn, we’ve decided to highlight up-and-coming Greenpoint as one of the coolest places to stay in Brooklyn.
Greenpoint is situated at the heart of Brooklyn. It’s famous for its industrial architecture and minimalist style as well as its slow and modest pace and overall charm and atmosphere.
This neighborhood is home to some of the best food in Brooklyn. It’s where you can indulge and feast on everything from sugar snacks and savoury eats to delicious drinks and succulent treats.
Things to See and Do in Greenpoint
- Enjoy a pleasant meal at cute and cosy Milk and Roses.
- Excite your sense at the Glasserie.
- Feast on incredible Polish fare at Karczma.
- Find your next read at WORD.
- Indulge in fresh and delicious seafood at the Lobster Joint.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Peter Pan Donut and Pastry Shop.
- Shop for new and unique pieces at Pas Mal.
- Sink your teeth into a great burger from Five Leaves.
- Sip drinks and enjoy the view from the Brooklyn Barge.
- Take a stroll through McCarren Park.
- Try a wide range of beers at the Spritzenhaus.
Henry Norman Hotel | Best Hotel in Greenpoint
Henry Norman is our pick for the best hotel in Brooklyn. This four-star hotel is ideally located in Greenpoint, the best neighborhood to stay in Brooklyn for hipsters and trendsetters. It offers modern rooms with art-deco décor, A/C, and coffee/tea facilities. Guests can also relax on the outdoor terrace.
The Box House Hotel | Best Hotel in Greenpoint
The Box House Hotel is a stylish and modern four-star hotel in Greenpoint, the best neighborhood in Brooklyn to stay in for culture vulture and creatives. It provides comfortable, clean and spacious accommodations just steps from the neighborhoods best bars, restaurants, shops and galleries.
Modern space in the heart greenpoint! | Best Airbnb in Greenpoint
The apartment is stylish and comfy – a true taste of Brooklyn living. Housed in a historic 1870s shipbuilders’ home, it’s been thoughtfully renovated with modern upgrades. You’ll love the fully loaded kitchen, the high-tech bathroom, and the killer TV and sound system. Bedrooms are tucked at opposite ends of the place for maximum privacy. The location is spot on, just around the corner from the train and a ton of cool restaurants.
The Local NYC | Best Hostel in Greenpoint
This hostel’s location is spot on—a quick walk to the subway makes getting around a breeze. The facilities are top-notch, with amazing AC in the rooms and separate toilet and shower areas in the bathroom. Storage lockers under the beds are decent, and the common kitchen is well-equipped with plenty of appliances and fridge space. Plus, there’s a projector in the lobby for catching sports games, a cool bar with great tea, and an awesome rooftop view to top it all off.
#5 Bedford-Stuyvesant – Where to Stay in Brooklyn for Families
The Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) neighborhood is our best recommendation for where to stay in Brooklyn with kids. It is centrally located near Downtown and offers easy access to other areas like Bushwick, Williamsburg, Park Slope and Flatbush.
This area is famous for its historic buildings and heritage architecture. Simply take a stroll around the neighborhood and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in town.
Bedford-Stuyvesant is also a great place to get out and mingle with locals. The neighborhood frequently hosts community events, like outdoor movies in the park and lively block parties where you can eat, drink, shop and dance the day or night away.
Things to See and Do in Bedford-Stuyvesant
- Dine on tasty vegan dishes at Toad Style.
- Eat an incredible slice of pizza from Saraghina.
- Feast on traditional American dishes at Peaches Hot House.
- Go for a stroll through lush Herbert Von King Park.
- Grab a drink and snack at Fancy Nancy.
- Indulge with southern-style cakes from Doc’s Cake Shop.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy a restful afternoon in Prospect Park.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Dough.
- Shop for toys, books, treats and more at the Pipsqueak Shoppe.
- Treat yourself at Clementine Bakery, which offers 100% vegan and gluten-free baked goods.
The Brooklyn Riviera | Best Hostel in Bedford-Stuyvesant
The Brooklyn Riviera is our best recommendation for where to stay in Bed-Stuy if you’re on a budget. It offers a safe and clean environment that is centrally located and well-connected. Guests can also enjoy a tasty continental breakfast each morning.
Pointe Plaza Hotel | Best Hotel in Bedford-Stuyvesant
Wondering where to stay in Brooklyn with kids? Well, look no further. This excellent three-star hotel is ideally located in Bed-Stuy and is close to popular attractions, landmarks, restaurants and shops. Rooms are air-conditioned and each comes complete with modern amenities, comfortable beds, premium features and free wifi.
The Brooklyn | Best Hotel in Bedford-Stuyvesant
This chic and stylish three-star hotel is one of our favourite properties in Bed-Stuy. It is ideally located and offers easy access throughout the Borough and over to Manhattan as well. Comprised of 34 rooms, this property has a range of comfortable amenities and excellent features.
Beautiful Brownstone 1BR apt in Bedstuy-Brooklyn | Best Airbnb in Bedford-Stuyvesant
This stunning one-bedroom apartment in a historic 100-year-old Brownstone oozes Brooklyn charm inside and out. Just minutes from the Manhattan hustle, it’s the perfect cozy retreat for travelers seeking a home away from home. You’ll be steps from some of the neighborhood’s best bars and restaurants, adding to the local flavor.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Brooklyn
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Brooklyn and where to stay.
What To Pack For Brooklyn
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Brooklyn
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Brooklyn
There’s no doubt about it, Brooklyn is one of the coolest places in the world. It’s home to a diverse array of hip ‘hood and trendy areas and is packed with great bars, lively clubs, vibrant restaurants and world-class museums and art galleries. So whether you’re a culture vulture, happening hipster, a fearless foodie or a fabulous fashionista, Brooklyn is a place that will enthral and excite you and leave you completely and totally enamoured.
In this guide, we’ve looked at the best places to stay in Brooklyn. If you’re still not sure which is right for you, here’s a quick recap:
The NY Moore Hostel in Williamsburg is our favourite hostel because it has spacious rooms, modern amenities and an unbeatable central location.
Another great option is the Henry Norman Hotel because it has chic and stylish rooms with an array of features and facilities.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Brooklyn.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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