All roads lead to Manhattan – at least that’s what most tourists think when they first arrive in New York. Central Park, Times Square, skyscrapers – all of this, of course, is part of the experience. But if the goal is to see the city alive, real, unfiltered – it’s worth starting from the other side of the East River. Where not everything shines, but everything breathes. Where coffee shops open a little later but stay open well into the night. Where graffiti on the wall isn’t a decoration, but a way of saying something important. And if New York is a stage, then Brooklyn is its backstage. And sometimes plays even the lead role.
The weather in September is fickle. In the morning it’s +18°C, by evening – a windbreaker is begging to be worn. Somewhere around the corner, a street doughnut vendor fiddles with a radio, and old jazz floats through the air, sounding like an invitation: “Hey, come over here. It’s more interesting than you think”…
Brooklyn as a Starting Point
Brooklyn is a borough with character. And with space – physical and mental. It’s easier to breathe here, take a step back, not rush. It’s vast, diverse, and unlike the city center, doesn’t weigh down with vertical pressure.
In the morning in Williamsburg, a bakery opens at 7:30 – already there’s a line for cinnamon buns. Across the street – a vintage shop, nearby – a barbershop where an elderly barber has worked for thirty years. “He used to cut my grandfather’s hair,” someone says behind your back. And that, perhaps, is the essence of Brooklyn – continuity, roots, a sense of home.
From this location, it’s easy to get to any part of the city: ferries, subways, buses – everything is within reach. So, it’s time to stop, look around, and decide where to go next. Or maybe – not go anywhere at all.
More Than Just the Subway: Why Renting a Car Makes Sense
Locals know: if you really want to see New York and its surroundings, the subway alone is not enough. Especially if plans go beyond museums and parks to escaping the city for a beach, the woods, a winery, or a small town just an hour away.
If you’re traveling from New Jersey and planning to explore New York, renting a car can make the trip far more convenient. You can pick up a vehicle in one of the city’s easy-to-access locations – see the full list here – and start your route without being tied to train schedules or overcrowded buses.
Besides, on weekends, public transport becomes unpredictable: construction on one line, delays on another, and suddenly you’re stuck in a tunnel, counting stops.
With a car at your disposal, you can:
- drive to Storm King Art Center – a huge sculpture park in the hills;
- spend the evening in Red Hook and not worry about finding a ride back;
- visit Beacon or Cold Spring – scenic towns north of the city;
- escape for a couple of days to the ocean – Montauk, for example, if the weather is playing along.
A car gives you that much-needed flexibility – something always in short supply in a megacity.
What to Do in Brooklyn If You Don’t Want to Leave
Then again, there’s a chance you won’t want to leave at all. Brooklyn has a way of pulling you in. Just slow down and pay attention.
Here are a few spots to include in your route:
- DUMBO. A classic. The view of the Manhattan Bridge, old brick buildings, galleries, coffee shops. Stunning at sunset. No wonder half of New York’s TV shows are filmed here.
- Prospect Park. The alternative to Central Park. Quieter, greener, with local dog walkers, street dancers, and children’s orchestras on Sundays.
- Bushwick. Street art, indie bars, tiny vintage shops. Everything here is a bit on the edge – and that’s the charm.
- Coney Island. Nostalgia, rides, the ocean. Even if you don’t ride, just walk the pier, eat a hot dog at Nathan’s, and soak in the flavor of old New York.
- Smorgasburg – a street food market. You can eat everything here: from kimchi burgers to chili-dusted watermelon.
Brooklyn resembles a patchwork quilt. No two neighborhoods are alike. It’s this strange mix that makes it so real.
And a Couple of Practical Things
New York plays nicer when you’re prepared. Let’s consider some quick tips to save time and cash.
Parking
Yes, parking in Brooklyn is easier than in Manhattan – but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. On one-way residential streets like in Fort Greene or Park Slope, you might spend a good half hour hunting for a free spot. And then there’s the daily challenge known as Alternate Side Parking: signs like “No parking Mon & Thu 11:30 AM–1 PM”. Fines start at $65.
If you don’t want the hassle, you have two options: pay for a secure lot or use helpful mobile apps to reserve a spot in advance.
Navigation
Google Maps and Waze work fine; however, sometimes good old-fashioned asking is best. After all, GPS may direct you into a restricted turn, miss a blocked-off street, or delay real-time updates. This is particularly common during street festivals, construction, or parades.
Weather
New York weather is a real surprise. In the fall, you might leave in a t-shirt and freeze by evening when the wind picks up along the river or in open parks. Summer is hot and humid. Winter – frequent gusts of wind, sub-zero temperatures. So, always keep either a warm sweater, raincoat, or water bottle in your bag – depending on the season.
If you’re planning a day trip outside the city, traffic is something to take seriously. Early mornings – before 9:00 AM – are usually the calmest. After that, congestion builds quickly. The good news is that you can visit the rental car office at 7 or 8 a.m. – and in just a couple of hours, you’re far from the noise, somewhere in Harriman or the Catskills, while the city is still waking up.
Conclusion
Starting your New York trip in Brooklyn means giving yourself room to breathe. It’s an invitation to experience the city’s heartbeat beyond the tourist spots, where every street tells a story waiting to be discovered.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.