Brooklyn City Guide

The food scene is outstanding with famous NYC pizza, bagels, cheesecake, and wide ethnic options. There are many vegetarian and vegan spots. Late-night food is common, especially in popular neighborhoods.

Nightlife includes cocktail bars, breweries, live music venues, dance clubs, and low-key pubs. Popular areas are Williamsburg and Bushwick.

Coffee culture is excellent with many specialty cafes and local roasters. The scene focuses on quality and community.

Tipping is expected for most services in Brooklyn. Standard restaurant tip is 18-20%. Taxis and ride shares get 15-20%. Other services like hairdressers or deliveries tip 15-20%. Bartenders usually get $1-2 per drink.

Buy SIM cards at carrier stores (T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon) and Best Buy. Major providers offer good coverage and eSIM options. You’ll need ID or passport, especially for post-paid plans.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood. Commercial areas are well kept; some residential zones less so. Occasional litter and rodents are typical of a dense city.

Many pharmacies and bodegas are open 24/7. Some urgent care centers have extended hours. Late-night food available in busy areas.

You can find international products easily in big supermarkets and specialty shops. Stores like Key Food, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and Stop & Shop are common. Many open early and close late, some bodegas operate 24/7. Stores don’t expect you to bargain.

Most places accept cards, including stores and eateries. Cash is rarely needed, but handy for small buys or street vendors.

ATMs are easy to find in banks, stores, and malls. Big banks like Chase and Bank of America are common. Out-of-network ATM fees range from $2.50 to $5 plus your bank’s fees.

Brooklyn has many public and private schools. Some private schools like Packer Collegiate and Berkeley Carroll are well known. Most instruction is in English; some offer dual-language programs. Private school admissions are competitive.

Active remote worker groups and meetups mainly via general tech and creative events. Co-working spaces serve as hubs. Community is strong but less specialized than some cities.

Excellent parks and waterfront green spaces. Good shaded walking and running paths in major parks.

Popular routes include Prospect Park and Brooklyn Bridge Park. Generally safe with active running clubs and races.

Gyms range from high-end to budget-friendly, plus specialty fitness studios.

Many public tennis courts in parks. Private clubs also available. Booking and coaching offered, mainly hard courts.

Padel courts are rare but beginning to appear in NYC.

Plenty of yoga studios with many styles. Drop-in and memberships available. Most instructors speak English.

Wide range of martial arts schools offering traditional and modern styles. Drop-in classes common and instructors speak English.

No local ski resorts. Closest are 2-3 hours away in upstate NY or Pennsylvania.

Kayaking and paddleboarding available in local parks. Sailing lessons offered nearby. Rentals seasonal May-September.

Surf spots like Rockaway Beach (45-60 mins away) offer waves for all levels. Best in fall and spring. Water temperature varies by season. Surf schools available in summer.

Diving and snorkeling are not suitable near Brooklyn due to poor water conditions.

Brooklyn has many hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff. Major hospitals include Maimonides Medical Center and NY Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist. Both public and private options offer quality care. Pharmacies like Duane Reade and CVS are widespread and open late.

Tap water is safe to drink, regularly tested, and meets all standards.

Lots of playgrounds and family-friendly cafes. Attractions include Brooklyn Children's Museum, Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Coney Island.

Very inclusive with many LGBTQ+ spaces and events. Strong protections and low discrimination risks.

Pet-friendly with dog runs and many vet clinics. Some housing restrictions and fees apply. Many pet-friendly restaurants and stores.