Brooklyn Districts & Neighbourhoods

Prospect Park, the eponymous district that encompasses the popular green space, is a district within Brooklyn that is revered for its characteristic, historic architecture that ranges from Romanesque Revival to Neo-Federal. But the main draw to this area is the actual park. While it is no Central Park, at 585 acres, it's no slouch either--in fact, it was designed by the same developers. The park is used for outdoor concerts and festivals and has its own set of special attractions.

Coney Island, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, is home to the first and longest running urban amusement park in America. The very first rollercoaster, the world famous Cyclone, was also built and featured here. Coney Island features amusement rides, an original 10-in-one circus sideshow and a museum with artifacts illustrating Coney Island's lengthy history dating back to the 1880s.

Established in 1636, this Brooklyn neighborhood has the distinction of being the only parcel of land in New York that offers a full frontal view of the famed Statue of Liberty. The proximity to the East River provides a variety of shipping services, including dry docks. In recent years, residential developments have been increasing steadily, and an enormous IKEA outlet opened in 2008.

The district of Greenwood and New Utrecht is an eclectic area within the borough of Brooklyn. The area is further delineated into a series of neighborhoods, such as Sunset Park, known as Brooklyn's Chinatown and little Puerto Rico, Kensington, an up-and-coming region with hot restaurants and shops, and Borough Park, the largest Chasidic Jewish Community in New York City. Other histories represented in this melting pot borough include Arab, Russian, Korean, Mexican, Eastern European, Irish, Italian and Norwegian spread through the neighborhoods of Bensonhurst and Bay Ridge.

Historic Fort Green offers African, Caribbean, and African-American restaurants, shops, and arts.

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, this dynamic community has overcome its once gritty reputation and emerged as one of Brooklyn's most sought after neighborhoods. The childhood home to such celebrities as Chris Rock, Mos Def and activist Hattie Carthan, the rows of brownstone homes create a feeling of community as people relax on their stoops, chatting with their neighbors. Eclectic markets and funky coffee shops have opened in recent years, and a variety of reasonably priced restaurants offer a unique mix of ethnic specialties.

An acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, Dumbo is a lively district within Brooklyn, New York. Once characterized by manufacturing warehouses, the area attracted artists in search for large spaces at an economical price. It is said the area was called Dumbo by locals to deter developers, but the area has inevitably faced some gentrification due to its proximity to Manhattan. However, historic elements have been left intact and the neighborhood has become a premier arts district with numerous galleries. Eateries of interest are also finding their way here in droves.

This upscale area of Brooklyn is home to a wealth of restaurants and lively outdoor markets and features a thriving creative community, including Broadway celebrities. Beautifully restored brownstones line the streets and it is also walking distance to the famed Brooklyn Museum.

Situated within Brooklyn, Cobble Hill is a historic district characterized by big, brick brownstones. Once an Italian neighborhood, this popular place is now filled with a variety of restaurants, bars and designer boutiques. Look for Bookcourt, a well-known and loved bookshop. Staubitz Market is located here too, a famous butchers that opened in 1917. There is also a popular green park for picnics or people watching.

This Mecca for artists and newcomers to New York is also home to thriving Hasidic, Italian, and Hispanic communities. Sprawling loft apartments are home to creative collectives and independent musicians working on their craft. The area also boasts an eclectic mix of pubs and restaurants in addition to galleries and ethnic markets.