Parking and Where to Stay
Street parking in Brooklyn Heights is generally free on Sundays, although you should always check the posted signs. On other days, I typically park at the SP+ parking garage on Cadman Plaza.
Across the street from the garage are several nice public parks where you can sit and relax. On the other side of the parks is the New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge. If you are spending the night, this is a great place to stay. The location is convenient, and the hotel also has a very good bar and restaurant.
Walk Along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade
One of my favorite things to do in Brooklyn Heights is walk along the Promenade. It is a peaceful walk with beautiful views of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty, and the Manhattan skyline.
I usually walk to the end of the Promenade, head down the stairs, and follow the waterfront path toward the ferry dock in DUMBO. Along the way, I always stop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge. They have a ground-level café serving coffee and other drinks, including alcoholic beverages.
The hotel also has a rooftop with incredible views. Access can vary depending on the day and whether there is a private event, but it is a fun place to visit when it is open to the public.
Sunsets from the Promenade are especially beautiful. Try to catch one if you have the opportunity.
Montague Street
Another great part of Brooklyn Heights is Montague Street. It is a lively neighborhood street filled with shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars.
L’Appartement 4F is a great stop for coffee and amazing pastries. Lassen & Hennigs is a neighborhood deli and bakery that makes excellent sandwiches. You can also stop at the Custom House for a drink.
My favorite place for dinner is Dellarocco’s Brick Oven Pizza. The staff is friendly, the pizza and other menu items are delicious, and they also make great drinks.
Wander Through the Neighborhood
Take some time to wander through the blocks between Henry Street and the Promenade. This is where you will find many of the beautiful brownstone homes that make Brooklyn Heights so special. It is a quiet and picturesque area that feels very different from the busier parts of New York City.
Clark’s Restaurant is a great choice for breakfast, while Iron Chef House is one of my favorite places for lunch or dinner. It is a small restaurant, but if you can get a seat, you will find some of the friendliest service, very reasonable prices for New York City, and consistently delicious food.
Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
When the weather is nice, I also recommend walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. You will get amazing views of the harbor, Brooklyn, and the Manhattan skyline.
You do not necessarily need to walk the entire way into Manhattan. I usually recommend walking about halfway across, taking in the views, and then heading back toward Brooklyn. This lets you enjoy the best part of the experience without having to deal with the busier Manhattan side.