Family Vacation

9 Things To Do In Brooklyn NYC In May 2023

Brooklyn has some of the very best cafes and parks in all of NYC. (Photo By: Selvon Ramsawak)
Brooklyn has some of the very best cafes and parks in all of NYC. (Photo By: Selvon Ramsawak)( Source : instagram )

Things to do in Brooklyn in May include visiting Brooklyn Botanic Garden and touring Dumbo. Brooklyn in May is filled with cherry blossoms.

Away from the rush of Manhattan, Brooklyn is a much calmer place with much more relaxed vibes. If you are visiting the city for the first time or already live there, you are sure to find new things to keep you occupied here.

Late spring and early summer in Brooklyn have a lot to offer, from museums to street art and drool-worthy food. Once you cross the bridge, there is no shortage of things to do and entertainment.

With a historical neighborhood and significant architecture, Brooklyn offers a wider variety of bars, restaurants, and spots to see the skyline.

Whether you are visiting Coney Island or finding peace at the Botanic Garden, there is just so much to do in this city that you will need help planning the itinerary.

Here is a list of the best things to do this May in Brooklyn.

1. Spend A Day At Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Top things to do in Brooklyn include Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The best time to visit this urban garden is May.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a must see during May. (Photo By: Michael Stewart)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a must see during May. (Photo By: Michael Stewart)( Source : instagram )

Although it is open all year round, the hours will vary seasonally. Located in the heart of the Brook, this 52-acre of flora heaven is filled with over 18000 gorgeous plants such as Forsythia, Japanese flowering cherries, and magnolia.

Lilacs, bluebells, and peonies are some beautiful plants that bloom in late April through May and early June.

They also offer various kinds of tours and exhibits. Trees of Little Caribbean, Weekends in Bloom, Seasonal Highlights Tour, Family Discovery Weekends, and Spring Family Story Time are some of them.

2. Walk Along the Brooklyn Bridge

Cool things to do in Brooklyn is to walk along the Brooklyn Bridge. It is definitely a bucket list item for many who visit New York City.

Visit the Brooklyn Bridge early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds. (Photo By: Yakov loeffler)
Visit the Brooklyn Bridge early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid crowds. (Photo By: Yakov loeffler)( Source : instagram )

Take your time and admire the captivating views of the NYC skyline. The Empire State Building, the Manhattan Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, The Williamsburg Bridge, and Lower Manhattan are some iconic structures you can see from the bridge.

If you want to avoid the crowds of commuters and cyclists, walk either early in the dawn or later in the dusk.

You could also take a guided 2-hour walking tour. It is a great option for families and friends.

3. Visit The Iconic Parks Of The City

Things to do in Brooklyn NYC include spending some time at its iconic parks. Relax and unwind in nature if you feel stressed by the busy and hectic city.

Everyone has a favorite lawn at Brooklyn Bridge Park. (Photo By: @kingy27nyc)
Everyone has a favorite lawn at Brooklyn Bridge Park. (Photo By: @kingy27nyc)( Source : instagram )

Brooklyn Bridge Park is an iconic 85-acre sustainable space along the East River shoreline. It has many amenities, including Pebble Beach, sports fields, basketball courts, concessions, boat launches, Jane's Carousel, and a fishing station.

If you are looking for some nature in Downtown Brooklyn, Cadman Plaza Park, is the place to go. It is the perfect spot for teen and couple for picnics and hanging out.

Prospect Park, a 585-acre green park, is perfect for Spring/Summer hangouts and picnics. It also contains a zoo, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and the Audubon Center. A hub for families and nature lovers, one can also go bird-watching here.

They are one of the most budget-friendly vacation spots for families in 2023.

4. Eat At DeKalb Market Hall

Fun things to do in Brooklyn today during Spring is going to DeKalb Market Hall. The vast indoor market has over 30 vendor stalls and many more food choices.

DeKalb Market Hall's new addition Essex Squeeze has all the healthy options.
DeKalb Market Hall's new addition Essex Squeeze has all the healthy options.( Source : instagram )

There are plenty of places to eat in the city. However, there is no place like the DeKalb Market Hall. It serves a variety of international cuisines, and it is vegetarian-friendly with gluten-free and vegan options. There is something for everyone here.

If you want some cabaret, The Underground Cabaret here is the place to go. The shows there feature a variety of acts, such as circus stars, burlesque performers, and flying aerialists.

5. Take A Slice Of Brooklyn Pizza And Bagel

Brooklyn is heaven for people who love carbs. With a wide variety of pizzas and bagels, the city also offers some fusions.

Take a slice of Brooklyn's very best pizza at Savelli.
Take a slice of Brooklyn's very best pizza at Savelli.( Source : instagram )

If there is one thing New Yorkers take seriously, it is their carbs, as pizzas and bagels are the holy grail of NYC cuisine. Bagel Pub and La Bagel Delight are beloved places to go for bagels.

Go to Grimaldi's, which is under the Brooklyn Bridge, and L&B Spumoni Gardens for pizzas and Sicilian-style pies. If you want something more modern, Artichoke Bassille's Pizza is the go-to.

If you love eating around the city, Time Out Market New York, Clinton Street Baking Co., Fornino, Jacob's Pickles, and Sugar Hill Creamery are some of the amazing eateries.

6. Shop At Brooklyn Flea

What to see in Brooklyn when you have visited all the iconic and touristy places?

Brooklyn Flea might not be your first or even second choice to go to. However, it is one of the best places to shop at. It has everything you think you want and more. It runs from April to November, so mark your calendars for the weekends.

Shop for the best vintage and handmade stuff at Brooklyn Flea.
Shop for the best vintage and handmade stuff at Brooklyn Flea.( Source : instagram )

Brooklyn Flea has all types of sellers with amusing wares, and you will be shocked at how fantastic the selection here is. If you are not free during the weekdays going on Sundays would be great too.

Everyone knows that NYC has some of the best thrift shops, so do not miss out on the hidden gems such as antique furniture, artwork, and jewelry you can get at a bargain.

7. Spend An Evening At Williamsburg

Things to do in Williamsburg Brooklyn list contains visiting rooftop bars and award-winning restaurants. The neighborhood has a young vibe and is perfect for an evening out.

Williamsburg during the spring season is a very positive energy.
Williamsburg during the spring season is a very positive energy.( Source : instagram )

Williamsburg is a good place to visit at any time of the day. However, the bars and clubs come alive with college graduates, hipsters, and local artists at night.

This place also has some amazing thrift places for that retail therapy. Try some New York coffee at the cute cafes.

Also, go to the Williamsburg Savings Bank Tower, an admirable skyscraper from the 1920s.

If you choose to stay in the neighborhood, there are a number of hotels and rental homes to choose from.

8. Take A Tour Of Dumbo

What to do in Dumbo Brooklyn? Dumbo is an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.

Dumbo never fails in terms of restaurants and entertainment.
Dumbo never fails in terms of restaurants and entertainment.( Source : instagram )

This Brooklyn neighborhood is filled with cute restaurants,k flea markets, boutiques, and loads of bars. Make sure to take a shot of the iconic Manhattan Bridge from here, as it has the best view of the bridge.

Go to Jane's Carousel for a ride and have some fun with your family. If you are looking for some scrumptious dinner, Atrium Dumbo is the place to go. Juliana's is known for their iconic pizzas, and Westville is the one to go for fantastic lunch.

A totally different vibe; this is Brooklyn's most Instagrammable area.

9. Admire Art At Brooklyn Museum

Unique things to do in Brooklyn must surely include Brooklyn Museum. One of the exclusive art institutions in the world, it is a must-go place.

It is home to a delightfully diverse array and many traveling exhibitions. Brooklyn Museum will keep you entertained for an afternoon with its ancient Asian, Egyptian, and Islamic collections of artwork and sculptures.

The museum is a dedicated art space that showcases a unique degree of ancient and contemporary art. 

It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Do not forget to visit the gift shop for some prints, home decor, and literature.