Brooklyn is one of those places where every neighborhood feels like its own little world. You can spend a morning in the cobblestone streets of DUMBO, grab lunch in the brownstone-lined blocks of Park Slope, and end the day watching the sun go down over the water in Bay Ridge. The only problem is that getting between all of these places on the subway is not always straightforward.
Having a car changes everything. Here is a neighborhood by neighborhood guide to getting around Brooklyn and what is worth seeing when you get there.
DUMBO
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is one of Brooklyn’s most photogenic neighborhoods and a must-visit for anyone exploring the borough. The cobblestone streets, converted warehouses, and iconic views of the Manhattan Bridge framed between the red brick buildings make it one of the most photographed spots in New York City.
Brooklyn Bridge Park runs along the waterfront here and is free to visit. It is one of the best spots in the city for skyline views, especially at sunset. Parking in DUMBO can be tight on weekends so arriving early or on a weekday makes a big difference.
Best for: photography, waterfront walks, coffee shops, and galleries.
Williamsburg
Williamsburg is Brooklyn’s most well-known neighborhood and for good reason. It is packed with restaurants, bars, live music venues, street art, and independent boutiques. The waterfront area along the East River has some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline you will find anywhere in the borough.
The neighborhood is easy to drive to from most parts of Brooklyn but street parking can be competitive. If you are planning to spend a few hours here, look for a parking garage near Bedford Avenue and you will be set for the day.
Best for: food, nightlife, street art, and shopping.
Park Slope
Park Slope has a quieter, more residential feel compared to Williamsburg or DUMBO but that is exactly what makes it great. The tree-lined streets are beautiful to drive through, and the neighborhood borders Prospect Park, one of the best parks in New York City.
Prospect Park is 585 acres of open space with walking trails, a boathouse, a zoo, and open lawns perfect for a picnic. The Brooklyn Botanic Garden is right next door and is especially stunning in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. Street parking around the park is much more available here than in north Brooklyn.
Best for: families, nature, weekend strolls, and local restaurants.
Coney Island
Coney Island is one of Brooklyn’s most iconic destinations and a completely different experience from the rest of the borough. The boardwalk stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, and Luna Park brings the classic amusement park energy that has made this neighborhood famous for over a century. The New York Aquarium is also here and is a great option for families.
Getting to Coney Island by car is straightforward and parking is generally easier here than in north Brooklyn. It is one of the few parts of Brooklyn where driving is genuinely more convenient than the subway, especially if you are coming from another borough.
Best for: beach days, amusement parks, families, and summer weekends.
Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge is one of Brooklyn’s most underrated neighborhoods. It sits at the southwestern tip of the borough with waterfront views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and Staten Island. Shore Road Park runs along the water and is one of the most scenic drives in all of New York City.
The neighborhood has a strong local restaurant scene, a walkable main strip on Fifth Avenue, and a genuine neighborhood feel that is harder to find in more touristy parts of Brooklyn. Parking here is generally easy and the drive along the waterfront is worth it on its own.
Best for: scenic drives, local dining, waterfront walks, and a quieter Brooklyn experience.
Crown Heights and Bed-Stuy
Crown Heights and Bedford-Stuyvesant are two of Brooklyn’s most historically rich neighborhoods. Both are known for their stunning brownstone architecture, vibrant street life, and deep cultural roots. The King of NY Biggie Mural in Bed-Stuy is a landmark for anyone who grew up listening to Brooklyn’s most famous rapper.
These neighborhoods are also home to a growing restaurant and bar scene that locals have been enjoying for years before the rest of the city caught on. Having a car makes it easy to explore both neighborhoods in a single afternoon since they sit right next to each other.
Best for: history, culture, architecture, and local food.
Green-Wood Cemetery and Sunset Park
It might sound like an unusual suggestion but Green-Wood Cemetery is one of Brooklyn’s most beautiful and peaceful spots. The 478-acre grounds are home to stunning Victorian landscapes, historic monuments, and some of the best elevated views in the borough. It is a National Historic Landmark and genuinely worth an afternoon.
Right next to it, Sunset Park sits on a hill with panoramic views across New York Harbor. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant street life and diverse food scene, particularly along 8th Avenue where you will find some of the best Chinese and Latin food in Brooklyn.
Best for: history buffs, peaceful walks, scenic views, and adventurous eaters.
Getting around Brooklyn is easier with a car
Brooklyn is a big borough and the subway does not always connect the neighborhoods as smoothly as you would hope. Having your own car means you can move between DUMBO and Coney Island, Park Slope and Bay Ridge, or Williamsburg and Bed-Stuy without planning around train schedules or waiting for connections.
At The Executive Rental we offer affordable economy vehicles starting at $55 a day, perfect for a full day of exploring Brooklyn or any of the five boroughs. Whether you are a visitor seeing the borough for the first time or a local who just needs a car for the weekend, we have you covered.