Brooklyn New York: DUMBO, Williamsburg & the Bridge

Brooklyn — New York's most populous borough and its coolest — has its own distinct identity, distinct from Manhattan in pace, price and culture. From the cobblestones of DUMBO under the iconic bridge to the craft beer bars of Williamsburg and the brownstone tree-lines of Park Slope, Brooklyn is where contemporary New York actually lives.

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass)

The most photographed neighbourhood in Brooklyn — and possibly New York. The gap between the Manhattan Bridge's enormous stone arches frames the Empire State Building perfectly from Washington Street. The neighbourhood hosts galleries, boutiques, Grimaldi's Pizza (coal-fired, the debate continues) and Juliana's next door. The Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront has Manhattan views that no rooftop bar can match.

Williamsburg

The original hipster neighbourhood, now thoroughly gentrified but still full of energy. The Bedford Avenue corridor concentrates independent record shops, vintage clothing, coffee roasters and bars. The Brooklyn Brewery has tours and a taproom. The Sunday Smorgasburg outdoor food market (April-October) is the best food market in New York.

Park Slope & Prospect Park

Prospect Park — Olmsted and Vaux's masterpiece, designed after Central Park and considered by both designers their better work. Brooklyn Museum (world-class, never as crowded as the Met).