OVERVIEW
Arguably the most gentrified and recognized part of Brooklyn, Williamsburg borders the East River on the West, Bushwick Avenue to the East, Flushing Avenue to the South and Nassau Avenue to the North.
LANDMARKS
The Domino Sugar Factory, a former refinery in the neighborhood, was given landmark status in 2007. The property is now a multi-use development on the waterfront that often houses art exhibits.
Other notable mentions: the Williamsburg Houses, designated a landmark in 2003, were the site of the first large-scale public housing in Brooklyn.
ASTORIA
ART
Originally a haven for artists given its low rent and large spaces, Williamsburg is defined by its thriving arts scene. Specifically, many of the city’s up-and-coming musicians reside and practice in the area. Find them perusing the neighborhood’s most popular music venues (the Knitting Factory, the Music Hall of Williamsburg, and Union Pool) at all times of day.
SHOPPING
Recognized as the hub of “hipster” lifestyle, Williamsburg is packed with record stores, eco-friendly boutiques, and vintage stores. However, following a rapid bout of gentrification, the neighborhood has rather recently become home to bigger chains as well (think J. Crew and Urban Outfitters).
DINING
The restaurant scene in Williamsburg mimics the neighborhood’s demographics: highly varied and susceptible to rapid changes. From authentic Italian restaurants to Kosher-Japanese fusion eateries, each space offers a delectably unique take on a variety of cuisines.
NIGHTLIFE
Kick starting the gentrification of Brooklyn in the past few years, many club owners and promoters chose to move their businesses out of Manhattan and into Williamsburg, a relatively nearby neighborhood. Since then, dance clubs, indie music venues, high-end lounges and luxurious rooftops have taken hold of the area, rendering it the prime nightlife destination in, arguably, all of New York.
Must-visit nightlife spots include the Ides Rooftop at the Wythe Hotel, offering unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, Pete’s Candy Store, an all-in-one bar-and-music venue frequented by locals, and the Knitting Factory, previously in SoHo and Tribeca.
detevi il Ides Rooftop, presso il Wythe Hotel, che offre una vista diretta dello skyline di Manhattan; il Pete’s Candy Store, un bar con sala da musica frequentato dai residenti, e il Knitting Factory, che precedentemente aveva sedi a SoHo e Tribeca.
TRANSPORTATION
The L, J, M, Z and G trains all traverse Williamsburg. The bus lines that make stops in the neighborhood are the B24, B32, B39, B44, B44 SBS, B46, B60, Q54, B43, B48, B62, B67 and Q59. Traveling into and out of Manhattan is also feasible via the Williamsburg Bridge (which crosses the East River and arrives to the Lower East Side) and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.