A Days Activities in Greenpoint, Brooklyn

At the uppermost Northern edge of Brooklyn, you'll find the quaint neighborhood of Greenpoint, where quiet streets are dotted with restaurants, bars, thrift shops and cafes. Explore this hip, yet relaxed neighborhood to discover hidden gems and well-established watering holes. Here's our roundup of a full day of activities to see what Greenpoint is all about. 

Start off strong with a signature coffee 

Head to Sweetleaf Coffee Roasters before doing anything else. Their coffee is hands-down the best brew I've had in New York City, and the eclectic, brick-laden walls make for the perfect spot to read a book or catch up with a friend. I recommend either Rocket Fuel (cold brew, chicory, Vermont maple syrup) for a serious caffeine boost or the Voodoo Child (Vietnamese cold brew with sweet cream) if you're feeling sweet. 

Picnic at McCarren Park

On any given day, you'll find McCarren Park bustling with activity—whether it's baseball games, outdoor comedy shows or family barbeques there's never a shortage of top-notch people-watching. Bring a blanket, some pastries and have your own picnic spread at this lovely Brooklynite hotspot. 

Grab a signature Polish snack

While you're in Greenpoint, it's a mere obligation to grab some classic Polish food. The neighborhood is home to a large Polish-American community, so you can find an authentic pierogi just around the corner. We recommend Polka Dot, Pyza, or Krolewskie Jadlo.

Shop through the streets

From unique home goods stores stocked up with disco balls and vintage furniture to curated thrift shops like Awoke Vintage or Beacon's Closet, there's plenty of eclectic boutiques for you to meander through in Greenpoint. Unlike other shopping destinations like SoHo or Williamsburg, Greenpoint is fairly calm, so you won't need to elbow through hordes of people to snag a blouse. 

Eat a delicious dinner

There's no better way to end the day than with some bites at a local Greenpoint eatery. Whether you're craving Thai, Polish, Vietnamese or a vegan meal, you can find the dish of your dreams in this neighborhood. We highly recommend Di and Di's modern Vietnamese food—the outdoor seating is always packed for good reason. Their caramel braised pork belly, fried fish sausage bowl, and egg noodles are all worth writing home about. 

Catch the sunset at WNYC Transmitter Park 

Before the day is done, head to the small waterside WNYC Transmitter park for a glorious sunset over the Manhattan skyline. Unlike other waterfront parks, this one isn't jam-packed, so you'll be able to find a bench and enjoy the stunning view as dusk settles in. 

Photo by Bryan G. on Unsplash