NYC staycation: Your 3-day guide to Brooklyn’s hidden gems

Morning

Drop your bags at Hilton Brooklyn Downtown, located just a short walk from major subway lines and conveniently positioned for exploring Downtown Brooklyn and the surrounding neighborhoods. Make your way to DUMBO, stopping for a coffee and pastry from a bakery along the way. Wander the cobblestone streets of Vinegar Hill or find a quiet spot on the leafy lawns along the East River. Mornings are ideal for watching the ferries glide by before the crowds arrive.

Afternoon

For a playful pause, take a spin on Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park or browse local boutiques, bookstores, and cafés nearby. If the weather is clear, stroll the Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway and explore the piers, each with its own character, from playgrounds to picnic lawns. If rain or heat sends you indoors, the New York Transit Museum is located just a few blocks from the hotel and provides a fascinating detour with vintage subway cars and interactive exhibits.

Evening

Dinner is a choose-your-own adventure feast. Graze at the lively DeKalb Market Hall in Downtown, Brooklyn, which hosts vendors serving everything from soul food to hand-pulled noodles. Or settle into a neighborhood spot like Aita or Olea for an intimate meal in nearby Clinton Hill. If you’re up for more, the area offers a variety of venues for casual comedy shows and live music — The Bell House and Littlefield in Gowanus are two local favorites. When you’re ready to call it a night, Hilton Brooklyn Downtown is just a short walk or quick subway ride away, offering a restful end to a day of discovery.

Morning

Begin your Saturday with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel’s all-day restaurant, Carne by Allora, before exploring Brooklyn’s hidden-in-plain-sight treasures. Walk charming tree-lined streets in Boerum Hill or Carroll Gardens, leaving plenty of time to stop at indie bookstores like Books Are Magic and vintage shops that capture the borough’s creative spirit. For a dose of local flavor, check out the Carroll Gardens Greenmarket or the roving Fashion, Art and Design (FAD) pop-up market. In Brooklyn, there’s always something new to discover just around the corner.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring Prospect Park’s quieter trails or rent a bike for a loop around the lake. Art lovers can visit the Brooklyn Museum, which is easily accessible by subway from the hotel, or catch a rotating exhibit at a nearby gallery. If rain, heat, or cold keeps you inside, cozy up in a local café or visit a hands-on workshop space like ClayHouse Brooklyn, Powerhouse Arts, or Invictus Bakery for pottery, printmaking, or cake decorating classes.

Evening

For dinner, seek out a neighborhood bistro like Chez Moi or Bar Bête, or try a farm-to-table spot like Sisters or Colonie, where the menu changes with the seasons. Afterward, enjoy live jazz in an 1800's Victorian brownstone in Bed-Stuy at BrownstoneJAZZ, or skip right to dessert in DUMBO to enjoy a sweet treat at Tous Les Jours with skyline views. When the night winds down, your room awaits, offering comfort and calm after a day of local adventures.

Morning

Ease into Sunday with a slow start. Grab coffee and a bagel or opt for a leisurely brunch, then wander toward the waterfront for a peaceful stroll. If you’re in the mood for something different, check out a morning yoga class or browse the beloved Brooklyn Flea under the DUMBO Archway for unique goods to commemorate your staycation. The hotel’s central location means you can linger over brunch or explore a new corner of the borough without worrying about long transfers.

Afternoon

On a sunny day, hop on a ferry to Governors Island for outdoor art installations, food trucks, and picnic lawns with harbor views. Governors Island is open daily year-round, with ferry service from Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 6 on the weekends. If the weather turns, explore downtown Brooklyn’s cultural side, including modern performance halls, niche history museums, and cozy cafés perfect for people-watching.

Evening

As the sun sets, take a final stroll along the waterfront or consider booking a harbor cruise for a new perspective on the city skyline. For a low-key evening, find a cocktail or mocktail bar with a relaxed vibe, or catch a movie at Nitehawk Cinema in Prospect Park or Williamsburg. There’s always another hidden gem to discover in the city that never sleeps.

Until next time!

Three days is just the beginning. Brooklyn’s neighborhoods change with the seasons, so tweak this itinerary for your next staycation and see how the best adventures can be the ones right in your own backyard.