I live on the Upper West Side, and my husband and I have this little weekend ritual of exploring different neighborhoods in the city. I love that feeling of being a tourist in my own city—it never gets old.

Last weekend, we spent a few hours in Bushwick Brooklyn, and I haven’t felt so young and hip in a long time. Jokes aside, it was really fun. The neighborhood has a distinctive, slightly gritty vibe: industrial buildings sit alongside trendy lofts, and unlike Manhattan, you can actually see the skyline. Whether you’re visiting NYC for a few days or haven’t been to Bushwick in a while, I definitely recommend checking it out. You can easily spend a full day there—or just a few hours like we did.

Here’s how our little excursion went:

Coffee First: Sey Cafe

I tend to plan trips around coffee spots, and Bushwick was no exception. We took the L train from 14th St/6th Ave and got off at Morgan St. Station. A few minutes’ walk away is Sey Cafe—I loved this spot! Good coffee, chill vibes, and just a short walk from some of Bushwick’s best thrift shops. 

Tip: Their coffees are seasonally sourced and delicately roasted, and you can even get them delivered to your door with their subscription.

Thrift Finds: L Train Vintage

If you love thrifting, Bushwick is a total “thrift store heaven,” thanks to all its vintage and secondhand shops. It wasn’t on our radar, but when we walked past L Train Vintage, I remembered my daughter had been there recently and was blown away—so we went in. Even if thrifting isn’t your thing, it’s worth a peek just to see the variety—T-shirts, coats, bags, you name it. If you plan to shop, give yourself plenty of time—it’s massive.

Street Art: Bushwick Collective

The Bushwick Collective is one of the main attractions in Bushwick Brooklyn. This open-air street art gallery was founded in 2012 by local Joe Ficalora, who turned his grief after losing both parents into action by inviting artists from around the world to transform the neighborhood’s blank walls. Today, it’s a global hotspot for murals. The heart of the Collective is at Troutman Street and St. Nicholas Avenue. We explored on our own, though guided tours are available for those interested in the stories behind the art.

Brewery Surprise: Kings County Brewers Collective (KCBC)

While wandering Troutman Street, we stumbled on KCBC. Did you know Bushwick was once Brooklyn’s beer hub? Prohibition and closures wiped it out, but KCBC revived the tradition as the neighborhood’s first brewery in over 40 years. Everything is brewed on-site, and the taproom serves a rotating lineup of beers, wine, cider, and non-alcoholic options. The vibe was amazing—families, friends, kids, all enjoying the street closure and pop-up food. A fun mix of locals and visitors who just happened to be in the area.

Other Food & Drink Spots:

• Lunch: Roberta’s for wood-fired pizza (sitting outside is a must on nice days). Other options that I like: Bunna Cafe (vegan Ethiopian), Eyval (Persian), Ops (Italian).
  
• Coffee Break: Nook—perfect for mural breaks, laptop time, sandwiches, and craft beer in the evening.

Where to Stay in Brooklyn:

If you’re visiting or want a little “staycation” in your city, I love these spots (and booking through me comes with perks at no extra cost):

• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge: Dumbo waterfront location with skyline and East River views. Industrial-chic rooms with floor-to-ceiling glass and reclaimed wood.
  
• Wythe Boutique Hotel: Housed in a 120-year-old preserved building in Williamsburg with sweeping Manhattan skyline views. The rooftop bar and Le Crocodile restaurant are highly praised.

Bottom line:

A few hours in Bushwick Brooklyn will leave you feeling charged up, and maybe just a little cooler than when you arrived…

If you love exploring cities as much as I do, check out my posts on our family trip to London and my time in Madrid.