A Perfect Weekend in Williamsburg

Located in Brooklyn, Williamsburg has a plethora of appealing qualities that attract both residents and visitors alike. In 1898, Brooklyn became one of the five boroughs within the city of Greater New York, with the origins of Williamsburg quickly following. Five years later, the opening of the Williamsburg Bridge in 1903 marked a significant turning point in the area’s history. The community was primarily inhabited by immigrants and artists and is still known for its diverse population today. 

Williamsburg still preserves its 1800s-era landmarks and remnants of its artistic past. Spend the day record shopping, art gazing, or indulging in some must-try New York cuisine. Read on to learn some tips and tricks for spending a perfect weekend in Williamsburg.

1.  Start your morning off with coffee

Get your caffeine fix at one of Williamsburg’s colorful array of coffee shops! This eclectic neighborhood is home to everything from chain stores to independent coffee shops. Devocion is known for its quality coffee, as well as its welcoming ambiance. Located in an industrial brick building, the store was previously utilized as a warehouse in the working waterfront district. The shop has kept the original structure and displays old books, reflecting a piece of Williamsburg history. Check out this quaint neighborhood cafe to grab a cup of joe or admire the history of the building. 

Additionally, Black Brick Coffee is the perfect go-to for avid coffee consumers. With vintage decor and a dimly lit interior, this neighborhood hub makes a great spot to take a date or catch up with a friend. Black Brick Coffee serves Stumptown coffee, as well as an assortment of freshly baked goods. If the weather permits, then consider enjoying your morning coffee on the patio outside. 

Sey Coffee is perhaps one of the most Instagrammable coffee shops in the neighborhood. It is characterized by its airy and spacious interior, with plenty of natural light streaming in from the expansive windows. Filled with luscious hanging plants, this coffee shop is so aesthetically pleasing you can’t help but snap a photo or two. In addition to its light and plant-filled space, Sey offers high-quality coffee and pastries.

You’ll also love the ambiance at Ceremonia Bake Shop, a quaint and bright coffee shop that serves up every type of coffee imaginable, from Americano to cold brew. If you’re in the mood for tea, Ceremonia has you covered with chai, earl grey, green tea, and even matcha on the menu. Meet friends here for brunch and enjoy some delicious avocado toast with chili olive oil and toasted seeds, or a tasty granola bowl filled with Greek yogurt, house-made granola, passionfruit sauce, toasted coconut, and seasonal berries.

2.  Spend the afternoon browsing a bookstores

Brooklyn is home to over 20 bookstores, including a handful in Williamsburg. Whether you prefer cozy, hole-in-the-wall shops or big, spacious stores, you can find all of that – and plenty more – here. Step inside Book Thug Nation, where you will find a small, one-room bookstore packed with books. The shop, which was originally opened by three sidewalk booksellers, prioritizes the buying and selling of classical fiction, award-winning books, and literary fiction. If you’re unable to find what you’re looking for or have a question, the attentive staff members are happy to provide assistance. 

Quimby’s Books is another spot that is worth checking out. This store, nestled in the heart of Williamsburg, specializes in zines, small press books, and unique artist gifts. The walls are lined with extraordinary pieces of art, all thoughtfully selected by a talented proprietor. From the black-and-white checkered floors to the luscious hanging plants, Quimby’s Books is one of the neighborhood's most unique bookstores. 

3.  Eat to your heart’s content 

Regardless of what you’re in the mood for, Williamsburg has something to satisfy your every craving. For a special dinner out, book a table at Lilia. Lilia brings the best of Italy to Williamsburg by offering wood-fired seafood, hand-crafted pasta, and classic Italian cocktails. And in addition to incredible dishes, this upscale eatery is famous for its warm hospitality and welcoming ambiance. To complement your meal, consider ordering a glass (or bottle) of vino from the extensive wine list. 

If you prefer a more low-key dining option, then swing by Lilia Caffe. This authentic Italian cafe is ready to fix you up with a morning espresso or cappuccino or, if you’re hungry, a pastry and sandwich. Later in the evening, you can drop by for aperitivi and other late-night snacks to satisfy your cravings. 

4.  Shop until you drop 

Is shopping your guilty pleasure? If the answer is yes, then you’ll be sure to love all that’s waiting for you in Williamsburg. Williamsburg is known for its robust shopping scene, as well as being home to the famous Grand Street. 

Spice up your wardrobe at Bird, the neighborhood's premier fashion destination since 1999. Here, you can discover emerging and established independent designer collections from nearly every corner of the globe. Colors, prints, and timeless pieces are some of what you can expect here. This Brooklyn-based shop is proud to promote strong eco-conscious ideals by constantly upholding strict sustainability and green-building standards.

5.  Get lost in record or comic stores

If you’re a comic book enthusiast, then we’ve got just the place in store for you. Desert Island has garnered a reputation as a quirky, upbeat store that carries comic books, magazines, graphic novels, and artwork from indie artists. The store focuses on underground and alternative comics, as well as independent and self-published comics. Desert Island also hosts the annual Comic Arts Brooklyn, along with the Pratt Institute. This free festival showcases the talented work of comic artists, illustrators, and publishers, drawing in thousands of guests across the city and state. 

Meanwhile, if record stores are more your jam, then there’s plenty of places for you to browse. For instance, Blue Sun Record Store is a small, but focused, store stocking all genres of music. Established in 2017, it’s easy to spend an hour browsing here. With so much to offer, you’re bound to end up with something good.

6.  Enjoy the sunshine at a neighborhood park 

There’s little that’s as refreshing as spending time outdoors connecting with nature. Now that fall has arrived and the colors are in full swing, it’s the perfect time to make plans outdoors. Grand Ferry Park is an example of a great way to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It once served as a ferry landing that served the blossoming population of Williamsburg. In fact, the park received its name for the 19th century Grand Street Ferry that once transported passengers and goods across the East River to Manhattan. This tranquil park is located along the water and offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline in the distance. In addition to scenic views, visitors can also take advantage of a paved walking path. Be sure to stop and admire the native vegetation that exists here, such as the trees, shrubs, and perennials.

Meanwhile, McCarren Park provides another green space for residents to enjoy some much-needed time outdoors. This expansive neighborhood park is a cherished staple of the Williamsburg community. Spread over 35 acres, McCarren Park is the site of endless games of soccer, bocce, basketball, football, and tennis - as well as plenty of other spots. Children can enjoy a fun afternoon on the playground and families can enjoy grilling in the barbecue areas. Needless to say, there’s endless fun and adventures to be had here!

7.  Stroll through an art gallery

Williamsburg is full of artists, so it only stands to reason that the neighborhood is also full of art galleries. There’s a good chance that you can find gallery spaces on nearly every block, including everything from independent galleries to fine art galleries. What better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon than strolling through an art gallery and admiring the work of talented artists?

Be sure to check out Pierogi, which has been a part of Williamsburg since it was founded in 1994. This sleek gallery features the work of emerging and mid-career artists in an eclectic range of media. While here, make a point to stop by The Flat Files, an important element of the gallery. The exhibit, which features the original work of more than 750 artists, has been showcased in a handful of cities around the globe, including London and Los Angeles. 

After spending some time at Pierogi, consider checking out The Carrie Able Gallery. Well-esteemed in the Williamsburg art scene, this gallery first opened its doors in 2016. It showcases the work of the renowned multidisciplinary artist, Carrie Able, who is amongst one of the most exciting emerging and established visual artists. You can look forward to fine art exhibitions, educational resources, live performances, and experimental curatorial projects. 

If you want to explore Williamsburg real estate, contact Travis Pham today. As an expert in homes for sale in Williamsburg, Travis and his team are equipped to guide you through the home buying process. Whether you’re looking for your vacation spot or your forever home, this talented team is ready to help you find your dream home.