Brooklyn for the Best Views of New York City Words and pictures by Gloria Jones

So this was my third time in New York. The first was when I was about 20 years old, with my friend Julia snapping images of the two of us at the top of the Twin Towers. The second with my mother and daughter at the Waldorf, doing lots of shopping. Then this time staying in Brooklyn, or more specifically the Williamsburg area, where as much as I like the constant energy on the streets of Manhattan,

I have to admit I really enjoyed the completely different vibe. Williamsburg is a charming neighbourhood. More joggers and dog walkers, more Americans who live here rather than tourists who visit. It sits directly across the East River from Manhattan and offers impressive views of the New York sky-line.

The Marsha P. Johnson State Park is the best place from which to take photos. Named after an African-American drag artist and activist, whose work in the 1960s and 70s had a profound impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Johnson famously said the “P” stood for “Pay it no mind” and showed remarkable courage at a time when homosexuality was classified as a mental illness in the US and gay people were regularly threatened and attacked by the police. Today seeing a park named in this activist’s honour shows how far attitudes have changed.

The Brooklyn neighbourhood is home to Domino Park, built on the site of the former Domino Sugar refinery and also to the Dumbo waterfront bridge. This is a very popular spot for photographers and, on the Saturday we visited, a charming vintage market.

Another great place to go vintage shopping is Bedford Street, Williamsburg where you’ll find plenty of interesting vintage clothes and vinyl stores. Shop owners regularly asked us where we were from, as they don’t hear that many British accents in this part of New York.

Yes, the streets of Brooklyn, and Williamsburg are full of creative energy. With colourful murals and vibrant street art, particularly around North 6th Street, Williamsburg also has a multitude of great places to eat with the generous portions America is known for – I would advise sharing!

Major crime in the area has fallen by more than 70% since its peak in the early 1990s, when gangs and drugs were rife on the streets. House prices per square foot are significantly higher than the New York Average, and today Williamsburg is no longer a cheaper alternative to Manhattan but one of the city’s most expensive places to live.

It has transformed dramatically, with its independent businesses, lively nightlife and thriving young, hipster community to one of New York’s most fashionable neighbourhoods – well worth a visit!