The 4 Best Things to Do After Walking Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Sure, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn, NY is an activity in itself—but don't just stick around long enough to snap a picture of the New York City skyline. From indulging at some of the borough's finest eateries to exploring DUMBO and nearby Brooklyn Heights, you'll find a whole day's worth of activities in the area. Here are the four best things to do in DUMBO after walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Eat at a World-Famous Pizzeria

Grimaldi's is arguably Brooklyn's most famous pizzeria, serving up slices straight out of coal-fired brick ovens since Patsy Grimaldi opened up shop in 1990. Continuously named one of the best pizza places in the country, the line here can get quite hairy; be prepared to wait as they do not take reservations. Too hungry to wait? Head to Juliana's Pizza, which Grimaldi opened in 2012—coincidentally it's located at the original site of his better-known pizzeria, as Grimaldi's moved next door in 2011.

There's more to DUMBO than pizza, though. There are great restaurants throughout the neighborhood, as well as a few inexpensive, fun dive bars. When you need something sweet, head to Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory for scoops of classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and butter pecan. For treats to take home, grab a few fancy, handmade chocolates at Jacques Torres.

Relax in a Waterside Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is a gorgeous 85-acre space that overlooks Manhattan. Running 1.3 miles along the East River, the park boasts grassy lawns, gardens, a beach, playing fields (including basketball and bocce courts), a roller rink, and more.

The park hosts loads of events throughout the year, particularly in the summer. From kayaking and yoga to stargazing and theatre, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Take a Cultural Trip

Located in the historic Tobacco Warehouse in Brooklyn Bridge Park, St. Ann's Warehouse is a performing arts venue best-known for its diverse selection of stage productions and concerts. The current lineup of shows includes "Hamlet" and the multiple award-winning "The Jungle." You can see the full schedule of events (and buy your tickets) on the St. Ann's Warehouse website.

Fans of classical music should head to Bargemusic, a coffee-barge-turned-floating-concert-hall underneath the Brooklyn Bridge. Listen to the music of famous composers such as Beethoven, Bach, and Handel, with general admission tickets starting at $35.

Explore Some of Brooklyn's Most Beautiful Neighborhoods

Check out DUMBO, a quirky, artsy, historic Brooklyn neighborhood between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, near historic Fulton Street (in case you're wondering what "DUMBO" means, it's an acronym that stands for "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass"). Once an industrial area, it's now one of Brooklyn's trendiest locations, with multi-million dollar high-rise apartments overlooking Manhattan.

Featuring 80 vendors, DUMBO's Brooklyn Flea market offers up vintage clothing, furniture, antiques, and local arts, crafts, and jewelry. It's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays from April to October. Afterwards, hit up the Brooklyn Roasting Company for fair trade coffee, blends, and espresso.

Head west to Brooklyn Heights for more stunning views of lower Manhattan on the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. Afterwards, visit the New York Transit Museum, located inside the former Court Street subway station. Here you can learn about the history of the city's subway system; see vintage train cars and buses; peruse bus, subway, and railway memorabilia; and more.

To the east of DUMBO is Vinegar Hill, a quaint and charming neighborhood dotted with Greek Revival row houses. Shop for Japanese antiques at Shibui, and book a table at New American restaurant Vinegar Hill House for dinner.

How to Get From Brooklyn to Manhattan

You could always take the bridge back, but if you're tired of walking, you've got a few alternative options. In the summer, you can hop the ferry back to Manhattan (or Long Island City if you want to get a taste of Queens). Prefer to take the subway? Pick up the A/C train at High Street, the 2/3 train at Clark Street, or the F train at York Street. Because the subways are a quarter of a mile from Brooklyn Bridge Park, consider ordering a Lyft, Uber, or taxi if you have limited mobility.