City Guide
Brooklyn, New York
Five places earn a spot on the Brooklyn itinerary. Start at Le Boudoir, a cocktail bar built into the world's oldest subway tunnel where the decor is pure French royal excess.
At a glance: 5 place guides, vibes that skew hidden gem and historic.
Editorial index last updated
Our picks in Brooklyn
Ranked. Start at the top and work down as far as your weekend allows.
- 1
Le Boudoir: A Rococo Speakeasy in an Abandoned Subway Tunnel
Gilded furniture and rococo details sit inside a chamber of a forgotten transit tunnel. You drink cocktails where the subway used to run.
- 2
Sunshine Laundromat: Brooklyn's Secret Pinball Speakeasy
Walk past the rows of active washing machines and push through a stack of dryers to find a backroom bar. It holds a massive collection of pinball tables you can actually play.
- 3
New York Transit Museum: A Journey Through Subway History
Step into a decommissioned station to walk through subway cars from every decade. The wicker seats and vintage ads tell the story of how the city moved before you arrived.
- 4
Brooklyn Superhero Supply Co.: Gear Up for Justice or Mischief
A storefront selling capes and bottled gravity that hides a writing center behind a trick bookshelf. Every purchase of a secret identity supports local student programs.
- 5
Brooklyn Botanic Garden: From Stinky Blooms to Ancient Bonsai
Ancient miniature trees share space with a massive flower that smells like rotting meat when it blooms. The contrast between the cherry blossoms and the stench is the draw.
Know before you go
The laundromat opens at 7 a.m. but you have to wait until 5 p.m. on weekdays to play pinball. Five different subway lines stop near the superhero shop, including the R and the G. Bring cash if you plan to see the burlesque sets at Le Boudoir. Check botanical updates if you want to catch the rare bloom of the Titan Arum.
Common questions about Brooklyn
Do I need to book ahead for the speakeasy?
You can now make reservations on the website to secure a table. This is a smart move on weekends when the small room fills up for the burlesque shows.
Can I actually do laundry at the pinball bar?
The front is a working laundromat that stays open until 2 a.m. daily. The machines are real, even if most people are there for the bar behind the dryer door.
What is the best day for live music?
Mondays are the pick for live jazz. It is a quieter way to see the tunnel before the weekend crowds arrive.
Is the transit museum in a real station?
The collection is housed in an authentic subterranean space. You are walking through history in the exact environment where these vintage cars once operated.