Williamsburg, Brooklyn

I have never taken the G train. Whenever I see a connection for the G train at the station that I'm in, I will automatically turn and stare, wondering what magical creatures and adventures lie in wait for the lucky commuters on the G train.

Don't get me wrong though. I know that I am mistaking commuters' haggard faces for faces full of pure bliss and subway rats for dragons or unicorns but I will be unhappy if you tell me that the G train is not bound for a happy marshmallow filled destination. At the very least, I know for sure that it takes you to Hippieland (also known as Williamsburg!).

Murals in Williamsburg.

So what more needs to be said? Just the fact that it is a hippie haven makes Williamsburg cool beyond cool: which is why I'm secretly jealous that I don't get to take the G train to work. The neighborhood used to be an industrial area but it now houses a thriving art and music scene, giving the area a sophisticated glamor reminiscent of that in Manhattan. But if nothing else, the rent in Williamsburg resembles that in Manhattan.

More murals in Williamsburg.

Even if you don't live in this neighborhood, Williamsburg is the place to be these days. It has a number of thrift stores if you're looking for some stylish or vintage clothing and some of the best restaurants in New York, including the famous Peter Luger Steakhouse. Or, for those who like to wander, Williamsburg has quite a few art galleries to explore as well.

All in all, Williamsburg is definitely worth visiting. If you're interested in spending a day in Williamsburg, be sure to sign up for One To World's walking tour of Williamsburg scheduled for Sunday, May 22. Click here to reserve your spot now! If you're really anxious about checking Williamsburg out before then, you can check out things to do in Williamsburg here.

The Roebling Tea Room
in Williamsburg.

Williamsburg is also home to
Brooklyn Brewery.

Beyond Manhattan

I’d simply say New York whenever my peers at college had asked me where I’m from. Of course, it being New York, the person asking me would usually say “Oh!” followed by some form of “Awesome!” But I flinched every time I gave that answer – not because I was lying but because it was a half answer.

Brooklyn Bridge

Yes. I’m from New York. But the complete answer is “I’m from Brooklyn.” What a lot of people in the outside world don’t understand is that there is more to New York than just the borough of Manhattan.  

Manhattan is just one of the five boroughs. It’s not even the largest borough - which is Queens - or the most populous - which is Brooklyn - but it gets all the recognition. While I do have to admit that Manhattan is the ‘happening’ borough – aside from mandatory family events in the other boroughs, I spend most of my free time in Manhattan – the other boroughs do have activities and events which are just as comparable to those in Manhattan.

Just this past month, for example, I was out and about, visiting the aquarium, the botanic garden, and the various parks around Brooklyn. Downtown Brooklyn and its surrounding neighborhoods also have a number of cute cafes and restaurants which are definitely well worth their prices (which aren’t as expensive as those in Manhattan to begin with!).

Paris Baguette in Flushing, Queens

We also drive out to Queens quite a bit for food. In fact, for my birthday, my sister drove out to Queens to get my birthday cake from Paris Baguette, a French inspired Asian bakery in Flushing with some of the most unique cake designs and flavors that I’ve ever seen. My sister spent three hours in traffic but the cake (raspberry mousse!) was definitely worth it.

Besides the food, each borough has its own characteristics and something unique to offer. If you’re perpetually stuck on Manhattan, you will definitely not get the chance to fully appreciate how great all of New York City is. Plus, each of the boroughs is just a train ride away. With that kind of convenience, there is no excuse for you to not go out and explore the city. Remember that New York is more than just Manhattan.

The other boroughs need some love too. Check out the Events Page to find specific activities in each borough!


This post was researched and written by One To World intern, Jessica Zhang