The Ultimate Girls Weekend in Brooklyn: Your Travel Guide
I just got back from my nearly annual girls weekend in Brooklyn. I often go up for work. When work is over, we spend time exploring, remote working, and creating fresh content all around Brooklyn, which is bursting with vibrant neighborhoods, charming and restful spas, colorful dining options, and great thrift shopping for a girls weekend to remember.
Whether you’re looking to unwind, dine, or shop till you drop, I hope this handpicked Brooklyn travel guide will help you make the most of your time in this surprisingly approachable New York borough. From where to stay to where to restore and shop, here’s a curated list of our favorite places for a memorable Brooklyn getaway. You can also find more under my Instagram highlight titled “NYC/BK”.
Where to Stay
The Hoxton Hotel
Address: 97 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249
The Hoxton Hotel in Williamsburg is the epitome of Brooklyn cool. With its stylish rooms, chic communal spaces, and gorgeous restaurant and coffee shop, you’ll find people co-working here during the day and lounging over cocktails at night. Rooms are small but they pack a lot of luxury and views of the Manhattan skyline. It’s a perfectly walkable spot to many restaurants, shops, and more outlined below!
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Located right on the waterfront, 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge offers breathtaking views of the East River and Manhattan. Its eco-friendly design, luxurious amenities, and relaxing atmosphere make it a top choice for a rejuvenating stay. The hotel’s rooftop bar and outdoor pool are must-visit spots for a serene retreat and an epic view of the Brooklyn Bridge. It smells delicious when you walk in thanks to the signature 1 Hotel scent, which you can buy!
Where to Restore
Bath House
Address: 135 Bowery, New York, NY 10002
Bath House is a MUST when we go to Brooklyn. We’ve visited three times now! Expect a serene oasis with its Japanese-inspired bathhouse and wellness treatments. Bring a bathing suit to unwind socially in co-ed hot and cold plunge pools, sauna, and steam rooms. You can book massages, Hammam scrubs, and more. It’s the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate during your Brooklyn trip. We like to go near the end of our visit so we arrive home refreshed after all the walking and work.
WTHN
Address: 2 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012
WTHN specializes in traditional Chinese medicine in a trendy and Instagram-worthy spot just down the street from Bath House in Brooklyn. They offer a range of services including acupuncture and herbal remedies. Their holistic approach to wellness is designed to restore balance and vitality, making it an ideal stop for some much-needed self-care during your girls weekend in Brooklyn.
Where to Eat & Drink
Leon’s Bagels
Address: 139 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Leon’s Bagels is a go-to spot for delicious, hand-rolled bagels with a variety of toppings. The walk-up window and sidewalk seating are a great spot to people watch and take a load off in the morning before your day begins. Their freshly baked bagels (available in gluten-free options)and mouth-watering spreads (available in vegan options) offer a quintessential New York breakfast experience. Don’t miss the adorable green-checkered swag to bring home for a souvenir.
Grand Army
Address: 336 State St, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Grand Army is an ideal destination for a stylish and relaxed brunch or intimate dinner during a girls weekend in Brooklyn. This coy and trendy spot features a warm, vintage ambiance with a focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu boasts a variety of comfort food options, from their famous burger to creative small plates, perfect for sharing with friends.
The bar area serves up expertly crafted cocktails, a diverse selection of wines, and local craft beers. With its cozy decor and attentive service, Grand Army offers a delightful setting to unwind and enjoy a leisurely meal.
Time Out Market New York
Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Time Out Market New York is a must-visit destination for a vibrant and diverse culinary experience during a girls’ weekend in Brooklyn. Located in the heart of DUMBO, this bustling food hall features a curated selection of the city’s top chefs and eateries, offering everything from gourmet burgers and artisanal pizzas to fresh seafood and delectable desserts. Head to the rooftop for a view of the Brooklyn Bridge for those perfect girls weekend photo opps.
Kokomo
Address: 227 E 56th St, New York, NY 10022
Kokomo serves up a Caribbean-inspired menu in a vibrant setting. Enjoy flavorful dishes like jerk chicken and plantains, complemented by creative cocktails. It’s a great place for a lively brunch or dinner with friends. They also regularly host events at night with dancing, music, and street food.
Cafe Colette
Address: 79 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Cafe Colette is another quintessentially cool Brooklyn bar and restaurant. Expect a relaxed, rustic atmosphere with a menu featuring American classics and comfort foods as well as fresh oysters, lobster rolls, epic iced coffees, and more for lunch. Their brunch is particularly popular, with dishes like eggs benedict and French toast drawing locals and visitors alike.
Newtown
Address: 252 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Newtown is a beloved local spot for its diverse menu featuring both classic and innovative dishes with clean and fresh ingredients. The small vegetarian Israeli restaurant is in the east Williamsburg industrial park neighborhood. It’s a great place to enjoy a laid-back meal with friends before hitting a local concert or to bring back home to enjoy at your Airbnb or hotel.
Weekends
Address: 1071 Bergen St, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Weekends is known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious brunch offerings. We ordered this for delivery to be honest, but we got a super fresh, satisfying breakfast before a long day of photo work for a client. From savory to sweet, their menu includes everything from fluffy pancakes to hearty breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream
Address: 620 Manhattan Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is the perfect retro sweet stop before a walk around Dumbo, a neighborhood by the water with tons of shopping, restaurants, and views. This beloved ice cream shop, located on Manhattan Avenue, is renowned for its rich and creamy scoops made from high-quality, natural ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for classic flavors or unique seasonal creations, Van Leeuwen delivers indulgent treats that satisfy every craving in the group. Bonus: they have vegan dairy-free ice creaam!
Isla & Co
Address: 207 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003
Isla & Co is a vibrant and inviting spot in Brooklyn with a friendly staff and colorful menu. Located in the lively neighborhood of the East Village, the restaurant offers a delightful blend of Caribbean-inspired cuisine and a relaxed, beachy ambiance. The menu features a range of flavorful dishes, from fresh seafood and jerk chicken to creative plant-based options. The bright, colorful decor and casual, laid-back vibe make Isla & Co an excellent choice for a leisurely brunch or dinner with friends.
Mirakuya Sushi
Address: 346 E 5th St, New York, NY 10003
Mirakuya Sushi offers an authentic sushi experience with fresh, high-quality fish and traditional Japanese dishes. The minimalist decor and attentive service create a serene dining experience ideal for sushi lovers. It’s also a guaranteed great take-out option to enjoy in the park with friends if you have to feed that sushi craving.
Little Choc Apothecary
Address: 167 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Little Choc Apothecary is a charming spot is a vegan cafe and chocolate shop, offering a range of artisanal, dairy-free chocolates and pastries. Their cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy some sweet treats. We ordered up crepes, tea, and wellness drinks for a cute afternoon of remote working.
Where to Shop
The Modern Chemist
Address: 140 8th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
The Modern Chemist is a boutique offering a curated selection of apothecary goods, beauty products, cute decor, gifts, and wellness essentials. They carry n high-quality self-care brands and items in addition to a full service pharmacy. My favorite “New York” hate is from here!
Heatonist
Address: 1288 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11216
Heatonist is a must-visit for hot sauce enthusiasts, especially if you watch the show Hot Ones where celebs try wings with varying degrees of heat. With a wide array of artisanal sauces, spices, and condiments, this shop offers something for every palate. Their knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect heat level and flavor for your taste.
Brooklyn Woke Vintage
Address: 211 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Woke Vintage features a handpicked collection of retro and vintage clothing, collectibles, decor, toys, music, and Americana. Find the perfect statement dress, Playboy magazine, one-of-a-kind jewelry, nostalgic childhood toy, vintage denim, or perfect pair of shoes chic to remember your time in Brooklyn.
Crossroads Trading
Address: 466 6th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Crossroads Trading is part of a chain of consignment stores around the country, but this one feels all Brooklyn. The trendy consignment store is one of the larger options in the area, so you are sure to find something that works for you. They carry gently used designer clothing and accessories making it a great place to score fashionable pieces at a fraction of their original price.
Bite Beauty Lip Lab
Address: 104 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Bite Beauty offers high-quality, cruelty-free cosmetics with a focus on lip products. The Brooklyn location store provides a unique girls weekend experience thanks to the Lip Lab. Here, you can try out their full range of lipsticks, lip glosses, and more in a variety of shades and create your very own shade! You can even choose the flavor and engrave your new lip gloss with a name.
2nd Street Vintage USA
Address: 192 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11215
2nd Street Vintage is a treasure trove of vintage clothing and accessories ranging from high-end designer bags to simple every day pieces. With its diverse selection and laid-back atmosphere, it’s a great spot to explore with the girl gang. Everyone will be sure to find unique pieces to add character to their next outfit.
If you Want to Scoot Over to Manhattan, May I recommend…
Central Park Boathouse
Address: Park Drive North, New York, NY 10024
Hop on the train to explore Central Park for a laid back Manhattan adventure. Central park is near lots of other landmarks like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rockefeller Center, and more. While you’re in Central Park, make your way to The Central Park Boathouse for lunch or offers an iconic dining experience, making it a fantastic choice for a girls’ lunch or pre-dinner apps and drinks in New York City. Located on the picturesque shores of the Central Park lake, this historic restaurant combines stunning views with classic American fare. The menu features elegant dishes such as fresh seafood, juicy steaks, and seasonal salads, all served in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting.
Thanks, Brooklyn! I love you!
I promise to keep updating this Brooklyn travel guide so you can reference it again and again to plan a girls weekend in Brooklyn. It’s all about creating an approachable, yet fabulous adventure filled itinerary with relaxation, great food, and stylish finds verified by your favorite little world traveler on a budget–Sweet Sauce! Enjoy your trip and make the most of all that this iconic borough has to offer!
