I'm not someone who's particularly into bridges but every time I see the Brooklyn Bridge I get chills. It takes about an hour or so to walk across it making it one of the best free attractions in the city.

When a bar has its own absinthe menu you know you're in good hands. This is an adorable little place in Brooklyn--they also have oysters if that tickles your fancy.

Fuggedaboutit!!! This place has everything so come with plenty of bargaining cash! It's only a few years old but it's already the place where those of us who mourn the death of the 26th street flea markets come to grieve.

If you want to bring someone a souvenir that's NOT a big NYC cliche, this is your place! Brooklyn-themed, they have things no other place will--from really fun Brooklyn tote bags to super-cool t-shirts.

I can barely draw a stick figure but I cannot resist art supplies. I found out about this place when another NYC art supply place didn't have what I needed. They have pigments and binders here no one else has and as I understand it, they develop it all themselves.

Some of the best exhibits I've ever seen have been here. They have shows that are every bit as good as the Met and quite honestly, some that are even better. Lots of cutting-edge stuff, too.

Known by locals as "BAM" this place produces some incredible shows, for instance Cate Blanchett in "A Streetcar Named Desire". I've seen some great things here and would highly recommend checking it out while you're in town.

I think this pretty much speaks for itself. Not only can you get a great view of Lower Manhattan here but you can also see the Statue of Liberty. It's a pretty amazing spot.

One of the best yarn stores I've ever been to, not to mention one of the most charming. Even if you don't knit, this is an adorable little store!

Immense and beautiful. It does close rather early though (6pm most days).

Looks more like the Italian countryside than Brooklyn, doesn't it?!? This is actually the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens and it's one of the best attractions in the city. Whatever you do, do not miss this. From wisteria to rose gardens to Japanese gardens, this place couldn't be more incredible.

If I lived in this neighborhood I'd read every book on the shelves just to come here. I don't think it gets more stunning than this.

This blue and green building is part of an amazing Cuban restaurant that also has a lovely outdoor area on the side. Incredibly colorful and fun and fabulous people-watching.

They don't film movies here for nothing! Brooklyn has some incredible architecture so make sure you go down some alleyways and side streets. You'll be amazed at what you find!

One of my favorite things about Brooklyn and New York in general is how interesting it is architecturally and part of that is all the incredible gargoyles and friezes. Make sure you take a look around when you're walking--you may discover a great little guy like this!

They fill the straws with alcohol, give you free snacks, and let you use their board games. Works for me.

If you want to bring someone a souvenir that's NOT a big NYC cliche, this is your place! Brooklyn-themed, they have things no other place will--from really fun Brooklyn tote bags to super-cool t-shirts.

My favorite thing about this place is the explanation of bagel-related terms in the window.

A very crude name for an incredibly sophisticated store, although I see why they called it that--you can smell the cheese the minute you walk in the door. They also sell some very exotic foodstuffs--it's one of those places you could stay for hours just inspecting everything.

I'm usually not a fan of restaurants trying hard to look French, but this one is excellent. Well worth trying!

They don't film movies here for nothing! Brooklyn has some incredible architecture so make sure you go down some alleyways and side streets. You'll be amazed at what you find!

A friend of mine who has lived in Brooklyn for years says this is the best Italian food in the borough.

With bookstores dying out left and right I always try to support any small bookstore. This is one of the best in Brooklyn.

This is the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts and it's well worth seeing.

At about $8 a bar it ain't cheap, but you will never, ever find a more beautiful bar of chocolate!

I haven't tried their pizza or their calzones but I can tell you that their pasta is incredible! Really fresh--it was one of the few meals I've ever actually finished in one sitting in my life. Not only that, but I had desert as well. For three people the bill came to $35. That was for a bit pitcherI haven't tried their pizza or their calzones but I can tell you that their pasta is incredible! Really fresh--it was one of the few meals I've ever actually finished in one sitting in my life. Not only that, but I had desert as well. For three people the bill came to $35. That was for a bit pitcher of soda, three pasta dishes, garlic knots, a big caesar salad, and desert. Great little hole in the wall!… see moresee less

When I saw the adorable mis-matched plates I thought "Oh, no--another restaurant that's paying more attention to the dishes than, well, the dishes!" I was totally wrong--I'm still thinking about the sandwich I had there and it was just a simple tomato sandwich. Absolutely delish. Also, had a great When I saw the adorable mis-matched plates I thought "Oh, no--another restaurant that's paying more attention to the dishes than, well, the dishes!" I was totally wrong--I'm still thinking about the sandwich I had there and it was just a simple tomato sandwich. Absolutely delish. Also, had a great celeb sighting there but I won't say who.… see moresee less

I love it when I come across a store that's almost more museum than retail outlet and Swallow is definitely that. Lots of really interesting pieces here--from jewelry to home goods to gold-painted chicken feet.

Charming no-nonsense clothing store with a great dry goods kind of feel. Some very reasonable prices, too!

Make sure all your bills are paid before coming here because it may be a while before you return home. Endless yarn, a great place to knit, and a cafe. Even if I didn't knit I'd want to hang out here!

You can always tell when a store has a really good buyer when you see things you've never seen anywhere else. Such is the case with Atmosphere. It's a spacious, interesting store with a really unique inventory. Well worth seeing.