Bushwick is famous for its artsy streets, affordable housing, and eclectic community. It is also famed for its exotic nightlife scene and has become known as a place where the ‘cool kids’ hang out. From the best places to visit in Bushwick, to the delicious restaurants and historic museums it has to offer, check out 15 of the best things to do in Bushwick, NY below.
Related: Find Rooms For Rent in Bushwick
Outdoor Activities in Bushwick
1. The Bushwick Collective
Many people consider street art and graffiti to be vandalism. One encounter with the Bushwick collective will leave you thinking differently. This massive outdoor art gallery celebrates and promotes mural arts making a visit to the area one of the best things to do in Bushwick, NY.
2. Maria Hernandez Park
This green space is located behind Flushing Avenue and is a regular spot for children, locals and skateboarders looking to relax on a sunny day. It features a basketball court, handball court, fitness equipment, spray showers and benches, and a newly built performance stage making it a fun spot to visit in Bushwick.
3. Koenig and Clinton
Installation view of “Steven Baldi: Life as Cannon Sees It” (2018). Image courtesy the artist and Koenig and Clinton, Brooklyn. Photo: Jeffrey Sturges, Brooklyn
This neighborhood gallery features some of the best works of the countless creatives and artists who live in Bushwick. It also features contemporary international artists & regular events in a minimalist interior. Make sure to mark this place in your list of places to visit in Bushwick.
Stay Active with Sports in Bushwick
4. Hoboken Table Tennis
If you like a good game of table tennis, this family-owned and operated tennis club will be one of the best things to do in Bushwick. The sports club’s goal is to unite people through tennis and to get paddles in more hands.
5. Chalk Gyms
Visiting the gym can quickly become demotivating when you’re trying to stay fit. However, Chalk Gyms’ super clean environment, respectful staff, and beautiful space will keep you coming back. As a result, this neighborhood gym is one of the best things to do in Bushwick if you’re into fitness.
6. Daya Yoga Studio
One for both the body and mind, Daya Yoga Studio is a great place to learn and practice yoga in Bushwick. Unlike other yoga classes in New York City, the studio is very spacious with high ceilings. The classes are also transformational and tailored to your individual needs.
TIMINGS: Mon-Sun, 7 am-10 pm
Museums in Bushwick
7. Lowbrow Artique
Lowbrow Artique is essentially a street art gallery, as well as a street art supply shop. Among other things, Low Brow has beloved brands of spray paint at really favorable prices of between $5-$7.
TIMINGS: Wed to Fri 12-8 pm and 11 am to 7 pm on weekends.
8. Greater Ridgewood Historical Society
This museum is known as the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House, and its mission is to preserve the past and enrich the future. It is the city’s oldest Dutch stone building and has two acres of lush green gardens and historic architecture. Located on the border of Ridgewood, this museum is a great place to visit in Bushwick if you like your history.
TIMINGS: Saturdays and Sundays (12-5 pm)
9. Bushwick Loft Museum
There is history within the walls of the Bushwick Loft Museum – just not ancient history. The loft is essentially an artist’s loft with art pieces created by grad students living in the building. The quality of the art here makes it one of the best things to do in Bushwick, NY.
Culture in Bushwick
10. Better than Jam
Art is the culture in Bushwick, and Better than Jam exemplifies this with its collection of clothes by local designers and artists. You’ll find all kinds of daring clothing here.
11. Syndicated Brooklyn
It’s often said that creatives like unusual things. That’s why it comes as no surprise that in this city you’ll find a theater that serves cocktails, and something better than cookies and pretzels.
12. duckduck
You’ve not experienced Bushwick if you’ve not enjoyed its nightlife, and duckduck is the right place to start. This neighborhood dive bar is a favorite among locals. It is known for its professional DJs, constantly full dance floors and extended happy hour, making it into a popular nightclub too.
Restaurants in Bushwick
13. Roberta’s
If you love Italian food, Roberta’s is one of the best restaurants in Bushwick for you. While it doesn’t look overly appealing from the outside, the restaurant’s interior is quirky and chic. Plus, the service here is exceptional.
TIMINGS: Open for brunch and dinner Mon to Fri
14. Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos
Tacos, tequilas, and tortas. That’s what you get when you walk into this Mexican joint located inside a tortilla factory. Here, you get south-of-the-border standards in fresh wraps, at affordable prices. If you’re looking for places to visit in the city for Mexican food-lovers, this is it.
15. Faro
Faro is a favorite spot for locals. Here, you get to enjoy handmade pasta made from locally sourced grains and delectable American dishes. Meals are served on artisan ceramic plates adding to the homely but contemporary feel of the restaurant. With its friendly service and reasonable prices, Faro is definitely one of the best restaurants in Bushwick to hang out at.
TIMING: Wednesday to Sunday, 5 pm to 10 pm