Lindsay’s guidebook

Start your street art tour at the Bushwick Collective on Troutman Street at Saint Nicholas Avenue, where colorful murals are painted on the walls of neighboring blocks. If you're visiting during the summer, the Bushwick Collective hosts a block party on the first Saturday in June which attracts quite a crowd. Although this is the stretch of Bushwick known for street art, there are also other notable murals around the Bushwick/East Williamsburg

When the Kings County Brewers Collective opened its spacious taproom in 2016, Bushwick became home to its first brewery in 40 years. This hipster-friendly watering hole (KCBC, for short) is known for its no-frills space on Troutman Street—where dogs are welcome—and cleverly named brews: Superhero Sidekicks, Savage Crush, and Brew Man Group, just to name a few. Needless to say, the brewery was an excellent addition to Bushwick, promptly reviving the neighborhood's once long-gone beer scene.

At one time, people only trekked to Bushwick for its legendary pizzeria, Roberta's; now, the restaurant scene in Bushwick is flourishing, with new eateries opening every month. Roberta's should, of course, remain on your Bushwick bucket list. The perpetually packed artisanal pizza joint makes world-class, wood-fired pies. But other perennial favorites in the neighborhood include a French restaurant housed in a former garage, Le Garage, and Faro, a neighborhood favorite that serves handmade pasta made from local grains. A Mexican dinner for under $10 can be found at Los Hermanos Tortilleria.

No trip to Bushwick is complete without a round of vintage shopping. The neighborhood, like most of Brooklyn, is brimming with curated consignment stores approved by the local hipsters. Start by checking out Urban Jungle, a certifiable vintage mecca jam-packed with every single article of clothing you can imagine, and from almost every era. Whether you're looking for a pair of patriotic cutoffs or a grungy flannel, rest assured Urban Jungle has it within its seemingly infinite stock. Others include Collections BK, GG's Social Trade & Treasure Club, and Chess and the Sphinx.

Bushwick can seem impressive for travelers who are not used to popular neighborhoods. Do not worry! The people living on Wilson Avenue are friendly and welcoming. You will probably bump into Danny, who fixes cars for his buddies in the garage next door :)

A bagpack: to carry your day essentials while exploring Brooklyn. Good shoes: Everyday walking shoe that’s comfortable. A reusable water bottle: One of the best things you can have in your day bag plus New York City has some of the best drinking water in the country, cut back on single-use plastic and have a good reusable water bottle for your trip. A power bank: Don’t spoil your fun exploring all the neighborhoods and things to see in Brooklyn by having your battery die on you. A compact wind resistant travel umbrella or rain jacket: NY weather can be tough.