Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, New York City
Although Bedford Avenue stretches across a large part of Brooklyn, its best-known segment is in the unabashedly hipster neighborhood of Williamsburg. This strip is known for its restaurants, bars, and boutiques and is usually busy with shoppers and diners from Brooklyn and beyond.
The basics
It's easy to spend hours aimlessly wandering Bedford Avenue, and there are enough shops, restaurants, and art galleries to do so. If you’re short on time, try exploring with a guide on a cycling or walking tour designed to familiarize you with Brooklyn. Food tours highlighting some of the area's most beloved cuisines are a great choice, as are art tours and fashion tours focusing on vintage and secondhand shopping.
Things to know before you go
- Bedford Avenue is a must-visit for foodies and people who like shopping for vintage fashion and quirky gifts.
- Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather (layers are always wise).
- The Bedford Avenue L train station is accessible to people using wheelchairs, with elevator access and adapted platforms. Most restaurants and many shops are also accessible.
How to get there
To get to the trendiest part of Bedford Avenue from Manhattan's Lower East Side, take the Williams Bridge across the East River or a ferry to the North Williamsburg terminal and walk east a few blocks. However, you may find it easier to take the L Train to the Bedford Avenue station.
When to get there
Bedford Avenue is a year-round attraction with a lively ambiance on weekends and evenings, especially when the sun is out. Street fairs and other events—including the Williamsburg Brooklyn Fair, typically in October—draw big crowds. If you want to shop with fewer crowds, come in late in the morning or early afternoon and aim for midweek.
A visit to the Williamsburg Music Center
Fans of jazz music—and anyone interested in Brooklyn’s cultural heritage, past and present—won't want to pass up the chance to visit the Williamsburg Music Center, a Black-owned jazz club on the corner of Bedford Avenue and South Fifth Street. Established in 1981, this beloved venue is a great place to hear live music, including regular performances from the club's founder, Gerry Eastman.
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