Hey everyone! Flor here, back with another NYC adventure to share with you all. Today I’m taking you on a journey through one of Brooklyn’s most vibrant neighborhoods: Williamsburg. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I’m all about showing you the best spots in New York, whether you’re a tourist planning your first visit or a local looking to explore different neighborhoods.
Getting There: The Scenic Route
Let me start by sharing what might be the best kept secret about getting to Williamsburg—take the ferry! Seriously, skip the L train crowds and stuffy subway cars. The NYC Ferry not only costs about the same as a subway ride if you buy ticket packs, but the views are absolutely stunning. There’s something magical about approaching Brooklyn with the Manhattan skyline behind you, the wind in your hair, and none of that underground subway anxiety.
North Williamsburg isn’t the most transit-accessible area (you’ve basically got the L and G trains), so the ferry is honestly such a fantastic alternative. You can hop on from either Midtown or Downtown, making it super convenient regardless of where you’re coming from.
Lunch at Juliette: A French Affair
My day in Williamsburg started with lunch at one of my absolute favorite spots: Juliette. This French restaurant has been my go-to since around 2014-2015, and I keep coming back for good reason. The atmosphere is absolutely charming—think Parisian bistro meets Brooklyn cool—and the food never disappoints.
I met up with my friend Barbie (who you might remember from my previous vlog!) for lunch here. Pro tip: if you visit during warmer months, try to snag a table on their rooftop garden. It’s absolutely gorgeous and feels like a little escape from the city.
Vintage Shopping Guide: A Thrifter’s Paradise
After fueling up, we hit the vintage stores—and let me tell you, Williamsburg is a treasure trove for second-hand shopping. If you’re new to thrifting, I totally get how overwhelming it can be. Barbie, who’s basically a vintage shopping guru, shared some amazing tips that I have to pass along:
Tips for First-Time Vintage Shoppers
- Set your expectations: Vintage shopping can be overwhelming at first! Don’t expect to walk in and immediately find exactly what you’re looking for.
- Know what you’re looking for: Go in with a specific item in mind (jeans, leather jacket, skirt) rather than browsing aimlessly.
- Give yourself time: This is not an activity to rush! Plan to spend a few hours if you really want to discover hidden gems.
- Consider the organization: More curated, organized shops will typically be pricier, while the more chaotic spots often have better deals (if you’re willing to dig).
Our Williamsburg Vintage Tour
We visited three main spots during our thrifting adventure:
Awoke Vintage
This was our first stop and definitely on the smaller side, which makes it perfect for beginners. It’s well-curated and less overwhelming than some of the massive thrift stores. They have a fantastic accessories section—I was obsessed with their sunglasses and jewelry! Even if you’re not big on vintage clothing, you might find some modern pieces here too.
Crossroads Trading
Hands down, my favorite stop of the day! What makes Crossroads stand out is their organization system. Everything is categorized not just by item type and color, but also by size, which is such a time-saver. Their prices are fantastic too—Barbie found leather pants for just $9 on the 50% off rack! If you’re new to vintage shopping, this is probably the most accessible place to start.
Beacon’s Closet
This is basically a vintage institution in NYC. The store is organized by color, which makes for a visually stunning shopping experience. The downside is they don’t organize by size, so you might fall in love with something only to discover it’s three sizes too small. That said, the selection is incredible, and you can find everything from H&M to Prada.
What You’ll Find
One thing I love about the vintage scene in Williamsburg is the variety. You’ll find true vintage pieces from decades ago alongside second-hand contemporary brands. In a single rack, you might discover:
- High-end designer pieces (I saw Prada shoes and an Isabel Marant skirt!)
- Contemporary mid-range brands (Free People, Calvin Klein)
- Fast fashion finds at steep discounts (H&M, Zara, Forever 21)
Barbie shared this quote she saw on Twitter that totally resonated with me: «At night I am haunted by all the vintage things I didn’t buy.» SO TRUE. I’m still thinking about this Prada set I saw in Milan years ago and passed up on!
The «Should I Buy It?» Test
If you’re on the fence about a purchase, Barbie shared this amazing rule: Can you think of at least 7-10 different ways to wear it with things you already own? If yes, it’s probably a good buy.
Also, remember that «basics» don’t have to be just white tees and blue jeans. A «basic» in your wardrobe could be a leopard print dress if that’s what makes you feel amazing and you reach for it constantly!
Coffee Break
After our shopping adventure, we stopped for coffee at one of the cute cafés in the area. This neighborhood has no shortage of Instagram-worthy coffee shops with amazing brews. It was the perfect end to our afternoon—shopping bags at our feet, oat milk lattes in hand, planning which pieces we were going to style first.
Why Williamsburg Should Be On Your NYC Itinerary
Whether you live in New York or are just visiting, Williamsburg deserves at least half a day of your time. The combination of great food, unique shopping, and a more relaxed vibe than Manhattan makes it special. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, browsing the vintage stores is an experience in itself and truly encapsulates what makes this neighborhood unique.
For visitors, this could be the perfect way to experience a side of New York beyond the typical tourist attractions. For locals, it’s an ideal way to spend a Saturday when you want to feel like you’re on vacation in your own city.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a day that combines good food, treasure hunting, and quality time with friends. What started as a simple lunch date turned into this perfect NYC day that reminded me why I love this city so much—there’s always something new to discover, even in neighborhoods I’ve visited countless times.
If you enjoyed this blog post and want more NYC adventures, don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel where I post new videos every week! You can also follow me on Instagram @flopereira for more fashion, lifestyle, and NYC content.
What’s your favorite neighborhood in NYC to explore? Have you ever been vintage shopping in Williamsburg? Let me know in the comments below!
xo, Flor.
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