Some cities are better seen from a car window. Brooklyn, though, asks you to lace up and step right into the hustle, bustle, and beauty of it all. This borough doesn’t just have streets—it has stories in cobblestones, rhythm in sidewalks, and views that reward every step. Whether you’re a sunrise runner chasing the skyline or an afternoon stroller searching for street art, Brooklyn has a path for you. The trick is knowing where to find it—and lucky for you, we do.
At NU Hotel, we believe the best way to connect with a city is to move through it. So if you’re looking to walk, jog, or just wander where the locals go, here’s where to start.
Brooklyn Heights Promenade
For Views That Stop You in Your Tracks
Start here if you’re chasing that classic postcard moment. Take in the views of the Manhattan skyline rising above the East River, the Statue of Liberty off in the distance, and the Brooklyn Bridge stretching across the horizon. The Promenade is an elevated walkway that floats above the BQE, and it’s favored for good reason: it’s quiet, scenic, and lined with benches perfect for a water break or a reflective pause.
Joggers love the uninterrupted path; walkers love the history (like charming brownstones just a block inland). Either way, this route is a Brooklyn essential.
Prospect Park
For Runners Who Like a Little Nature With Their Cardio
Although Prospect Park is designed by the same minds behind Central Park, many Brooklynites will agree that this one’s better. The 3.35-mile loop around Prospect Park is a favorite for runners who want a mix of tree-lined paths, open meadows, and occasional duck sightings.
You’ll pass by the lake, weave through Long Meadow, and if you’re lucky, you may just catch the magic of a drum circle near the park’s southern edge. Come early morning for solitude, or late afternoon when the energy picks up and the community comes alive.
DUMBO & Brooklyn Bridge Park
For the Cityscape You Can Run Through
There’s something cinematic about jogging through DUMBO’s cobblestone streets, with warehouse lofts towering overhead and the Manhattan Bridge cutting a perfect frame between buildings. Continue on to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where the path hugs the waterfront, weaving past piers, playgrounds, soccer fields, and public art.
This isn’t just another scenic run. It’s a highlight reel of Brooklyn’s architectural flair, cultural edge, and the vibrant hum of the city. Plus, stopping for a slice at Juliana’s or an espresso at Devoción? Totally allowed—you earned it, after all.
Red Hook
For a Slower Pace and Saltier Air
Red Hook is where Brooklyn takes a breath. The route along the waterfront has a rustic charm, with views of shipping yards, the Statue of Liberty, and a sky that always feels just a little wider. Here, runners find space and walkers find inspiration in the industrial, creative atmosphere.
Grab a post-walk sweet treat at Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pies or catch golden hour at Louis Valentino Jr. Park, a must-stop spot where locals gather for a good day’s end with dogs and beers in tow.
Fort Greene & Clinton Hill
For Architecture That Makes Every Walk Feel Like a Film Set
If your ideal walk is more about mood than mileage, head to Fort Greene. Tree-lined streets, historic brownstones, and the occasional stoop sale set the scene with picturesque vibes. Fort Greene Park adds a bit of elevation (AKA a killer hill for sprints) and a lot of community, especially on weekends when neighbors spill into the park with coffee, sketchbooks, and speakers.
From there, wander into Clinton Hill, where murals meet mansions and every corner seems to tell its own story.
Run Early. Walk Late. Wander Often.
Brooklyn isn’t just a place—it’s a pace. From the wide loops of Prospect Park to the quiet corners of Red Hook, this borough offers more than routes…it offers rituals. Morning jogs with skyline views. Sunset strolls that feel like good endings. Wanders that lead somewhere new every time.
And when your legs are ready to rest, NU Hotel is here, right in the middle of it all. Consider us your home base for everything Brooklyn has to offer, one step at a time.