“Live from Bedford-Stuyvesant, the livest one.” – “Unbelievable” by Biggie Smalls
Bed-Stuy is a culturally rich and exciting neighborhood in Brooklyn. It’s famously the home of Biggie Smalls and the setting of Spike Lee’s “Do the Right a Thing” film. The area is filled with hidden gems and history—plus, great food! I love calling it home. So read on to discover some of the best things to do in Bed-Stuy!
1. Visit the Biggie Mural
Located on the corner of Quincy St. and Bedford Ave. you’ll find a mural dedicated to one of the greatest rappers to ever live, Notorious B.I.G. It’s the neighborhood’s most beloved street art and it’s worth stopping by to admire this iconic figure’s image.
2. Browse the boutique stores and thrift shops
One of the best ways to experience Bed-Stuy is to hit up the local shops. The area prides itself on supporting local business, so you should too! Some of the best stores include Installation Brooklyn Vintage & Home and Peace & Riot. You can also stroll along Tompkins Ave. to find even more great shops.
3. Grab a bite at Warude
Also located on Tompkins Ave. is a unique and very tasty eatery. Warude is a Japanese and Mexican restaurant that serves up both poke bowls and tacos, among other mouth-watering bites. And no matter what you order, get a side of guac and chips because it’s to die for. You’ll also love the unconventional decor and funny trinkets hanging around.
4. Go bar hopping
Immerse yourself in the local culture and interact with people of the neighborhood by bar hopping in the evening. All the bars in the area have their own distinct vibe and cater to all different people. You can listen to live music at the quaint LunAtico bar, jam to the best hip hop music at Bed-Vyne Brew, explore a speakeasy called Bedford Manor, or chill out at Diamond Reef. No matter your taste in nightlife, Bed-Stuy offers a variety of fun bars and venues.
5. Explore the brownstone buildings, architecture, and street art
Bed-Stuy is a wonderful place for walking around and taking in the surroundings. The brownstones themselves are beautiful and historic. From one-of-a-kind doors to classic walk ups, it’s a quintessential Brooklyn experience. And, just like the grand Biggie Mural, there is striking street art hidden around every corner. The wall art and murals are a perfect expression of the local culture and are great for photo ops!
Don’t skip Bed-Stuy when you come to explore Brooklyn! It’s authentic and showcases a real look into the famous borough. It’s different from the surrounding neighborhoods of Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Clinton Hill—but, I promise it’s just as fascinating and fun!
The Traveling Female 