10 Things to Do Near Barclays Center for a Fun Day Out in Brooklyn

Barclays Center in Brooklyn is known for hosting some of the biggest events in New York City, from concerts and NBA games to major cultural happenings like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. 

But if you’re looking to make a day out of your visit—or maybe you’ve got time to kill before the event starts—there’s no shortage of great spots to explore around the area. Whether you’re into food, culture, shopping, or simply taking in the Brooklyn vibe, here are some  awesome things to do near Barclays Center that’ll turn your visit into a full-blown adventure!

PS - We’ll also let you know when any of the restaurants on this list are available in the GiftYa catalog so you can text them to your basketball-loving bestie before the big game. Not sure where they’ll wanna grab a bite? You can also text a GiftYa Select gift card and put the choice entirely in their hands. 

Learn more about GiftYa Select Here >>

Know Before You Go: Getting to Barclays Center

📍 620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Barclays Center is located in Brooklyn,  near the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue in a neighborhood called Prospect Heights. It’s a safe, vibrant area with tons of restaurants and other things to do and see.

To get to Barclays Center from Manhattan, you have a variety of options thanks to MTA public transit. 

🚇 By subway, these trains stop at Atlantic Av-Barclays Ctr - fare is about $2.90: 

• The B and D trains on the orange 6th Avenue Line
• The N, Q, and R trains on the yellow Broadway Line
• The 2 and 3 trains on the red Broadway-7th Avenue Line
• The 4 and 5 trains on the green Lexington Avenue Line

🚍 By bus, these busses stop near Barclays Center - fare is about $2.90:

• B25
• B26
• B27
• B37
• B38
• B41
• B45
• B52
• B63
• B65
• B67
• B103

🚖 And if all else fails, a rideshare or taxi should get you to Brooklyn pretty quickly. Keep in mind that these times/rates vary, but for reference, on average:

• Lower Manhattan: Battery Park to Barclays Center will run you $20-$35 and take 7 minutes
• Midtown: Times Square to Barclays Center will run you $35-$45 and take 13 minutes
• Upper Manhattan: Harlem to Barclays Center will run you $70-$85 and take 20 minutes

1. Prospect Park

Text a Brooklyn Botanic Garden gift card

📍 95 Prospect Park W | Prospect Park | prospectpark.org

Distance from Barclays Center: 16 minute walk

Just a short walk from Barclays Center, Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s version of Central Park. It’s a beautiful spot to unwind before or after an event, with plenty of open space to relax, have a picnic, or go for a stroll. The park was designed by the same people who created Central Park, so it’s no surprise you’ll find rolling meadows, tranquil woodlands, and even a lake.

Prospect Park is also home to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, the Prospect Park Zoo, and numerous sports facilities, so you can easily turn this into a full-day activity. In the summer, the park also hosts outdoor concerts and festivals, making it a lively spot for culture lovers.

“First time at Prospect Park. We walked around where the pond was and saw swans, turtles, and lots of cute dogs. A lot of people were biking and on a run. The weather was beautiful and can't wait to come back and check out the rest of the park, even the zoo” – Yelp Review

Text a Brooklyn Botanic Garden gift card

2. Brooklyn Museum

Buy a Brooklyn Museum of Art gift card

📍 200 Eastern Pkwy | Prospect Heights | brooklynmuseum.org

Distance from Barclays Center: 8 minute train ride

A few blocks from Barclays, the Brooklyn Museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves art and history. It’s one of the oldest and largest museums in the U.S., housing an impressive collection of everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary art. One of the museum's standout exhibits is its feminist art wing, which includes Judy Chicago’s "The Dinner Party," an iconic piece celebrating women's history.

If you’re pressed for time, the museum is open late on certain evenings, so you can pop in for a quick culture fix before heading to your event. And don’t forget to check out the Brooklyn Museum’s First Saturdays—a free event on the first Saturday of every month with live music, art-making, and gallery talks.

“Brooklyn Museum is such a feel good, enriching, explorative environment. I love that it has something for just about anyone and the exhibits are constantly revolving. It makes for a great location to revisit anytime you are in the area.” – Yelp Review

Buy a Brooklyn Museum of Art gift card

3. The Barclays Center Shops

Distance from Barclays Center: Located in Barclays Center

If you’re in a rush or need to pick up some last-minute essentials before the game or concert, the Barclays Center Shops have you covered. You’ll find everything from Brooklyn Nets and New York Islanders merchandise to a variety of snacks and beverages for those pre-event cravings.

The shops are located inside Barclays Center itself, so if you’re already on-site, it’s a convenient way to grab some souvenirs or fan gear. Plus, there’s often exclusive event merchandise available, which makes it a great spot to pick up something special to remember your visit.

4. BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music)

📍 30 Lafayette Ave | Fort Greene | .bam.org

Distance from Barclays Center: 8 minute walk

If you have some extra time and are in the mood for some world-class performances, head over to BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music). It’s one of the most famous cultural institutions in New York City, and it’s located just a few minutes from Barclays Center. BAM offers a wide range of events, from indie films to contemporary theater, dance, and live music.

Even if you’re not attending a performance, BAM’s historic architecture and art installations make it worth a visit. Their café is also a great spot to grab a coffee or light bite while soaking in the artsy atmosphere. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a free exhibition or pop-up performance in their lobby!

“This venue is beautiful! They host a variety of events including films, performances, comedy sketches, and FREE live music. At 8pm, around the time we arrived, the tables were about half occupied. By 9pm, they were all filled. So my recommendation? Come early, take a seat, have a drink, and enjoy the ambiance :)” – Yelp Review

5. Food at Dekalb Market Hall

📍  445 Albee Square W | Downtown  | dekalbmarkethall.com

Distance from Barclays Center: 15 minute walk

If you’re a foodie, Dekalb Market Hall is a must-visit while you’re near Barclays Center. This food hall is packed with over 40 vendors offering a diverse range of food options—from New York-style pizza to Chinese dumplings, artisanal donuts, and everything in between. It’s an ideal spot to grab a bite before or after an event.

Some standout vendors include Katz’s Delicatessen, famous for its towering pastrami sandwiches, and Ample Hills Creamery, which serves up some of the best ice cream in the city. Dekalb Market Hall also has a laid-back vibe, making it a great place to relax and fuel up.

6. Atlantic Terminal Mall

📍  139 Flatbush Ave | Prospect Heights | shopatlanticterminal.com

Distance from Barclays Center: 2 minute walk

If shopping is on your agenda, the Atlantic Terminal Mall is just steps away from Barclays Center. This multi-level shopping center is home to big-name retailers like Target, Best Buy, and Sephora, so whether you’re looking for electronics, fashion, or everyday essentials, you’ll find it here.

The mall is also a good spot to grab a quick coffee or meal, with several fast-casual dining options. If you’re attending an event later in the day, Atlantic Terminal is a convenient place to pick up any last-minute things before the game or just browse for fun.

7. Patsy’s Pizza

📍  450 Dean St | Park Slope | parkslope.patsyspizza.nyc

Distance from Barclays Center: 2 minute walk

If you want to take a bite out of the New York food scene, you don’t have to fight the crowds in Manhattan. One of NYC’s oldest New York-style pizza places has a location just steps away from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

The original Patsy’s Pizza location opened on 1st Avenue in 1933, when newlyweds Pasquale (Patsy) and Carmella Lancieri decided to follow their dream of opening a restaurant. Back in the day, the restaurant was mostly frequented by Italian immigrants who missed the flavors of their old country. But today, people from all over the city and all over the world enjoy Patsy’s family-style, old-world cooking every single day.

“I didn't realize that this place is famous. It just happened to be across from Barclay's when my family went… The pizza was otherworldly and absolutely perfect. I could eat it every day forever and be happy every time. I may head back to Brooklyn just to eat my way through their menu. That's high praise since it's a 3.5 hour drive from home!” – Yelp Review

8. Grand Army Plaza

📍  Grand Army Plz | Prospect Heights | grandarmyplaza.org

Distance from Barclays Center: 11 minute walk

For a dose of history and beautiful architecture, head over to Grand Army Plaza, just a short walk from Barclays Center. The plaza is home to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch, which was built to honor Union soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It’s a great spot to snap a few photos or simply take in the historic significance of the area.

Grand Army Plaza also hosts a farmer’s market every Saturday, where you can pick up fresh produce, artisanal goods, and snacks from local vendors. If you’re in town on a weekend, it’s worth checking out for a taste of Brooklyn’s local food scene.

“The first thing you will notice will be the arch. It's massive. This is bigger than the one in Washington Square. It's truly something to behold. The plaza itself also has some artwork to see like some statues. There's many statues of famous civil war figures who fought for the Union. It has several nearby attractions. It's right by the library. There's also the Brooklyn Museum.” – Yelp Review

9. Barclays Center Legends Tour

Distance from Barclays Center: Located in Barclays Center

If you’re a sports fan or just curious about the inner workings of Barclays Center, consider taking the Barclays Center Legends Tour. This guided tour gives you behind-the-scenes access to areas normally off-limits to the public, like the VIP suites, locker rooms, and press areas.

You’ll also get to learn more about the history of the arena, its role in the Brooklyn community, and some insider stories about the iconic events and games that have taken place there. The tour lasts about 90 minutes, making it a great option for killing time before a game or concert.

10. The Brooklyn Flea

📍  80 Pearl St | DUMBO | brooklynflea.com

Distance from Barclays Center: 21 minute train ride

For anyone who loves hunting for unique treasures, the Brooklyn Flea is the perfect spot to explore. Located just a short distance from Barclays Center, this famous market features a mix of vintage clothing, antiques, handmade crafts, and quirky collectibles. It’s a great place to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs or gifts.

“Such a fun market to stop by especially if you are already in the Dumbo area! There is a lot of vintage items here that are great to check out. Many of the vendors do take Apple Pay but it never hurts to make sure you have cash!” – Yelp Review

There are lots of fun things to do near Barclays Center. 

With so many things to do around Barclays Center, you’re guaranteed to find something to make your visit to Brooklyn unforgettable. Whether you’re in the mood for art, history, food, or simply soaking up the city’s unique vibe, these cool spots will give you plenty to do before or after your event. 

So go ahead and make the most of your time in one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods!

PS – Share the love! Check out the full GiftYa catalog for more gift cards for things to do in NYC >>