The great American city break is one of your opportunities to step into the life of a resident of one of the many great metropolises of the country, and New York is perhaps the greatest of them. Few cities feel like they contain a multitude of cities within them. Most of the boroughs of New York City are well worth their own trip but, when it comes to Brooklyn in particular, it’s best to experience it like a local. As such, here are a few tips to help you get a better break out of your stay.

Get to know the public transport

Renting a car to get around the city or even driving there can be a huge headache. Parking and traffic can both be a nightmare. There are Ubers and Lyfts, which are becoming a lot more popular but are also getting pretty expensive. Getting around the city is all about getting yourself as familiar as possible with its buses and metro system, so get to learning the key routes to and from your hotel in advance.

Stay Downtown if it’s your first stay

There are plenty of excellent places to stay in the city. You can find Brooklyn hotels of all kinds that keep you relatively close to some kind of action. However, for the first trip, it’s a good idea to stay Downtown if it’s your first visit since it puts you nice and close to a wide range of different kinds of hotspots, from the Botanic Gardens to the Fulton Mall.

Pay attention to the events happening

There is always something excellent happening in Brooklyn, which some may well call the beating cultural heart of the city. As such, you might be able to catch the Greenpoint Film Festival in the Spring for a real cinephile’s delight, or the Afropunk Fest in the summer if you want to enjoy some of the best music and fashion the city has to offer year-round. There’s literally always something happening, so keep an eye on the events calendar for when you make your visit.

Find your party in Billyburg

Once an industrial heart of the borough, Williamsburg has transformed into a bustling neighborhood that attracts a pretty young crowd, so if you’re looking for a night out, then this is the place to head. It’s got plenty of lingering industrial style, incorporated into its very own distinct look, with plenty of coffee-shops, craft beers, and clubs.

Don’t neglect the parks

If you need a break from the culture, history, and nightlight that the city has to offer, then why not get away from it all? Brooklyn has no shortage of parks, and you’re likely to find your own favorites, whether its the gorgeous views from the elevated walkways of Brooklyn Heights Promenade, or the riverside relaxation of Marsha P. Johnson State Park.

Brooklyn has so much to offer that there really are few ways to get it “wrong” when planning a trip. The tips above can help you ensure you see a little more of its authenticity, however.