The city still has a few patches of old-fashioned roadway—just ask anyone who's braved the bumpy drive into the Ikea parking lot in Red Hook or tried to walk through the West Village in heels. But those on the hunt for the most authentic old-world feel should head to Brooklyn Heights. Unlike the made-to-look old-timey streets of, say Tribeca, Brooklyn Heights is one of the few 'hoods with original cobblestones (or Belgian blocks). For even more ideas, check out our Brooklyn Heights: A day in the neighborhood guide.
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• Take the subway to Court Street in Brooklyn Heights. Start your trip heading south on Court Street and make a right on Joralemon Street toward the water.
• Continue down Joralemon St, and admire the gorgeous stretch of tree-lined, timeless blocks between Columbia Pl and Hicks St. Unlike the made-to-look-old-timey streets of Tribeca, Brooklyn Heights is one of the few ’hoods with original cobblestones (or Belgian blocks).
• Grab a bite at River Deli(32 Joralemon St between Columbia Pl and Furman St, Brooklyn Heights; 718-254-9200), a romantically out-of-the-past corner Italian restaurant with big windows overlooking the cobblestones.
• Go west on Joralemon St and make a right onto Furman St toward the Brooklyn Bridge. After about 15 minutes you'll hit Water St, continue along to see old trolley tracks—enough to satiate even the most nostalgic NYC retrophile.