Many Pakistanis come to the United States to pursue higher-level education and jobs, and to be with family. Today, more than half a million Pakistani-Americans form the seventh largest Asian ethnic group in the United States. The majority have settled in New York City, most in Brooklyn, a city known for engaging migrant communities.
Brooklyn offers families, couples, and singles plenty to do and see in its compact 69.5 square miles of city, parks, and waterfront. Here’s a look at what the busy, eclectic borough dishes up for new and rooted residents in the area.
Flea Markets and Food Markets
For those missing the flea and street markets at home in Pakistan, Brooklyn has several outdoor markets to more than satisfy your hunt for the practical and the bizarre. Brooklyn Flea in the Dumbo neighborhood, held on weekends April through December, is undoubtedly one of the most talked about flea markets in New York City. Rummage through clothing, collectibles, antiques, even furnishings and art, at this raved-about flea market. Travel magazines have rated it as one of the top flea markets in the world!
Chelsea Flea, its companion, runs year-round, every Saturday and Sunday. And Smorgasburg, an open-air food market bursting with fresh, ready-to-eat choices, can be found weekends in both Williamsburg and Prospect Park.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Brooklyn Botanic Garden provides visitors and Brooklyn residents with an intimate, urban botanic garden experience on its 52 acres. Year-round programs and plantings mean you always have a reason to stop by. Every spring, individuals make a pilgrimage as the ample cherry blossoms flower during the garden’s Sakura Matsuri Festival.
Favored spots include the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden and the Shakespeare Garden planted with specimens mentioned in the playwright’s writings. Join a daily guided tour, attend a birding event, or check the website for classes and tips in gardening. And when you need a break, grab a seat at the vegetable-focused Yellow Magnolia Café or the casual canteen.
Prospect Park
A true oasis for this neighborhood, this Brooklyn park offers sports, birdwatching, fishing, foraging for wild herbs, nature programs, and more. With a recent rink upgrade, seasonal activities now include ice skating on two outdoor winter rinks (even lessons are available) and roller skating in warmer weather. A sizeable splash pad for the kiddies, and paddleboat, kayak and bike rentals (including helmets) make this more than just a visit to your average playground. Open year round, the park’s reconstructed southeast corner turns this Brooklyn spot into a park for all ages.
Brooklyn Bridge
An architectural icon seen on TV, film, and in photos, the Brooklyn Bridge also should be experienced…on foot! About a 60-minute leisurely round-trip walk, the 1-mile crossing is open to walkers, runners, and bicyclists—and the views can’t be beat. Two entrances in Brooklyn make this is an experience that you can enjoy once or often as a true New Yorker. From the bridge you’ll spot Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges, and a tiny Statue of Liberty in the distance. When you return, duck into Brooklyn Bridge Park in Dumbo and take a spin on Jane’s Carousel, a 1922 restored merry-go-round.
Sending Money to Friends and Family
In fiscal year 2020-21, Pakistani-Americans sent $2.75 billion in remittances (money or other items of value) to Pakistan, according to State Bank of Pakistan, as families in the U.S. continue to contribute at home. Whether you want to help with food, education, healthcare or housing expenses, or because of losses due to floods or other natural disasters, Western Union makes it quick and relatively easy to send money home. You can send money to family in Pakistan using your credit or debit card, directly through your bank account, or through Apple Pay®. Or just stop in one of the 2701 agent locations in the New York City area for personal assistance.
Send money with the Western Union mobile app
Use the most downloaded money transfer app to send money internationally for pick up in cash or to a bank account anytime, from anywhere.
