The other Fifth Avenue walk

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Green-Wood Cemetery

Start D, M, N, R to Pacific St; 2, 3 to Bergen St
End R to 95th St
Distance 5.8 miles
Time 3.5 hours
Calories burned 580

1 Think of Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, and you’ll likely picture museums, fur coats and a whole lot of tourists. For a true cross section of New York life, stroll Brooklyn’s Fifth Avenue from beginning to end. Eastern European, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Italian—the neighborhoods blend seamlessly together, but each is distinct. Start your walk by going Irish at O’Connor’s (39 Fifth Ave between Bergen and Dean Sts, 718-783-9721), the landmark bar that’s poured cheap pints since 1931.

2 Wander down the tree-lined avenue past disparate storefronts—a sleek yoga center next to an old-school shop selling Jesus figurines—until you reach Apropos (186 Fifth Ave between DeGraw and Sackett Sts, 718-230-7605). This elegant little café and wine bar serves potent iced coffee ($2) made with roasted Danesi beans.

3 When you hit J.J. Byrne Memorial Park on 3rd Street, head in and visit the Old Stone House (718-768-3195), a replica of the Dutch domicile occupied by the British during the Revolutionary War’s key Battle of Brooklyn.

4 Just past the Prospect Expressway, you’ll find Eagle Provisions (628 Fifth Ave at 18th St, 718-499-0026), a nod to the neighborhood’s pocket of Eastern Europeans. Hanging kielbasa and a room full of cheap international brews are reminiscent of Beerfest—the first time that’s ever been a good thing.

Sunset Park

5 Although Green-Wood Cemetery (500 25th St, 718-768-7300) is worth an in-depth tour by itself, the dramatic entrance at 25th Street entices with a magical Gothic archway laden with birds’ nests. Make do with a detour up a few steep steps to Artemesia Path, which overlooks stunning mausoleums. On your way down, stop at the restroom.

6 At 41st Street, climb the hilly staircase up to Sunset Park, one of Brooklyn’s highest points, and look beyond the commercial chaos for calming views of the East River.

7 A slew of Mexican restaurants line the stretch at 58th Street. Refuel at authentic Cinco Estrellas (5724 Fifth Ave at 57th St, 718-499-1212), where you can plop down in a pink booth and listen to upbeat Spanish music while locals sit on barstools with Coronas. A big plate of chilaquiles ($6.95) comes with a spicy salsa verde and smoky refried beans.

8 Around 68th Street, you’ll notice storefronts adorned with Arabic letters, women with their hair shrouded in scarves and hookah pipes beckoning from the windows. At Lebanese-owned Sweet Delights (6818 Fifth Ave between Bay Ridge Ave and 68th St, 718-491-5885), snare boxes of baklava and Saudi Arabian dates, or freshly baked, walnut-filled maamoul cookies from one of the trays.

Sweet Delights

9 Bathroom break? At the 86th Street shopping mecca, choose between Circuit City and Brooklyn’s less-crowded Century 21.

10 Come 95th Street, Fifth Avenue unites with Fourth and you’re almost at the Verrazano Bridge. Cross the Belt Parkway to the Shore Parkway Promenade and you’ll get a spectacular view of New York Bay. Or, if you’re tired from the hike, rest on the grass at John Paul Jones Park (between Shore Rd and 101st St), named for the American patriot born and raised in…Scotland. —Alia Akkam

Our featured walks:

• The Zen walk: Get back to nature—without spas or drum circles.
• The stoner's walk: Blaze up and turn off Aqua Teen for a real-life trip. Wait, what’d you just say?
• The romantic walk: Yeah, it includes a sunset. (You won’t be making fun when you get lucky.)
• The night walk: It’s quiet, but not too quiet—some New York sights are best seen in the dark.
• The Queens Boulevard walk: Conquer the Avenue of Death and claim your reward: beer and a fantastic view.
• The dog walk: Take your furry confrere on a deluxe gambol that’s good for both of you.
• The other Fifth Avenue walk: There’s no Saks, and that’s what we like about this multiethnic stretch in Brooklyn.
• The Met walk: Don't let this giant art palace daunt you – hit the highlights, then let tourists descend.

Plus:

• Park avenues: Central Park offers more than half-naked Frisbee players in Sheep Meadow—witness rare birds, waterfalls and (bonus) free coffee on these five expert walking tours.
• Walk of shame: Our hot fuzz tickets slow movers, phone talkers and guy-who-stops-at-top-of-stairs.
• Submit your own walk: Cartography is fun. Show us your favorite ambles using Google Maps.