Born and raised in Belgium, KATELIJNE DE BACKER left for New York City in 1997, to pursue a career in the contemporary art world. She moved to Brooklyn Heights in 2002 and was immediately smitten with her new neighborhood.

This new alternative guidebook is her personal ode to the mélange of cultures called Brooklyn. It takes you to the most fascinating corners of the borough, and will help you discover places most tourists won't go. The aim is to inspire you to start exploringBrooklyn's neighborhoods, which all have a strong sense of

local identity. Discover more than 350 places the author would recommend to a friend, in eclectic and enthusing lists such as: eateries with a fabulous view, must-visit galleries, museums and skateparks, inspiring bookstores, the oldest houses in Brooklyn, the best spots to stare at the Manhattan skyline

and many more.

These hidden gems were photographed by GABRIEL FLORES, an internationally recognized commercial and documentary

photographer and filmmaker currently residing in Brooklyn, NY.