dumbo walking tour map

Walk This Way NYC

Dumbo self-guided walking tour, a blend of history, art, and unparalleled views.

Embark on a walking tour of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a neighborhood where the views are Instagram gold and the streets are paved with cobblestones and creativity. Once a manufacturing district, today DUMBO is a thriving hub of arts, cuisine, and stunning riverside parks, offering breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and two iconic bridges. From historic warehouses converted into art galleries and eateries to picturesque parks and waterfronts, DUMBO invites you to explore its charming streets, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. 

• Share Copied to clipboard

DUMBO Highlights

1. Hillside Dog Park   Kick off your DUMBO exploration at Hillside Dog Park, a delightful spot for furry friends and their owners. Watch as dogs of all sizes play against a backdrop of lush greenery and cityscape. It’s a paw-fect start to your tour! 

2. Eagle Warehouse & Storage Company Building   Marvel at the Eagle Warehouse & Storage Company Building, an architectural gem dating back to the late 19th century. This former warehouse, now converted into residential lofts, stands as a testament to DUMBO’s industrial past and its transformation into a sought-after living space. 

3. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria   Stop by Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, an institution beloved by locals and tourists alike. Enjoy their famous coal-fired, brick-oven pizza that has sparked debates and cravings across the city. 

4. Juliana’s Pizza   Right next door is Juliana’s Pizza, founded by Patsy Grimaldi himself after selling and then leaving the original Grimaldi’s. Ever since there has been an ongoing rivalry between the two pizza hotspots. Taste and decide for yourself which pie reigns supreme! 

5. Harriet’s Rooftop   Ascend to Harriet’s Rooftop, named in honor of Harriet Tubman, for cocktails with a view. This chic rooftop bar offers panoramic vistas of the East River and Manhattan skyline. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the sights from above. 

6. Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1   Continue your journey to Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1, a lush waterfront park that offers stunning views of the New York skyline. With its rolling lawns, playgrounds, and promenades, it’s a favorite for both relaxation and recreation. Don’t miss the chance to snap some postcard-worthy photos of the bridges and cityscape! 

7. Barge Music   Step aboard Barge Music, a floating concert hall moored at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy one of the 200 classical music performances hosted each year in an intimate setting with the gentle sway of the East River enhancing the experience. It’s where beautiful music and rippling water create a symphony of their own. 

8. Fulton Ferry Fireboat House   Explore the Fulton Ferry Fireboat House, now home to Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. This historic building once served as a vital part of New York’s marine firefighting fleet and now dishes out some of the city’s best ice cream—a chilly nod to its fiery past. 

9. The River Café   Dine at The River Café, situated under the Brooklyn Bridge since 1977 with sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. Known for its exquisite cuisine and romantic atmosphere, it’s a culinary landmark that has hosted many marriage proposals over its storied history. 

10. Luke’s Lobster Brooklyn Bridge Park   Grab a quick bite at Luke’s Lobster in Brooklyn Bridge Park, where the Maine lobster rolls are stuffed fuller than a rush-hour subway car. A perfect treat as you gaze out over the waters and watch the boats drift by. 

11. St. Ann’s Warehouse   Visit St. Ann’s Warehouse, a cutting-edge performing arts venue known for innovative theater productions. Housed in a converted tobacco warehouse, St. Ann’s blends historic architecture with contemporary performance art in a space that pushes the boundaries of theatre. 

12. Jane’s Carousel   Take a nostalgic ride on Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored 1922 carousel nestled inside a glass pavilion. With the Manhattan Bridge framing your ride, it’s a magical experience for children and adults alike, offering a whimsical break from the urban exploration. 

13. Time Out Market   Sample the delights of Time Out Market, where you can taste dishes from some of New York’s top chefs all under one roof. This food market offers a variety of cuisines, making it a paradise for foodies looking to explore local flavors. My personal favorite: the blueberry pancakes from Clinton St. Baking Company. 

14. Jacques Torres Chocolate – Dumbo   Indulge your sweet tooth at Jacques Torres Chocolate in DUMBO. Known as Mr. Chocolate, Jacques Torres offers a decadent array of handmade chocolates and confections that are sure to delight any chocolate lover. 

15. KLOMPCHING GALLERY   Explore contemporary fine art photography at the KLOMPCHING GALLERY. This gallery is known for showcasing innovative works by emerging and established photographers, adding a vibrant layer to DUMBO’s rich artistic tapestry. 

16. MINUS SPACE   Delve into the world of minimalistic art at MINUS SPACE. This gallery specializes in contemporary abstract art, focusing on the reductive aspects of the visual experience. It’s a space where simplicity and clarity lead to profound artistic expressions. 

17. Pebble Beach   Relax at Pebble Beach, a small but picturesque waterfront spot known for its stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline. It’s the perfect place for contemplative moments or catching a breathtaking sunset over the city. 

18. Main Street Park   Main Street Park is the multitasker’s dream: playgrounds, sports courts, and killer views of the East River all in one spot. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of parks—compact, efficient, and surprisingly scenic. 

19. Smack Mellon   Visit Smack Mellon, a nonprofit arts organization located in a former boiler building. This gallery is dedicated to supporting women artists and underrepresented voices, showcasing innovative and challenging works across various mediums. 

20. Dumbo – Manhattan Bridge View   Capture the quintessential DUMBO shot at the Manhattan Bridge View, a spot that perfectly frames the Empire State Building through the legs of the bridge, offering one of NYC’s most sought-after photo ops. 

21. Gleason’s Gym   Step into Gleason’s Gym, the legendary boxing gym that has trained some of the greatest fighters in history since 1937. Even if you’re not up for a spar, the old-school vibe and walls adorned with boxing memorabilia make it a knockout spot for boxing fans. 

22. DUMBO Archway (Brooklyn Flea)   Explore the DUMBO Archway, especially on Sundays when the Brooklyn Flea breathes life into this historic space. Nestled beneath the bridge, this market is a treasure trove of vintage clothing, unique handmade crafts, and eclectic local art. From April through October, enjoy the added perk of a pop-up bar where you can sip a cold beer. 

23. A.I.R. Gallery   Stop by A.I.R. Gallery, the first all-female cooperative gallery in the United States founded in 1972. It’s a pioneering space that promotes women artists through exhibitions, talks, and events, emphasizing feminist and gender issues in art. 

24. Stairs to Brooklyn Bridge   Climb the stairs to the Brooklyn Bridge, a starting point for one of New York’s most scenic walks. Crossing this historic bridge offers panoramic views of the city and a chance to appreciate the engineering marvel that has connected Brooklyn and Manhattan since 1883. 

25. Brooklyn Bridge   End your tour with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Enjoy the sweeping views of the East River and the skyline, a fitting finale to your DUMBO adventure. Little fun fact: P.T. Barnum, 21 elephants and 17 camels crossed the bridge back in 1884 to display the bridge’s strength to the skeptical New Yorkers. 

🖤 Support Walk This Way NYC 🖤

If you’ve enjoyed your self-guided tour and would like to show your appreciation, you can tip your guide (that’s me, Jens!) to support the upkeep of this website and future endeavors.

Or enter a custom amount

Your support is like a slice of NYC pizza – satisfying and greatly appreciated!

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy .

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

What to do in DUMBO, Brooklyn

This post is a self-guided tour that takes you to see charming and historic locations and cutting-edge art and architecture in DUMBO, Brooklyn.

When writing this post, we tapped into our local tour guides' knowledge and experiences in DUMBO, both leading walking tours there as well as spending their free time there.

• Getting to DUMBO
• Things to See and Do
• Nearby Activities
• Where to Eat and Shop
• Things to Do in Brooklyn
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
• Where to Stay in NYC

WHAT IS DUMBO IN NYC?

DUMBO is located in the northeast of Brooklyn, just across the river from Lower Manhattan and just to the north of Brooklyn Heights .

If you are wondering if it's named after the loveable Disney elephant, it isn't! DUMBO is an acronym for  D own  U nder the  M anhattan  B ridge  O verpass.

Find out more about the origin of the name DUMBO . The story is quite interesting!

There are 4 ways to get here (from Manhattan):

• East River Ferry
• Bike Across the Bridge

Regardless of how you get here, we recommend using this Google Maps link for directions .

We also provide more detailed directions for each option at the bottom of this page.

Let Us Guide You Here

We visit the area on our Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, and DUMBO Tour , which takes place daily at 9:30 with additional seasonal times.

Or you could take our GPS-led audio tour any time you wish.

Searching Availability...

An Introduction to DUMBO

If you have the time, a trip to DUMBO is worth it, if only for some of the best views of the Manhattan skyline in the entire city!

Plus, the neighborhood has so much more to offer.

It's known for being a hip, yet non-pretentious area.

Several green spaces line the waterfront and there's ample space for residents and tourists to enjoy side-by-side.

You'll find famous fine-dining restaurants like the very upscale River Cafe and one of the most famous pizzerias in NYC, Grimaldi's .

DUMBO has embraced its past as an industrial neighborhood by re-purposing 100-year-old warehouses into luxury condos, hip restaurants, cutting-edge art galleries, and small boutiques.

This is one of the reasons why DUMBO is an expensive neighborhood to live in.

The views, the vibe, the food scene, and the architecture, make it appealing to young professionals.

Families also gravitate here given the large parks and the fact that DUMBO is a safe neighborhood, though, at night, some caution is warranted.

Read about How to Stay Safe in NYC .

ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN DUMBO

This self-guided tour takes you to the spots where you can take some of the best photos of New York City.

Make sure your camera battery is charged and ready to go!

Click the map to enlarge.

GPS-LED AUDIO TOUR

Take this tour in our GPS-led audio tour app. Listen to a sample.

Downloads are only $2.99. We also offer 9 other NYC audio tours .

Here is how it works:

• Purchase an audio tour.
• Get a confirmation email with .mp3, .pdf, and embeddable Google Map
• Enjoy the tour(s).

Even if you don't download any tours, you will still have access to valuable information on sightseeing, eating, and playing in the Big Apple.

1 –  The DUMBO Walls

This project began in 2012. Eight walls near the York Street subway station were selected as sites for large murals by famed artists like Shepard Fairey, MOMO, Yuko Shimizu, and several more.

Some of these eight sites have original murals, and others have new ones.

For example, along York Street between Adams and Pearl Street of CAM’s huge colorful owls are still visible.

Other walls have had several new murals since the DUMBO Walls were installed, like the corrugated metal wall on Front Street between Adams Street and Pearl Street.

You can use this  map to find all DUMBO Walls, but for a taste, take a look just to the left of the exit from the York Street station.

About 100 feet from the station exit, you will see a large brick wall on your left with a somewhat faded Shepard Fairey.

TIP:  We visit some of the murals during our pay-what-you-wish   3-hour Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, and DUMBO Tour .

If you are a fan of street art and murals, take a look at our post on the best places to see street art in NYC . You might also enjoy our  Graffiti and Street Art Tours .

From York Street, make a right turn onto Washington Street and walk two blocks.

2 - Iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge

Corner of Washington Street and Front Street.

Your grand greeting from DUMBO is a photo op you will not want to miss.

As you walk down Washington Street, look straight ahead and you will see the blue-gray steel of the Manhattan Bridge, built in 1912.

Far off in the distance, you can see the Empire State Building perfectly framed in the archway of the bridge.

If the view looks familiar that is because this exact vantage point is one of the several iconic photos of New York City.

Although cars are active along these streets, most drivers go slow knowing that lots of people stop here to take photos.

Still, be careful when standing in the middle of the street.

The streets surrounding the base have been used as locations for many films including:

• The Naked City (1948)
• The French Connection (1971)
• Serpico (1973),
• Once Upon a Time in America (1984 )
• Scent of a Woman (1992)
• American Gangster (2007)
• The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
• The Amazing Spider-Man (both 2012).

Walk half a block east on Water Street. (East is walking in the opposite direction of the car traffic).

3 - Gleason's Gym

130 Water Street

Gleason's Gym is one of the most famous boxing training gyms in America.

The original Gleason’s Gym was located in the Bronx, having opened in 1937 by the late, great boxer Bobby Gleason. It moved to DUMBO in 1984.

Over the years, many legends have trained for fame at Gleason’s.

At the original Bronx location, stars like Jake LaMotta, Roberto Duran, and Mike Tyson trained.

In 1963, a young man named Cassius Clay learned how to box like a champ as he prepared for his famous match with Sonny Liston.

Clay changed his name to Muhammad Ali and the rest is history.

The gym has also been the setting for several boxing movies.

Robert DeNiro trained in the gym's Manhattan location to prepare for his role as LaMotta in Raging Bull.

Wesley Snipes trained in DUMBO to prepare to play Roland Jenkins in the 1987 film Streets of Gold.

Actress Hillary Swank, in preparation for her Academy-Award-winning role in Million Dollar Baby , was trained by Gleason boxing trainer Hector Roca.

Continue East on Water Street. The corner of Water and Adams Street is our next stop.

4 - PowerHouse ARENA

28 Adams Street

In 2006, the critically acclaimed publisher PowerHouse Books opened PowerHouse ARENA in DUMBO as a venue for creative thought and top-notch art exhibitions, installations, presentations, performances, and readings.

It drew lots of locals, and travelers as well, who came to see famed authors and artists.

Powerhouse ARENA helped to put DUMBO on the “map” as a world-class venue for arts and literature.

The original location which was at 37 Main Street was a massive 10,000 square feet with 24-foot ceilings and large glass windows.

As is so often the case, original renters in DUMBO are priced out of their own homes. 

In 2016 the rent doubled and they moved to a smaller nearby location.

Just a few of the authors who have read there are Salman Rushdie, Paul Auster, Gary Shteyngart, David Sedaris, Mary Gaitskill, Jonathan Lethem, Joyce Carol Oates, Jennifer Egan, T.C. Boyle, Jonathan Franzen, Pete Hamill, and Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Tracy K. Smith.

Check their website to see if anyone famous will be stopping by when you are there.

6 - Archway of the Manhattan Bridge

A century ago, who would have imagined that the desolate dark space underneath the noisy bridge would become a unique venue available to rent for special events, markets, art exhibitions, commercial photography shoots, and, believe it or not, weddings?

In spring and summer, concerts, light shows, and even sports event viewings are open to the public for free.

In 2014, the Archway installed a large Jumbotron TV to air the World Cup.

Viewers came with folding chairs, some wine, cheese, and even flags of their favorite teams!

In the below pictures, you can see (from left to right) 1) the archway used as a film location for a movie set in the 1920s; 2) the archway on an average day; 3) the archway with a fun night of beer!

By now you should have noticed that many of DUMBO’s streets are cobblestone.

While it is not the original cobblestone laid down by the very first settlers of New York City, much of DUMBO’s cobblestone was laid down in the early 1900s.

Other areas of New York City that are known for their cobblestone streets are  Tribeca , Greenwich Village , and SoHo , all of which we offer free tours of - see our tour calendar to find out more.

The area around the archway has an aged look to it, with its small shop storefronts and large industrial buildings in the background.

The area’s unique characteristics make it a perfect location for filming movies that take place in the past.

Stephen Spielberg filmed some scenes from Bridge of Spies here as the film takes place in the 1960s.

Above is a video of the filmmakers filming by the archway.

You can see how the shops were fitted with era-appropriate signs and the streets are lined with old automobiles.

Walk through the Archway and you will hit Anchorage Place. If it is Spring and Summer you will walk right into our next stop.

6 - DUMBO Flea

April through October, Sundays 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. 

This well-known ‘upscale flea market’ is a must-see event that happens every Sunday throughout the Spring and Summer.

It is a unique blend of artisan crafts, vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, and retro furniture.

Even if you don’t plan on shopping, a visit to the Brooklyn Flea can be great fun!

Dig through old dusty records, and find unusual funky clothing and souvenirs unique to Brooklyn. It’s good vibes all around!

You will also find unique food vendors – save room for a treat as you will want to try something.

DUMBO Flea was ranked as one of the world’s best flea markets by Travel + Leisure ,  Country Living ,  Budget Travel , and  Fodor’s! 

Turn left on Anchorage Place and walk one block to Plymouth Street. Make a left onto Plymouth Street and walk one block to Adams Street.

7- Jay Street Connecting Railroad

As you have been walking around you may have noticed what appears like trolley tracks.

These are what is left of the former Jay Street Connecting Railroad (JSC). It was created by the Arbuckle Brothers, Brooklyn's original coffee king.

By 1900, the Arbuckle Company had a factory and a group of warehouses on the Brooklyn waterfront.

Believing that a railroad was the best way to effectively move cargo through the buildings, they created the JSC.

The railroad had terminals to serve the various industries and factories in the area.

With the rise of trucks as the dominant means of transporting goods, the small local railroad stopped operating by 1958.

The tracks remain and are yet another aspect of DUMBO that is a reminder of days gone by.

For history buffs and train aficionados, you can find out more information here .

Continue walking along Plymouth Street until you reach Washington Street. Here you will find the entrance to a delightful waterside park .

8 - Main Street Park

This 3.5-acre park offers spectacular views of the East River and Manhattan. (Importantly, there are public bathrooms available just a hundred feet into the park!).

So many things go on every day in this neatly groomed park with some shady trees but mostly open grass.

Bring a blanket and laze for an hour or more.

When sitting in this park, located between the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge to the south, be prepared to pause your conversation approximately every 3 minutes as the subway traverses the Manhattan Bridge).

Click  here  for the Park's website.

Once you are in the park, walk southwest toward the Brooklyn Bridge and the water's edge.

You will see a small curved beach of rocks level with the river. Head down there and get your camera out for some of the most monumental photos you will get on your trip to New York City.

9 - Pebble Beach

When you planned your trip to New York City you probably didn’t contemplate being able to dip your toes into the East River!

At Pebble Beach, you can walk down to the water, watch it lap up against the land, and take a pebble for a souvenir.

The water is clean enough that the Brooklyn Bridge Boathouse sponsors a free kayaking program every summer where you can get 20 minutes free of kayak time and get out into the river.

It is an unusual experience that not many travelers know about.

It is NOT something you will forget. Bring a waterproof camera! Find out more information here .

Read our post on the number of free ways to get on the water in NYC .

From Pebble Beach, turn away from the water, look back at the buildings and you will see a building several stories high. At the top, the building is fitted with a 14-foot glass clock.

10 - 1 Main Street

(aka the Clocktower Building) corner of Plymouth Street and Main Street

The Clocktower has special significance in that it was the first of the old, abandoned industrial buildings in the area to be converted into luxury apartment buildings.

In the 1980s, property developer David Walentas had the brilliant foresight to purchase the area's mostly empty big loft-like spaces.

At the time, the entire Clocktower Building cost just $12 million – a real steal for a building so large.

Walentas bought up so much property and converted them into luxury condos that DUMBO got a nickname, Walentasville!

While all the apartments in the Clocktower have great views, the penthouse triplex is like no other.

It has four 14-foot-high (4.2 m) round windows each with four working clocks.

In 2010, the penthouse was listed on the real estate market and the asking price was $25 million. (Remember that the entire building was bought by Walentas for half that amount!).

There were no takers and the building sat empty until March 2017, when it was finally sold for the bargain price of…$15 million!

Still, you will never be late for an appointment!

Continue walking south through the park along the footpath toward the massive brick warehouse-like structure known as Empire Stores.

11 - Empire Stores

53-83 Water Street

You cannot miss this 500,000-square-foot brick warehouse situated close to the waterfront.

This is the Empire Stores' former warehouse, built between 1868 and 1885.

In those days, Brooklyn was America’s coffee capital.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the vast majority of the country’s coffee supply arrived through New York Harbor.

As industry slowed down along the Brooklyn waterfront in the 1940s and ‘50s, many of the area’s warehouses were torn down for the construction of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade.

Photo left to right: 1) Empire Stores in its warehouse days; 2) during its unused era; 3) the first stages of renovation and repurposing in 2017.

By the 1960s, Empire Stores was abandoned.

But with the rise of DUMBO as a vibrant neighborhood and the development of its splendid waterfront, it has been brought back to life.

In 2013, investors and real estate developers converted the warehouses into a mixed-use project with 420,000 rentable square feet of office space and 80,000 square feet of retail.

To see a listing of the dozens of retail stores and places to eat, click here .

12 - Time Out Market

Located inside the Empire Stores complex, this large food market has 21 eateries and a communal space where you can sit and enjoy your meal.

In addition to the food market, there are three bars and a 5th-floor that includes a rooftop with waterfront views!

TIP: For other great, free views, see our post on the best NYC skyline views .

The market is open Mon-Thurs 8 am - 11 pm and Fri, Sat, Sun 8 am- 12 am.

NOTE: They do not accept cash at their eateries. Cash is ok at the bars. At both the eaters and the bars, they take debit or credit cards.

13 - Jane's Carousel

Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this carousel is one of our top 10 family-friendly things to do in Brooklyn .

This 1922 carousel, featuring 48 carved wooden horses, was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and stationed in Idora Park in Youngstown, Ohio.

When Idora Park closed in 1984, Jane and David Walentas bought the carousel at auction for $385,000 and had it stored in a warehouse.

Jane spearheaded its restoration and in 2011 it was installed at its current location.

It is a fully functional carousel and fun for kids and adults to ride!

And it is only $2 to take a ride on this beautiful historic carousel with great views of Manhattan and the river.

Some people find the juxtaposition of a glass box on the grassy lawn by the river to be odd and unattractive. 

But in 2012 Jane's Carousel won Travel & Leisure's 2012 Design Award for Best Public Space.

It was designed by world-renowned architect Jean Nouvel who designed another wonderful structure, a residential building located just north of the Chelsea Piers.

From the High Line Park in Manhattan, you'll get a great view of his stunning work.

If you haven’t heard of the High Line, do yourself the favor and read our post about it .

Carousel Hours

• For Fall to Spring, (check  here for summer hours when they are announced)
• Thursday to Sunday 11 am - 6 pm
• Tickets: $2

From the carousel, head out of the park and walk along the path. On your left, is the side of Empire Stores and on your right is another former warehouse turned art center.

14 - St. Ann's Warehouse

45 Water Street

Housed in this former tobacco warehouse is St. Ann's Warehouse, a state-of-the-art performance space.

Founded 34 years ago when DUMBO was not the hotbed it is now, St. Ann’s Theater was located in another nearby space.

They are known for their cutting-edge and innovative theater and concert presentations.

Among many performances are highly acclaimed productions by the late Lou Reed, Deborah Harry, Al Pacino, Marianne Faithfull, Charlie Kaufman, and the Coen Brothers.

St. Ann’s Warehouse played an important role in both the New York City art scene and also helped put DUMBO on the map.

It still draws large crowds. Check their website to see what events are going on.

When you exit the park, you will be on Old Dock Street. If you have a sweet tooth, make a left on Water Street and walk halfway down the street.

15 - Jacques Torres Chocolate

66 Water Street

This shop is the first of several locations for the world-famous chocolatier. It opened in 2000 and is a must-see, or rather must-eat, destination.

Torres pioneered mixing unusual flavors into filled chocolates such as Pastis licorice liquor with milk chocolate ganache, chocolate infused with the tingle of fresh mint tea, and Earl Grey tea infused in a dark creamy chocolate square.

They are not only delicious but quite beautiful.

In winter, it is practically required in DUMBO to go and get a Chili Hot Chocolate ideal for cold days in DUMBO.

Get information about hours and directions by clicking here.

Turn back on Water Street and head west, in the same direction as the cars. Walk one block to Dock Street and make a left. Dock Street merges with Front Street. Walk on Front Street for about 100 yards and you will arrive at Old Fulton Street.

16 - Grimaldi's   and Juliana's 

You have probably heard of Grimaldi's Pizza, long believed to be one of the best pizza pies in New York City.

Before DUMBO was a destination of its own, crowds of people came down to Old Fulton Street to wait for hours in line for a taste of Grimaldi’s famous pizza .

Well, in 2012 a new kid moved into town – Juliana’s Pizzeria . Turns out that Juliana’s is not new at all. It was opened by the original owner of Grimaldi’s!

It’s a long story of a pizza war. You can get all the juicy details if you read this article .

Both pizzerias are very good. Some say that Juliana’s is overtaking Grimaldi’s in popularity.

The best advice is to go to whichever has the shorter line! The recipe is the same, it’s all in the family.

TIP: If you are a pizza lover, see our post  The Best Pizza in New York City by Neighborhood .

Look across the street at the imposing red brick building with the large arched entrance.

17 - Brooklyn Eagle Warehouse

28 Old Fulton Street

This neo-Romanesque building was constructed in 1893 on the site of the old Brooklyn Eagle Newspaper building.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle began publication on October 26, 1841. At that time, Brooklyn was still a city independent of New York.

For two years, from 1846 to 1848, a young Walt Whitman was the paper’s editor.

The paper was relocated in the late 1800s, making room for the warehouse to be built. It is now, of course, a luxury condominium.

Walt Whitman is best known for “Leaves of Grass”, the revolutionary collection of poems he authored in 1855.

Lines from his famous poem “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry” have made an everlasting impression at our next site on the tour.

Continue toward the water along Old Fulton Street until you come to the end of the street and the entrance to Fulton Ferry Landing and Brooklyn Bridge Park.

18 - Fulton Ferry Landing 

On your way to the wooden landing, stop by the large boulder with a plaque commemorating one of the most important historical locations in DUMBO, and perhaps all of New York City.

In 1642, the first ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan was based along the shoreline. That alone is historic.

But what is truly exciting about this spot (besides the amazing Ample Hills Creamery) is that it was here that one of the most important strategic moves of the Revolutionary War took place.

In what is now known as the Battle of Brooklyn, George Washington found himself between a rock and a hard place in August of 1776. 

Washington and his troops had almost been pushed out of Brooklyn by the British Army.

He was faced with the choice of remaining on land to fight the much superior British forces or evacuate his troops and avoid what would surely have been a bloody defeat.

Washington made his decision and under the cover of night on August 29 th, 9,000 troops secretly departed from the Fulton Ferry shoreline via boat, canoe, raft and any other object that could float.

All night long, troops were shuttled to safety in Manhattan.

At sunrise, with troops, and Washington himself, still waiting to evacuate, a heavy fog formed which concealed the last leg of the retreat.

By 7 am, the entire Continental Army had arrived safely on Manhattan Island.

The British didn’t know what happened until a few hours later.

Of course, the rest is history! (To see other landmarks related to this epic evacuation try our  Brooklyn Heights Tour .)

As you walk to the end of the landing, your eyes will be focused on the skyline of Manhattan.

If you can take your eyes off the view for a minute, look down and you will see bronze relief drawings of historic local scenes embedded in the wooden pier.

Also, the landing’s railings are engraved with lines from Walt Whitman’s famous poem, “Crossing Brooklyn Ferry".

As for why it is called Fulton's Ferry Landing, that is because, in 1814, Robert Fulton launched his steamboat ferry service which instantly became the foremost means of transport between Brooklyn and Manhattan.

The ferry remained successful until the 1883 opening of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Eventually, ferry service tapered off and ceased completely in 1924.

Excitingly, ferry service to DUMBO began again in 2006, run by the  NYC Ferry service .

Also, look into  other boat tours  and ferry lines that make stops or pass by here.

That concludes the tour, although there is so much more to do in the area.

Below are suggestions for places to shop and eat , in addition to Grimaldi's and Juliana's Pizzerias.

We have also included other activities nearby .

If you are ready to head home, here are the nearest departure points.

If you are ready to leave DUMBO, you can walk up Old Fulton Street along the right side of this busy street.

After two long curved blocks, you will come to Henry Street. Make a right onto Henry and walk up the slight hill.

Walk one block and make a left onto Middagh Street. Walk one short block on Middagh and you will come to the High Street Station for the A/C train.

If you prefer the 2/3 train, continue on Henry Street for four more blocks and you will be at the Clark Street Station.

WHERE TO EAT & SHOP IN DUMBO

Two of the best pizzerias in NYC are right next to each other! Gr i maldi's  at 1 Front Street or Juliana's at 19 Old Fulton Street.

Time Out Market has 21 eateries, some sit-down and some to-go as well as three bars. Grab your food and head to the 2nd-floor outdoor terrace for amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.

ShakeShack   on 1 Old Fulton Street has familiar family-pleasing "fast food" with what some say are the best burgers in NYC.

Cecconi's Dumbo at 55 Water Street is an upscale waterfront restaurant that serves delicious Italian food with equally sumptuous views.

Westville at 81 Washington Street serves American food with an emphasis on fresh produce & locally sourced meats.

Luke's Lobster Rolls  is near Jane's Carousel in the historic Smokestack building in Brooklyn Bridge Park. They serve up much more than fresh lobster rolls. You can get soup and salads as well.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory 14 Old Fulton Street across from Brooklyn Bridge Park has been a favorite in the neighborhood for years.

Click here for more dining options.

Dumbo is filled with artsy, unique stores as well as some chain shops you are familiar with such as West Elm.

Be sure to stop at Brooklyn Industries to buy their famous T-shirts with all sorts of graphic designs of Brooklyn on them. They also have the best hoodies around!

For an extensive listing and a map of retail stores, click here .

NEARBY  ACTIVITIES

Guided tours .

We do offer several pay-what-you-wish guided tours   of these Brooklyn neighborhoods:

• Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, and DUMBO Tour  - a 3-hour tour that begins with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, a stroll through Brooklyn Heights, and a taste of DUMBO ending at the Fulton Ferry Landing.
• Brooklyn Heights Tour  - a 2-hour tour of charming historic homes, stunning views and plenty of history.
• Williamsburg Brooklyn Tour  - explore one of New York’s hippest neighborhoods in flux. See the art, the restaurants, the watering holes, and most importantly, the people of Williamsburg.

Outdoor activities 

• Free kayaking at Brooklyn Bridge Park between Piers 1 and 2 is a unique opportunity to see the Bridge from a different perspective without paying anything. It starts the first weekend in June and runs through the end of August. Click here for more information.
• For those with kids, there are multiple playgrounds in Brooklyn Bridge Park, located near the park entrances

TIP:  Want to get out on the water without getting too wet? See our post on  Free New York Boat Tours .

• Athletics - South of DUMBO is even more of Brooklyn Bridge Park. This huge waterfront park has several piers offering different activities including basketball, handball, bocce, shuffleboard, a roller rink, and rock climbing.

Cultural Events

• Free outdoor movies. In summer, the park is host to Movies with a View , a free outdoor movie showing every Thursday night. For more information about other free outdoor movie screenings see our post,  Free Concerts, and Movies .
• All the World's a Stage  See free performances of Shakespeare plays. A great alternative if you can't get tickets to the famous free  Shakespeare in the Park  in Central Park.
• A very well-known local event called Bargemusic, for free one-hour classical music performances. Doors open 15 minutes before the performance - no reserved seating is available.
• For all the amazing offerings in the park, see their events calendar .

For even more ideas, check out our Things to Do in Brooklyn post.

DETAILED DIRECTIONS

A/C Train to High Street:

Take the exit that says Cadman Plaza West.

When you exit, there will be a big park across the 4-lane street. Cross the street to the park, and walk directly across the park to the pathway that curves to the left.

You will see plenty of people coming and going from the bridge. Walk downhill on Washington Street.

2/3 Train to Clark Street:

Exit the station and turn left onto Henry Street.

Pass Cranberry Street and make a right on the footpath; you will see the A/C train station. Then follow the instructions above regarding walking through the park.

F Train to York Street:

York Street is the closest station to the start of this self-guided tour.

When you exit the station, make a right turn onto Jay Street. At the corner make a left turn onto York Street.

Walk four blocks to Washington Street and make a right. Walk down one block to the first stop of the tour.

By foot from the Brooklyn Bridge:

If you have walked from Manhattan over the Brooklyn Bridge, you can get to DUMBO very easily.

As you walk through the second tower of the bridge, you will be nearing one of two exits from the bridge.

You will come to a fork in the walkway – to the left, there is a small set of stairs going down off the bridge.

On the right, the walkway and bike path continues.

Be sure to take the exit on the left with the stairs and be sure to watch for speeding bicyclists as you must cross the bike path to get to the stairs).

Walk down the stairs and you will be at the perfect spot to start the tour .

To make the most of your walk over this splendid and beloved bridge, be sure to read our guide to walking the Brooklyn Bridge .

By bike: 

Despite some bumpiness along cobblestoned streets, DUMBO is a great neighborhood to bike around.

Not a lot of car traffic and plenty of places to lock your bikes and several nearby docks for bikes rented from the city's Citibike Share  system.

For information on the best bike rentals, see our post,  Best Bike Rentals in New York City .

Click  here  for information related specifically to biking in DUMBO.

The East River Ferry operates to and from Brooklyn Bridge Park from several locations along the Manhattan and Brooklyn waterfronts.

When you disembark, leave the ferry landing located inside the park, exit the park and you will find yourself on Water Street.

Turn left onto Water Street and walk 3 blocks until you reach Washington Street for the first stop on the tour.

Our post on the NYC River Ferry Service has all the details you will need. Read about all of NYC's ferry services  here .

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

Here are some thoughts about DUMBO and recommendations of things to do there from members of our New York City Travel Tips Facebook group.

If you are looking for more thoughts about DUMBO or any other NYC topic from locals and tourists, make sure to check out our Facebook group!

Quite often, DUMBO appears in our group members’ recommendations of “must-see” places in NYC. It’s right up there with the best of them!

A group member planning a trip to New York City asked for recommendations for the best places to get pictures of the sunrise and sunset in New York City. 

Of course, NYC’s observation decks like the Empire State Building and Edge were popular answers.

But dozens of people said DUMBO, specifically Pebble Beach and Brooklyn Bridge Park, both mentioned in this post.

Tip : Our post on the best NYC photo locations will lead you and your camera to places you'll love.

DUMBO is known for its great views, but also its great food.

These locals never get tired of DUMBO!

We hope that these comments have convinced you that DUMBO is a fabulous destination. We love it and we think you will too!

RELATED POSTS:

• Guide to Brooklyn Heights
• Guide to Williamsburg
• Guide to NYC Neighborhoods

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Courtney Shapiro

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Neighborhood Tour

Quick Details

Calendar Schedule: Mar – Sep: Wed & Sat | Oct – Feb: Sat

Hour Glass Duration: 2.5 hours (2 MI / 3.2 KM)

Clock Departure Time: 10 am/Spanish; 11 am/English

Globe Other Languages: Spanish (Apr-Sep/Oct-Jan)

Hear captivating stories about the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge as you cross this incredible landmark on our Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood walking tour. Enjoy unparalleled views of the famous and beautiful New York City skyline from Brooklyn – a photo opportunity you can’t miss while in New York! 

Then, explore the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO, known for its galleries, shops, and scenic waterfront views, with your expert NYC tour guide. This 2.5 hours walking tour is a great way to learn more about New York City, enjoy the beautiful Brooklyn DUMBO waterfront, and get stunning views of the city while crossing the Brooklyn Bridge.

Tour Highlights:

• Discover the harrowing and exciting story of the building of the Brooklyn Bridge including the dangerous conditions, acts of heroism, immigrant contributions, and cutting-edge innovations that made the Bridge one of the most beautiful and enduring  landmarks of  NYC
• Enjoy fabulous views of the Manhattan skyline, while learning the fascinating history of the Brooklyn Bridge
• Explore the trendy Brooklyn waterfront neighborhood known as DUMBO
• Stop at an early 20th-century waterfront Carousel and hear about its history and restoration
• Take stunning photos of the New York City Skyline from one of the best vantage points in the city.

All attractions are exterior visits only

This Brooklyn Bridge tour is not wheelchair-accessible.

• This tour is included in the New York Pass, Go City All-inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass.
• Pass customers please visit the  page  and follow the instruction to make a reservation.

Meeting & End Locations

• Meet the guide in front of Tweed Courthouse located at 52 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007 between Broadway and Centre Street.
• The guide will be holding up a Red, Inside Out Tours Flag .
• Tour ends at Brooklyn Bridge Park in Brooklyn

Frequently Asked Questions

• Chevron down How do I reserve the tour using my Attraction Pass?
•  If you are booking with a Go City PASS (Including New York Pass, All Inclusive Pass, or Explorer Pass),  please book the tour from the page below:  https://insideouttours.com/book-with-pass/
• If pass holders select the wrong option and purchase full-price tickets and you will  NOT  receive a refund and will  NOT  be able to exchange paid tickets for a pass reservation. To book using a pass, please select visit this  page  & follow the booking instructions to make a reservation with a Pass.
• Chevron down Can I reschedule my reservation?

Cancellations made with a minimum of 48 hours advance notice will receive the opportunity to reschedule. All requests must be put in writing and received by us. Please email us here !

• Chevron down I'm running late, what should I do?

Once a tour has started we cannot delay for late arrivals or interrupt a tour guide so that latecomers may find them, as this adversely affects the tour experience for others. Please call 800-258-7359 and we will try our best to direct you to the next destination on the tour.

• Chevron down What happens in inclement weather?

Our tours run rain or shine. In the case of severe inclement weather , tours will be canceled and a full refund will be provided.

• Chevron down Do tour guides accept gratuities?

Gratuities are accepted and greatly appreciated. They’re a great way to tell your guide they did an awesome job and show your appreciation.

• Chevron down More Questions?

Check out Frequently Asked Questions  for more details.

Or contact us here!

We had a fantastic time on this tour. Kevin was amazing! There were so many interesting facts and information about the city and the bridge that you just wouldn’t know by just walking across it yourself. Would highly recommend this to anyone visiting the city.

Such a nice tour! it's a lot of walking but totally worth it. I wish the tour manager will allow more time for pictures, you still want to hear what he has to say but in the same time, you want to take nice pictures with your family.

Did this tour with my wife and 2 children on a damp and misty day with Sarah who was a great guide. She was humorous and very knowledgeable, giving loads of interesting facts about not only the bridge but the history of New York itself. Would highly recommend it!

Blue skies, crisp cold air, stunning architecture, spectacular bridge walk & a most engaging guide made for a fantastic day walking from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Kevin was a consummate guide for this tour & we loved the historical perspectives he shared. Highly recommend doing this walk.

Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO Walking Tour

Bring your camera for this Brooklyn Bridge walking excursion!

One of New York City's most famous icons, the Brooklyn Bridge is a top visiting destination for both tourists and locals alike. It has been an iconic part of NYC’s skyline since 1883, when it was the largest suspension bridge in the world!

This 2.5 hour Brooklyn Bridge walking tour crosses the famous span from Manhattan to Brooklyn. Expect to discover the fascinating history. You will learn about the stubborn people who designed it, along with the unbelievable bad luck which plagued them. The dramatic story contains achievements, accidents, and even a parade of elephants!

Along the way you will enjoy magnificent views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Be prepared to take lots of photos! You will get the very best vantage points.

The tour leads you across into Brooklyn, where it will end. Brooklyn's once-quiet waterfront has been re-newed into one of NYC's most modern hip neighborhoods. DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass and is situated between the towering Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Its cobblestone streets are lined with interesting shops. These establishments are located in repurposed former factories, which have been converted for residential use too.

• new york city

My Ultimate Guide to DUMBO in Brooklyn, NYC!

• Posted by by Elle-Rose
• Updated: October 21, 2023
• 13 minute read

If you’re planning to visit DUMBO in Brooklyn, this ultimate guide to DUMBO will have all the info you need!

I absolutely adore DUMBO. It’s one of those iconic NYC neighborhoods that I will happily visit time and time again.

I think this is probably one of my favorite neighborhoods in the whole city, and I urge you to make time in your NYC schedule to visit it.

I promise you, it won’t disappoint!

I think DUMBO is one of the coolest places to visit in NYC, and it also offers up some of the most amazing views of the city’s skyline too (a big reason to visit yourself if you love photography, like me!).

In this guide to DUMBO Brooklyn, I’ll give you all the information you need. From different ways to get there, to which streets have the best photo opportunities and where to eat and drink.

I’ll include all my favorite recommendations and try and be as helpful as possible, so your trip to DUMBO is as enjoyable as it can be!

Many tourists don’t venture out to Brooklyn (as it’s a little confusing for first-timers navigating the Subway), but I promise you, it’s worth it.

This part of NYC has so much personality and charm.

So don’t miss it!

Alongside the amazing city views, you also have wonderful restaurants and cafes, cute stores, parks, and even a giant food hall with a rooftop terrace! Oh, and my favorite ice cream in the entire city is located in DUMBO too!

Tip: A lot of people get a taxi to DUMBO when visiting for the first time, because it seems confusing and scary to venture into Brooklyn. But don’t waste your valuable spending money! It’s very easy to get public transport, and I’ll show you how below.

What does DUMBO stand for?

I guess the first thing we should cover in this guide to DUMBO Brooklyn, is what the name actually stands for!

DUMBO is an acronym for ‘Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.’

It’s a bit of a mouthful, and now you can see why they shortened it! DUMBO is a little more catchy, hey?

The historic area of DUMBO Brooklyn brings together the old and new, resulting in a really cool area packed with fun things to see and do. The area is best known for its charming cobblestone streets, waterfront access, and stunning Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Island views.

Why is DUMBO so popular?

As you’ll find out, many reasons make DUMBO Brooklyn so popular.

First of all, it has some of the best views of Manhattan, and the incredible NYC skyline.

Secondly, there are amazing food places to enjoy! Third, the neighborhood feels quirky and ‘authentic’, with features like cobblestone streets and converted warehouses.

Or maybe it’s just the vibe and the energy here that people love! Whatever the reason, it’s a great place to visit. Now, let’s get into our guide to DUMBO Brooklyn!

Read more NYC ideas: 60 free and cheap things to do in NYC

Directions to DUMBO in Brooklyn

The first thing I’ll cover in our guide to DUMBO Brooklyn… is getting there.

One of the things people are most nervous about when visiting DUMBO in Brooklyn, is finding it and getting there from Manhattan.

Click here for an easy Google Maps link to the DUMBO neighborhood.

But don’t worry.

Although it’s located across the river, it’s relatively simply to reach. It may seem like a long way on the Subway, or in a taxi, but it’s actually relatively straightforward.

Here are some options for reaching DUMBO easily from Manhattan…

Taking the subway to DUMBO, Brooklyn

The easiest way (and cheapest way) to get to DUMBO quickly from Manhattan is to take the subway. This is my preferred route.

You can take the F train (the orange line!) from Manhattan and get off at York Street Station in Brooklyn .

From there, it’s a very easy downhill walk, and only takes about 10 minutes to the waterfront.

Tip: I want to mention, for people with accessibility issues, the exit at York St Station has LOTS of steps and a long incline – so be prepared for that. If steps are a no-go for you, then a taxi or bus might be a better choice.

Walk across the Manhattan Bridge to DUMBO, Brooklyn

Don’t make a common mistake… Because many people think the best way to reach DUMBO is by walking across the Brooklyn Bridge.

However, the pedestrian pathway exit from Brooklyn Bridge is not actually that close to the DUMBO waterfront , and I wouldn’t recommend it – as it’s easy to get lost.

For a scenic route (if you want to walk across abridge), you can walk across the Manhattan Bridge to get to DUMBO instead.

The pedestrian entrance to Manhattan Bridge in Manhattan is at Canal Street and Bowery , and the exit in Brooklyn is at Sands Street and Jay Street . This is where you’ll want to exit for DUMBO.

Tip: The bridge walk takes about 30 minutes in total, but maybe add 10 minutes for photo stops.

The Manhattan Bridge isn’t as famous or iconic as Brooklyn Bridge, (or as scenic) but it’s far less crowded, and the views are still lovely.

I would avoid it at nighttime though (just as a piece of advice, it can feel a bit eerie once the sun goes down).

Take a taxi or rideshare to DUMBO

If you prefer a faster and more direct route, you can take a taxi or rideshare service from Manhattan to DUMBO.

The trip usually takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and where about in Manhattan you’re departing from, and it’s probably the easiest option if you’re worried about getting lost.

Tip: To make things easier, I would ask your Taxi / Uber / Lyft to drop you in one of the following DUMBO locations:

• Time Out Market New York
• Brooklyn Bridge Park – Pier 1
• Shake Shack Dumbo

These are just very easy places to reach by taxi, right in the heart of DUMBO.

Because DUMBO is quite a large neighborhood, you’ll want to put something into the app that pulls up an exact address, rather than a vague area.

Getting around DUMBO

Once you arrive in DUMBO Brooklyn, how do you get around?

DUMBO is a fairly small neighborhood, and it’s easy to get around on foot, as long as you can handle a few cobblestones!

Actually, walking around this part of NYC is exactly what I recommend too. It’s the best way to see all the amazing views, enjoy the waterfront breeze, and pop in and out of any cute stores you stumble across.

If you want to rent a bike, you could also explore this area by bike too, as the parks in this area are lovely on bike too.

What famous streets are in DUMBO?

Now you have successfully arrived in DUMBO, you might want to know all the famous locations and famous streets in DUMBO.

I was surprised when I first visited, just how many vistas and streets I recognized in this little neighborhood!

There are (without a doubt) some amazing photo-opportunities in Brooklyn, and you’ll find these located on the famous streets in DUMBO, Brooklyn.

Here are the top 3 streets / locations in DUMBO that you’ll want to check out:

1. Washington Street (between Front Street and Water Street)

This is where you’ll find the famous cobblestones, and the iconic shot of Manhattan bridge poking out between the apartment buildings. See the photo below!

This is one of the most well-known areas on my guide to DUMBO Brooklyn, and I absolutely recommend checking it out.

TIp: When visiting here, if you want a shot of the famous ‘Instagram spot’ on Washington Street make sure you go in the morning for less crowds.

Read more about exploring NYC: Top 20 most famous streets in NYC!

2. The corner of Water Street and Dock Street

This is an amazing street in DUMBO to capture views of The Brooklyn Bridge. It’s also right near the waterfront, so a great location you’ll likely stumble across anyway.

It’s not often you get to be so close to the Brooklyn Bridge, and standing directly under it, like you can do here, is really something special.

3. Jane’s Carousel

This isn’t ‘technically’ a street, but Jane’s Carousel is located on the waterfront (closest to Main St and Plymouth St) and it’s a classic photo-opportunity in DUMBO, and a super famous viewpoint.

It’s also really romantic, and it looks equally beautiful in the day time, as it does sparkling at night time.

This is another really iconic place in DUMBO Brooklyn, that you’ll absolutely want to check out.

What are the best things to do in DUMBO, Brooklyn?

I couldn’t write a guide to DUMBO Brooklyn, and not include all the best things to do in DUMBO Brooklny.

There are plenty of great things to do in DUMBO Brooklyn, even through it’s only a relatively small neighborhood. You’ll be surprised how many great activities there are in this little part of NYC!

So, you already know about the famous streets in DUMBO (listed above), so I’ll leave those off this section. I absolutely recommend heading to all the famous streets in DUMBO we listed, because they’re well worth it!

Here are some other key things to do in DUMBO, Brooklyn:

• Walk around John Street Park (Address: John St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
• Visit Pebble Beach in Bridge Park (Address: 65 Plymouth St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
• Have a walk around Bridge Park and soak in the views
• Take a ride on Jane’s Carousel (Address: 1 Old, Dock St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
• Have a drink at Time Out Market’s rooftop (Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
• Walk along Emily Warren Roebling Plaza for amazing city views
• Have lunch at The River Café (Address: 1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
• Admire the Clock Tower Condominium featured in several TV shows! (Address: 1 Main St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
• Visit the Brooklyn Bridge Lookout Point on Pier 1
• Visit the Harbor View Lawn at Brooklyn Bridge Park (Address: 80 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
• Visit the Squibb Park Bridge
• Have a coffee at the Fruit Street Sitting Area
• Grab ice-cream at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (Address: 14 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
• Visit the Christmas Shop in Dumbo

Read more about visiting NYC: What is the best observation deck in NYC?

Best Places To Eat in DUMBO

One thing is for sure in DUMBO Brooklyn… you’ll find no shortage of places to eat!

There are so many places to eat in DUMBO, Brooklyn. So that’s the next port of call on my guide to DUMBO.

DUMBO Brooklyn offers up restaurants serving a huge range of cuisines from around the world, and I’ll include some of them below in our ultimate guide to DUMBO Brooklyn.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere special for a romantic meal or a quick bite before you head off sightseeing, you’ll definitely find something in DUMBO Brooklyn.

I’ve listed some of my favorite locations below (but remember, there are plenty more!).

Time Out Market New York in DUMBO

• Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• Price range: $$
• What I’d order: Anything from Jacob’s Pickles! Their fried chicken is amazing.

This amazing indoor food market is located in the heart of DUMBO, and I think Time Out Market in NYC feels like the epicenter of DUMBO.

It’s an amazing indoor food market, with some of the city’s most famous restaurants having stalls and concessions inside.

For example, you can try Jacob’s Pickles from here (and usually you’d need to visit the Upper West Side for their amazing fried chicken and biscuits!!).

There’s something for everyone in Time Out Market, from pasta dishes and pizza, to dumplings and Vietnamese food. And the seating is super casual too – so there’s no need to book.

Oh! And don’t miss out on their rooftop terrace! Some of the best views in DUMBO can be found up there!

The River Cafe in DUMBO

• Address: 1 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• Price Range: $$$$
• What I’d order: Their famous Chocolate Brooklyn Bridge for dessert!

For fine-dining, The River Cafe is a great choice. Boasting gorgeous views of the New York skyline, this upmarket eatery is especially wonderful at sunset and offers attentive, high-quality service.

If you’re searching for something special, maybe for a date or birthday celebration, this is a perfect option.

Although the food isn’t cheap, it is of an excellent standard, and the menu encompasses all the most luxurious items such as foie gras and lobster.

Read more NYC food recommendations: Top 15 upscale restaurants in NYC

Luke’s Lobster

• Price range: $$$
• Address: 11 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• What I’d order: Luke’s trio (try a bit of everything)

Next on my guide to DUMBO, Brooklyn, we’re going to recommend Luke’s Lobster.

If you want an easy and fuss-free lunch or dinner in DUMBO, then Luke’s Lobster is a really fantastic option.

Grab one of their famous Lobster rolls, find a bench, and enjoy the view! It’s the perfect way to spend your lunch break.

Read more about NYC food: Where to find the best lobsters in NYC!

Juliana’s

• Address: 19 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• Price Range: $$$
• What I’d order: Spaghetti alla puttanesca (al dente)

If you’re looking for a slice of pizza that’s as authentic as it gets, then Juliana’s Pizza in DUMBO , Brooklyn, is the place to go.

As soon as you walk in, you’re greeted by the irresistible aroma of fresh, hot pizza straight from the oven, and this place just oozes that gorgeous cozy, and friendly atmosphere you expect from a great Italian restaurant.

Their amazing menu is full of the classics – which is exactly how it should be! You’ll find all the favorite pizza options like Margherita, pepperoni, and sausage, but there are also some unique twists to try, like the White Clam Pizza and the Artichoke Pie.

The real standout, though, has to be the classic Neapolitan pizza. With its perfectly charred crust and fresh tomato sauce, it’s hard to resist coming back for more.

Em Vietnamese Bistro

• Address: 57 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• What I’d order: Bun Thit Nuong (Pork Vermicelli)

Next on my mini list of where to eat in DUMBO Brooklyn, it’s Em Vietnamese Bistro .

This is a little different from other restaurants in DUMBO Brooklyn (which do tend to lean towards Italian cuisine). Here you’ll find beautiful Vietnamese cuisine.

I adore Vietnamese food, and Em Vietnamese Bistro has some of the best in Brooklyn.

Give me a plate of their Hu Tieu Kho (also known as dry style pork noodles) or one of their delicious Bánh mì sandwiches – and I am a happy girl.

Lucky Rabbit Noodles

• Address: 140 Plymouth St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• What I’d order: Garlic noodles and house dumplings

This is one of the best reviewed noodle stores in NYC – so we obviously had to include it in our list of DUMBO restaurants!

Lucky Rabbit Noodles is amazing and it’s so unassuming too – which we absolutely love. We dream about their garlic noodles!

Whilst it’s not super central to the DUMBO waterfront, it’s only a 5 minute walk away, and well worth the extra stroll.

Fulton Burger – Dumbo

• Address: 17 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• What I’d order: Buffalo chicken wings and a bourbon BBQ burger

Sometimes you want a burger, and nothing else will hit the spot. If you’re in that kind of mood, then you’re going to love Fulton burger .

If you’re looking for a delicious burger joint with a great atmosphere, Fulton Burger in DUMBO Brooklyn is absolutely worth checking out.

This little place is only a short walk from the waterfront, and it’s a great place to grab a quick burger before sightseeing!

As you’d expect… their burgers are the real stars of the show. They’re juicy, flavorful and downright delicious. Oh, I love the fries here too!

Ignazio’s

• Address: 4 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• What I’d order: Cheese Siciliana Pizza

Another really well known pizza place in DUMBO Brooklyn, is Ignazio’s . This place is locked in the heart of DUMBO, and you won’t have any issues finding it!

This place is charming and welcoming, but can get a little busy during peak times (especially when the weather is good!).

But what to order? Well, pizza is going to be a hit (obviously) and you also can’t go wrong with the rigatoni alla vodka or the gnocchi with pesto. Delicious!

• Address: 50 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• What I’d order: Charcuterie Cobb Salad with extra dressing

OK, I know Sweetgreen is a health chain store, but it’s a really good option for places to eat in DUMBO, especially if you’re feeling a bit health-conscious, or if you want to grab something quickly and effortlessly.

So I wanted to include it, because for many people, this is a really easy and reassuring choice!

You can enjoy some really great coffee and snacks in DUMBO too…

If you’re not planning on having a full meal whilst visiting DUMBO Brooklyn, then you might not need recommendations for restaurants in DUMBO.

Instead you might just want a light snack, or a cup of coffee! If so, this next section of recommendations will be perfect for you.

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory

• Address: 14 Old Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• Price range: $
• What I’d order: A scoop of strawberry, and a scoop of peaches and cream

The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is in the heart of DUMBO, Brooklyn, and they serve up some of the best ice cream in NYC.

My husband and I love sitting out front with a couple of scoops, and soaking in the amazing Brooklyn Bridge views. Perfect!

Almondine Bakery

• Address: 85 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• What I’d order: A lemon raspberry cake

If you something sweet, then you’re going to absolutely adore Almondine Bakery .

This little gem is a wonderful French patisserie where all the baking is actually done on the premises and you can get a fantastic cafe au lait. It’s an ideal choice for breakfast, for a sweet treat!

Read more NYC food recommendations: What is the best bakery in NYC?

Dawn’s Til Dusk

• Address: 33 Main St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• What I’d order: Hibiscus Punch and a cookie

Dawn’s Til Dusk is also a great choice if you have a sweet tooth. Cookies are the perfect snack when combined with a strong espresso or a syrup-flavored iced coffee.

But they also do this amazing Hibiscus Punch, which is perfect for summer days when the weather is warmer.

If we were visiting, we’d grab a cookie from here, and go and eat it picnic-style on Pebble Beach!

Jacques Torres Chocolate

• Address: 66 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• What I’d order: A ice-cream sandwich

Jacques Torres Chocolate is next on our list of great places to grab a snack in DUMBO Brooklyn.

This is Jacques’ first location, and it’s a beautiful spot offering up some delicious sweet treats.

You’ll find handmade chocolate treats, hot chocolate, and ice cream sandwiches – which is a pretty amazing list for anyone with a sweet tooth.

• Address: 67 Main St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States
• What I’d order: Strawberries & Cream Frappuccino®

We know Starbucks is the most generic coffee shop in the world – but it’s always worth know that there’s one around, in case you need your fix of caffeine in a hurry!

How would I spend my day in Dumbo?

You can definitely spend a full day in DUMBO Brooklyn, as there are plenty of things to do in this little neighborhood!

I’ve made a little itinerary below, for how I would spend my own day in DUMBO, Brooklyn. I thought it’d be the perfect way to finish this ultimate guide to DUMBO, Brooklyn.

If I was spending a day in DUMBO, this is how I would spend my time:

10.00am: I would set off on my DUMBO adventure by walking across the Manhattan Bridge (route explained above).

10.30am: I would grab a small breakfast at Almondine Bakery, and a coffee.

11:00am: I would head for a walk around Brooklyn Bridge Park, making sure to see all the skyline views, and Squibb Park Bridge.

1.30pm: I would visit Time Out Market, and order myself something from Jacob’s Pickles. After eating lunch, I’d head up to their rooftop terrace and enjoy the amazing city views with an afternoon cocktail.

3:30pm: I would explore Bridge Park, Pebble Beach in Bridge Park, and have a spin on the famous carousel.

4.30pm: I would have a little stroll around the stores in DUMBO.

5:30pm: I would stop for ice-cream at one of the many ice-cream stores in DUMBO. Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is my favorite!

6.30pm: I would find somewhere comfortable to watch the sun go down, with all the amazing city views!

7.30pm: I would reserve a table at one of the DUMBO restaurants on my list above for dinner.

Read more about dining in NYC: Top 20 outdoor rooftop bars in NYC

And there you have it! That’s my ultimate guide to DUMBO in Brooklyn!

I hope my guide to DUMBO Brooklyn has been helpful and given you lots of ideas for what to do whilst in DUMBO Brooklyn!

As you can see, there’s so much to see there, and plenty of amazing food places to try too!

Read more about visiting NYC: Where to find the best bottomless brunch in NYC!

Read more about NYC: What are the best Central Park tours?

Elle-Rose is the owner and editor of The World and Then Some! She has been a professional travel writer for over 12 years, writing for many different publications, including this one. Elle-Rose is a city break expert, and she specializes in popular locations such as NYC, London, Las Vegas and Dubai, regularly visiting to stay on top of new attractions, restaurants and hotels. Elle-Rose is super active on TikTok (@theworldandthensome), and loves filming video content in the cities she visits - so go and say hello!

Post navigation

15 Best Places to Travel in Your 20s, in the USA!

Top 20 Diners In NYC - With Something For Every Budget!

You might also like.

20 Fun Things to do in Homestead, Florida – That We Know You’ll Love!

• March 16, 2022
• 9 minute read

Top 20 Mackinac Island Hotels (With Something for Every Budget!)

• March 18, 2022

• romantic travel

20 Romantic Getaways in Colorado, That You’ll LOVE!

• September 4, 2023
• 8 minute read

Account Options

Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour

Booking required

What you'll do.

Walk along the Brooklyn Bridge and hear the stories about one of New York City's world-famous landmarks when you take the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour.

Enjoy a Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour with The New York Pass®

• Pay nothing at the door - simply show your pass.
• View the city's quirky boutiques, high-end restaurants and trendy cafes. 
• Learn about the city's history on this 2.5-hour tour.

Iconic Brooklyn Bridge Tour

Embark on the Iconic Brooklyn Bridge Tour, an unforgettable experience for history buffs and architecture aficionados alike. Stroll along the pedestrian walkway, marvel at the breathtaking skyline, and immerse yourself in the enthralling tale of the bridge's construction.

About the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood Tour

Witness the stunning Manhattan skyline from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, followed by beautiful waterfront views as you explore the trendy and popular DUMBO neighborhood.

Explore Brooklyn's vibrant and trendy DUMBO neighborhood which provides you with a beautiful view of both the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. You'll encounter many high-end boutiques, mouth-watering restaurants and art galleries in DUMBO. It's easy to fall in love with the neighborhood's waterfront view. You will also see the lovely Manhattan skyline while you travel across the Brooklyn Bridge.

Brooklyn Bridge Tour Highlights

Brooklyn Bridge An experienced tour guide from Inside Out Tours will lead you across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge where you'll learn about the bridge's history as well as some interesting little known facts. While on the bridge you will also see Manhattan in the distance and a lovely view of the city's skyline.

DUMBO Tour the artistic community of DUMBO which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. You'll see the latest fashion trends at local boutiques and some of Brooklyn's favorite dishes at DUMBO's restaurants.

Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Neighborhood facts

• In 1978, residents living between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges decided to give their neighborhood a name to strengthen the area's identity the community considered two acronyms.  DANYA which stands for  District Around the Navy Yard Annex, and the winning name,  DUMBO.
• DUMBO used to have its own railroad to transport goods around the city. The tracks also ran inside certain manufacturing buildings. You can see the remains on certain cobblestone roads to this day.

Know before you go

This attraction requires advanced booking.

Getting in:  the meeting place is located near the Brooklyn Bridge (in front of the Tweed Courthouse, located at 52 Chambers Street between Broadway and Centre Street). Please arrive at least 15 minutes before tour departure at the tour meeting place.

Tips for the Brooklyn Bridge walking tour

The Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Tour is 2.5 hours long. Approximately 1.5 miles is walked. We advise wearing comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes. This tour is not wheelchair-accessible.

For more information, please visit the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO Walking Tour website.

Where you'll be

Operating hours.

Wednesday and Saturday: 11AM

(800) 258-7359

Buy with confidence

Free cancellation.

Plans can change, we get it. All non-activated passes are eligible for a refund within 365 days of your purchase date.

Got a question?

Check out our FAQs or live chat with our customer service agents now

Why choose The New York Pass®?

Mega savings, bucket-list experiences, all in one place, have a 5% discount, on us.

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

• Thick check Icon By signing up, you agree to receiving email updates in accordance with The New York Pass privacy policy . We do not sell your personal data.

Brooklyn Bridge Walk – Self Guided Walking Tour

Visit the brooklyn bridge, brooklyn bridge facts, best time to visit and how to get there.

Brooklyn Bridge is easily accessible from Chinatown ; you can walk from Chinatown to Lower Manhattan towards Foley Square and City Hall. There are street signs pointing to the Brooklyn Bridge, follow those or follow the path in google maps. The Brooklyn Walk – Self Guided Walking Tour will take you to the to the pedestrian walkway on Brooklyn Bridge. The entrance to the pedestrian walkway on the Manhattan side is on Center Street across from the Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Metro Station for line 4, 5 and 6. Subway information is at the bottom of of the page, CLICK HERE

The map below explores the neighborhood of DUMBO, Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”. Visit this area once you cross the Brooklyn Bridge. It is located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. You can access the INTERACTIVE map or the PDF to visit the sites. To explore the area on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge, click HERE for a tour of Chinatown, New York. Chinatown is about a 15 min walk on the Manhattan side of the Brooklyn Bridge and worth a visit

Download the interactive map HERE to explore the Brooklyn Bridge and DUMBO

Click HERE to Download the PDF Map of the Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Video of the Brooklyn Bridge, explore the DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods on Brooklyn side of the bridge

Visit Brooklyn – Walking Map

The Brooklyn Bridge connects New York’s Manhattan island to Brooklyn over the East River. The Brooklyn Bridge, also known as the East River Bridge, proposal was suggested in the 1800’s to connect two different cities, Brooklyn and New York. The bridge was completed in 1883 after 14 years of construction. It involved 600 workers and cost 5.5 million dollars, an astronomical sum for 1883. Within 24 hours of opening, an estimated 250,00 had crossed the bridge by either walking or driving across. It is the oldest suspension bridges in the United States carrying 150,000 vehicles and pedestrian traffic a day

Use the map to visit:

• DUMBO – Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass
• Archway under the Manhattan Bridge
• Brooklyn Flea Market
• Brooklyn Historical Society – documenting 400 years of Brooklyn history
• Jane’s Carousel
• Brooklyn Bridge Park – an 85 acre park under the Brooklyn Bridge
• The Granite Prospect
• Truman Capote’s House
• Brooklyn Heights Promenade
• Use Brooklyn Bridge Walking map to explore the area under the bridge from the Brooklyn Bridge to the Manhattan Bridge. This area is known as DUMBO
• Use the Brooklyn Bridge Walking map to explore the area under the Brooklyn Bridge including Brooklyn Bridge Park, Brooklyn Bridge Promenade and Brooklyn Heights neighborhood

Brooklyn Bridge: Facts

• One year after its opening, P.T. Barnum, the predecessor to Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, crossed the bridge with 21 elephants to prove how sturdy the bridge was
• Is known by several names throughout its history including Great East River Bridge, Great East River Suspension Bridge, New York and Brooklyn Bridge and officially named the “Brooklyn Bridge” in 1915
• Compartments were built into the bridge, that were used as storage granite walled spaces. Many companies paid rental feels to rent out the compartments to store products such as wine. The coolness of the compartments stored the wine at a perfect temperature
• It was a cold war shelter at one time. During the cold war, food supplies, medicine and water were stored in the storage compartments
• About 20 people died during the construction phase including the engineer who designed the bridge. The engineer, John A. Roebling, died in 1869 on the job before it was completed
• After the Engineers death, his son took over. He was bedridden with an illness attributed to the bridge. His mother and wife of the original engineer, Emily Roebling took over the project and completed the bridge. She was also the first person to cross the bridge
• It was the worlds first steel and wire bridge and was the longest in the world. It held that title for 20 years
• On the sixth day after opening, a woman tripped and the resulting stampede of 20,000 people rushing to leave the bridge caused the death of 12 people. It was thought that the woman tripped because the bridge was about to collapse
• After opening, there was a toll to cross the bridge. It costs a penny by foot, a horse and rides costs 5 cents and a carriage was 10 cents. Even animals had to pay, 2 cents for a sheep or hog and 5 cents for a cow. After much protest, the pedestrian toll was abandoned in 1891 and road toll was abandoned in 1911
• Peregrine falcons call the bridge their home. They nest at the top of the two towers and if you look up you may see them coming and going
• About 125,000 vehicles, 2,600 cyclists and 4,000 pedestrians cross the bridge everyday. If you are walking across, stay on the right as the cyclists zoom on the bicycle lane on the walkway

Best time to Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

The bridge is open 24 hours a day, however sunrise and sunset are great times to visit the bridge when it is not crowded and the views are spectacular at that time. It can get a little cold on the bridge and you may want to bring a light sweater or jacket. It will take about 30 minutes to cross the 1.6 km bridge (1.3 miles). The bridge is very busy with locals crossing to go to and from work and tourists visiting this popular attraction. The path is too narrow for the number of people on the walkway. You can also rent a bike and use the bike path to cross the bridge

Helpful Tips

• The walkway is shared by cyclists, stay in your pedestrian walking lane as the cyclists whiz by at great speeds in the bike lane
• Wear walking shoes as it is about 1.6 km one way. It gets very busy and sometimes the walk depends on the pace of the other pedestrians
• Avoid the walk during inclement weather. There is very little shelter on the bridge and it is an unpleasant walk during bad weather
• Do NOT attempt to climb on the bridge for the perfect picture as this is really dangerous
• Spend at least one hour each way giving you plenty of time to enjoy the view and take pictures
• If you want to buy some souvenirs, bring cash as there are vendors on the bridge. You will find souvenirs, water bottles and snacks for purchase
• Walk to the Brooklyn side and catch the NYC ferry back to the Manhattan side for a nice change of pace. The ferry can be taken from pier 1 (DUMBO) on the Brooklyn side to drop off points on the Manhattan side at East 34th Street or the financial district at Wall St (Pier 11)
• When you get to the Brooklyn side, walk to the neighborhood of DUMBO for great places to eat. DUMBO stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”. It is definitely worth a visit

The Brooklyn Bridge and East River

The Brooklyn Bridge is used to cross the East River. The East River with a dept of 9 M (30 feet) is a tidal strait linking Harlem River, Long Island Sound and the New York Harbour. With the advent of industrialization the river became polluted and it is NOT advisable to swim in it

When you cross the River, you will also notice Governors Island which is accessible by ferry. You can catch the ferry from Battery Maritime Building/Ferry Terminal. The subway line 1 (train to South Ferry), subway line R (To Whitehall Street) and Lines 4 and 5 (to Bowling Green) will take you to the ferry terminal. Purchase a round trip ferry ticket to visit Governors island. There are food vendors and restrooms on the island. It is easy to spend a full day there enjoying the spectacular views of Manhattan, renting a bike, walking, having a picnic, Ziplining or visiting one of the many kids playgrounds

Getting to the Brooklyn Bridge

Video on entrances and subway to access the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade

Using the Subway

Purchase a MetroCard, then fill or refill the card. They can be purchased, filled and refilled at subway station booths, MetroCard Vending machine or local kiosks. They cost $1 to purchase, you can then add monies to the card and use it when you use public transportation. Unlimited rides one-week or one-month MetroCards can also be purchased. If you are going to be visiting for several days you may want to look into this option

Use Google Maps or the MTA trip planner site or download the Trip Planner app to get the best routes using the subway

At the Brooklyn Bridge – Manhattan side

Entrances to the brooklyn bridge walkway or promenade from the manhattan side:.

• The entrance is across the street from City Hall along Center Street, refer to map above
• subway lines 4,5 or 6 Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Stop or
• subway lines J or Z Chambers Street Stop
• subway lines 2, 3 Park Lane Stop or
• subway lines A, C, or F Chambers Street Stop
• The subway lines above and their associated stops will take you across the street from the entrance to the Brooklyn Promenade/Walkway
• On the Manhattan Tower, you will find padlocks, these love locks are placed their by couples processing their undying love to each other. You may want to put one there your self but keep in mind that sometimes the Department of transportation will cut off the locks
• Just below the bridge at 1 Cherry Street is Osgoode House, the former resident of the United States President, George Washington. It was the Presidential Residence from 1789 to 1790

At the Brooklyn Bridge – Brooklyn side

• at the intersection of Tillary Street and Adams Street. A word of caution, its a busy intersection that you will need to cross to get to the Brooklyn bridge Promenade / Walkway
• using the underpass on Washington Street. This will lead to a stairway that takes you up onto the Pedestrian walkway. The stairway makes it difficult for those who have mobility issues
• subway lines 2, 3, 4, 5 and exit at the Borough Hall station
• subway lines A, C , or F and exit at the Jay Street Station
• subway lines N/R and exit at the Court Street Station
• The Brooklyn Tower has a a commemorative plaque dedicated to Emily Roebling who completed the bridge and was the first person to cross it
• Visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park on the Brooklyn side. It is a popular place with free events including a ferry terminal, music festivals, movies, vendors (Brooklyn Ice Cream factory) and great views of Manhattan island. Take the ferry from here back to the financial district on Wall Street Pier 11 or East 34st

New York attractions

New York Chinatown Self guided Walking Tour – visit the popular attractions in Chinatown, including your own personal Chinatown food tour. Visit the popular local restaurants to sample the cuisine. Once you have completed the food tour and attractions tour in Chinatown. Use the guide to walk 15 min to the Brooklyn Bridge and complete the Brooklyn Bridge tour (below)

Brooklyn Bridge Self guided Walking Tour – Use the map and attractions guide to cross the Brooklyn Bridge and visit areas such as Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Park, Brooklyn Flea market, and Brooklyn Promenade. When you are done, head over to the Manhattan Bridge to visit DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass).  Once you have completed the walking tour you can either:

• Cross the Brooklyn Bridge again to return to Manhattan Island
• Take the Ferry from Pier 1 in Brooklyn Park to go back to Manhattan Island. The ferry will drop you at Pier 11 Wall Street (financial district) or East 34th Street
• From DUMBO, head upstairs to the Manhattan Bridge and walk across the Manhattan Bridge back to Manhattan Island.  You will return to Chinatown on the Manhattan side

Related Posts

Flight delay compensation, claim up to €600 in cash

New York Chinatown, Walking Tour

30+ Amazing Things to do in DUMBO Brooklyn (A Local’s Guide)

Looking for the best things to do in DUMBO, Brooklyn? You’ve come to the right place. This is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city to not only visit but to live in. And there’s a reason why it’s one of the most sought-after locations in NYC, the views from here are stunning!

Beyond the skyline views across the East River this neighborhood offers, it’s also chocked full of cool things with a really cool setting. Not only does it offer one of the best waterfront parks in the city with views of iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge, but the architecture and history of DUMBO is also what people find alluring.

DUMBO is characterized by its old industrial architecture from the 19th century. Think old brick Federal-style warehouses that have been transformed to cool lofty spaces, stores, galleries, and shops.

Then you have remnants of the old Belgian block streets (not to be confused with cobblestones).

From the views, historic characteristics, and a plethora of insanely cool things to do in DUMBO, it’s worth spending at least a full day here if not basing your NYC trip here.

This DUMBO travel guide will cover all the top things to do, curated by locals who understand what travelers are looking for when they visit plus some cool ‘local spots’ that you might not find on your own.

From iconic NYC pizza wars, historic landmarks, the trendiest spots, and the best views. We got your back when planning a visit to DUMBO, Brooklyn.

But first, where is DUMBO exactly? For the purpose of this guide and post on what to do in DUMBO, it would be helpful if you as the reader and traveler understood where DUMBO is exactly.

The DUMBO neighborhood has Brooklyn Bridge Park and the East River as a boundary to its north, while Brooklyn Heights acts as its southern border. Vinegar Hill borders DUMBO to the east, while the Brooklyn Bridge is its border to the west.

But wait, you might have some questions. Wondering what DUMBO stands for in Brooklyn ? Check out our guide behind the name and how they got it!

Oh, and a common misconception are the names of the iconic bridges here. The Brooklyn Bridge is the pretty one that looks like it’s made of stone and everyone walks over.

The Manhattan Bridge is the pretty blue bridge that people often take an iconic photo of from the streets of DUMBO. People mistake the Manhattan Bridge for the Brooklyn Bridge all the time. So hopefully this clears that up!

Getting Around DUMBO

Getting around DUMBO is as easy as can be. Everything you’ll want to see is within walking distance of each other. But if you find yourself wanting to bike ride through Brooklyn Bridge Park, there are plenty of Citibike stations around DUMBO. You just need to download the app.

A popular way to get to DUMBO is by crossing the Brooklyn Bridge (by bike on the lower level, or by foot on the upper level) which we cover more later in this guide from Manhattan. If you do this, you may need a break from being on your feet which is where alot of these suggestions will come in handy!

To get to DUMBO by subway you have two options. York Street Station (F train) or High Street Station (A or C trains) are the most common, both around an 8-10 minute walk from the waterfront and most DUMBO attractions featured on this guide. Not to mention this is the most affordable way at $2.90 a ride paying using tap payment with your credit card or a preloaded MetroCard.

Another option is to take the NYC ferry , which is actually featured on this guide as it’s a cool way to see the city! The DUMBO ferry stop is at Fulton Ferry , which is along Brooklyn Bridge Park under the Brooklyn Bridge and just steps away from most of the things to do in DUMBO featured on this guide. There are two routes, the South Brooklyn Ferry route and the East River Ferry route which connect you to multiple stops in Brooklyn and Manhattan along with attractions like Governors Island.

To ride the ferry, you will need to download the NY Ferry App or buy a ticket at the kiosk in person. It’s $4 for a one-way trip.

What to do in DUMBO, Brooklyn

• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge

Address: enter the Brooklyn Bridge in DUMBO at Washington Street and Prospect Street Underpass Entrance

One of the most famous things to do in DUMBO and all of NYC is walking across the Brooklyn Bridge! You can easily access the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian walkway from DUMBO for one of the most scenic walks and views in the city.

The best part about doing the walk starting in DUMBO is that you get the view of the famous NYC city skyline as you walk toward Manhattan.

This walk takes anywhere from 30 minutes with absolutely no stops, but plan on taking at least an hour for scenic stops and photo breaks as well as patiently weaving your way around the crowds.

Be sure to read our full guide for all the best tricks and tips for walking the Brooklyn Bridge to help you plan your experience, which is one of the most scenic walks in Brooklyn !

Also, check out the Manhattan Bridge walk for another scenic view and walk that’s much less crowded than this one!

Brooklyn Bridge Park

The list of things to do in DUMBO is endless when it comes to Brooklyn Bridge Park . The park actually includes many of the other things to do in DUMBO featured in this DUMBO Brooklyn guide.

You can easily grab a coffee or some food to go and find plenty of places to stop and take a walking break in the park while you’re rewarded with some of the best skyline views the city has to offer.

It’s broken down by Empire Fulton Ferry, Fulton Ferry Landing, Greenway, John Street, Main Street, many gardens, and six action-packed NYC piers and is easily one of the best parks in Brooklyn.

First, the Empire Fulton Ferry rests perfectly between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. It’s made up of a spacious lawn, Jane’s Carousel and St. Ann’s Warehouse to name a few notable landmarks.

Fulton Ferry Landing also has some attractions to be mentioned later, but this spot is one of the most historic and beautiful parts of DUMBO. This area is famous for being the first ferry service between Brooklyn and Manhattan, which dates all the way back to 1642.

Greenway and John Street are both for scenic strolls or bike rides along through the park.

Main Street consists of 3.5 acres that include the Main Street Playground and Dog Run, the Environmental Education Center, Pebble Beach, and the DUMBO boulders.

Lastly, Brooklyn Bridge Park has 6 piers over towards the Brooklyn Heights area of the park which is easy to visit from DUMBO, each serving a different purpose.

• Pier 1 is best for the skyline panoramic view of Manhattan.
• Pier 2 is best for pick up games and all kinds of physical activity. This pier has handball courts, basketball courts, a roller rink, fitness equipment, and more.
• Pier 3 is full of beautiful greenery, which makes for a relaxing stroll or one of the best picnic spots in Brooklyn .
• Pier 4 is the beach, which allows non-motorized boats and fun for all ages.
• Pier 5 includes three soccer fields, a picnic area, a fishing station, and even an Ample Hills Creamery.
• Pier 6 has beach volleyball courts, a dog run, playgrounds, and it also has Governors Island Ferry.

If you’re not sure where to go, a walk along the waterfront is always a great way to see the park. Our favorite spot is sitting at the steps at Pebble Beach, which offers great views and a nice spot to take a walking break.

Read Next: Best Instagram Spots in DUMBO

DUMBO Archway 

Address: 155 Water Street

One of the most fun things to do in DUMBO is head underneath the archway of the Manhattan Bridge (the blue bridge not to be confused with the Brooklyn Bridge. This fun spot is happening in the warmer months when Dumbo Station is open (April – October), a tiny seasonal wine and beer bar that often has live music sets for dancing and drinking with the occasional noisy train passing overhead.

This is also where you can find the fun light-up DUMBO sign that’s a photo spot throughout the year. And the weekend location to Brooklyn Flea, mentioned later in this guide!

• Jane’s Carousel

Address: 1 Old Dock Street

Jane’s Carousel, located right along the river in Brooklyn Bridge Park, was built in 1922 by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company.

The carousel was originally placed in Youngstown, Ohio believe it or not. The carousel was later purchased by Jane and David Walentas at an auction in 1984.

Jane began to restore the beat-up carousel at her studio located in DUMBO. The beautiful renovation of the carousel prevented it from becoming piecemeal. It became open to the public on September 16, 2011.

Janes Carousel is one of the best things to do in DUMBO for kids, tickets to ride one of Jane’s trusty steads is $2 per ride. The non-profit organization also offers 12 tickets for $20 and special group rates with prior reservations.

Their winter hours change seasonally and are always closed on Mondays. It’s best to check before your visit!

• That Famous DUMBO Photo Spot

Address: Intersection of Washington and Front Street

Looking for the perfect Instagram picture to show off your vacation in NYC? One of the most iconic photos can be taken at the intersection of Washington Street and Front Street.

At all hours of the day, the street is flooded with Instagram hopefuls snapping pictures from all angles.

Make sure to plan this photo shoot accordingly. DUMBO is already a popular tourist attraction, and this spot is known to be full of people striving to be picture perfect.

You may spend 20 minutes trying to capture your vision because there will be other tourists in the background and you’ll be dodging vehicles. The block between Front and Water Streets has been blocked off to traffic since this spot is so popular. 

One thing is for sure, make sure you get in the center so you can see the Empire State Building perfectly lined and framed up in the lower section of the Manhattan Bridge!

• TimeOut Market New York

Address: 55 Water Street

Throughout your adventure one thing not to be missed on this DUMBO Brooklyn guide is this, add TimeOut Market to your list of things to do in DUMBO.

The market opened in late May 2019 and consists of 21 eateries and three bars that are considered to be some of the best bars in DUMBO and the best in New York, why? That’s because from the upper level you get insanely gorgeous views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and NYC skyline!

TimeOut also has a food court on the lower level (with some options on the upper level where the larger bar and views are). The restaurants you can find here are secondary outposts of popular eateries in the city. This is a great stop for groups because everyone can order from a different place and eat at the same spot.

On a beautiful day, enjoy your meal on their outdoor terrace. As if the views aren’t enough, TimeOut offers various events and entertainment in the upstairs space.

Be sure to see our entire guide to the best Time Out Market New York restaurants to check out!

• Brooklyn Flea

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Brooklyn Flea (@bkflea)

Address: 80 Pearl Street

Calling all shoppers, this is one of the coolest things to do in DUMBO! Available seasonally (from April through December) at the DUMBO Archway (the archway under the Manhattan Bridge, that’s the blue-colored bridge for those unfamiliar) on Saturdays and Sundays. 

The Flea includes around 80 vendors. The Brooklyn Flea website describes the DUMBO location as “part vintage bazaar, part old-fashioned town square, and part food bonanza.”

Market-goers can find vintage furniture, clothing, and jewelry pieces all while enjoying delicious food the Flea has to offer. Most New Yorkers would say this is a must on the list of things to do in DUMBO and we couldn’t agree more!

If you plan your trip accordingly, you will be able to visit the famous outdoor market during the most beautiful months of the year. If you happen to visit during any of the other months, there’s an indoor Brooklyn Flea + Smorgasburg at 25 Kent Ave.

Try Two Iconic DUMBO Pizza Spots

Address: Grimaldi’s 1 Front Street & Juliana’s 19 Old Fulton Street

This is one of the musts on the list of things to do in DUMBO. Not only because you can’t miss having pizza while in New York, but there is a very storied past between these two popular eateries . Believe it or not, the pizza in DUMBO are two of the best places to eat in Brooklyn , but also the entire city!

So first let’s start with Grimaldi’s. Patsy Grimaldi started his coal-fired brick dreams in Brooklyn in 1990 since coal ovens were illegal in Manhattan. He comes from a pizza dynasty as he learned in 1941 how to make some of the best pizza at his uncle’s restaurant in Harlem, Patsy’s. (IYKYK, this is also one of the most highly coveted and historic places to have pizza in the city!).

After a few years in the pizza biz on his own, Patsy Grimaldi put DUMBO on the map as a famous pizza eatery under the Brooklyn Bridge. People came to Brooklyn for this pizza. After a few years of success, he decided to retire (prematurely) and sell his business to another pizza enthusiast, Frank Ciolli.

Ciolli successfully ran the business for a while (and there are even Grimaldi’s locations all over the country). But in 2011 his lease was up on the historic Grimaldi’s location and his lease renewal was declined.

Now here’s where the juicy drama begins.

Patsy Grimaldi decided he wasn’t ready to throw in the towel on the pizza biz quite yet. But he sold his name to Ciolli. So he decided to create Juliana’s. And guess where his new pizza restaurant location was going to be? If you guessed his original location (and the same location Ciolli just had a lease renewal denied) you’d be correct.

As you may assume, Ciolli wasn’t exactly thrilled about this, but got a location next door. And this pizza feud is well known in the food scene here.

The best part for us though? Both pizzerias make incredibly good pizza, in fact they make two of the best pizzas in Brooklyn . Don’t be surprised if there are lines for both establishments.

So who has the better pizza? You’ll have to decide. Since neither restaurant takes reservations and you can only buy a whole pizza (no slices here). You and a friend should try both.

We will let you in on a little secret on how to do this WITHOUT waiting in long lines. 

You’re going to call in your order for pick up at both establishments. While you’re waiting for your order, grab any drinks or anything you want from one of the local bodega or grocery stores. Grab your pizza to go and take them to the benches or picnic tables in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The picnic tables near Jane’s Carousel is my favorite spot.

Keep in mind Juliana’s closes for stoking 3:15 PM-4PM daily.

• St. Ann’s Warehouse

Address: 45 Water Street

If you’re looking for what to do in DUMBO as far as the arts and culture scene go, this is a great spot for you! St. Ann’s Warehouse is a performance venue located right below the Brooklyn Bridge.

St. Ann’s is known for their variety of performances, ranging from dance, live music, and theater. To check for upcoming shows and ticket availability, visit their website.

If you can’t catch a show at St. Ann’s, they have a beautiful brick patio area that is picture-perfect and open to the public, it’s also one of our favorite hidden gems in DUMBO . Think of a secret garden that’s tucked away from all the noise and movement happening just outside it’s brick walls. Plus there’s a cool view of the Brooklyn Bridge from in here

Shop Around Empire Stores

Address: 53-83 Water Street

When you picture DUMBO, Brooklyn you can easily imagine its iconic waterfront location and skyline views. But one of the most defining features of DUMBO is its iconic red-brick warehouses and factory buildings that date back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. These structures, with their intricate ironwork and large windows, harken back to the neighborhood’s industrial past.

These historic buildings are now surrounded by modern and new architecture creating an interesting juxtaposition. But inside many of the cool old factories are stores, lofts, and galleries. One of the most recognizable is where Empire Stores is located (the same building as TimeOut Market is housed in).

The Empire Stores building history dates back to the 1860s and is proudly one of the last cargo warehouses standing along the East River. After years of abandonment and deterioration, it was decided in 2013 that it would finally be renovated. 

In fact, it’s home to a few of the best things to do in DUMBO like TimeOut Market, Cecconi’s offers a great restaurant location (especially if you dine outside), and a few shops including West Elm, and cafes. 

It’s worth taking a lap in here and take advantage of the restrooms on the first floor (if there’s a line, head to the restroom in Brooklyn Bridge Park at 99 Plymouth Street).

• DUMBO Walls

Beginning in 2012, 8 artists from all over the world such as Eltono, MOMO, Faith47, Shepard Fairey, Yuko Shizimu decorated four blocks along the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway with beautiful murals in honor of the variety of artists that DUMBO attracts.

The Walls came to life because the Two Trees Management Company and The DUMBO Improvement District partnered with the NYC Department of Transportation Urban Art Program (NYCDOT).

If you’re taking the subway from York Street or walking the Brooklyn Bridge from DUMBO, you’ll likely come across a few!

Take Photos on Fulton Ferry Landing

Address: 1 Water Street

One of the most historic spots in DUMBO, Brooklyn is the Fulton Ferry Landing. This location along the East River waterfront is deeply intertwined with the development of New York City. This was the location of the first commercially successful steam-powered ferry service between Manhattan and Brooklyn in 1814 (keep in mind the Brooklyn Bridge didn’t start construction until 1869 and didn’t open until 1883).

This made travel between the two quicker and launched the growth of Brooklyn as a commuter suburb of the city. For literary fans, Walt Whitman even wrote a poem in Leaves of Grass called Crossing Brooklyn Ferry which is about this spot. PSST…if you like his work, check out all the Walt Whitman Brooklyn spots to check out.

Fast forward to today and this historic location offers some of the best views in the city of the NYC skyline! Don’t be afraid to keep coming back to this spot depending on the time of day. I would highly recommend taking your perfect picture right before sundown. The only thing that could make the picture more perfect is you.

• Ride the Ferry

Piggybacking off our last recommendation for what to do in DUMBO at Fulton Ferry Landing’s historic site is today’s NYC ferry stop! The NYC ferry is one of the most underrated ways to get around the city. Google Maps doesn’t really show ferry routes so it’s easy to forget that this is an option to commute, not to mention you can save money on a scenic river cruise (a popular tourist attraction) by spending the $4 to ride the NYC ferry and get where you need to go while soaking up all the views on your trip.

Both the South Brooklyn and East River ferry routes stop at Fulton Ferry Landing.

The South Brooklyn Ferry route goes to:

• Bay Ridge (deep into Brooklyn, famous for being the setting of Saturday Night Fever)
• Brooklyn Army Terminal (Sunset Park)
• Governor’s Island (one of our favorite places to spend a day)
• Red Hook (a fun neighborhood to visit via ferry in Brooklyn)
• Brooklyn Bridge Park/Atlantic Avenue (great for exploring Brooklyn Heights )
• Pier 11 (this is Wall Street in Lower Manhattan’s Financial District )
• DUMBO Fulton Ferry 
• Corlears Hook ( Lower East Side , Manhattan)

The East River Ferry route goes to:

• Hunter’s Point South (Long Island City, aka LIC in Queens)
• East 34th Street (very close to Midtown )
• Greenpoint (Brooklyn’s northernmost neighborhood, fun to explore)
• North Williamsburg (one of the most fun places to visit in Brooklyn)
• South Williamsburg (same as North Williamsburg!)

Grab a Beer

There are so many awesome breweries in Brooklyn worth checking out and two of them are right here in DUMBO. Don’t miss Randolph Beer DUMBO on Prospect Street. This garage-style tap room serves up healthy fare and brews on draft with games and great communal tables perfect for gathering with a group of friends.

They also have a seasonal rooftop bar in DUMBO that offers excellent views of the Manhattan Bridge! Just check before your visit to make sure they are open and reservations are encouraged.

They also have some great menu items from their kitchen along with games like Belgian feather bowling!

Another awesome stop for excellent beer are the brews from Evil Twin Brewing on Main Street. If you’re a fan of hazy and strong IPAs, they have a great selection in their tap room. During the day they also have a cafe.

Have a Cocktail at Gair

Address: 41 Washington Street

Ok, so if you’re looking for another spot beyond TimeOut Market’s rooftop bar for a nice cocktail, head to Gair, one of the best bars in DUMBO with an excellent location.

This is one of the best things to do in DUMBO if you want to take a break from sightseeing and be at a prime location. This cocktail spot is located at the most photographed cross streets in Brooklyn at Washington Street and Water Street (the iconic photo spot!).

Their cocktails are pricey, but really good and you can’t beat the location. They also feature independent distillers’ products and offer low-ABV options for those looking to have something not so strong. They also have some light bites here if you need a snack.

As far as nice cocktail bars go, this is one of the only good options in the neighborhood.

• Powerhouse Arena

View this post on Instagram A post shared by POWERHOUSE Arena (@powerhousearena)

Address: 28 Adams Street

Powerhouse Arena is more than just a bookstore, and if you’re a bookworm, this is a must on your list of things to do in DUMBO. The Arena was opened by the publisher Powerhouse Books in 2006.

Along with hosting an array of popular New York events, Powerhouse Arena speaks to the artists of DUMBO with a variety of design and photography books. They also offer non-fiction, lifestyle, New York-themed books, and much more.

Powerhouse is dominant for its jewelry, apparel, stationery, gifts, and more! If you’re traveling with a child, or have one at home, make sure you check out their children’s book corner, claimed to be the best in New York City. They are also one of our picks for best independent bookstores in Brooklyn !

• See the Historic Belgian Block Streets & Railroad

Take a moment to acknowledge the beauty of the Belgian block streets throughout DUMBO. Often mistaken as cobblestone, Belgian block streets used to cover around 140 miles of NYC.

Today, only about 15 miles remain and some can be found in DUMBO! The Belgian blocks are a historical part of DUMBO and have been in the process of being restored and preserved.

Within the blocked streets, are old train tracks that belonged to the Jay Street Connecting Railroad. These tracks are how goods were transported into warehouses in DUMBO. (The best spot to see these is Plymouth and Jay Streets).

Catch a Performance at Bargemusic

One of the most unique things to do in DUMBO is catch a live musical performance aboard a barge at Fulton Ferry Landing just under the Brooklyn Bridge with skyline views!

Bargemusic has been presenting chamber music docked by the Brooklyn Bridge since 1977. Each year they host around 200 performances and even offer free tickets for certain groups and families on Saturday afternoons.

Bargemusic hosts well-established artists as well as up-and-coming ones. Each concert lasts 1-1.5 hours without an intermission. Since this is an outdoor thing to do in DUMBO the music venue is seasonal offering shows in the spring through summer months.

Note: If you’re planning to catch a concert, there are no restrooms on the Barge and there is also no food or drink allowed. So plan accordingly!

See what shows are available during your visit!

• Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge

Address: 60 Furman Street

Located at the beautiful 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, Harriet’s offers an experience unlike any other at one of the best rooftop bars in NYC . There are two different areas you can enjoy year throughout the year.

First up is the outdoor rooftop which overlooks the New York Harbor and skyline with incredible views of the Brooklyn Bridge. This is open throughout the year and even has a cool wintery ice bar complete with ice sculptures and cocktails served in glasses made of ice!

Then you have the lounge. This is the indoor area that is perfect for cold or rainy days if you’re not wanting to be outdoors as you have those same views, but from the comfort of an indoor setting behind large glass windows. This is also a great spot for a special date (you can make a reservation or request the best seat in the house which is a corner booth overlooking the skyline).

Oh, and while you’re here. Pay a visit to the restroom. It has one of the best views in the city.

This is also one of the best places to stay in Brooklyn if you want a prime location with one of the best views in the city as well as one of our picks for best rooftop bars in DUMBO !

Check out Some Local Shops

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sean Crowley (@crowley_vintage)

Beyond Empire Stores, there are a few cool shops in DUMBO to check out while you’re in the hood. First, there’s Front General Store (143 Front Street) where you can find a mix of cool vintage pieces along with new items from clothing, home decor, and jewelry.

Aegir Boardworks (99 Water Street) is a really cool skate shop (yes, there’s a skateboarding scene in NYC!) featuring apparel and skateboarding products. They also have you covered with most board sports and do repairs if you need to get your skateboard repaired while you’re in town.

Two Kids and A Dog (65 Pearl Street) is the most adorable independent toy store along with clothing items for children!

The Grant (126A Front Street) features vintage, antique, and custom jewelry if you’re looking for a truly one-of-a-kind gift for yourself or a loved one!

And if you love vintage shopping in NYC , you’ll want to stop at Crowley Vintage (68 Jay Street, suite 303 on Fl 3). They are by appointment only, but you’ll want to check out their amazingly curated selection of vintage apparel specializing in menswear, but plenty of options for women too as it turns out vintage menswear looks great on everyone! 

Enjoy a Meal with a View at Celestine

Address: 1 John Street

One of my favorite restaurants in Brooklyn can be found here on a quiet section of the East River waterfront right under the Manhattan Bridge. This is one of my personal favorite things to do in DUMBO, especially on a gorgeous day when you can take full advantage of the outdoor patio surrounded by the flora and fauna of Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Celestine features a menu of delicious Mediterranean fare, great cocktails, and even better views of both the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge.

Whether you dine inside or outside, the views here are immaculate and the food is phenomenal. 

• Explore Vinegar Hill

While not technically DUMBO, but easy to add on while you’re exploring the best things to do in DUMBO (and quite honestly the only way to get here is from DUMBO anyway) is exploring the charming micro-neighborhood of Vinegar Hill. This is truly one of the best hidden gems in Brooklyn .

While there’s not much to do here, it is a fun area to do a lap around. This neighborhood almost seems forgotten or stuck in time. You’ll find old historic 19th-century buildings and homes in Federal and Greek Revival styles of architecture along Belgian block roads.

This was historically a rich Irish immigrant, working class neighborhood. The name of Vinegar Hill comes from a battle during the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

While you’re here you’ll spot a few places to take a peek in from the random shop or gallery, but the main star here is Vinegar Hill House. This is one of our favorite spots for brunch in Brooklyn as well as just being an overall great restaurant to eat at with a beyond charming ambiance and setting and a gorgeous outdoor patio that’s perfect to hang out in the warmer months.

• Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nicole |Chicago-Based Traveler (@nicolesonthego)

Address: 141 Front Street

If Powerhouse Arena wasn’t enough for you, make sure to visit Berl’s. This shop is New York’s only all poetry book store and what to do in DUMBO if you’re a lover of poetry!

Their goal is to provide an artistic and creative space for readers and poets of all ages. On their website, Berl’s is described as, “A place to read, to hear poets read, to meet poets and readers, and to join a community.”

Their hours often depend on their readings so it’s suggested you check their calendar for any upcoming events and readings!

Pass by the Legendary Gleason’s Gym

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Superare (@superareshop)

Address: 130 Water Street

Did you know that one of the most famous boxing gyms in the world is located in DUMBO, Brooklyn? That’s right. In fact, legends like Muhammed Ali, Robert Duran, Mike Tyson, and Jake LaMotta all trained here. The iconic boxing gym has a deep history dating back to 1937 and played a pivotal role in the world and history of boxing as a sport.

And that’s not all. Actors like Robert DeNiro and Wesley Snipes trained here to prepare for roles in films. Hilary Swank prepared for the role in Million Dollar Baby by training at Gleasons! And this famous boxing gym was no stranger to being the set and used as a filming location for many films including Raging Bull .

Walk by and you might catch a glimpse of some of the best boxers and amateur fighters in the game train. We don’t recommend going inside though, this isn’t a tourist attraction at all, but it is fun to peek as you’re walking by!

Enjoy a Fancy Dinner at The River Cafe

Do you have a special occasion to celebrate? A romantic date you’re trying to plan? Then this is what to do in DUMBO for you. One of the most romantic restaurants in the city, that even has a dress code (so be sure to brush up on that before visiting) is The River Cafe, located on a verdant pathway known as Jardin River tucked under the Brooklyn Bridge.

This is without a doubt one of the most romantic things to do in DUMBO or a place for celebrations. The River Cafe features wonderful flower arrangements, live piano, and overall elegant experience.

Since 1977 The River Cafe has been recognized for its breathtaking views and fine dining experience since it opened in 1977. They allow reservations on the same day and as far as one year away. Make sure to make the night formal requiring suit jackets for all gentlemen at dinner.

Hit up a Neighborhood Cafe

It’s no secret that there are plenty of amazing cafes in New York City and pretty coffee shops in Brooklyn. I would argue that visiting neighborhood cafes is one of my favorite things to do whether I’m just grabbing a quick pick-me-up or want to sit down and take a walking break or have a space to hang out for a little bit.

Whatever you’re craving, you have all those options. And what’s even better is that all the cafes in DUMBO give you the opportunity to take away and have a coffee with some of the best views of Manhattan from Brooklyn with access to pathways and benches around Brooklyn Bridge Park!

A few of our favorites include Butler (60 Water Street) who not only has great coffee and light bites but one of the prettiest cups to photograph! 

% Arabica (20 Old Fulton Street) serves up a seriously good cup of joe. This is actually a Japanese cafe that has two locations in the city, including DUMBO and Greenwich Village.

Almondine Bakery (85 Water Street) is one of the cutest bakeries (and delicious) with great coffee to pair with it. Featuring french pastries and an intimate setting, this is the perfect, small cozy cafe to hang out for a bit.

Cha Cha Matcha (55 Water Street) has a location within Empire Stores and is perfect if you’re a fan of matcha! I personally LOVE their drinks and they are super colorful and fun looking at that.

Get a Sweet Treat

Some of the best things in life are sweet. That’s why one of our favorite things to do in DUMBO is take advantage of the great sweet treats this neighborhood has to offer. While you can absolutely grab a pastry or sweet delight from one of the cafes mentioned above, there are also a few famous dessert spots in the neighborhood to visit too!

The most famous being Jacques Torres (66 Water Street). Maybe you’ve seen this famous French pastry chef and chocolatier on television, he has been on several of them including Netflix’s Nailed It!  On a cold day, nothing beats their signature hot chocolate (it’s one of the best in the city) or some gourmet chocolates, in fact there are several great New York City-themed chocolate boxes if you’re looking for a great gift to take home with you.

Or grab a whoopie pie from Dawn’s Til Dusk (33 Main Street) at the former One Girl Cookie location. The owner behind the wildly popular One Girl Cookie decided she wanted to transform her bakeshop to also have savory items and reopen with a full on menu! So you can have a full meal here too, but you must try one of her famous sweets!

Lazy Sundaes (170 Front Street) features a popular Korean shaved ice dessert known as bingsoo along with bubble teas! Their bingsoo sundaes are a fun twist on the popular dessert and they have seasonal flavors that change out frequently! I love these because they aren’t overly sweet.

Do you like ice cream? If so, you’re in luck as there are several great ice cream spots in DUMBO, Brooklyn. Sadly, we lost Ample Hills in its iconic location in the old fireboat house at Fulton Ferry Landing, but another local ice cream shop took the place. Now you’ll find Van Leeuwen here, famous for its artisinal ice cream flavors as well as having plenty of vegan ice cream options.

Across the street is Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory (14 Old Fulton Street) which opened right after the September 11th attacks in 2001 (in the old fireboat house actually!) and serves up classic flavors and makes everything small-batch.

And another standout spot for ice cream in DUMBO is OddFellows Ice Cream Co. (44 Water Street) which serves up inventive and creative ice cream flavors if you’re feeling a little adventurous!

• Check out More of the Food Scene in DUMBO

There are so many great restaurants in DUMBO beyond the legendary pizza feud spots and TimeOut Market. We don’t want to overwhelm you with options, but if you’re looking for something in particular and neither of those spots have it, here are a few of our other favorite places to eat in the neighborhood.

Tsuta Ramen (22 Old Fulton Street) serves up seriously good Japanese ramen. This is a famous Japanese ramen shop that claim to have been the first ramen restaurant to get a Michelin star. This is their NYC outpost and while New Yorkers and critics are hard to impress, they really do serve up a solid bowl of ramen.

Em’s Vietnamese (57 Front Street) brings all the delicious, fresh flavors of Vietnamese cuisine to DUMBO. From the pho to bahn mi, everything here is great.

Gran Electrica (5 Front Street) is the perfect place if you’re looking for a dimly lit dining experience or a pretty patio to dine at that feels a little more quiet and secluded from the crowded streets of DUMBO. They have great Mexican fare and great margaritas.

Cecconi’s (55 Water Street) is a popular choice due to its location in the Empire Stores building. This swanky Italian eatery has a great outdoor dining section along the front of Empire Stores with a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park (that’s heated in the winter months too).

For a more grab-and-go option, head to Luke’s Lobster ( 11 Water Street) directly under the Brooklyn Bridge for a scrumptious lobster roll to eat while you walk.

• The MoDE – The Museum of Digital Experiences

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Onassis USA (@onassisusa)

Address: 65 Jay Street

For a unique museum and things to do in DUMBO indoors, check out The MoDE, short for The Museum of Digital Experiences. This is an innovative and interactive museum that explores the world of digital art and technology. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a variety of 14 digital artworks and installations, often blurring the lines between art, technology, and human interaction.

The museum provides a dynamic and ever-changing space for both artists and visitors to engage with cutting-edge digital creations, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the intersection of art and technology in the heart of Brooklyn’s creative scene. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by SY Date Night (@sydatenight)

Address: 53 Bridge Street

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in NYC indoors for a rainy or cold day , look no further than this fun spot in DUMBO. Area 53 is located in a former warehouse and offers a really fun laser tag!

They have two different versions of laser tag to choose from before getting let loose in their giant arena. This is really fun and after you’re done you can hang out and play arcade games. 

At night, the lounge area is 21 and over and becomes and adult-only playground.

Visit the Art Galleries

View this post on Instagram A post shared by A.I.R. (@airgallery)

One of the best things to do in DUMBO is check out all the different art galleries the neighborhood has to offer. There are a few galleries tucked away and the first Thursday of every month, you can join DUMBO Gallery Walks where from 6 to 8 PM you can explore the neighborhood’s art galleries that stay open late and often have special things going on.

There are over a dozen participating galleries but if your visit doesn’t line up with the first Thursday of the month, don’t worry. You can check out the galleries during regular hours.

The Klompching Gallery (89 Water Street) is a great gallery to buy contemporary photography from emerging and well-known artists. 

A.I.R. Gallery (155 Plymouth Street) serves as a permanent display venue dedicated to promoting open dialogue and encouraging women artists to take creative risks, ultimately offering them support and increased visibility showcasing the diverse works of numerous women artists.

One of the best ways to see the best things to do in DUMBO Brooklyn is by joining a tour! Here are two amazing tours of DUMBO to check out during your trip. Be sure to check out our picks for all the best tours in Brooklyn too!

Enjoy a 2-hour walking tour of DUMBO and the Brooklyn Bridge uncovering the history of the borough’s diversity and history including some of the most incredible views of the city!

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history of the East River and the behind the scenes story and history of building the famous Brooklyn Bridge that’s truly fascinating and actually full of drama as well as how it affected the relationship between Manhattan and Brooklyn.

You’ll also learn about other important monuments and get an in depth tour of DUMBO and it’s scenic views and history. Book your 2-hour walking tour of DUMBO here.

What to do Nearby DUMBO Brooklyn

After exploring all the exciting things to do in DUMBO, you’ll be pleased to know there are several cool things to do nearby. We already mentioned the adorable area of Vinegar Hill if you’re looking for a sleepy little corner of the city to explore but there’s more!

There are plenty of cool Brooklyn neighborhoods to explore and near DUMBO is the beautiful neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights . This high-end enclave has always been just that. Full of old mansions, brownstones, gorgeous architecture, and where many celebrities call home today. 

You’re also close to Downtown Brooklyn , which is very commercialized but has a lot of cool hidden gems and neat things to do. If you find yourself here around the evenings you won’t want to miss one of the coolest themed bars in NYC at the Sunken Harbor Club.

You’re also close to Fort Greene , one of the prettiest neighborhoods for brownstone architecture, the beautiful and active Fort Greene Park, and an insanely good food scene. I’m not kidding, there are so many good restaurants in Fort Greene.

And since you have access to the ferry, explore more of the best things to do in Brooklyn to help you plan more amazing things to do in the area!

Here are a few highlights and things to do near DUMBO too:

• The Brooklyn Heights Promenade –  Four stories above the Brooklyn Bridge Park, find a peaceful view of the Lower Manhattan skyline. We know you already can’t get enough of the New York City views, so enjoy the pedestrian walkway or take a seat on a park bench and relax.
• Montague Street –  Take a stroll down Montague to see beautiful architecture, find fun shops, and more local haunts.
• City Point/Dekalb Market— If you’re in the area, you can’t miss one of the hottest spots in Brooklyn. Stop in for a meal at the Dekalb Market Hall, the largest market hall in NYC. With 40 vendors, the possibilities are endless. 
• Junior’s Restaurant— Eat like a real New Yorker at Junior’s. Junior’s has been making history on the corner of Flatbush and Dekalb since 1950. Dine in for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but don’t leave before you’ve had a slice of the world-famous cheesecake!
• New York Transit Museum – Easily one of the best museums in the city located in a defunct subway stop featuring over a century’s worth of old subway and train cars and exhibits dedicated to the history of transportation in NYC.
• Kings County Distillery – located in an old armory building that looks like a castle, you can stop to have drinks here or join a distillery tour.
• Rooftop Reds – enjoy wine tasting from the first urban/rooftop vineyard! You can try wine from grapes grown on the rooftop or from their partner in the Finger Lakes region with a backdrop of the NYC skyline!

Where to Stay in DUMBO

This DUMBO Brooklyn guide wouldn’t be complete without picking out some of the best places to stay in the neighborhood while you explore what to do in DUMBO.

For more options check out our where to stay in DUMBO guide.

$ The Tillary Hotel

The Tillary is located right between the action in Downtown Brooklyn and all the beauty in DUMBO. Enjoy your view of the Manhattan Bridge right outside your hotel.

The Tillary provides a café, a bar, and even an outdoor terrace. The Tillary also offers complimentary wifi, 24/7 from desk, and soundproof windows (which can be a huge help when staying in NYC) with stylish rooms offering designer toiletries and fine Italian linens.

Besides having incredible views, you can find a great lobby lounge and beer garden here for a fantastic spot to hang out steps away from your room.

There is parking on the property as well for an added fee.

Book Now on Booking.com | Compare Prices for Later on Hotels.com | See Rates on Expedia.com

$$$ 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

As mentioned earlier, this hotel is the home to Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge, a pick for what to do in DUMBO Brooklyn earlier in this DUMBO Brooklyn guide with one of the most stunning and spectacular views of the city and rooftop pool, undoubtedly one of the best rooftops in Brooklyn !

1 Hotel offers both Brooklyn and skyline views, which ultimately determine the cost of your stay. This is one of the finest properties and locations to stay in not only DUMBO, but also Brooklyn.

This 5-star hotel comes equipped with the bar/lounge, room service, complimentary wifi, and industrial-chic rooms.

Things to do in DUMBO NYC (Post Summary):

• Brooklyn Bridge Park- Pebble Beach
• DUMBO Archway – Under the Manhattan Bridge
• Try Two Iconic Pizza Spots
• Shop Around Empire Stores 
• Take Photos at Fulton Ferry Landing
• Grab a Beer!
• Have Cocktails at Gair
• Catch a concert at Bargemusic
• Check out some local shops
• Enjoy a meal with a view at Celestine 
• Pass by the Legendary Gleason’s Gym 
• Enjoy a Fancy Dinner at River Cafe
• Hit Up in a Cafe
• Get a Sweet Treat! 
• Visit the Art Galleries 

Yes, DUMBO Brooklyn is worth visiting for its historic charm, stunning views of Manhattan, vibrant art scene, unique shops, and delicious dining options along the waterfront.

DUMBO stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.” It’s a trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its artistic culture, scenic views, and revitalized industrial spaces.

A half-day to a full day is typically enough to explore DUMBO. You can visit the iconic spots, enjoy the art scene, dine at local eateries, and take in the stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Late afternoon to early evening is ideal for DUMBO. You can enjoy the area’s ambiance, and capture the sunset over Manhattan.

DUMBO is famous for its stunning waterfront views of Manhattan, the iconic Manhattan Bridge, creative arts scene, historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and being a hub for tech startups and artistic innovation.

The famous street in DUMBO is Washington Street, known for its iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge framed between historic brick buildings. It’s a popular photography spot.

To enter the Brooklyn Bridge from DUMBO by foot, find the pedestrian walkway from the staircase located in the underpass on Washington Street/Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street.

Liked this post about the best things to do in DUMBO Brooklyn or found this DUMBO Brooklyn guide helpful? Bookmark for later or share the love below on Pinterest.

My name is Katie and I went to college here New York City at LIU in Brooklyn! I love photography and am excited to share some of my favorite Brooklyn and New York City tips and spots on Your Brooklyn Guide.

Similar Posts

Best Things to do in Prospect Park in Brooklyn

The 585-acre green oasis tucked away in the urban jungle. With tons of amazing things to do in Prospect…

17 Lovely & Affordable Hotels in Brooklyn (Many Under $ 200)

Looking for the best affordable hotels in Brooklyn? You’ve come to the right place. In one of the most…

How to Get From LaGuardia to Coney Island (& Coney Island to LaGuardia)

Trying to find the best way to get from LaGuardia to Coney Island or Coney Island to LaGuardia? Our…

Interesting Brooklyn Bridge Facts (& Brooklyn Bridge Story)

Want to learn some of the most interesting Brooklyn Bridge facts and the Brooklyn Bridge story? We’ve got you…

Must-Know Visiting New York City Travel Tips (Essential NYC Tips From a Local!)

Hello travelers! If you’ve found your way here, don’t fret. Visiting New York City for the first time (or…

Where to Stay at in DUMBO, Brooklyn (Best DUMBO Hotels)

Looking for where to stay in DUMBO? We have put together a comprehensive guide of the best hotels in…

Excellent article, Katie Hinkle. You provided energy, knowledge and outstanding coverage of DUMBO. I wish I had this information prior to my last visit.

She really knows the neighborhood well!! So many great tips and ideas for anyone!

• Pingback: The Fearless Foreigner
• Pingback: Where to Stay in Brooklyn, New York - The Fearless Foreigner
• Pingback: Jacques Torres: BROOKLYN VALENTINE’S DAY (LOCAL GIFTING GUIDE) - The Brooks Group - Public Relations

So many great tips! I plan on visiting many of these spots as I explore DUMBO today. Thank you for sharing!

Glad you enjoyed and thanks for your kind comment!

• Pingback: 15 Amazing Empire State Building Views & Viewpoints - Your Brooklyn Guide

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Things to Do in DUMBO

The ultimate guide for dumbo.

What was once an area known for shipping and warehouses is now a go-to spot for tourists and locals. You can’t even tell that back in the day this area was meant for industrial purposes. It is now home to many thriving businesses. There’s even a luxury hotel right next to a brand-new park that overlooks the Manhattan skyline.

Today you’ll find tree-lined streets, historic brownstone houses, breathtaking views of Lower Manhattan, and super-stylish lofts in disused industrial areas at the foot of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. This mix gives this Brooklyn area its special charm. With its new look, there are many things to do in DUMBO.

Table of Contents

Getting to DUMBO in Brooklyn

Getting to this Brooklyn neighborhood is pretty easy and convenient. Two major train stations in the area drop you off in two different spots in DUMBO. You can take the F train to York Street and you can also take the A C train to High St. From here you’ll have access to the beautiful neighborhood. Even though it’s relatively small, there are a lot of things to do in DUMBO.

Walking Through DUMBO

Cobblestone roads, new luxury buildings mixed with buildings that have been here forever and warehouses gives DUMBO a very unique vibe. Here, you’ll find coffee shops, restaurants and arguably one of the best parks in all of NYC. It might be a pretty small area, but theres tons of things to do in DUMBO.

While exploring the area there are two tours that we highly recommend. The Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo walking tour and a super fun tour with a private photographer that will take you around Dumbo and SoHo to picture the best memories of you in NYC.

Top 5 Things To Do in DUMBO

• Brooklyn Bridge – This is a no-brainer. Out of all the things to do in DUMBO, this is something one must experience. It’s the most iconic bridge in New York and probably in the US (The Golden Gate Bridge might beat it). The bridge has two levels. One for cars and one for pedestrians and cyclists. We recommend crossing the bridge early in the morning to catch the amazing light and to avoid the crowd that eventually flock the bridge during the day. (Address: New York 10038, Subway 4 5 6 Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall Station for the Manhattan entrance, Subway F York Street Station, Subway A C High Street Station)
• Brooklyn Bridge Park   – Right at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge is a relatively new park called the Brooklyn Bridge Park. This park has an amazing view of the Manhattan skyline, has different amenities such as a soccer field, volleyball courts and basketball courts. New York Ferry’s also make their stops here so you can get from Manhattan to Brooklyn easily. (Address: 334 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Subway  F York Street Station, Subway A C High Street Station)
• Jane’s Carousel  – Right inside Brooklyn Bridge Park is the infamous Jane’s Carousel. The origins of this carousel started out in Ohio in 1922 for the Idora Amusement Park. Once the park closed down, the 48 wooden horse carousel moved to Brooklyn. (Address: Old Dock St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Subway  F York Street Station, Subway A C High Street Station)
• Brooklyn Heights Promenade  – The promenade overlooks the Brooklyn Bridge Park and the skyline of Lower Manhattan. We recommend going here during sunrise or sunset. (Address: Montague St &, Pierrepont Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Subway  F York Street Station, Subway A C High Street Station)
• Grimaldi’s Pizza – Do you want some classic New York City pizza? Then Grimaldi’s in DUMBO is the place to go. They’re known for their coal-oven pizza. Also, be prepared to eat whole pizza pies, because slices don’t exist here. Bring friends, you’ll need them. (Address: 1 Front St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, Subway  F York Street Station, Subway A C High Street Station)

Other Things to Do in DUMBO

There are a lot of things do in Brooklyn . DUMBO just happens to be a great neighborhood that offers a variety of activities for people. If you have more time to spend here, we suggest these things to do in DUMBO.

Restaurants and Bars in DUMBO Brooklyn

Walk across the manhattan bridge.

Yes, you can walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. But, if you want to avoid hordes of people entirely, try walking across the Manhattan Bridge. You’ll get the same views and even get a view of the Brooklyn Bridge. Also, you’ll end up in Chinatown where you can enjoy that neighborhood and some really good eats.

Time Out Market in Dumbo

Since Summer 2019 you can eat your way through Time Out Market in Dumbo. The food market which offers a total different experience than you would expect from a food market in Dumbo lets you dive deep into the restaurant scene in NYC. Only the best of the best got the chance to open up their restaurant at the Time Out Market. Find out more about the concept and our  thoughts about the food market in our article about Time Out Market in Dumbo .

Movies Anyone? DUMBO Has Got You Covered

During summer months in DUMBO, the city provides free movies at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. We suggest getting to the park two hours before the movie starts so you can claim your spot on the green space. Bring a blanket and some food for maximum comfortability.

Get Your Own Famous Social Media Picture in DUMBO

There’s this one spot in the neighborhood where tourists (and some locals) flock to. You won’t miss it because there will always be people taking pictures in the middle of the street here. The famous background is located on Washington Street between Plymouth and Front Street. You’ll have the Manhattan Bridge and in between the bridge’s pillars, right smack dab in the middle, off in the distance, is the Empire State Building . It’s arguably Brooklyn’s most instagrammable shot. If you want to be the only person in your photo, we suggest going at sunrise.

Visit Gleason’s Gym and Get a Great Workout

We bet you never thought that one of the best things to do in DUMBO is to visit a gym. First off, this is an iconic gym and is very sacred within the boxing community. If you can think of a hall of fame boxer, they’ve most likely stopped by this gym to work out. Once strictly for fighters, the gym has opened up its doors to the public. It has a no nonsense vibe to it, but the staff are very accommodating and friendly. Ever heard of Cassius Clay? What about Muhammad Ali? It’s the same person. He trained here from time to time during his reign as the heavyweight king of the world.

Visit the Archway of Manhattan Bridge

The archway forms a tunnel beneath the Manhattan Bridge. Here, there are picnic tables and sometimes food vendors will serve their product here. In the summer, you’ll sometimes see small concerts and just lots of people having a good time.

1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge Rooftop

This brand new luxury hotel is located right in between the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge and overlooks Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Lower Manhattan Skyline. Their rooftop is even better. There’s a pool, a small seating area, and a bar. In the summer, this place is packed to capacity. You might even see celebrities here once in a while. To learn more about the hotel, please read our article here .

Winter in DUMBO

One of the things to do in DUMBO is to experience it during or after a snowstorm. We obviously recommend the latter, but if you are feeling ambitious, you should go when the snow is falling (just be careful and always be aware of your surroundings).

Shopping in DUMBO Brooklyn

Like we mentioned before, the neighborhood itself is not that big compared to other areas in NYC. For its size, however, there’s a lot of options when it comes to shopping. There’s a lot of things to do in DUMBO and shopping in this Brooklyn neighborhood is one of them. Here are a few of our favorite spots.

The  Front General Store  (143 Front Street) is a very unique vintage store as they source pieces from all over the world, mainly from Europe and Japan. You’ll have a versatile set of choices from shoes, clothing to accessories, everything is here. It’s a small cramped shop, but the cozy atmosphere keeps you around.

Scotch and Soda is probably the only mainstream store in the area, for now. Located at 76 Front Street, Scotch and Soda in DUMBO offer stylish apparel for men and women. It’s a fashionable brand that is popular in Europe as well.

Jacques Torres Chocolate and Ice Cream  is a popular shop in DUMBO. As a matter of fact, Chef Jacques Torres is nicknamed Mr. Chocolate. He’s a big deal within the food industry. If you want to get someone a gift or you just want to have your fix, we recommend visiting this store. It’s located at 66 Water Street in DUMBO.

A very special shop with an integrated café is the  West Elm Market  (50 Washington Street). Here, you will find souvenirs, creative decorations and houseware from Brooklyn.

When it comes to groceries, You have lots of options. There’s a bunch of delis on Jay Street. If you keep venturing into DUMBO, there are these two stores called Foragers Marke t and Peas & Pickles. You can’t go wrong with either one.

The Art and Museum Scene in DUMBO

Brooklyn historical society.

The  Brooklyn Historical Society  Museum tells the story of Brooklyn. Located in DUMBO and founded in 1863, which was recently renovated, this exhibit invites its visitors to the”Queen Anne Style” building (British architectural style). The well-stocked library, interesting photographs, vintage landscape maps and newspapers explains the history of Brooklyn. The institution provides a very good overview of the past. The museum is located in the Empire Stores. Owners of the New York Pass have free entry here.

MINUS SPACE in DUMBO

MINUS SPACE is an art gallery located right next to West Elm at 16 Main Street. Their exhibition features and specializes in reductive and abstract art.

This gallery which stand for Artists in Residence in DUMBO was founded in 1972 and is the first all-female gallery in The United States. The main goal of A.I.R. was to provide female artists a permanent space to showcase their commercial work especially in a male dominated industry. To learn more about the space, please visit their website here .

DUMBO is full of great art galleries. Here are just a few more that we recommend.

Powerhouse Arena   (Address: 37 Main St, Brooklyn)

Art Gallery Galapagos  (Address: 16 Main St, Brooklyn)

Smack Mellon   (Address: 92 Plymouth St, Brooklyn)

Rabithole Studio   (Address: 33 Washington St, Brooklyn)

Spring   (Address: 126 Front Street, Brooklyn)

Bose Pacia   (Address: 163 Plymouth St, Brooklyn)

Living in DUMBO Brooklyn

New apartment buildings are currently being built in this area. It has definitely turned into a luxury area. We would probably compare it to a miniature version of Tribeca . With two accessible bridges and the Brooklyn Bridge Park, it’s a perfect place for young professionals and young families. The area is pretty expensive as well. Right next to the 1 Hotel are luxury apartments that have arguably one of the best views in the city. If you can afford to live or even stay here, you’re one lucky person. You’ll have everything you need.

Hotels in DUMBO Brooklyn or Near the Neighborhood

If you plan on visiting NYC and have the budget we definitely recommend staying in this area. Train stations are nearby and the two bridges can either bring you to the Wall Street area or Chinatown. Here are some of our favorite hotels in the area.

• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge  (Address: 60 Furman St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
• Tillary Hotel Brooklyn (Address: 85 Flatbush Ave Ext, Brooklyn, NY 11201)
• New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge  (Address: 333 Adams St, Brooklyn, NY 11201)

Neighborhoods Near DUMBO Brooklyn

Theres a lot of things to do in DUMBO, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check out the surrounding neighborhoods as well. Park Slope is only a few stops away when you take the F line from York Street. This neighborhood has a different atmosphere than DUMBO and has gone through gentrification. Another area we recommend checking out is Lower Manhattan and Chinatown . These two neighborhoods are just right across the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, respectively. Let us know which neighborhoods you prefer in the comments section and we hope this guide as helped you!

Which NYC Neighborhood Do You Belong In?

What I love about New York? The city is a melting pot of cultures and people and has just the right neighborhood for everyone! Which neighborhood suits you best? Find out with our “neighborhood advisor”!

Are you a Brooklyn Boy or maybe a Queens Queen? Find out now!

Hip & Trendy

You’re walking through the streets as you spot bearded men in flannel shirts in the distance. They are wearing sunglasses with thick black frames. The women next to them are wearing small, black hats that cover their autumn color hair, falling onto their leather jackets and ponchos. The group is drinking from Mason jars and eating sweet potato fries topped with truffle mayo served on wooden boards. What do you do?

You are using the front camera of your smartphone to ensure your mustache is twisted properly - or - your pastel colored clutch that you just snagged from a fancy pop-up store is hanging off your shoulder. You're happily walking toward the crowd.

You're curious about these people. You decide to observe them from a closer distance, as you wanted to head that way anyway.

You're not really in the mood for a circus, so you decide to turn around and go somewhere else.

Food & Drink

You’re enjoying your day in New York. When your stomach starts rumbling, you decide to…

... get a quick snack to satisfy your hunger

... look for a top restaurant nearby to sit down and eat, because what could possibly make the day better than a great meal?

... ignore it! Time is too precious to spend at restaurants.

You’re strolling through a park and observe a family having a picnic. Immediately, the sight makes you..

... smile, because spending quality family time is the best thing in the world!

... think that you could really use a cold beer and a hot dog right now.

... laugh, because (thank God)- you're by yourself and don't need to take care of anybody. Instead you're free to do whatever you want!

For you, meeting fellow tourists in the most amazing places in the world is like…

... a bonfire at camp: the perfect opportunity to learn incredible stories.

... a night at a wild party followed by a nasty hangover. You can't have one without the other.

... a large glas of expired milk: simply the worst!

We say shopping, you say…

... Michael Kors meets Sex and the City

... drop a new item into the online cart and click "Order Now".

... *facepalm*

You and nightlife, that’s like…

... the cast of the Jersey Shore out first pumping.

... Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn in the Golden Havana Bar.

... two bears hibernating in their cave for the winter

Art & Culture

Back in 2015, one of Picasso’s art pieces was auctioned for a record breaking $200 million.  What’s your first thought?

A masterpiece like this belongs into a museum, so everybody can enjoy it.

I would sell my last shirt to own one of Picasso's works.

Who would have thought that Pokemon could paint!

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!