Need a photogenic NYC escape with industrial charm and riverside views? Head to DUMBO! Nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is a hip waterfront neighborhood full of cobblestone streets, creative spaces, and iconic skyline vistas. With art galleries, indie boutiques, and unbeatable pizza, DUMBO is a must-visit in Brooklyn.
DUMBO, Brooklyn Highlights:
- Snap the classic Manhattan Bridge photo on Washington Street: One of NYC’s most Instagrammed spots with bridge and Empire State Building views.
- Stroll Brooklyn Bridge Park: Enjoy waterfront paths, playgrounds, and skyline sunsets along the East River.
- Ride Jane’s Carousel: A beautifully restored 1922 carousel in a glass pavilion overlooking the water.
- Shop at Empire Stores and Time Out Market: Browse unique retailers and dine with a view from the rooftop food hall.
- Admire art at St. Ann’s Warehouse or local galleries: Explore DUMBO’s thriving creative scene in repurposed industrial spaces.
Best Time to Visit DUMBO, Brooklyn
The best time to visit DUMBO is from spring through fall (April to October). Warm weather is perfect for riverfront walks, food festivals, and outdoor art. Fall foliage and crisp air make the views even more magical.
How to Get to DUMBO, Brooklyn
- By Subway: Take the F to York Street or the A/C to High Street-Brooklyn Bridge station.
- By Ferry: The NYC Ferry East River route stops at DUMBO’s Pier 1 for a scenic arrival.
- By Walking: Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan and descend into DUMBO’s cobblestone streets.
- By Car: Street parking is limited—use a garage or opt for public transit when possible.
Where to Stay near DUMBO, Brooklyn
- 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – Eco-luxury hotel with sweeping skyline views and rooftop pool right on the waterfront.
- The Tillary Hotel – Stylish, modern hotel a short walk from DUMBO and the Manhattan Bridge.
- The Hoxton, Williamsburg – Trendy hotel just across the river, with easy access and a lively rooftop scene.
Best Things to Do in DUMBO, Brooklyn
⮕ The Powerhouse Arena
Explore dynamic exhibitions and browse engaging books in this creative space.
Known for being an emporium for creative thought, The Powerhouse Arena is home to the world-famous art book publisher known as Powerhouse Books. The arena, on the other hand, serves as a gallery, bookstore and boutique all in one, while also being a much sought after performance and event space. At the Powerhouse Arena, visitors can experience landmark exhibitions, enjoy fantastic performance arts, and breathtaking spectacles of fashion, design, photography, music, and pop culture. Stop by for a book signing, gaze at beautiful works of art at their latest gallery opening or simply stop by the arena store which boasts an eclectic collection of design and photography books.
28 Adams Street, DUMBO Brooklyn, New York 11201, Phone: 718-666-3049
⮕ Bargemusic
Enjoy intimate waterfront concerts aboard a floating barge with stunning views.
Spend an evening aboard New York City’s floating concert hall at Bargemusic. Open all year round, Bargmusic is moored right under the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and puts on week after week of fantastic gigs. Interestingly, Bargemusic started as a coffee barge until it was renovated into the intimate gathering place that it is today – the perfect chamber-music hall and one of the best spots for musicians to perform today. In addition to putting on amazing musical performances no matter what the season, the Bargemusic is also a fantastic place to enjoy gorgeous views of the lower Manhattan skyline.
Brooklyn Bridge Boulevard, Brooklyn, New York 11201, Phone: 718-624-4924
⮕ Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop
Discover unique poetry collections and attend lively literary events.
For the love of poetry! Book worms and poetry fans like definitely shouldn’t miss out on a visit to Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop . Until today, the Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop is the only all poetry bookstore in the entire city of New York. The store specializes in indie press chapbooks as well as books, and boasts some of the most impressive collections in town. Apart from browsing the store’s wide collection, the Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop also hosts a wide range of interesting events like poetry readings, book readings, open mic nights and more. So, if you’re ready to immerse yourself in the thriving literary culture of DUMBO, this is the place you want to be.
141 Front Street DUMBO, Brooklyn, New York, Phone: 347-687-2375
⮕ Blanc et Rouge
Savor fine wines and relax in a stylish, cozy setting.
If you consider yourself to be something akin to a drink savant, or if you simply like to enjoy a good drink or two, then you’re definitely going to enjoy a night at Blanc et Rouge . Blanc et Rouge is a specialty wine and spirits boutique in the DUMBO neighborhood that was founded in 2000. While Blanc et Rouge certainly has a wide array of wines and spirits available to its patrons, there’s no denying that its specialty is in its wines. Apart from offering wines from various regions and price ranges for every occasion, Blanc et Rouge also hosts a number of wine and spirit related events such as wine tastings, cocktail hours and food and wine pairing classes.
81 Washington Street DUMBO, Brooklyn, New York 11201, Phone: 718-858-9463
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory
Indulge in classic, creamy ice cream with unbeatable skyline views.
There’s nothing quite like people watching in Brooklyn with a couple of scoops of delicious craft ice cream from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory . Known for their creamy, decadent and well thought out flavor offerings, the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is arguably the top producer of the world’s most popular cold and sweet treat in New York City. Sample classic flavors from their offerings like the Vanilla, Vanilla Chocolate Chunk, Chocolate, and Strawberry or go for some of their specialty flavors like the Butter Pecan, the Peaches and Cream, and their Coffee flavored ice cream. We’re not joking when we say their ice cream is ultra-delicious, so in the spirit of being safe than sorry – go for two scoops, not one.
Old Fulton Street corner Water Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201, Phone: 718-246
⮕ Environmental Education Center
Explore interactive exhibits and learn about nature through hands-on activities.
Forming an important part of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy, the Environmental Education Center was established to teach children (and adults) about the environment and how to take care of it. The center primarily hosts more than 10,000 school children each year but it is also open to the public on weekends and on a couple of afternoons during the week. Children and their families can take part in self-led exploration or join a guided tour of the facility which will reveal many secrets about the Brooklyn environment and the many creatures which inhabit it. The center provides educational games, interactive exhibits and much more to stimulate your child’s natural curiosity.
Environmental Education Center, 5200 85th Ave N., Brooklyn Park, MN 55443, 763 493 8070
For Younger Couples
⮕ Klompching Gallery
Admire contemporary photography showcasing innovative, thought-provoking visual art.
A short journey across the Brooklyn Bridge will take you from Manhattan to Dumbo Brooklyn, where the Klompching Gallery is waiting to welcome you. The gallery opened in 2007 and has been associated with the showcasing and sale of fine-art photographs ever since. The gallery showcases the work of a distinguished list of local and international photographic artists, both established and emerging. Should you be interested in purchasing one of the art works, knowledgeable staff are on hand to offer advice. Even if you have no intention of acquiring an artwork of your own, the gallery is always fascinating and thought-provoking to visit.
Klompching Gallery, 89 Water St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, 212 796 2070
⮕ Burrow
Enjoy handcrafted pastries and artisanal treats in a charming, quiet spot.
Start your day with a small bundle of sweet joy at Burrow , a top patisserie in DUMBO owned and operated by the popular pastry sculptor and food stylist Ayako Kurosawa. Burrow is known for simply yet delicious and fresh dishes. They’re also popular for their uncanny ability to surprise every patron with sweet treats that ultimately bring smiles to their faces. The menu at Burrow is built upon French classics, which are then developed and influenced by Japanese and American culinary practices. Enjoy an afternoon snack or breakfast on the go alongside an outstanding cup of tea or coffee at this neighborhood patisserie.
68 Jay Street, 119 Brooklyn, New York 11201
⮕ DUMBO Flea
Browse vintage treasures and discover unusual finds at this vibrant market.
Dress comfortably and get ready to spend the day exploring awesome finds and snacking on incredible food at the DUMBO Flea Market. One of the most popular places to be on a Sunday in Brooklyn, the DUMBO Flea features 80 amazing vendors and runs from April to October. This bustling flea market is a marriage between an old-fashioned town square, a vintage bazaar and food bonanza that visitors and locals alike have a hard time passing up. Shop for anything from vintage clothing, hand crafted furniture, antique collectibles, hand-made jewelry and more at the flea market. When you’re done shopping, stop by one of the food vendors for an amazing and tasty meal or snack.
80 Pearl Street, Manhattan Bridge Archway, DUMBO, Brooklyn, New York
Where to Eat in DUMBO, Brooklyn
- Juliana’s Pizza – Legendary coal-fired pies served by the original founder of Grimaldi’s.
- Time Out Market NYC – Food hall with vendors like Pat LaFrieda, Jacob’s Pickles, and Bessou.
- Celestine – Mediterranean-inspired fine dining with river views and an elegant patio.
- Almondine Bakery – French-style bakery with buttery croissants and artisan pastries.
If you are interested in local events:
- DUMBO Drop (September) – Thousands of toy elephants parachute onto Washington Street in a fun community fundraiser.
- Brooklyn Americana Music Festival (Fall) – Roots, blues, and folk music performances in parks and warehouses.
- Photoville (Late Summer) – Pop-up photo exhibitions in shipping containers along the waterfront.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of DUMBO, Brooklyn:
- Brooklyn Heights (5–10 min) – Historic brownstones and panoramic views along the Promenade.
- Downtown Manhattan (10–15 min) – Visit the 9/11 Memorial, One World Observatory, or Wall Street.
- Williamsburg (15–20 min) – Discover street art, breweries, vintage shopping, and hip restaurants.
- Prospect Park (20–25 min) – Escape to Brooklyn’s answer to Central Park with trails, lakes, and gardens.
- Governors Island (30 min with ferry) – A seasonal island park with bikes, hammocks, and art exhibits.
- Greenpoint (25–30 min) – Low-key Brooklyn neighborhood with Polish bakeries, coffee shops, and views across the East River.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is DUMBO in Brooklyn?
- DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, a vibrant and bustling neighborhood in Brooklyn.
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Why is DUMBO a must-visit neighborhood?
- Exploring DUMBO is an absolute must when getting to know Brooklyn, as it is a hub of culture, creativity, and commerce.
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What makes DUMBO unique?
- DUMBO is often considered the Brooklyn equivalent of a Renaissance, with its rapid transformation into a thriving area filled with art galleries, restaurants, and boutique hotels.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit
Places to Stay
Top Activities
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures with cherry blossoms in bloom.
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – A luxury eco-friendly hotel with stunning skyline views.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge – Enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan.
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor events.
The Williamsburg Hotel – A trendy boutique stay a short ride from DUMBO.
Watch a movie at Brooklyn Bridge Park – Outdoor summer film screenings by the water.
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and fewer crowds.
New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge – A convenient and comfortable stay.
Explore Jane’s Carousel – Ride the historic carousel with a cityscape backdrop.
Winter (December-February) – Cold but magical with holiday lights.
The Tillary Hotel – A stylish and cozy option near DUMBO.
Ice skate at Dumbo’s Brooklyn Bridge Park Rink – A picturesque winter activity.
Map:
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