Dumbo

The Basics

Once a nondescript ferry landing and industrial manufacturing area, Dumbo underwent a striking renovation in the latter half of the 20th century. It also changed monikers: Formerly known as Gairville, the neighborhood was redubbed Dumbo—short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass—in the 1970s. Now home to art galleries, tech companies, and top-notch bars and restaurants, Dumbo has become one of New York City’s most expensive and in-demand areas. Its proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park also makes it a popular tourist destination.

Dumbo features on dozens of New York itineraries, many of which pair Brooklyn Bridge walks with neighborhood explorations. Other tours focus on the area’s destination-worthy food scene, while biking tours offer a speedy way to sightsee.

Things to Know Before You Go

• One of Dumbo’s most photographed corridors is Washington Street, which perfectly frames the view of the Brooklyn Bridge between two buildings.

• The Brooklyn Flea is a popular vintage, craft, and food market, and it’s held in Dumbo’s Manhattan Bridge Archway on Sundays from April to October.

• Jane’s Carousel, located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, is a beautifully carved merry-go-round that dates to 1922—and it only costs a couple bucks to ride.

How to Get There

If you’re a Brooklyn first-timer, never fear: Dumbo is just minutes away from Lower Manhattan if you travel by subway. Take the A or C line to High Street–Brooklyn Bridge station or the F train to York Street station. The area can also be reached by ferry, bus, and water taxi, or on foot, by car, or by bike.

When to Get There

Dumbo is appealing throughout the year, but the neighborhood has so many open-air attractions that it’s best to go when the weather is fine. In the summer months, Brooklyn Bridge Park plays host to Movies with a View, a weekly open-air film series that makes the New York skyline its backdrop.

Must-Eat Locations

One of Dumbo’s culinary highlights is Grimaldi’s: a traditional coal-burning brick-oven pizzeria and a Brooklyn icon. After stopping to enjoy a whole pie, you can also drop by Jacques Torres for chocolate, the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory for a sweet treat, and the Brooklyn Roasting Co. for a perfectly pulled espresso.

Ways to explore

Located on the East River, Dumbo’s proximity to the Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and Lower Manhattan makes it easy to explore as part of a day out in New York City. There are several ways to discover the neighborhood: Brooklyn Bridge walks offer an up-close experience of the landmark (and many stop in Dumbo for a bite afterward). Food tours stop at local highlights, from the storied Grimaldi’s Pizza to the Time Out Market. And biking tours offer a speedy way to sightsee.

Accessibility

Many of the neighborhood’s streets, plus attractions such as the Brooklyn Bridge, are accessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, binoculars, sunglasses, umbrella

What to wear

Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate layers—remember, it can be cooler and breezier on the waterfront.

Not allowed

Using lawn furniture and consuming alcohol is prohibited in many of Dumbo’s parks and public spaces.

Amenities

Public transit, green spaces, dining options

Address

Dumbo is located in northern Brooklyn, just across the East River from Chinatown and Lower Manhattan. Public transit, taxis, rideshare services, and even ferries serve the area.

Driving

While you could drive to Dumbo, the lack of affordable parking and congested traffic make doing so a hassle. It’s better to use taxis and rideshare services, which are abundantly available.

Public transportation

Take the F train to York Street Subway station or the A or C trains to High Street station in nearby Brooklyn Heights. East River and South Brooklyn ferries also serve Dumbo.

Best times to visit

Sunset is a very popular time for snapping photos. If your aim is beating the crowds, early morning is the best time to explore Dumbo and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Best days to visit

Expect Dumbo and its top attractions to be very busy during weekends and public holidays. Consider visiting on a Monday or Tuesday for a calmer and less crowded experience.

Best months to visit

Summer is undoubtedly prime time in Dumbo, bringing a slew of crowds and events. Alternatively, aim for late spring or early fall to benefit from good weather and fewer visitors.

Special events

Summer brings free movie screenings to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Flea is held on weekends from March–December, while First Thursdays are a great time to scope galleries.