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View of the Manhattan Bridge from Washington and Water Streets, Dumbo Brooklyn New York

In the Neighborhood: Your ultimate guide to New York's Dumbo

With an artsy riverfront and stellar views of the Manhattan Bridge, exploring Dumbo’s industrial roots is a must for the ultimate New York itinerary.

By Alina Dizik | September 7, 2023

Get a map of Dumbo

With classic riverfront views, Dumbo — an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass — is popular with both tourists and locals. Once New York’s manufacturing hub, the Dumbo neighborhood continues to be reimagined with warehouses and factories retaining some of Brooklyn’s industrial past. Only now, those same buildings are carefully curated art galleries, trendy restaurants, cozy cafes, luxury lofts and sleek coworking spaces.

EAT

With a constantly evolving roster of trendy spaces, Dumbo’s eclectic mix of casual eateries and must-visit spots offers something for everyone. Try:

- Seasonal Mediterranean-influenced cuisine at Celestine, waterfront fine dining and American fare at The River Cafe or Italian classics at Cecconi’s Dumbo.

- The Dumbo outpost of the Time Out Market New York food hall for a quick lunch or dinner. Favorites here include Mr. Taka Ramen for brothy noodles, Chote Mitya for Indian dishes or Clinton St. Baking Company for sweet and savory brunch treats.

- A picnic at Pier 5 Picnic Peninsula in Brooklyn Bridge Park, which runs along Dumbo’s riverfront overlooking the East River. After barbequing on one of the park’s grills, grab a seat at a picnic table under an umbrella and enjoy the views.

(Photo Credit: © Time Out Market New York + Ali Gerber)

SEE

Dumbo’s panoramic views of Manhattan and industrial vibe can turn a casual walk into a steady stream of photo ops and cultural discoveries. Discover:

- The intersection of Washington and Water streets, with original sidewalks made from Belgian block. Featuring the Manhattan Bridge in the background and the Empire State Building peeking through, this corner of Dumbo continues to reign as one of the most Instagrammed spots in New York City.

- Dumbo’s numerous art galleries, home to a diverse range of exhibitions, performances, workshops, artist talks and more. Many galleries and artist studios also host late-night events on the first Thursday of every month.

- Jane’s Carousel. Channel your inner child and take a spin on the restored 1922 Jane’s Carousel, one of Dumbo’s main attractions for young and old. Ride on one of the 48 carved horses or hop in one of the two charming chariots.

(Photo Credit: © New York City Tourism + Conventions and Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company.)

SHOP

From general stores and chocolate havens to rare books and retro furniture, Dumbo’s shops run the gamut. Explore:

- Empire Stores warehouse complex, which houses scores of specialty retailers. Stop into Front General Store for vintage men’s and women’s clothing or head to M Collection Home for sleek home decor and furniture.

- Powerhouse Arena, a must-see bookstore, gallery and performance space home to art and photography book publisher powerHouse Books. With three Brooklyn locations, it’s the ideal stop for some casual browsing, artistic inspiration and New York souvenirs that fit in your carry-on.

- Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop and discover the only store in New York exclusively devoted to poetry. Make sure to check the store’s calendar to see what events and workshops are happening at this family-run space.

Dumbo’s old-meets-new vibe is on perfect display along the city’s panoramic riverfront. Wander the streets for glimpses of the larger-than-life bridges, sample flavors at a food hall or just relax along the East River. With a mix of boutiques, cafes, galleries and plenty of nightlife, Dumbo is the ultimate spot for a day-long New York City adventure that lasts well into the evening.

Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends and dining. Her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian and other top publications. She lives in Chicago and has spent time living in New York, Europe and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. She has visited more than 50 countries.