Originally posted Sept. 2016 – Updated Sept. 2020 with lots of new info
After 20 years of living in Manhattan, in 2016 we moved to America’s third largest city, the borough of Brooklyn. Like any good Brooklynite, we have spent the last few years exploring this diverse borough and learning about all of its fantastic offerings. In this series of posts about the various “hoods” of BK, I have also covered Williamsburg, Bushwick, Greenpoint, Prospect Park and Fort Greene. Today we will take a look at what to do with a day in DUMBO.
Where is DUMBO
DUMBO is quite literally the small neighborhood down under the Manhattan Bridge that sits along the edge of the East River. It borders downtown Brooklyn to the south, Brooklyn Heights to the West and Vinegar Hill to the East. The eastern most road is officially Bridge Street and the western most road is Old Fulton St. However, for purposes of this post we may include a few things further East in Vinegar Hill and further West in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The heart of DUMBO lies in the area between the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
The closest subway stops are either York Street on the F train or High Street on the C train. Neither are particularly close to the action but the cobblestone streets of DUMBO are best seen on foot or by bike. In fact, I love biking over the Brooklyn Bridge which dumps you right in DUMBO. Also, coming from Manhattan, it’s an easy ferry ride from Wall St./ Pier 11.
Our Favorites in Dumbo
There is no doubt about it – DUMBO is all about the views. The NYC skyline situated perfectly between the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge is the kind of thing people travel from all over the world to see.
The Waterfront
The main drag is along the waterfront between Washington and Old Fulton St and is the best place to start in DUMBO. Along this 6 block stretch you will find Main Street Park and Playground. Grab a sandwich from neighborhood favorite Bread and Spread and stretch out on the lawn for a bit. Also, don’t miss an opportunity to skip rocks at Pebble Beach. This is one of the most photogenic spots along the strip. Watch out for all of the photographers shooting bridal parties, sweet sixteens or quinceañeras.
Continuing along the drag, on the street side you will find Empire Stores, a converted coffee warehouse turned indoor shopping mall. However, don’t miss the newly opened Time Out Market where you can fill your bellies with mouth watering bites from local vendors. The market is housed on two floors. The first floor hosts about 15 vendors and the fifth floor roof deck hosts 6-8 more. I recommend you head straight to the fifth floor rooftop where there is a full bar, more kiosks, killer views and phenomenal architecture.
Jane’s Carousel
Built in 1922, Jane’s Carousel, was lovingly restored by Jane and David Walentas and donated to the park in 2011. I remember coming to DUMBO when the kids were small and watching the restoration of those carved wooden horses in a garage on Water St. You can ride the carousel every day except Tuesday in the summer, and weekends only in the winter. Note: Due to COVID-19, the carousel is closed during Summer 2020.
The View from Washington St.
Get your camera ready and head over to Washington and Front St to the most instagrammed spot in Brooklyn. From this spot in DUMBO, you can peep the Empire State Building perfectly framed in the archway of the Manhattan Bridge. You may recognize this scene from one of the many films shot here.
Saint Ann’s Warehouse:
Housed in the former tobacco warehouse sits Saint Ann’s Warehouse, a performing arts space known for cutting edge and innovative theater. Check the performance calendar to catch a show in this super cool warehouse space. Pop into the public Max Family Garden next to Saint Ann’s Warehouse to rest your feet in the shade.
Fulton Ferry Landing:
Steeped in history the Fulton Ferry Landing marks the spot where the first ferry crossed from Manhattan to Brooklyn in 1642. At the foot of Old Fulton Street, it is yet another of DUMBO’s great photo ops. That is, if you don’t mind the monstrously large new high rise at 250 South Street in Chinatown ruining your perfect Brooklyn Bridge shot. But I think my family is tired of hearing me complain about that! Don’t miss a stop at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. Open 12-9, weather permitting.
Also on Fulton Ferry Landing, check out the renovated coffee barge from 1899 that now acts as a floating concert hall. Moored under the Brooklyn Bridge, Bargemusic hosts 90 minute chamber music concerts in an intimate wood paneled hall with sweeping city views. Advance tickets must be purchased and no restrooms are on board. Note that Bargemusic is not in operation at time of print due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Continue South along the waterfront to the 6 piers of Brooklyn Bridge park where the sprawling park space and beautiful views just won’t quit. Once you pass Old Fulton Street, you are officially in Brooklyn Heights. To learn more about this park, see my review of Brooklyn Heights. For a complete roundup of Brooklyn’s Coolest Neighborhoods, get my FREE E-Book here.
Other DUMBO Favorites:
- I have spent many hours in the well stocked and airy Powerhouse Arena near the Manhattan Bridge archway on Water Street. If you are lucky, you will catch one of the many readings, presentations and performances held there. Check website for schedule as most events for 2020 have been canceled.
- Located at 1 Front Street, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria was a DUMBO attraction long before the neighborhood became popular. In 2006, we used to take the ferry from Manhattan just to go to Grimaldis and the ice cream factory. Outdoor dining only currently available.
- The Jacques Torres Chocolate on Water Street is the OG spot where it all started. Don’t miss the chocolate chip cookies (which they will warm for you), and the frozen hot chocolate.
- Neighborhood favorite Superfine has a well known Bluegrass Brunch and a free pool table in a spacious warehouse setting. Located at Front Street and Pearl. Outdoor dining only at time of print due to COVID restrictions.
- When large gatherings are allowed in NYC again, look out for the Brooklyn Flea . Located under the Manhattan Bridge on Pearl Plaza, it is Brooklyn’s largest and most popular flea market. It runs in DUMBO on Sundays when permitted.