visit dumbo brooklyn

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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. 

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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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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20 Delightful Things To Do In DUMBO, Brooklyn

Over the past few years DUMBO went through the ultimate glow-up, and these are all the best places to check out in the area!

Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass, admirably referred to as DUMBO , is one of the best neighborhoods to explore in Brooklyn. Over the years the area has grown from being filled with industrial warehouses to now being a vibrant area filled with delicious restaurants, heavenly coffee shops , and unique shops. Plus, it boasts some of the most gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline you can find.

Here’s our ultimate guide to DUMBO , so you can see for yourself all the best that the neighborhood has to offer.

Table Of Contents

Coffeeshops

Brunch/breakfast, dumbo restaurants, hotels in dumbo, brooklyn, unique experiences, 1. beepublic coffee.

Did you know bees are responsible for about 1/4 of coffee production and 1/3 of all food?! Yeah, neither did we, but BEEPUBLIC did, and so they serve responsibly-sourced food and drinks to save the rapidly declining bee population. Look at that, now next time you roll out of bed yearning for coffee, at least if you pick it up from BEEPUBLIC Coffee you’ll be doing yourself AND the bees a favor!

📍 181 Front St, Brooklyn

A neighborhood favorite, Butler serves all your typical go to coffee drinks–from espresso and cold brew to lattes and cappuccinos. But beyond the coffee they also have a ton of other delicious options, such as matcha lattes, mushroom lattes, and turmeric ginger lattes.

📍 40 Water St, Brooklyn

3. Bread & Spread

Bread & Spread has been serving exquisite sandwiches, all roasted and toasted, since 2014, and they’re not stopping anytime soon (thankfully!) From the Porchetta, made with Creekstone duroc pork belly with garlic and fennel seed, picked red onions, arugula, red pepper spread, and aged provolone to the Cast-Iron Chicken Caprese, with organic chicken breast, fresh tomato, fresh basil, sundried tomato pesto, balsamic reduction, and fresh mozzarella on ciabatta their sandwiches are too good to pass up.

📍 151 Front St, Brooklyn

4. Bluestone Lane

If you’re a breakfast all day sort of person, Bluestone Lane is for you. Their menu focuses on seasonal, health-oriented offerings that will make your mouth water, and we have two words: avocado toast. (P.S. pair it with the Honey I’m Home–BL cold brew, chocolate bitters, whisky, honey, vanilla bean and coffee liqueur–and you’re good to go).

📍 55 Prospect St, Brooklyn

5. Westville

With a few locations around NYC, if you’re in DUMBO and you’re looking for brunch, be sure to stop by Westville. Don’t believe us? How does homemade waffles with berries, a breakfast burrito, herbed goat cheese flatbread, or eggs Benedict with Canadian bacon sound?!

📍 81 Washington St, Brooklyn

6. Cecconi’s Dumbo

If the modern day classic Italian food (think: hand-made pasta and wood-fired pizza) isn’t enough to get you here, imagine your meal being paired with stunning waterfront views of the Manhattan Skyline. They’re open for dinner, Friday lunch, and weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

📍 55 Water St, Brooklyn

7. Ignazio’s

A Brooklyn staple, Ignazio’s is the place to go if you’re looking for good NYC pizza that won’t disappoint. From fan-favorite classic pies all the way to specialty pizzas they have it all. Plus, if you’re feeling up for a challenge, they even have a DIY pizza kit that has everything you need to make pizza in the comfort of your own home!

📍 4 Water St, Brooklyn

8. Celestine

For absolutely delicious Mediterranean food in DUMBO, look no further than Celestine. Serving both brunch and dinner, guests can enjoy classic Mediterranean dishes including a mezze platter, lamb skewers, whole branzino, and more. When the weather’s nice be sure to sit out on the big outdoor patio, which boasts panoramic views of the city skyline.

📍 1 John St, Brooklyn

DUMBO’s newest addition is Gair, which opened earlier this year and is already iconic. Catering to three distinct waves of visitors each day–tourists who make the pilgrimage to snap a pic, the design and tech professionals who work here day-to-day, and the residents who crave a welcoming local option for drinks, dinner, and late-night rendezvous–it’s the perfect spot to people watch while sipping on a “Resting Spritz Face.” Read more about Gair here .

📍 41 Washington St, Brooklyn

10. Randolph Beer

The ultimate summer spot, Randolph Beer is a brewery , restaurant, bar, and rooftop with self pour beer, classic arcade games, pinball, skeeball, and shuffleboard. Basically, if you’re looking to grab a drink and either play some games or enjoy golden hour on the rooftop, this is a good place to be.

📍 82 Prospect St, Brooklyn

11. Harriet’s Rooftop

Located at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, this rooftop boasts absolutely stunning views of the Lower Manhattan skyline, Statue of Liberty, and Brooklyn Bridge. As one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn, guests can enjoy innovative cocktails, like the Flock of Seagulls made with Hendricks gin, Moet Ice, lychee, aloe vera, and cucumber, alongside eclectic Asian-inspired light bites. Plus, during the winter, the entire rooftop turns into a bar made entirely of ice !

📍 60 Furman St.

12. 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge

One of our favorite hotels in DUMBO, Brooklyn is 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge–even if you don’t actually need a place to stay you still will want to check them out. From their gorgeous rooms, rooftop pool with stunning views, wellness spa, and more, it’s the perfect place to head to for a vacation or a staycation alike.

📍 60 Furman St, Brooklyn

13. The Tillary Hotel

This boutique hotel is conveniently located to easily explore not only DUMBO, Brooklyn but also Brooklyn Heights and Fort Greene. They even have their own indoor-outdoor beer garden, so you can enjoy a number of drinks including Brooklyn-themed cocktails and local brews.

📍 85 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn

14. DUMBO Archway/Station

In DUMBO Archway you’ll find The DUMBO Station–a seasonal beer and wine concession stand. Located under the Manhattan Bridge, The DUMBO Station season runs from April to October (noon to 10 p.m.) and often has live music sets for dancing and drinking.

📍 155 Water St, Brooklyn

15. DUMBO Gallery Walks

DUMBO is the center of Brooklyn’s art and creativity, and on the first Thursday of every month DUMBO’s galleries stay open late for their DUMBO Gallery Walks–and they’re completely free! Why go to just one gallery when you can go to multiple in one night, all without spending a dime?! Read all about the gallery walks here .

📍 Various Locations

16. Brooklyn Flea

If you’re looking for furniture, vintage clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as a tightly curated selection of jewelry, art, and crafts by local artisans and designers Brooklyn Flea is the place to go. This flea market has been around since 2008 and has grown into one of NYC’s top attractions that operates every weekend of the year.

📍 DUMBO Archway – 80 Pearl St.

17. DUMBO House

For those looking to live the life of an NYC socialite, look no further than DUMBO House. This members only club has panoramic views of the NYC skyline, plus an expansive indoor and outdoor member space. Plus, when the weather’s nice you can take advantage of the rooftop pool and sun deck, bar, and terrace for outdoor dining.

18. Facial Therapy New York

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a little self-care , be sure to stop by Facial Therapy New York for one of their remarkable services including: sculpture massage, facial reflex therapy, Japanese cosmo lifting and more. Note, their services are by appointment only.

📍231 Front St #119, Brooklyn

19. Brooklyn Bridge Park

Arguably one of NYC’s most gorgeous waterfront parks is Brooklyn Bridge Park, which arguably has the best views since you’re right on the water facing Lower Manhattan. Head here if you’re looking to have some fun at the tons of sports court and fields, glowing carousel, and even a small beach on Pier 4.

📍 Brooklyn Bridge Park

20. Main Street Park

If you’re looking for something a little less crowded than the main area of Brooklyn Bridge Park, test your luck at Main Street Park. The beautiful 3.5 acres of waterfront green space is the perfect place to take your pup with a beloved dog run.

📍Technically located within Brooklyn Bridge Park

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15 Best Things to Do in DUMBO, Brooklyn, NYC

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 15 Best Things to Do in DUMBO, Brooklyn, NYC

If you’re wondering about some things to do in DUMBO , you’ll be pleased to learn that there are tons of activities and places to visit. DUMBO is short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, so it has a convenient location right across the river from Lower Manhattan.

DUMBO, NYC is bordered by the East River to the north, the Brooklyn Bridge to the west, York Street to the south, and Bridge Street to the east. This neighborhood has some of the best things to do in Brooklyn , from walking across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to enjoying the lovely parks and waterfront views. There are also amazing places to eat in DUMBO where you can try delicious NY-style pizza and other tasty dishes.

We’ve visited NYC several times and while our first couple of trips were dedicated to seeing the more touristy areas, there is something special about the lesser-known parts of the city. Brooklyn has a more laid-back feel, and DUMBO is close enough to Manhattan that you can easily make a day of exploring this unique and charming area.

Of course, if you’re short on time, this 2-hour tour is a great introduction to DUMBO, and it’s one of the best walking tours in NYC . That said, if you do have time, I recommend checking out these 15 best things to do in DUMBO and including some of them in your itinerary.

1. Capture the iconic Manhattan Bridge photo op

Given that DUMBO is located Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, it makes sense that it’s one of the perfect places to see this suspension bridge. The Manhattan Bridge connects Brooklyn and Manhattan, extending across the East River and measuring 6,855 feet long.

The famous photo op of the Manhattan Bridge viewpoint is a coveted image among both tourists and photographers. Depending on where you stand along Washington Street, you can capture an incredible photo of the bridge with the Empire State Building popping up beneath it.

If you want the perfect postcard image, you’ll need to find the right photo spot in DUMBO, Brooklyn . I recommend placing yourself at Washington Street, between Plymouth and York Streets. This is an insanely popular spot, so if you want an image with as few people as possible, go around the time of sunrise. The earlier, the better!

For a closer view of one of the most popular bridges in NYC , position yourself between Water and Plymouth Street. That said, if you want a photo that includes the cobblestone street and a frame of red brick buildings, move a few blocks back. You’ll get a picturesque scene with the industrial buildings on either side of the bridge and it’s one of the best views in DUMBO .

2. Jane’s Carousel, a popular attraction in DUMBO, NYC

One of the best things to do in DUMBO is to visit Brooklyn Bridge Park because it has all kinds of attractions. If you’re traveling with kids, you can’t miss Jane’s Carousel , a famous landmark that has been delighting children for years.

This charming carousel in DUMBO, Brooklyn wasn’t moved to NYC until 2011, but it was first built in 1922. The wood-carved horses jump and gallop along to the twinkling tunes of a Gebrüder Band Organ, conjuring up a nostalgic image of childhood.

Interestingly, Jane’s Carousel was the only merry-go-round to be added to the National Register of Historic Places, back in 1975, although it has since been taken off the list.

You can ride this attraction and enjoy the waterfront bridge view in DUMBO for $2. The carousel is open Wednesday to Monday during the summer, and Wednesday to Sunday in the winter.

3. Cross the Brooklyn Bridge, a free thing to do in DUMBO

Whether you walk, jog, bike, or drive, you must cross the Brooklyn Bridge . This is one of the most popular things to do in DUMBO , and one of the best things to do in all of New York City , especially at night. That said, there isn’t a bad time to see this iconic landmark.

The Brooklyn Bridge is over 130 years old and spans about 6,000 feet. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world from 1883 to 1903, and while it no longer holds that title, it’s still worth seeing. The NY skyline views are incredible, and on the Brooklyn side, you can visit Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the top-rated parks in NYC , thanks to its waterfront views along the East River. It also has plenty of fun activities and sites, including sports facilities, green spaces, and Jane’s Carousel. The park is divided into different areas, including courts for basketball, bocce, and other activities.

If you’re visiting with children, check out Pier 6, which has playgrounds and other structures for the little ones to climb on.

4. DUMBO Walls, one of the artsiest things to see in DUMBO, Brooklyn

To add a bit more color to your visit, go on an adventure to see the DUMBO Walls . This project originated in 2012 by several local artists and continues to attract all kinds of artists, including street, graffiti, and studio artists, as well as photographers and graphic designers.

The DUMBO Walls are comprised of eight walls along the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE), covering four blocks. Some of the original murals are still there, while new ones have appeared. So, it’s worth coming here again and again since there will always be something new to see.

One of the first art walls here was an owl mural along York Street, which was created by an artist known as CAM. Other New York artists like MOMO and Yuko Shimizu have works here, and the subject matter ranges from animals and characters to city scenes and abstract patterns.

Even if you just stroll along the street to catch a glimpse of these works, it’s a fun thing to do in DUMBO .

5. Eat at Grimaldi’s or Juliana’s, two of the best places to eat in DUMBO

While you’re exploring all the attractions in DUMBO , don’t forget to keep your energy up with some delicious food.

First, I must mention Grimaldi’s Pizza , which has a complicated history. In 1933, Patsy’s Pizzeria opened, but after a family dispute, one of the owner’s nephews opened a new pizza shop and called it Grimaldi’s. That business grew until another disagreement occurred, which led to one of Grimaldi’s owners leaving to open another shop called Juliana’s .

The rivalry between Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s continues to this day, so you’ll have to try a slice from both places to see which one wins! A NY-style pizza is one of the all-time best foods in NYC , so it shouldn’t be too much of a chore for you.

If you want something a bit different, check out Cecconi’s Dumbo , which offers authentic Italian dishes, including wood-fired pizza. The restaurant is right by the water, so you can dine and drink with a view.

It’s also worth checking out Vinegar Hill House , a restaurant that serves New American cuisine in a beautiful garden setting. Finally, Celestine has fresh Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired dishes, plus a great location along the East River.

Of course, if you can’t decide, consider this DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights tasting tour . It’s one of the best food tours in NYC , and you’ll get to try some of the best food in DUMBO .

6. Time Out Market, another cool place to visit in DUMBO, New York

Another cool place to eat in DUMBO is the Time Out Market , which is part of the Empire Stores on Water Street. This huge retailer and dining complex is right on the waterfront and has local food vendors and restauranteurs offering delicious creations.

Here, you can find everything from ramen and sushi to tacos, barbecue, and innovative burgers. Time Out Market also has Indian dishes, Italian cuisine, and bagels from Ess-a-bagel, a New York City staple. In addition to having some of the best food in DUMBO , this venue also hosts community and cultural events, so it’s a great place to hang out with friends.

Gather everyone up for a weekend brunch or try free salsa dancing. The Time Out Stage also hosts an eclectic mix of DJs and other performances, plus there is a lively rooftop where you can get beautiful skyline views.

7. Shop at the Brooklyn Flea, a fun thing to do in DUMBO with friends

If you want to do some shopping in DUMBO, Brooklyn , then the Brooklyn Flea is one of the best places to go. This huge outdoor market is open every weekend from April to December and is located at the Archway on Pearl Street.

As one of the top flea markets in NYC , the Brooklyn Flea is known for having hundreds of vendors offering everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to artwork, furniture, and more. Browse the stalls for antiques and collectibles, as well as vintage and secondhand clothing. If you love to go thrift shopping, this flea market in DUMBO, Brooklyn will be paradise.

You can also find artisan food products and gourmet treats here, so you can snack while you shop. That said, the Flea also organizes Smorgasburg, a food market in Williamsburg that’s open every Saturday from April to October. As for the Brooklyn Flea, it’s open every weekend (April – December) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

8. See a show at St. Ann’s Warehouse, something to do in DUMBO as a couple

For those who are looking for something to do in DUMBO, NYC as a couple, consider seeing a show at St. Ann’s Warehouse . This performing arts center is the perfect place to support the community theater and local artists, so if that’s up your alley, check it out.

This venue has a long history, starting as the former Church of St. Ann’s and the Holy Trinity. In 1980, the church was converted into a classical music hall, and in 2000, it was relocated to an old spice milling factory in DUMBO. However, the venue moved again to the historic Tobacco Warehouse, giving it its current name, St. Ann’s Warehouse.

Throughout the years, St. Ann’s has hosted all kinds of concerts, ranging from rock and roll to jazz. It has also hosted famous stars like David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Joe Strummer. Interestingly, the art of puppetry is popular here, and The Lab at St. Ann’s serves as an experimental performance venue for puppet artists.

Not only that but St. Ann’s hosts an annual summer concert series with free performances every Wednesday night. The theater is located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, another great attraction in DUMBO , so consider spending a few hours here taking in the arts.

9. Jacques Torres Chocolate, a delicious place to go in DUMBO, NYC

For those who have a sweet tooth, a visit to Jacques Torres Chocolate is one of the best things to do in DUMBO .

In 2000, French pastry chef Jacques Torres opened this shop (his first in NYC) and brought his European-style treats to the city. He began perfecting his craft at age 15, later becoming an Executive Pastry Chef and earning the prestigious Meilleur Ouvrier de France medal in Pastry. Upon opening his shop in DUMBO, he became the first chocolatier in New York City to make his own chocolate.

These handcrafted candies are free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, and Torres uses traditional techniques and his classic bean-to-bar method to create delectable goodies. In addition to chocolate, the shop has caramels, cookies, truffles, bonbons, and more. Stop in for some hot chocolate or get a gift basket or sampler to bring home.

10. Powerhouse Arena, one of the coolest places in DUMBO

The Powerhouse Arena is another interesting attraction in DUMBO . Given its name, you may expect to see a wrestling match or body-building competition here, but that’s not the case. Rather, this venue is part bookstore, part exhibition space, and full of all kinds of literary and artistic masterpieces.

This independent bookstore has a wide array of book titles and categories, plus a great children’s book section, so coming here is a fun thing to do in DUMBO with kids . You can also check out Powerhouse’s live programming, which includes things like book launches, author talks, community events, and gallery shows.

If you’re a bibliophile or art lover, you can get some shopping done and buy unique prints, books, photographs, and more. Or you can simply browse the shelves and find new inspiration.

11. Visit Pebble Beach and Main Street Park, a free thing to do in DUMBO, Brooklyn

Not far from Brooklyn Bridge Park, you’ll find another park in DUMBO that’s worth visiting. Main Street Park is located under the Manhattan Bridge and offers a scenic respite from the looming buildings and crowds of people.

The park has a nice green space with a playground, a dog run, an Environmental Education Center, and public restrooms. You can also get a unique viewpoint of the Manhattan Bridge and its neighbor, the Brooklyn Bridge.

Main Street Park is also home to Pebble Beach , a small, rocky beach that’s known for its gorgeous sunset views. Take a seat on the sand, the large rocks, or the tiered seating area, and admire the golden glow over the city skyline. From here, you’ll be able to see the Brooklyn Bridge and the Lower Manhattan skyline with the Freedom Tower front and center.

Be mindful that this isn’t a swimming beach; you can dip your feet in the water, but people come here for the views.

12. Go shopping at Empire Stores, something to do in DUMBO if it rains

Earlier I mentioned the Time Out Market, but it’s also worth noting that it’s part of a larger complex, the Empire Stores . This group of old warehouses is now a bustling shopping center with local retailers, food businesses, and even live performers.

In addition to Time Out Market, there are other restaurants where you can sit down to a good meal. For example, Cecconi’s, one of the places to eat in DUMBO that I recommended already, is located here. Throughout the year, there are pop-up markets and events, too, so there’s always something going on.

This is also a good place to do some shopping in DUMBO , especially if you want to support local businesses and small creators. Along with the stores, there is an art gallery and a rooftop garden where you can chill out with friends and enjoy the beautiful views.

13. Check out The Archway, another interesting thing to do in DUMBO

The Archway is one of the most notable structures in DUMBO, NYC , and it’s also where the Brooklyn Flea takes place. This outdoor plaza is located on Water Street, specifically under the Manhattan Bridge. Here, you can take shelter under the 45-foot-tall stone passageway, which is one of the liveliest spots in the area.

Besides the Brooklyn Flea, the Archway is the site of performances and community events that occur throughout the year. For example, during the summer, there is a free series of events that include live music, dancing, and pop-up art exhibits.

Even if there isn’t anything going on when you visit, it’s worth taking a stroll through this unique space. There’s also a cute café in front of the Archway (the Archway Café), where you can get a bite to eat.

14. Listen to live music at Bargemusic, one of the coolest things to do in DUMBO

Bargemusic is another place where you can listen to live music, as well as enjoy a beautiful view in DUMBO . This floating concert hall is next to Brooklyn Bridge, at the Fulton Ferry Landing. Its location isn’t the only thing that’s unique about it, in that this intimate venue is actually a converted coffee barge from the late 19 th century.

Today, it’s a cozy space to hear classical music and admire the crescendo of a live orchestra. This is a lovely place for a date night, as you and your partner can take in a classical show while admiring the DUMBO waterfront . If you’re a fan of Mozart, Beethoven, or Brahms, I highly recommend it.

Moreover, Bargemusic offers a series of free concerts that include an hour-long performance and a Q&A session with the musicians. So, if you’re a classical music lover or looking for a unique thing to do in DUMBO , this is a great option.

15. Jay Street Connecting Railroad , a little-known attraction in DUMBO, Brooklyn

Finally, one of DUMBO’s coolest attractions is actually hidden among the cobblestone streets of this bustling neighborhood. The Jay Street Connecting Railroad may have fallen into obscurity, but during its heyday, it was a main contributor to DUMBO’s economy.

This railroad transported goods and supplies to the various factories and warehouses in the area but stopped functioning in 1958 with the increased use of trucks in New York City. These days, you can see parts of the old, abandoned railroad on the eastern end of Jay Street.

15. Jay Street Connecting Railroad, a little-known attraction in DUMBO, Brooklyn

As the tracks travel along Plymouth Street, you can see that they take on a curious curve. This undulation helped the trains navigate the tight turn from Jay Street to Plymouth, where they continued on past the Manhattan Bridge toward John Street and the Jay Street Terminal.

Another interesting part of the railroad is at the intersection of John and Jay Streets, where the tracks merge, then diverge and extend down either street. This relic of the past may not be well-known, but it’s a hidden gem in DUMBO, NYC that adds to this neighborhood’s charm.

Where to stay in DUMBO, Brooklyn

If you plan on visiting lots of different attractions in DUMBO , it’s worth staying overnight. Given its convenient location by the East River and the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, DUMBO is a great place to stay. You’ll have easy access to Manhattan while enjoying the more relaxed environment of Brooklyn.

These are my recommended hotels in DUMBO, New York :

• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge – This is one of the best hotels in Brooklyn , with 5-star facilities, beautiful rooms, and a spa.
• Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown – If you’re on a budget, this is one of the best cheap hotels in Brooklyn where you can enjoy a cozy balcony suite or connecting family rooms and on-site parking.
• The Tillary Hotel Brooklyn – This hotel is closer to downtown Brooklyn and has an indoor/outdoor beer garden, family-friendly amenities, and a spa and fitness center.

I hope you enjoyed reading this guide and that you learned about some new things to do in DUMBO ! Don’t forget to download this map of DUMBO with all the attractions, restaurants, and hotels I mentioned:

Also, if you still have questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. I’d also love to hear your tips for visiting DUMBO, NYC .

Until next time, have an awesome trip!

Ascen Aynat

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Discover the 15 Best Things to Do in DUMBO, Brooklyn with Our Local Guide

Dumbo is located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. It is a vibrant neighborhood boasting a unique charm with its cobblestone streets and historic architecture, making it a must-visit spot in Brooklyn. DUMBO, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, offers visitors a blend of cultural attractions, scenic views, and delectable dining options.

Introduction to DUMBO

DUMBO is a trendy neighborhood in Brooklyn known for its artistic vibes, creative community, and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Dumbo is made of two sections, one is located between the Manhattan Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge and the other continues east from Manhattan Bridge to the Vinegar Hill area.

Its proximity to iconic landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory makes it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Getting to DUMBO

Getting to DUMBO is convenient, with various transportation options available. You can take the NYC Ferry for a scenic ride along the Brooklyn waterfront, offering spectacular views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Additionally, DUMBO is easily accessible by subway, bike, or on foot from downtown Brooklyn or nearby neighborhoods.

Things To Do In Dumbo

When in DUMBO, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy. From exploring the DUMBO Walls street art installations to shopping at the Brooklyn Flea Market, there is something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge Overpass, or indulge in delicious pizza at one of the neighborhood’s best pizza spots.

6 Must-Visit Destinations and Attractions When Visiting Dumbo

1. brooklyn bridge park.

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Visitors can enjoy the lush green spaces, playgrounds for children, and various recreational facilities available at the park. With the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges in the backdrop, Brooklyn Bridge Park provides the perfect setting for relaxation and soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.

2. DUMBO Walls – Street Art in DUMBO

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Visitors can explore the streets of DUMBO and admire the diverse range of artistic expressions displayed on the walls. The DUMBO Walls initiative has transformed the area into an urban art haven, making it a hotspot for art enthusiasts and photographers seeking unique and Instagram-worthy backdrops.

3. Brooklyn Flea Market

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The Brooklyn Flea Market is not just a place to shop; it’s a cultural hub where visitors can interact with the local creative community and discover unique treasures. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, gifts, or simply browsing, the market provides a charming and eclectic shopping experience in the heart of DUMBO.

4. Manhattan Bridge

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5. Brooklyn Bridge

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Walking the Brooklyn Bridge allows visitors to appreciate its intricate Gothic-inspired design and soak in the atmosphere of one of New York City’s most celebrated structures. Additionally, exploring the pedestrian walkway offers a memorable experience that captures the essence of the city’s rich history and enduring charm.

Experiencing DUMBO: Best Things to Do

There are a lot of fun things to do when you stop at Brooklyn and visit Dumbo. It’s one of the best places where you can dine, party and socialize.

6. Explore The Archway

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7. Party at the Dumbo Station

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8. Have Fun at Jane’s Carousel

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9. Relax at the Pebble Beach

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10. Klompching Gallery

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Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO Tour

Best places to shop in dumbo.

Shopping enthusiasts will delight in the array of unique boutiques and specialty stores scattered throughout DUMBO. From fashion-forward clothing boutiques to charming artisanal shops, there is something for every style and taste. Explore the eclectic mix of stores near DUMBO Archway for a shopping spree filled with one-of-a-kind finds and locally crafted goods. Whether you’re looking for trendy apparel, handmade jewelry, or quirky home decor, DUMBO offers a shopping experience that is as diverse and vibrant as the neighborhood itself.

Two of The Best Places to Eat

DUMBO is a culinary paradise with an abundance of dining options to suit every palate. Indulge in delectable dishes at one of the many acclaimed restaurants overlooking the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. From cozy cafes serving freshly brewed coffee to upscale eateries offering innovative cuisine, DUMBO’s dining scene is a reflection of the neighborhood’s dynamic and creative spirit. Whether you’re craving a gourmet meal or a quick bite on the go, DUMBO has a plethora of culinary delights waiting to be savored.

Time Out Market in DUMBO

Located in the heart of DUMBO, the Time Out Market is a culinary hotspot showcasing the best of Brooklyn’s diverse food scene. With a variety of food vendors offering everything from gourmet burgers to artisanal pastries, visitors can indulge in a gastronomic adventure at this vibrant market. The Time Out Market not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides a communal dining experience where locals and tourists come together to savor delicious meals in a trendy and welcoming setting.

Juliana’s Pizza

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Staying and Exploring

Accommodation in dumbo.

When planning your visit to DUMBO, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options available in and around the neighborhood. Whether you prefer boutique hotels with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline like 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge or cozy bed and breakfast establishments, DUMBO has something to suit every traveler’s preferences. Staying in DUMBO allows you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood and provides convenient access to its top attractions and dining spots.

Best Places to Visit near DUMBO

While exploring DUMBO, make sure to venture out to the surrounding areas to discover even more of Brooklyn’s charm. Brooklyn Heights, located nearby, is renowned for its historic brownstone buildings and stunning views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. You can also take a leisurely walk along the Brooklyn waterfront to enjoy the picturesque sights and vibrant atmosphere. These neighboring districts offer a glimpse into the diverse and captivating essence of Brooklyn beyond DUMBO’s borders.

Exploring DUMBO and Brooklyn Together

Combining a visit to DUMBO with exploring other parts of Brooklyn provides a comprehensive experience of the borough’s rich culture and attractions. Take a stroll from DUMBO to downtown Brooklyn to discover a blend of historic landmarks, modern developments, and bustling commercial centers. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, experience the dynamic energy of Brooklyn’s diverse neighborhoods, and sample delicious culinary delights from local eateries. Exploring DUMBO in conjunction with other Brooklyn areas offers a well-rounded exploration of this vibrant borough.

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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)

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 !

Hole dir deine wöchentliche Dosis New York mit meinem Loving New York-Newsletter! Er ist vollgestopft mit den neuesten Artikeln, Videos, Erfahrungsberichten und allem, was gerade Interessantes und Wissenswertes im Big Apple passiert.

Ich selbst war über 25x in meiner Lieblingsstadt und möchte dir mit meinen Emails dabei helfen, eine sensationelle Zeit vor Ort zu haben.

Und als BONUS bekommst meine ✔️ "24 Tipps für deine New York-Reise" ✔️ die U-Bahn-Karte und ✔️ die offizielle NYC-Karte zugeschickt. Ganz KOSTENLOS!

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10 Things to Do in DUMBO on Front Street

Maremagnum/Getty Images 

DUMBO is an acronym short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. The neighborhood is in the New York City borough of Brooklyn and was originally a ferry landing. DUMBO was once a neglected industrial stretch of Brooklyn, but in the 1990s artists started to move there and soon a small creative scene began to transform the neighborhood. Now the area is comparable to SOHO with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Wandering Down DUMBO's Front Street

Travelers can take a stroll through DUMBO's interesting little streets to get the flavor of this historic, and now trendy, waterfront Brooklyn neighborhood. It's the first neighborhood in Brooklyn after crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, and many Brooklyn residents just pass right by it, en route to the city. However, when travelers have just crossed the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and are looking for a fun afternoon, they can spend the day exploring Front Street in DUMBO. Below are 10 things to do in DUMBO on Front Street alone.

Have a Meal

DUMBO is known for its amazing restaurants. In fact, at the beginning of Front Street, travelers will see a perpetual line in front of the famous  Grimaldi's Pizza . If you don't want to wait an hour for a pie (it's worth it!), there are numerous places to dine on Front Street, from the uber-hip yet extremely laid back  Superfine , to the festive yet classy Mexican restaurant,  Gran Electrica .

Travelers who want some casual and incredibly tasty food can check out Old Fulton Street, right next to Front Street. This is where an outpost of New York City's favorite burger and shake restaurant is located, known as ​Shake Shack. Travelers who aren't sure about what they're in the mood for should just stroll down Front Street and check out all the various options. 

Go Shopping

There are many places to shop in DUMBO. In the summer months, the  Brooklyn Flea  sets up shop underneath the historic Brooklyn Bridge, which is just steps from Front Street. Travelers don't need to wait until the spring to shop in DUMBO. Front Street is home to a large outpost of  Brooklyn Industries  and other shops. If you're on the hunt for home decor, peruse  Journey  on Front Street. The shop has furniture, lighting, art and other items to enhance the home. Fans of vintage goods must stop in the well-curated  Front Street General Store  with its selection of electric vintage goods and other items.

Look at the Views

 Stella Levantesi / TripSavvy

When you walk to the beginning of Front Street and stand in front of Grimaldi's Pizza, you will see the Fulton Ferry Landing. Hop on the  East River Ferry  to Manhattan or Williamsburg at the ferry landing or soak in the stunning views of Lower Manhattan. This is a popular spot where people take wedding photos and other special event photos.

See a Concert on a Barge

Travelers will also notice a parked barge, a flat-bottomed boat, at Fulton Ferry landing. This is ​ Bargemusic , a unique music venue that hosts many classical concerts and is a must-visit for any music lover coming to Brooklyn. The "floating concert hall" also offers free Music in Motion concerts for families on Saturdays at 4 pm.

Take a Ride on a Historic Carousel

After perusing the many shops on Fulton Street, make a left and head to the water for the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park where you can enjoy a ride on  Jane's Carousel .

Just a couple of blocks from Front Street on Water Street is the new home for  St. Ann's Warehouse , one of New York City's most respected cultural venues. This is a great place to see a show that isn't on Broadway.

Have a Picnic

Walk down Front Street and make a left on Adams Street to stop in  Foragers . This is a great place to grab some sandwiches and food for a picnic before heading over to the Brooklyn Bridge Park for a nice meal in the outdoors.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

Just blocks from Front Street is the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge. Take a walk across the bridge and check out the views. The bridge is  over 1.1 miles long .

Go to a Gallery

There are galleries on Front Street, as well as other parts of DUMBO. Stop by  Smack Mellon ,  a staple in the DUMBO art world. The gallery houses work of emerging and under-recognized artists. In addition, Smack Mellon's Artist Studio Program offers artists studio space.

Get Ice Cream

Before walking down Front Street, be sure to visit the  Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory  on Fulton Ferry Landing housed in a former fireboat house.

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New Yorker Tips

New York Tips for Locals and Tourists

Dumbo Brooklyn Guide: Where to Go & Tips

Here’s a guide with cool tips and a suggested walking route to explore Dumbo in Brooklyn! It’s a beautiful area worth visiting while you’re in NYC! Find out where exactly to go in Dumbo, what to visit, where to eat & more!

Top Places to Visit in Dumbo Brooklyn

The most popular spots are:

• Washington Street.
• Empire Stores / Time Out Market NY.
• Water Street.
• Jane’s Carousel area.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park / Pier 1.
• Old Fulton Street (between Front St. & Water St.).

Actually, Pier 1 & Old Fulton St. are part of Brooklyn Heights but many tourists think it’s DUMBO because it’s part of what they visit when they go there and well, the ferry station located there is called DUMBO too 😉

POPULAR CORNER IN DUMBO, BROOKLYN

Washington St. & Front St .

Famous corner in Dumbo to take pictures! You’ll get a nice view of the Manhattan Bridge featuring the Empire State Building in the background.

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS | Other Places to Visit when going to Dumbo

• Cadman Plaza E / Brooklyn Borough Hall (when you walk off the Brooklyn Bridge).
• Nice streets of Brooklyn Heights to explore: Pierrepont St / Henry St. / Montague St / Columbia Heights / Willow Sts.
• Brooklyn Heights Promenade: walk along the coast.

What you can leave out…

Feel free to skip Cadman Plaza E / Brooklyn Borough Hall. It’s not that nice. But if you wanna explore the area, go on a weekday because it feels empty on weekends.

Exploring Streets of Brooklyn Heights

It’s nice to explore some of the streets of Brooklyn Heights because they’re beautiful and you’ll get a different vibe compared to Manhattan and other parts of the city 😉 If you’re on a tight schedule or just want to do the most popular & iconic stuff do the Top places mentioned above and you can also add visiting a few streets in Brooklyn Heights because I think it’s worth it so you get to see a bit more than just the River coast!

Optimizing your NYC Itinerary

To optimize time, you can start from Dumbo (where Main Street Park is) ending at Old Fulton St (view suggested walking route below!). Then, you can explore some streets of Brooklyn Heights when you go to the subway station of the 2/3 train to go back to Manhattan.

Map: click on the square (top right) for a bigger view.

How to get to Dumbo Brooklyn

It’s really close to Manhattan! Just a stop away!

By Bike or Walking crossing the Brooklyn Bridge

Ride a bike (or walk) from Manhattan along the Brooklyn Bridge!

I recommend this option so you do the Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO all in the same day to optimize your NYC itinerary! DUMBO is right there when you walk off the bridge!

• Take the F to York Street Station .
• A / C trains to High Street/Brooklyn Bridge Station .
• 2 / 3 to Clark Street station .

From the F train you’re a bit closer to the places you’ll visit and it can be easier to find the spots.

From the 2/3 you have to walk a few more blocks. Make sure to have a map with you on your phone so you know where to go. Make sure to take the subway that says “TO MANHATTAN” if you go back by subway!

You can take the EAST RIVER FERRY from Manhattan to DUMBO.

Cost is the same as a single subway trip. Check ferry schedule here .

Where to take the ferry from Manhattan:

• East 34th St. & East River
• Wall St. / Pier 11 . (Wall St. & East River).

Suggested Walking Route in DUMBO

Once you get to DUMBO: You can start from Washington St. / Main Street Park, walking towards Old Fulton St. (towards the Brooklyn Bridge.

I prefer to start from Washington St. so you end the “tour” at the ferry station if you go back to Manhattan by ferry. It’s also nicer because you’ll be walking facing the Brooklyn Bridge 😉 If you do this, it’s better to get to DUMBO from Manhattan with the “F” subway (because it’s easier to start from there) or by walking through the Brooklyn Bridge & then heading first to Washington St.

GOOD TO KNOW : you’ll see 2 bridges. The “blue-ish” one (and the one you see from Washington & Front Sts) is the MANHATTAN BRIDGE and the “brown-ish” one is the BROOKLYN BRIDGE.

Brooklyn Bridge:

Manhattan Bridge:

Once you’re in DUMBO (either by subway or through the Brooklyn Bridge) check the options below.

Suggested walking route if you start from WASHINGTON ST. / MAIN STREET PARK:

Walk down to the River and walk along the coast of Main Street Park . There’s a beautiful walking path with wonderful views of the Brooklyn & Manhattan bridges and the Manhattan skyline. Beautiful to go close to Sunset!

Keep walking towards the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll see the EMPIRE STORES / TIME OUT MARKET NY. Nice place to visit and awesome spot to eat something delicious! You can head to the 5th floor where there’s a rooftop with great views of the river and the bridges.

Then walk on Water Street to Old Fulton St. You’ll be walking below the Brooklyn Bridge to the other side of the bridge. You’ll see a park towards the East River with great views of Brooklyn Bridge and the Financial District / Lower Manhattan. It’s also beautiful to go at night and see all the wonderful NYC lights & the bridge also lighten up! Breathtaking!

You can then explore some streets of Brooklyn Heights from here before going back to Manhattan. If you go back to Manhattan with the 2/3 train you can explore them when heading to the subway station.

Optional: you can get to DUMBO by subway and go back to Manhattan crossing the Brooklyn Bridge in the evening so you get to see the lights from the bridge as well! The only thing about ending the “DUMBO tour” walking through the bridge is that you might feel tired. The good thing of walking through the bridge first (on the way to Brooklyn) is that you can rest in DUMBO when you eat something or at a bench along the river coast. You can also walk the bridge on the way to DUMBO and ride a bike to go back 😉

ANOTHER OPTION: you can start from Brooklyn Heights (or Cadman Plaza E / Brooklyn Borough Hall) exploring first:

Explore Brooklyn Heights streets heading to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade .

Walk along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade to Old Fulton St . & from here walk on West Street towards the Manhattan Bridge.

Walk next to the East River coast where Jane’s Carousel is. You’ll see the EMPIRE STORES / TIME OUT MARKET NY.

Keep walking a bit more next to the river and you’ll find the walking path in Main Street Park.

Then head to Washington St. & Front St. for a popular photo-op (you can also go here after visiting the Empire Stores & then go to Main Street Park).

Where to Eat in Dumbo, Brooklyn

The Top Places to eat in Dumbo.

I definitely recommend going to Time Out Market NY! You have plenty of really good options!

Time Out Market New York

A food market inside The Empire Stores right next to the East River REALLY GOOD! Many great food options to choose from with plenty of seating indoors & outdoors and a rooftop as well to enjoy views from the top!

WHERE: Entrance through Water St. or East River Coast between Dock St. & Main St .

Everything’s great here! A few spots inside Time Out Market I recommend:

Breads Bagelry | Bagels

DELICIOUS bagels! One of the best ones of NY! The Eggs & Cheese and the Salmon ones are SO GOOD!

They’re a bit pricey but definitely worth it! They’re pretty big so you can share one.

Each of these bagels cost $18.

Ice & Vice | Ice Cream

You’ll also find the Ice & Vice kiosk inside Time Out Market that has really good homemade Ice Cream with unique & creative flavors.

Time Out Market Rooftop:

They have a rooftop in the 4th floor. FREE to Go Up and experience nice NYC Views! There are a few more foodie shops up there as well.

MELT Bakery

Great Ice Cream sandwiches!

WHERE: Front St. between Washington & Adam Sts .

Nice “fancy” restaurant right next to Time Out Market with tables outside with nice views to Brooklyn Bridge & the river.

WHERE: 55 Water St . (in front of Jane’s Carousel ).

Popular Restaurants at Old Fulton Street

Over Old Fulton St. there are a few restaurants all in just one block.

WHERE EXACTLY: Old Fulton St. between Water St. (the river) & Front St.

The most popular ones:

SHAKE SHACK | Burgers

Popular burger spot! It’s better to try the burgers at this Shake Shack than in Manhattan because it’s less crowded, cleaner & more spacious at this location.

GRIMALDI’S | Pizza

A very popular pizza place. There’s usually a line of people waiting to buy pizza here! You must buy the whole pizza because they don’t sell per slice. CASH ONLY!

It was temporarily closed for renovations.

JULIANA’S | Pizza

Another popular pizza spot next to Grimaldi’s. Both are popular but Grimaldi’s a bit more popular. It gets too crowded. Usually people wait in line outside to get in & place an order.

IGNAZIO’S

A casual Italian restaurant located on Water St. & Old Fulton St.

LUKE’S LOBSTER

A popular spot to get tasty lobster rolls if you’re up for this kind of food!

It’s a small spot and a bit pricey but people love it here.

THE RIVER CAFÉ | Upscale Restaurant

If you wanna go fancy, go to this place.

It’s PRICEY and people go to celebrate special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, romantic date, etc. It’s a beautiful fine restaurant that’s literally on a boat with stunning views of Manhattan & Brooklyn Bridge with a very romantic setting.

Dress code for this place : suit jackets required for men after 5pm. Appropriate footwear at all times. Lunch/Brunch can be slightly casual but too casual is never allowed.

Make a reservation here .

How Long it Takes to Explore DUMBO Brooklyn

You can do it in half a day! It’s nicer in the afternoon/evening!

DUMBO or Williamsburg?

If you’re on a Tight Schedule and Have to Choose:

If you can’t do both I’d recommend doing DUMBO. Both are nice but different. I recommend you DUMBO because it’s right there when you walk off the Brooklyn Bridge and it has wonderful views of the bridges & the city walking along the coast.

IF YOU ARE COMING TO NYC WITH KIDS : DUMBO is a better option because you have Jane’s Carousel & there’s a great playground for kids nearby at Main Street Park called Main St. Playground . There’s another playground when you go to Old Fulton St. / Brooklyn Bridge Park called Pier 1 Playground . Both playgrounds are very convenient & without having to go far! They’re right there 🙂

Enjoy your time at DUMBO!

You might also want to check out:

• Soho NYC Guide 
• Financial District Guide
• Chinatown NYC Guide
• Bushwick Street Art Guide

Follow me on Instagram here @NewYorkerTips !

@NewYorkerTips

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NewYorkerTips

Hi there :) I'm Jess and I came to NYC to pursue my dream and I feel I'm living it every day. New York is magical and you have to be open to everything because you never know who is sitting next to you on the subway or behind you in the line of the supermarket. I decided to create this blog about NYC because I realized how many powerful tips would have helped me if I knew them before coming to the city from someone who was living in NY! So I thought that it would be awesome to share with you some tips about New York from a New Yorker. I'm going to keep updating this blog so stay tuned :)

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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.

We lead walking tours of DUMBO every day!

WHAT IS DUMBO IN NYC?

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.

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
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge
• 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.

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 guided tours   of these Brooklyn neighborhoods:

• Across the Brooklyn Bridge - a 2-hour guided tour walking across the Bridge and around the industrial area of DUMBO. We end with a ride on the East River Ferry back to Manhattan.
• Brooklyn Bridge, Brooklyn Heights, and DUMBO Tour  
• 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!

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Exploring dumbo, brooklyn: the best things to do.

Dumbo, Brooklyn is one of our favorite neighborhoods to visit in NYC. Filled with history, incredible architecture, Brooklyn Bridge views, and plenty of coffee shops, this is a great area to spend a day when visiting the city. Dumbo stands for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass and was once a very industrial area, it has since been transformed to welcome tourists and locals alike.

So, let’s get started with our favorite things to do in Dumbo and why we think everyone should visit this area of the city!

Table of Contents

Where is Dumbo, Brooklyn

Dumbo is located along the East River in Brooklyn nestled between Brooklyn Heights to the south and Vinegar Hill to the north. When you walk off of the Brooklyn Bridge on the Brooklyn side, Dumbo is the first neighborhood you enter, making it a perfect pit stop.

Furthermore, one of our favorite ways to access Dumbo is via the NYC ferry, which is arguably the most scenic way to access Dumbo. The East River ferry route will drop you off at the Dumbo/ Fulton Ferry stop, which is right in Dumbo. The best part of the NYC ferry? It’s the same price as a subway ride at $2.75/ person! For the most up to date ferry schedule, visit the NYC ferry website .

When to Visit Dumbo, Brooklyn

You can visit Dumbo any day of the week, at any time, in any season. With this said, Dumbo is a very popular spot and weekend afternoons will be BUSY here. We recommend exploring on weekdays or first half of the day on weekends.

Our 8 Favorite Things to Do in Dumbo, Brooklyn

Walk across the brooklyn bridge.

The Brooklyn Bridge is the most iconic of the 5 bridges that connects Manhattan to other boroughs or states. It was completed in 1883 and was the first bridge to connect Manhattan and Brooklyn. Today, it is still used for car, foot and bike traffic, however it’s also an iconic part of the NYC landscape.

We recommend walking from Manhattan into Brooklyn via the Brooklyn Bridge. The most crowded area of the bridge is the first section out of Manhattan. However, it is worth bearing with the crowds for the incredible views along the bridge.

Walk along Water Street

One of the busiest streets in Dumbo is Water Street, and is the most photographed as well. Water Street provides the iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge, framed by two red-brick buildings. You can capture this view at any point along Water Street, but we recommend standing at the Washington Street intersection for the best angle. Views aside, there are also several vendors along this street to explore. We recommend grabbing a coffee, walking slowly along the cobble-stoned street, and shopping.

Relax at Pebble Beach

Location: 65 Plymouth Street

Located on the shores of the East River in Dumbo is Pebble Beach. Pebble beach is a small crescent beach that looks out at Brooklyn Bridge and the downtown Manhattan skyline. The beach itself is filled with small and large rocks, which is how it received its name. As the beach is made up of rocks and not sand, there are multi tier steps that double as seats, making it a great spot to soak up the views.

To get to Pebble Beach, you’ll walk to the Bridge Park and take one of the short trails to the beach. There is also a playground here making it a great location to visit with kids.

Grab a Bite to Eat at Timeout Market

Location: 55 Water Street 

We highly recommend visiting the Timeout Market while you’re in Dumbo. Yes, the Timeout Market is owned by the media company, Timeout, which has a website with many catchy articles about things to do and see in a city! In this 24,000 square foot industrial building there are 21 local eateries to choose from. You can grab a bite to eat or a drink at the bar before grabbing a seat on the rooftop patio, our favorite aspect of the market. The Timeout Market rooftop is open year-round (weather permitting) and offers amazing views of the Brooklyn Bridge and downtown Manhattan. Add in the incredible food eateries that are housed here and this is once of the best options for a meal!

Explore the Coffee Shops

After your delicious meal at the Timeout Market you may need a caffeine pick up, luckily Dumbo is full of great coffee shops. We recommend wandering around and stopping when you need a caffeine pick me up or simply a chance to sit down!

Our favorites include:

• % Arabica Roastery (20 Fulton Street)
• Bulter (40 Water Street)
• Almondine Bakery ( 85 Water Street)
• Zaruma Gold Coffee (66 Front Street)
• One Girl Cookies ( 33 Main Street)

While these are our favorite coffee shops in the area, they are far from the only options. There’s probably a coffee shop on every block (and more on some), so get out and explore!

Shop at The Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge

The Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge is a 7,000 square foot public space that was restored in 2008-2009. This historic Belgium block still features the incredible archway that was once vital to connecting the Gairville warehouses to the waterfront. Today, this venue houses art shows, flea markets, and pop up food markets. This spot gives you a true Brooklyn feel, and we highly recommend passing through to see what’s happening!

Wander Around Squibb Park Bridge

Located within Brooklyn Bridge Park is Squibb Park and Squibb Park Bridge. The park is relatively small, but does have space for kids to play and scooter around. The main attraction to see here is the Squibb Park Bridge, which connects Pier One to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This bridge is relatively new, re-opening in May 2020 after being closed for several years. The bridge offers a unique perspective of the Manhattan skyline and at night this view is absolutely stunning.

Visit Old Pier 1

After you wander around the Squibb Park Bridge, end your walk at Old Pier 1. Old Pier 1 is a located just across the East River from downtown Manhattan and offers unobstructed views of the downtown skyline. There is no longer a pier here but the old decaying posts of the pier remain in the water and are a great addition to the skyline photos. This view is stunning during the day and in the evening, but we recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset.

This guide includes our top 8 spots to visit within Dumbo, Brooklyn, but they certainly aren’t the only things to do within this neighborhood. We recommend spending a half to a full day in the neighborhood to really enjoy the area.

If you’re continuing onwards to Manhattan, check out our top Instagram spots in the city , our favorite spots for skyline views, or our guide to the best coffee shops!

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One Day in Brooklyn Itinerary – A Perfect Day in Dumbo & Williamsburg

One Day in Brooklyn Itinetrary Art, Food and Views in Dumbo & Williamsburg

Our Brooklyn itinerary outlines the best things to do in Brooklyn in one day. Dumbo and Williamsburg are two of the trendiest neighborhoods in Brooklyn, and we planned the perfect guide for anyone who wants to experience the best of Brooklyn in a day. This Brooklyn 24-hour guide outlines the best attractions, where to eat, and where to find the best viewpoints of the East River. Start planning your perfect day in Brooklyn, New York.

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a small commission if you purchase from them (no extra costs to you!). For details check our disclaimer .

How to Spend One Day in Brooklyn New York Perfect Itinerary for First Timers

It’s no secret we love the Big Apple, but let me tell you, Brooklyn is the new IT GIRL in town. On our last visit to New York City we decided to spend a couple of days in Brooklyn, and oh boy, it was love at first sight. We’re talking about some of the best viewpoints in Manhattan, loads of parks and street art, and don’t get us started about the food scene.

Brooklyn has become very popular over the last year, and it keeps changing as the years go by. The ‘Borough of Churches’ with its diversity of immigrant populations has turned into the go-to place for artists and hipsters who find Manhattan too expensive and crowded for their taste. It has such a different atmosphere from Manhattan and a much more relaxed vibe with hipster undertones and exciting art scene. After spending a day in Brooklyn, it’s quite easy to understand why so many people are obsessed with this New York borough. So, when you start planning your New York itinerary, do yourself a favor and include at least one day if not a weekend in Brooklyn.

Is One Day in Brooklyn Enough?

Let’s start from the end, is a day in Brooklyn enough to see everything? Of course not because Brooklyn is enormous! In fact, Brooklyn is the second largest and most populous of the five boroughs of New York. We spent a weekend in Brooklyn, and it wasn’t enough to see everything, but one day is better than nothing. You can have a taste of some of the best things to do in Brooklyn in a day and maybe leave some for your next visit.

How to Start Planning the Perfect Brooklyn Itinerary?

W hen you start planning your New York City itinerary, make sure to include at least a day in Brooklyn, preferably on a Saturday or a Sunday. Some of NYC’s most popular attractions can get extremely crowded during the weekend, so spending the weekend in Brooklyn, with its relaxed ambiance, might be a great alternative. For first-time visitors, we suggest starting with DUMBO since it’s a cool area that is very close to Brooklyn Bridge, which is a must-see (or rather cross) attraction. There are a lot of things to see and do in Dumbo for the whole family. From Dumbo head over to Williamsburg, which has a lively art and food scenes, and many other attractions to choose from.

Of course, there are other parts and attractions in Brooklyn to explore, such as the Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn’s Botanical Gardens and more. However, our itinerary focuses more on the food and art scene and a nice dose of scenic viewpoints.

Brooklyn Itinerary – Early Morning – Crossing Brooklyn Bridge

Start your day in Brooklyn by crossing the famous Brooklyn Bridge, which connects lower Manhattan with Dumbo. You can cross it by foot or by bike , and whatever you do, as long as you’re fit enough, don’t skip it. Brooklyn Bridge is one of the three Bridges that connect Brooklyn to Manhattan. This iconic New York landmark has been designated a National Historic Landmark and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark . It took many years to build this architectural wonder. After many delays and tragedies (at least 20 people died during its construction), the Brooklyn Bridge was open in 1883. At the time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. What makes the Brooklyn Bridge such an iconic NYC landmark is the Gothic towers with their impressive double arches and the crisscrossing of its steel cables.

You can choose to cross Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan to Brooklyn or vice versa (and then you’ll see the Manhattan skyline). We decided to do it first thing in the morning, and we stopped from time to time and turned around to see the Manhattan skyline. It should take you about 35-45 minutes to cross it at a leisurely pace with some stops for pictures. Another fun way to do it is to cross the bridge with a bike.

How to Get to Brooklyn Bridge Promenade (Manhattan side): You’ll find the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge promenade right across the street from the Brooklyn Bridge /City Hall Subway Station . You can take trains no. 4, 5, or 6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall or the J or Z trains to Chambers St. Station . You could also take the N or R trains to City Hall or the 2 or 3 trains to Park Place , both of these stations are a bit further away.

Best time to cross Brooklyn Bridge: This is a very popular tourist attraction so it can get quite busy, especially during the summertime and at sunset. Sunset is a great time to cross the bridge for photography lovers since you’ll get to photograph scenic views of Manhattan and Brooklyn during the golden hour, and if you wait for a bit, you’ll see the skyline comes alive with gleaming lights.

An excellent option to cross Brooklyn Bridge by foot or by bike while learning more about its history is taking a guided tour. These tours usually also offer some sight-seeing in DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, or Lower Manhattan.

Brooklyn Itinerary - Morning – Dumbo Neighborhood

About dumbo.

DUMBO is the abbreviation for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass . It is located across the river from Lower Manhattan, in the northeast part of Brooklyn. The charm of this neighborhood lies in its mélange of old and new. What used to be an industrial area was turned into a hip and trendy neighborhood with a flourishing art scene. The industrial warehouses that used to fill Dumbo’s cobbled streets were converted into luxury lofts, art galleries, theatres, and eateries. Dumbo offers a fun mix of attractions, and it has some of the best scenic points in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

How to Get to Dumbo

If you decide not to cross the Brooklyn Bridge on your way to Dumbo, you could also take the subway or the East River Ferry. By Subway: It will take you about 15 minutes to get from Penn Station to Dumbo by subway. Take the A or C train and get off at the High Street-Brooklyn Bridge Station . You can also take the F train to York Street . By Ferry: If you want to take the scenic way, you can hop on the East River Ferry from East 34th Street or Wall Street/Pier 11 or the South Brooklyn route from Wall Street/Pier 11.

What to Do in Brooklyn's Dumbo Neighborhood

Take a picture of the iconic manhattan bridge.

After Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, take the first exit and go to the left to reach Dumbo. A small staircase will lead you to the underpass on Washington Street. At the intersection of Washington Street and Front/Water Street, you will have the perfect view to photograph Manhattan Bridge. This is one of the instagrammable corners of Brooklyn. Take a photo of Manhattan Bridge between the industrial buildings of Dumbo, and check out how the Empire State Building fits perfectly in the center of the lower steel archway of the bridge . You won’t be alone in this corner of Brooklyn since it’s a famous spot for the selfie-hungry crowd. However, you can always just skip the selfie and go for the shot of the bridge itself like we did.

Insider Tip: Before continuing exploring Dumbo, if you haven’t had breakfast yet, check out the French bakery, Almondine Bakery , for a delicious breakfast pastry. Address: 85 Water Street | Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 7:30 am – 6:30 pm, Sun 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.

Walk Along Brooklyn Heights Promenade at Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely walk in the sun, breathe some fresh air, and admire the breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline. This waterfront park offers vast spaces of green lawns, basketball courts and playgrounds, recreational facilities, bicycle paths, and many more attractions. The park hosts many sports and cultural events during the year, so make sure to check the event calendar .

Your first stop at Brooklyn Bridge Park should be Jane’s Carousel. This beautiful historic carousel was built in 1922 and was initially installed in one of Ohio’s parks. After the park had been closed, it was bought at an auction by a couple of collectors who restored it and opened it to the public in 2011. This 48-horse carousel provides the perfect opportunity to take a ride on a classic merry-go-round, and it also offers excellent views of the East River. For opening hours and tickets, check out this website .

From Jane’s Carousel, continue walking along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade and visit some of the piers that offer great views of New York City’s skyscrapers, the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.

Views, Architecture and Art at Empire Stores

The dozens of windows of the brick facade of Empire Stores are hard to ignore. This historic warehouse was used for coffee storage in the first half of the 20th century and later on was abandoned for many years. After many years of failed attempts to restore this piece of history, it was finally restored and reopened in 2017 as a cultural, commerce and gastronomical center. The team of architects made sure to maintain the building’s character and original materials, including its large masonry façade, but they also cut out a passageway from Water Street through the building, and to the park. At the center of the building, you’ll find a four-story, open-air courtyard that serves as an immersive public space, and from there, you can pick through the glass curtain walls which line the courtyard, into the different commerce areas and offices. The rooftop was transformed into a leafy terrace that is open to the public and accessible from the courtyard. There are stunning views of the East River from the roof, as well as a beer garden where you can grab a beer and chill out.

On the second floor of the Empire Stores building, you’ll find the exhibition and multimedia experience of Brooklyn Historical Society DUMBO. This multimedia exhibition uses stories of workers, artists, industries and neighborhoods to put a spotlight on the history of Brooklyn’s coastline. Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

Address:   55 Water Street |  Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 8:00 am – 12:00 am | Empire Stores Website

Have a Snack at Time Out Market

The food market at Empire Stores is a cornucopia of cultures and flavors. You’ll find here some of New York’s top chefs and restaurateurs under one roof. On the ground floor, you’ll find 17 stalls, two bars, and communal-style seating. The fifth floor hosts additional stalls, another bar and a rooftop area with spectacular views. Some of the delicious food you can try at Time Out Market include the famous pizza of Juliana’s , babka cake of Breads Bakery , fluffy blueberry pancakes at Clinton St. Baking Company , and many more delicacies. Check out all the food vendors at Time Out Market.

Address: 55 Water St, Brooklyn  |  Opening Hours: First Floor: Sun-Thu 8:00 am – 8:00 pm, Fri-Sat 11:00 am – 10:00 pm, Fifth Floor: Sun-Thu 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Fri-Sat 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Check Out the Art Scene in Dumbo

If you love art, there are many more things to do in Dumbo, including visiting some of the art galleries or current exhibitions . You can also look for the famous Dumbo Walls , a series of outdoor murals that highlight the various entry points to the neighborhood. Read more about the Dumbo Walls project here . If you have more than one day in Brooklyn, check out some of the attractions for art lovers in Dumbo here . There are a few art galleries and unique concert halls and theatres such as St. Ann’s Warehouse and Bargemusic . However, if you only have a day in Brooklyn, continue to our next destination on this Brooklyn itinerary.

Insider tip: If you are fans of flea markets and you visit Dumbo on a Sunday (Between April – October) you can also check Brooklyn flea market which is located at 80 Pearl Street (at the Archway of Manhattan Bridge) and is open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Noon/Afternoon - Visit Brooklyn's Williamsburg Neighborhood

About williamsburg.

The roots of Williamsburg go all the way back to the 17th century. Back then, it was a Dutch settlement (it was actually part of Bushwick). Later, a developer by the name of Jonathan Williams acquired some of the lands and, in 1802, renamed that area Williamsburgh in honor of himself (the ‘h’ was dropped in 1840). Williamsburg became a major shipping and industrial hub, and in 1855 it became part of Brooklyn. Once the Williamsburg Bridge was built in 1903, many of the Lower East Side residents, chose to live in Williamsburg due to the better rents and close proximity to Lower Manhattan. More plants were built in the area, and many immigrants from Latin America and Europe joined Williamsburg’s growing population, especially after World War II.

However, from the 1960s following the closure of many of the local plants, poverty and crime started to prosper in the area, which meant the real estate prices were dropping as well. From the 1970s more and more artists chose Williamsburg as their new home thanks to the cheaper rents. The industrial spaces were turned into art galleries and the once-neglected neighborhood became a hub for artists and musicians.

Thanks to a gentrification process, nowadays, most artists can no longer afford to live in the area, but Williamsburg has become one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. It’s one of the best places to spend a day in Brooklyn, especially if you love art, vintage shops and good food!

How to Get to Williamsburg

The most scenic way is to take the East River Ferry from Dumbo’s Pier 1 to North Williamsburg (Make sure you get off at North Williamsburg, the 2nd stop, and not at South Williamsburg, which is the first stop). By subway, it’s a bit more tricky to get to Williamsburg, so we suggest taking an Uber if you choose to skip the East River Ferry.

If you choose to flip the order of our Brooklyn itinerary and start from Williamsburg, you can catch the East River Ferry from Wall Street/Pier 11 or East 34th Street. You could also hop on the L train from Manhattan to Bedford Avenue Station. From there, you’ll need to walk for about 10 minutes.

Things to Do in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Have lunch at smorgasburg food market.

One of the best weekend markets in New York is the famous Smorgasburg Food Market in Williamsburg , which takes place every Saturday from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm from April through October (from November to March there’s a smaller version in an indoor venue). On Saturdays, Smorgasburg is located at East River State Park and on Sundays at Prospect Park’s Breeze Hill (outside of Williamsburg). What makes Smorgasburg one of the most famous open-air markets in the United States is the stunning scenery and dozens of food stalls from 100 local vendors. In East River State Park you’ll get to see Manhattan’s skyline while Prospect Park offers the best setting for a leisurely weekend picnic. Our best advice is to come hungry and sample as much food as you can.

S o what did we eat? (and thank you Yuval, my niece and Sari’s daughter who came with a list of the best food stalls in Smorgasburg). We tried some delicious dumplings at Destination Dumplings , a vegan burger from Chickpea & Olive , a unique hamburger that is served between ‘ramen buns’ at Ramen Burger , the best lobster roll we’ve ever had at Red Hook Lobster and for dessert Asian style souffle pancakes at Fluffy’s NYC . Check out all the food stalls at Smorgasburg Food Market .

Location and Hours: Summer (April-October): Saturdays at East River State Park (90 Kent Ave.) / Sundays at Prospect Park’s Breeze Hill, Opening Hours: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm Winter: Saturdays and Sundays the Brooklyn Flea & Smorgasburg Market takes place at 25 Kent Ave. on the 8th floor. 

Insider tip – If you are visiting Brooklyn on a Sunday, check out Smorgasburg at Prospect Park BEFORE you leave Dumbo and then catch a train/uber to Williamsburg. The best way is to catch an Uber, but you can hop on one of these trains as well. If you choose to do this one day Brooklyn itinerary during weekdays, you can eat lunch at Time Out Market or check our favorite restaurants in Brooklyn for more lunch ideas.

Browse the Streets and Go Shopping

After lunch it’s time to browse the streets and shops of Williamsburg. Generally speaking, the south side of Williamsburg is below Grand Street (with S marking the numerical streets), and above Grand Street, the streets are marked by North/N. If you want to discover the trendy scene in Williamsburg, start exploring the streets North of South 2nd Street.

We suggest starting walking towards Bedford Ave. , which is the bustling heart of Williamsburg, where you’ll find vintage shops and hip boutiques as well as numerous eateries. On the weekend, walk along North 7th St. and check out the local artists & Crafts market at 70 North 7th St. Some of the best places for shopping in the area include Williamsburg’s Mini Mall, In God We Trust and Concrete + Water . Check out the jewelry in Catbird . For vintage shopping visit Amarcord Vintage Fashion and Awoke Vintage .

Along Grand Street , you’ll also find many shops and trendy coffee shops. Visit Bird to discover some of the local new designers and Lief for stylish homeware. You should definitely stop for coffee at Devoción Café .

Check Out Brooklyn Brewery

Once upon a time, Brooklyn had a serious brewing scene. In fact, at the end of the 19th century, more than 40 breweries could be found on Brooklyn’s premises. However, many of the biggest breweries were closed or relocated during the middle of the 20th century.

The 1980s marked the age of the microbrewery scene around the United States, but no one was bold enough to take a risk and open a brewery in Brooklyn. At least not until Steve Hindy, a reporter who came back home from the Middle East where he had discovered the local scene of homebrewing, decided to bring brewing back to Brooklyn. With the help of his neighbor, Tom Potter, he opened Brooklyn Brewery in the late 1980s and supplied beers to many local establishments. In 1996 the Brewmaster Garret Oliver joined the team, and Brooklyn Brewery was opened to the public. Nowadays, Brooklyn Brewery’s popular beers are shipped to many places all over the United States and to more than 30 countries. Their beers and brewmaster, Garret Oliver, have won many awards over the years, including the prestigious James B eard Award for Outstanding Spirits, Wine or Beer.

You can visit their tasting room and get a tasting of a few beers, or you can book a tour of their brewery, on Saturdays and Sundays the tours are free of charge. For more details about exact opening hours and tours check out the Brooklyn Brewery website .

Address: 79 North 11th Street |  Opening Hours: Mon-Thu 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm, Fri 2:00 pm – 12:00 am, Sat 12:00 pm – 12:00 am, Sun 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Insider Tip: Since you need to be 21 to get in, a great alternative to this attraction is to go bowling at Brooklyn Bowl (on Saturday/Sunday). Continue reading our Brooklyn Itinerary for more details.

Watch the Sunset at Domino Park / East River State Park

After you’ve tasted some of Brooklyn’s famous beer, it’s time to look for a great spot to watch the sunset. Obviously, the best places are along the East River. Brooklyn Brewery is within a 5-minute walk from East River State Park . Another alternative is to walk along Kent Street until you reach Grand Ferry Park . However, if you don’t mind the walk, we suggest walking along Kent Street all the way to D omino Park , which should take you about 20 minutes from Brooklyn Brewery.

Domino Park is one of New York’s newest parks, and just like the High Line, the architects and landscapers made sure to pay tribute to its history. The park stretches along the East River on the site of the former Domino Sugar Refinery, a plant that helped shape the character of the neighborhood for over 160 years. Walking along the park, you’ll find 30 large-scale, salvaged artifacts that were used in the plant and now are incorporated into the park’s landscape. There’s an elevated walkway with beautiful views of the surrounding area and Manhattan’s lower side. There’s also a very unique playground that was designed by Brooklyn-based artist Mark Reigelman that takes the children on a journey through the sugar refining process. Children would also love the fountains and the fog bridge, both of which are great for photography lovers as well.

Address: 300 Kent Ave Brooklyn |  Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 6:00 am – 1:00 am

One Day in Brooklyn Itinerary – Evening

Have an italian dinner at misi.

There is a thriving food scene in Brooklyn, so you’ll have plenty of restaurants to choose from, but we really loved Misi , which is located within a short walking distance from Domino Park. The chef, Missy Robbins, has two Italian restaurants in Brooklyn, but in Misi, you’ll only find handmade pasta and antipasti dishes. We loved the clean décor, the open kitchen and the delicious food. Don’t skip dessert since Misi has incredible ice cream. If you’d rather have dinner at a different place, check out our recommendations for restaurants and coffee shops in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods .

Bowling and a Show or Bar Hopping

If you still have some energy left in you after our packed itinerary, there are two options to choose from to spend a lovely evening in Brooklyn. You can either check out one of the shows at the Brooklyn Bowl or go bar hopping in Brooklyn.

Brooklyn Bowl is not your average bowling alley. It is more of a mixture of bowling and a night club where you’ll get to watch a live concert at times. The ambiance is very cool with the nightclub lighting and music. They also offer food by Blue Ribbon, but we haven’t tried it ourselves. Brooklyn Bowl is opened daily from 6:00 pm only for adults (+21), but on the weekends, they are open for all ages. Check out the event calendar because if there’s an event, you’ll need to buy a ticket. If there’s no event, the admission is free. Bowling will cost you $ 25 per lane per 30 minutes (Sun-Thu) or $ 30 per lane per 30 minutes (Fri-Sat)

Address:   61 Wythe Ave  |   Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 6:00 – Late (+21), Sat Family Bowl from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Sun The Rock and Roll Playhouse 11:00 am – 12:30 pm (admission required) and Family Bowl 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm.

Another fun option for an evening in Brooklyn is going bar hopping. Radegast Hall & Biergarten is a fun place for beer lovers. This German beer hall has a great selection of European beers and German-inspired menu. It also has a very lively atmosphere with the occasional live band, so if it’s peace and quiet you are looking for, this is not the place for you. Another recommended bar is the trendy Westlight at the William Vale hotel. This rooftop bar has breathtaking views of Manhattan’s skyline and the East River. You can enjoy a signature cocktail or a glass of wine accompanied by elegant bar snacks and splendid views. We have many more recommendations in our Brooklyn Food Guide, which also includes some of the best bars in Brooklyn.

Address: Radegast Hall & Biergarten : 113 N 3rd St, Brooklyn |  Westlight : 111 N. 12th St / 22nd Floor

A Note About Our One Day Brooklyn Itinerary

Brooklyn is a great place to visit every day of the week, but thanks to Smorgasbord food market, we planned ahead and chose to visit the area on the weekend. Our itinerary is perfect for anyone who visits Brooklyn on a Saturday/Sunday (note our remarks regarding Smorgasburg’s location) and would like to enjoy a mixture of stunning views, art, and Brooklyn’s food scene. If you have more than a day in Brooklyn, make sure to check our recommendations for a fun day in Bushwick . If you especially enjoy graffiti and street art scenes, you might consider combining Dumbo with our Bushwick itinerary instead of Williamsburg.

We chose to start our day in Brooklyn from Dumbo and continue to Williamsburg, but you can definitely catch a ferry from Manhattan straight to Williamsburg, continue to Dumbo and end your day with crossing the Brooklyn Bridge. We suggest timing your crossing with the sunset for spectacular views. If you want to enjoy the Manhattan skyline and East River, not to mention the architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge in their full glory, don’t cross the bridge at night time.

Where to Stay on a Weekend in Brooklyn

If you choose to spend a weekend in Brooklyn, here are some recommended hotels for you to choose from. Note that the hotels that are closer to Dumbo, are located in Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn and within a 10-minute walking distance from Dumbo (20 minutes by car).

Brooklyn Heights Hotels: 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge |  Hotel Bossert

Downtown Brooklyn: New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge | Aloft Brooklyn | The Tillary Hotel  | Hampton Inn Brooklyn Downtown

Williamsburg Hotels: The Williamsburg Hotel | The William Vale | Wythe Hotel | McCarren Hotel & Pool | Pod Brooklyn

Check out all the hotels in Brooklyn 

Any way you choose to explore Brooklyn, on the weekend or during the week, you’re going to have a fabulous time. This Brooklyn itinerary is perfect to have a taste of the best of Brooklyn in a day, but we strongly suggest adding at least another half day to your itinerary to visit Bushwick neighborhood that is fast becoming the hippest neighborhood in Brooklyn.

More Brooklyn and New York Resources

• A Perfect Day in Chelsea & The Meatpacking District
• Discover the West Village in New York City
• Eating the Big Apple – Best Food in NYC
• What to See in Bushwick Brooklyn – One Day Guide
• Brooklyn Foodie Guide – Restaurants, Coffee Shops and Snacks

Don't forget to pin it for later!

Check out some of our other city guides!

San Francisco Itinerary

Check out our San Francisco guide for the best things to do and helpful tips to plan the perfect San Francisco itinerary.

A Foodie Guide to Madrid

Check out some of the best places to eat in Madrid. From the coolest food markets to the top restaurants, tapas bars and healthy cafes.

A Weekend Guide to Porto Portugal

Fall in love with the lovely Porto. Our city guide includes the best things to do and see in Porto, Portugal.

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The best things to do in NYC this week

The best things to do in NYC this week include The Feast of San Gennaro, Oktoberfest events, Punderdome, and powerful textile art at the Irish Arts Center.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in NYC this week, or even for today, there are tons of fun options, including The Feast of San Gennaro, Oktoberfest events, Punderdome, powerful textile art at the Irish Arts Center, and  awesome free events  in NYC! For more ideas, scroll down to see this week's best things to do in NYC.

RECOMMENDED: Full list of the best things to do in New York

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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Time Out Market New York

We’ve packed all our favorite restaurants under one roof at the  Time Out Market New York . The DUMBO location in Empire Stores has fried chicken from Jacob’s Pickles, pizza from Fornino, inventive ice cream flavors from Sugar Hill Creamery and  more amazing eateries — all cherry-picked by us. Chow down over two floors with views of the East River, Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan skyline.

Best things to do in NYC this week

1.  the feast of san gennaro.

• Things to do

Out-of-towners and locals get psyched for the annual Feast of San Gennaro and for good reason.

Although the  Feast of San Gennaro  is a celebration of faith (folks tip their hats to the Patron Saint of Naples, Italy) the festive atmosphere, delicious food and colorful processions are what it’s known for. For 11 days, Little Italy is transformed into a red, white and green bash with special guests, live music and lots of fun.

Festivities run through September 22.

2.  Oktoberfest events

Contrary to its moniker, Oktoberfest — the annual autumnal celebration anchored in Munich, Germany , with satellite festivities all over the globe — kicks off in September. Lucky for you, New York City hosts some of the best boozy, musical sausage fests in the world.

This year’s events include  weeks-long waterside parties, brewery bashes and even lobster-fueled feasts—all with plenty of German (and local!) beer to start your fall eating and drinking plans  out right.  Here's where to keep the party going all season long.

3.  The Map at the Irish Arts Center

Unlike the typical Google Maps interface, this map includes places like "Jezebel Heights," "Coventown," and "Spinsters Grove." Even though these places are unfortunately fictional, you can visit them through The Map, a massive textile sculpture on view in Manhattan right now. 

This intricately hand-sewn textile sculpture, stretching to 21-by-12.5 feet, celebrates feminism as it re-imagines the life, legacy, and mythology of Mary Magdalene and her impact on women's lives. The Map addresses false narratives of Magdalene, charting the social, political, and psychic changes that have loosened the knots of history in Ireland, and traces an historical, mythological, and future cosmology that is fluid and full of possibility.

Irish artist Alice Maher created the work in collaboration with fellow Ireland native Rachel Fallon. Over the course of three years, the artists approached the subject through the lens of the medieval Mappa Mundi, using elements of the cartographer's practice as a device for their exploration. A text and soundscape by Sinéad Gleeson and Stephen Shannon titled We Are The Map accompanies the sculpture.

See it through September 29 at the Irish Arts Center (726 11th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen); tickets are free to reserve online . 

4.  Punderdome

The pun, that most democratic of jokes: At its best, it’s sublimely satisfying to the reptilian part of our brains that loves easy comedy. At its worst, it produces a groan so gut-deep, it’s almost as good as a belly laugh. The form is mined for all it’s worth at this monthly tournament, hosted by Rodney Dangerfield impersonator Fred Firestone and his daughter, Jo.

A fixture on the NYC comedy landscape for more than a decade, this show at Littlefield in Brooklyn is like a rap battle, only much nerdier. Hear pun pros face-off in the All-Star Tournament of Pun Champions where punsters deliver two-minute pun-stand-up routines, after only two minutes of preparation.

Here's the lineup of 2024 shows: September 18, October 30, and December 11.

5.  Silent Writing Happy Hour

• Literary events
• Williamsburg Until Oct 7, 2025

Need some writing inspo? Gather with fellow writers for this unique writing prompt series that takes place every Tuesday in the back of Pete’s Candy Store.

The event kicks off with a guest lecturer who reads a piece of literature meant to inspire and serve as a springboard for writers. Everyone has 30-45 minutes to write and can share what they come up with if they want to. 

The free event meets at 5pm every Tuesday.

6.  Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund Annual Benefit

This Thursday, September 19, over 130 chefs, artisans and mixologists will come together to honor Anne Saxelby’s legacy for the third annual Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund (ASLF).

A pioneer of the scene, Anne Saxelby was a leading champion for cheesemaking in the US. She ran her own cheese shops in the city: one at Essex Street Market’s original location, the other at Chelsea Market. To honor her, the Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund (ASLF) was created, providing month-long paid apprenticeships for young adults to live on sustainable farms.

To help fund the work, the annual fundraising event will feature over 130 bites and sips from some of Anne's favorites, including Gramercy Tavern, Gage & Tollner, Via Carota and more. New this year, all of the vendors at Chelsea Market will be serving up their own bites and drinks, including a "Salumeria" from Cesare Casella and a "Sweet Retreat” from acclaimed pastry chef Caroline Schiff.

7.  Regeneration art at Penn Station

You might want to reroute to Penn Station for the next few weeks to gaze at the new large scale sculptures by artists Chitra Ganesh and Eirini Linardaki. Ganesh's new work was commissioned by Amtrak and it is called Regeneration.

It features natural elements created in a graphic style that evokes comic books. The plants depicted have deep spiritual significance: the Welwitschia, for example, represents resilience in some southern African cultures. The sculpture also features some plants that you might find in New York City, like dandelions and irises. 

8.  A hidden piano bar and supper club

You may just miss Hell’s Kitchen’s latest lounge. Tucked away off 52nd Street and 8th Avenue, you’ll find a red light and a blue door marked with red graffiti of a martini and a piano. Once the light flicks on, duck inside to find the city’s latest piano bar and supper club. Follow the red light to So & So’s Piano Bar . A part of the Romer Hell’s Kitchen hotel , the piano bar and supper club is an ideal escape for locals and theater industry vets alike. Illuminated by stunning marquee lights, the stage will host up-and-coming local acts alongside Broadway legends, and has already been graced by Darren Criss and Noah Cyrus .

9.  The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze

• Events & Festivals

Carving a jack-o'-lantern may be a time-honored American tradition for many, but nobody—and we mean nobody—does pumpkin carving quite like Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze. Every fall, pumpkins aplenty decorate two locations of this festive, family-friendly attraction. This year promises thousands of intricately carved  jack-o'-lanterns in mesmerizing displays, plus  dazzling new experiences in honor of the event’s founding 20 years ago. It’s worth traveling outside NYC for.

10.  Friday Night Vibes at Time Out Market

• DUMBO Until Dec 26, 2025

Start your weekend off right at Time Out Market New York’s stunning rooftop! Starting September 6, Friday Night Vibes gets the party going on the fifth floor at 7pm with tunes from  DJ Stretch  (on the f irst and third Friday of every month) and  DJ Price Is Right  (on the s econd and fourth Friday). Dance the night away with specialty cocktails from the Market’s awesome bar and grab bites from one of two dozen kitchens including, Jacob’s Pickles, Bark Barbecue and Wayla.  Enjoy it all to the incredible views of the East River, the NYC skyline and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. 

11.  ‘Only Murders in the Building’ escape room

The Only Murders in the Building Escape Game, created by Hulu and The Escape Game, is now open in NYC.

The escape room will be inspired by season four of the comedy series. Just like the comedic crew trying to solve mysteries on the screen, escape room participants will try to solve a mystery as well. Prepare for hidden bookcase doorways, secret passageways and immersive elements that reflect key aspects of the show’s characters and storylines.

During this hour-long experience, you’ll need to use problem-solving skills to uncover the latest secrets of the Arconia’s residents. Expect to interact with familiar props and discover Easter eggs from the show.

12.  Barneys pop-up

• Shopping & Style

When Barneys closed back in 2020, the fashion world at large mourned the big loss, so we expect everyone to rejoice at the fact that the popular department store is making a very NYC-like comeback, debuting a five-week-only pop-up in Soho starting September 5.  The activation, which honors the start of New York Fashion Week and pays homage to the store's original downtown location (it eventually moved to Madison Avenue by 61st Street on the Upper East), will run through October 11 at 14 Prince Street by Elizabeth Street.

13.  100 life-size elephants

One hundred life-size elephants will appear in the Meatpacking District from September 6 to October 2024 as part of “ The Great Migration,”  a global fundraising effort to uplift Indigenous voices and motivate the human race to share space with their animal neighbors.  Each elephant is created by The Coexistence Collective, a group of 200 indigenous artists from the Bettakurumba, Paniya, Kattunayakan and Soliga communities of India’s Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu. Over the past five years, the collective has made sure each elephant is perfectly detailed to give life to each animal sculpture, drawing from both their own experience and generational knowledge of nature and wildlife. 

14.  Byron: A Life in Motion at New York Public Library

Explore the extraordinary life of Lord Byron — the famous scribe known for his   lengthy narratives   Don Juan   and   Childe Harold's Pilgrimage —at this new exhibition at the New York Public Library’s   Stephen A. Schwarzman Building . Running from September 7 through January 12, the collection of personal letters, literary manuscripts, illustrated biographies, paintings, prints, and even wine bills traces Byron’s movements, from his youth in   Aberdeen, to his sudden fame after   the publication of   Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage,   to his death in Greece at the age of 36. 

15.  1990s skater culture exhibit at MoMI

“ Recording the Ride: The Rise of Street-Style Skate Videos “ will honor DIY filmmaking with videos, vintage skate decks and other objects related to the formative years of the skate video in the 1980s and 1990s. See it in Astoria starting September 7, 2024 through January 26, 2025. The videos circulated among skaters and in skate shops serving as both inspiration and instruction. They became a form of proto social media that knitted the community together. Skating and skating videos became linked as complementary forms or artistic expression.

16.  Vinyasa on a Vessel

• Sports and fitness

New York City offers up plenty of cool outdoor options for your yoga flow but this one might just take the cake: join the Seaport Museum for a free yoga session on the second Sunday of the month on the deck of the historic 1885 tall ship Wavertree. Running now through October 13 at Pier 16 (Fulton and South Streets), the 60-minute practice is open to those of all skill levels between ages 12 and up.

Each session is sprinkled with enlightening information about the vessel itself as well as thoughtful playlists “developed to reflect the serenity of the water and lively seasonal themes.”

17.  Diamonds & Rosé Experience Bravo pop-up bar

Any New Yorker who has melted their brain   by watching daylong marathons of   The Real Housewives ,   Below Deck   and   Vanderpump Rules   (guilty!) has been waiting for this day: New York is finally getting a Bravo-inspired bar. 

Now through Sunday, October 6 at Selene (11 Hanover Square),  you can sip on a Mazel Mule, a Physically Shaking Margarita or a Pumptini—that Vanderpump classic—while you recreate memorable Bravo moments in photo opps, show off your Bravo knowledge in trivia games and peruse a historical archive of real-deal Bravo artifacts.

18.  Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100

The legendary Shirley Chisholm is deservedly getting a major museum presentation courtesy of  the Museum of the City of New York and the Shirley Chisholm Project at Brooklyn College. Running through July 20, 2025, Changing the Face of Democracy: Shirley Chisholm at 100 will delve into the life and legacy of the native New Yorker and barrier-breaking politician, who was the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first woman to run for president on a major party ticket.

Marking the centennial of the late Chisholm’s birth, her first major exhibition will take over the museum's second-floor North Gallery and tell the multi-dimensional story of the American icon in three sections—Brooklyn Life, Political Career, and Legacy—using historical artifacts, photographs, archival footage, and art pieces.

19.  "Cellino V. Barnes" Off-Broadway

• Theater & Performance

You might not know who Cellino and Barnes are, but you can definitely recite their law firm's phone number by heart. 

Ross Cellino Jr. and Steve Barnes founded their personal injury law firm in Buffalo, New York back in 1998. The pair quickly rose to prominence after their distinctive jingle—"Cellino and Barnes, injury attorneys, call 1-800-888-8888"—basically turned them into Internet celebrities.

That history, including what led to the dissolution of the company, is the subject of the Off Broadway dark comedy Cellino V. Barnes , running at Asylum NYC (123 East 24th Street by Lexington Avenue) through October 13. Tickets for Cellino V. Barnes are available here . 

20.  "Survival Piece #5: Portable Orchard" at The Whitney

A grove of citrus trees growing in Manhattan’s Meatpacking District would be unusual enough. But a grove of live citrus trees growing inside a Meatpacking District   museum   is even more surprising.  

Astonishingly, 18 citrus trees are now in bloom inside the   Whitney Museum of American Art , and you can walk through the grove on the museum’s eighth floor through January 1, 2025. The exhibition, “Survival Piece #5: Portable Orchard,” was conceived in 1972 by Helen Mayer Harrison and Newton Harrison. This groundbreaking eco-art project is on view at a museum for the first time since its debut more than 50 years ago.

Over the course of the exhibition, the living sculptures will change and grow harvestable fruit that will be used in public programs.

21.  Smorgasburg

Smorgasburg , the food bazaar spectacular, is back for 2024 with dozens of great local vendors across four locations.

In fact, with more than 70 vendors, it's the largest Smorgasburg lineup since 2018!  Vendors this year will serve up  fragrant Ethiopian stews, Hawaii-style street comforts, explosive pani puri, potato puff poutine, and lots more.

Smorgasburg WTC runs on Fridays; Williamsburg is on Saturdays; and Prospect Park is on Sundays. Each location is open from 11am-6pm and operates weekly through October. 

22.  Free Yoga in Bryant Park

• Yoga & Pilates

It might seem impossible to experience tranquility in the middle of hustling, bustling Manhattan, but Bryant Park’s free yoga series presented by CALIA is aiming to achieve just that. Outdoor classes will be held all summer long through September 25 with excellent instructors. These popular classes occur Tuesday mornings at 10am on the terrace and Wednesday afternoons at 6pm on the lawn.

Though the classes are free and open to the public, make sure to   register in advance , and don't forget your yoga mat and water bottle!

23.  "Other of Pearl" on Governors Island

Ocean noise, chemical pollution, climate change and sea level rise are words that often appear in the news. But these important concepts can be hard to make sense of—or to understand at all.

That's where artist Jenny Kendler comes in. Her new exhibit, Other of Pearl , confronts these pressing environmental issues in ways that feel more accessible with stirring whale songs, incredible pearl sculptures, a crystalline whale eye cast with human tears, and more. You can see these powerful works for free on Wednesdays-Sundays from 10am-5pm now through October on Governors Island. 

Seven intimate, delicate works are displayed in the cavernous, subterranean magazine of historic Fort Jay, a star-shaped fortification built on Governors Island between 1775 and 1776. 

24.  Sample sales

• Sample sales

It's finally sweater weather—and there are no better places to go shopping than the best sample sales in NYC, where you can snag quality pieces for a fraction of their original prices.

Buy trendy shoes, top-notch clothes and beautiful furniture at a deep discount at the best sample sales in NYC this week.

25.  "The INTERnet" at INTER_

Basically a massive maze made of ropes, this new exhibit allows attendees to jump inside, climb, relax and even get lost in the whole webbed arrangement that’s comprised of 80,000 feet of handwoven rope, which is part of a 400-square-foot interactive artwork created by Treenet Collective, a net expert company. 

Find "The INTERnet" at  INTER_ , the interactive art center at 415 Broadway by Canal Street in Soho.

The installation, which accommodates 15 people at once, boasts a variety of different weaving styles, each one creating a "setting" for folks to dive into, including the "quantum leap," where guests can play in mid-air, and the "social network," a more serene space that will feel like you are floating above everyone else.

26.  Wonderland: Curious Nature at New York Botanical Garden

Sometimes you’ll feel very tall, sometimes very small, and sometimes in awe of it all at this new   New York Botanical Garden   exhibit that celebrates the magic of   Alice's Adventures in Wonderland . With a variety of botanical and artistic exhibitions throughout the Bronx garden’s 250 acres, “Wonderland: Curious Nature” encourages visitors to get “curiouser and curiouser” around every turn. 

See a massive white (well, actually green) rabbit made entirely of plants; explore an enchanting English garden with delightfully weird flora; climb through a rabbit hole; hang out in a house made of mycelium bricks; and much more at this sprawling exhibition.   Wonderland: Curious Nature   runs through October 27, 2024, and will evolve with each season.

Though it's now more than 150 years since the first publication of  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,  the delightful story with its heroic protagonist feels just as fresh as ever—especially at New York Botanical Garden with its enchanting scientific and artistic twist on the story. 

27.  True Crime Viewing Parties at Seven Sins

Most of the time, the HD TVs at Seven Sins (293 Third Avenue) are religiously tuned to sports channels but now the bar is clicking off those athletic pursuits for true-crime titillations.

Yes, if you’re warped like us and love hearing all about real-life mysteries, murders and misdeeds, check out the  Gramercy watering hole's  new summertime screening series, True Crime Tuesdays, starting at 7pm each week. And if the real stuff doesn't tickle your fancy, you can join in for scary movies every Sunday night or fictional murder mysteries on Mondays. 

28.  "Ice Cold," a hip-hop jewelry exhibit at AMNH

If you know anything about hip-hop, then you understand that it’s not just a genre of music—it’s an entire lifestyle, complete with its own lexicon, fashion and accessories. 

The  American Museum of Natural History  is going to pay homage to some of the most iconic custom-made jewelry in hip-hop history with its exhibit “ Ice Cold ,”   which is now open in celebration of the genre’s 50th anniversary. 

The exhibition will showcase jewelry from the 1980s until today and will include Slick Rick’s gem-encrusted crown, the Notorious B.I.G.’s gold ‘Jesus piece’, Nicki Minaj’s sparkling ‘Barbie’ pendant, and pieces from Erykah Badu, A$AP Rocky, Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg, and Tyler, the Creator, among many other legendary pieces of bling.

29.  "Moulin Rouge" exhibit at the Museum of Broadway

The glitz and glamour and hedonism and heartbreak of Moulin Rouge  are coming to the Museum of Broadway for a special exhibit celebrating the 10-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical. 

The new exhibit, created  exclusively for The Museum of Broadway , invites fans to step into the glamorous underworld of Belle Époque Paris. “Moulin Rouge! The Musical: Spectacular, Spectacular” runs through September 8, 2024; it’s included with museum admission.

Expect to see dazzling costumes while learning how costumers transformed sketches and swatches into eye-catching gowns and bodices fit for the Sparkling Diamond herself. You'll also see set installations—and even get a chance to sit on Satine’s luxe chaise lounge. Before you go, leave your personal mark on a heart-themed wall. 

30.  Banksy Museum

Following a slew of pop-ups and stand-alone exhibits, elusive England-based street artist Banksy is getting the New York City museum treatment: The Banksy Museum is now open at 277 Canal Street by Broadway.

The space will display over 160 works by the artist—from his instantly recognizable street art to studio pieces, videos and animated visuals—making this "the largest display of Banksy work ever seen in a single setting."

Tickets for the museum, which will be open daily from 10am to 8pm, are available right here .

31.  Torch & Crown Brewing's Union Square pop-up

Torch & Crown Brewing Company's summertime pop-up is back at Union Square Pavilion.  This year it returns not only with  locally brewed beers but also a slate of  events and programming to the open-air NYC Parks’ concession venue in Union Square Park.

32.  Rooftop Cinema Club

Take your movie-going experience to the next level this summer at Rooftop Cinema Club. The experience offers a chance to watch a movie on a Midtown rooftop with vegan popcorn, classic theater candy, and craft cocktails.

This season's rooftop movie schedule includes classics like  When Harry Met Sally ,   Dirty Dancing ,   Grease ,   Mean Girls ,   Clueless , and so much more. Also expect special programming for Star Wars day, AAPI Heritage Month, Black Music Month, and Pride Month. Plus, it’s adding a Saturday Cereal Club and Mimosas & Muffins Sundays.   Get tickets here.

33.  Pickleball at Central Park's Wollman Rink

• Sports & Fitness

Turns out, pickleball was not just a passing fad.

Doubling down on the popularity of the sport, Central Park is gearing up for the   return of the 14-court pickleball installation via CityPickle   that took over Wollman Rink last year. The experience offers players of all skill levels the chance to reserve courts or partake in open play sessions between 8am and 9pm daily.

34.  Preservation In Progress: Picturing Immigration

Are you a preservationist nerd? (Guilty!) Then head to the Museum of the City of New York’s new exhibition, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the conservation of one of the museum’s prized possessions: Samuel Bell Waugh’s monumental, 170-year-old painting, The Bay and Harbor of New York .

The exhibition explores the piece’s significance as one of the earliest depictions of immigration to the United States and welcomes the public to witness the preservation firsthand, gaining insight into the care and techniques needed to safeguard such a historical artifact. Conservator Gary McGowan will be on site, actively working on the painting in the gallery on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and visitors themselves will get the chance to interact with a variety of hands-on activities. It's on view through October 13.

35.  "Lost New York" at New-York Historical Society

There’s only one constant in New York City: Change. A new exhibit at the New-York Historical Society explores the rapid development of the city and what’s been left behind. 

The exhibit, titled Lost New York , transports viewers to a time when pigs roamed the streets, shopping was a radical act, and New Yorkers used to brave polluted waters for a swim. The exhibition also documents long-gone landmarks like the original Penn Station, Met Opera House, Chinese Theater, and Croton Reservoir. See it at the Upper West Side museum now through September 29. 

36.  "Suffs" on Broadway

• Midtown West Open run

After premiering at the Public Theatre in 2022,  Suffs  now marches to Broadway with its intrepid director, Leigh Silverman, still leading the way, and most of its principal cast intact.  These performers’ individual charisma helps deepen our understanding of the tensions that threaten their characters’ political partnership.

Suffs  is a full-throated musical call to action, and its message is neither subtle nor ambivalent: It wants to light a fire under you. But this unapologetic love letter to those who risked life and limb to get women a seat at the table is also heart-tugging, vibrant and charming. The combination is hard to resist. As our theater critic says, "It’s got my vote."

See it at the Music Box Theatre.

37.  "Aṣẹ: Afro Frequencies" at ARTECHOUSE

Digital art and poetry combine for a dive into Afrocentricity and Afrofuturism at this new immersive exhibit in Chelsea. See " Aṣẹ: Afro Frequencies " at ARTECHOUSE all summer.

The digital art exhibition promises a "vibrant reflection upon the past, present, and future of the Black experience." It's told through the perspective of London-based Afro-surrealist digital artist Vince Fraser alongside evocative poetry by ursula rucker.

Both artists worked to honor the legacy, struggles, and complexities of the Black experience in their work. Even the exhibition's title, "Aṣẹ" stems from a powerful mantra, affirmation, and philosophical belief held by the Yoruba people of West Africa, meaning "so will it be." (By the way, that's pronounced as AH-shay.)

38.  "Apollo: When We Went to the Moon" at the Intrepid Museum

“We choose to go to the Moon,” President John F. Kennedy’s voice booms through speakers welcoming visitors to the massive new Space Race-themed exhibit at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum . With archival speeches, historic documents, and incredible space equipment, the exhibit whisks visitors back to the 1960s, an era when humanity first ventured into the unknown. 

" Apollo: When We Went to the Moon " is now open at the Intrepid Museum (that's the gigantic aircraft carrier in Hell's Kitchen along the Hudson River) and runs through September 2. At 9,000 square feet, it's the largest temporary exhibit in the museum's history. Tickets are included with museum admission.

39.  The Comedy Lottery

If you're an up-and-coming comedian and want to try your luck, the comedy lottery hosted by Demetrius Fields and Austin Locke might just give you the platform you need—with a potentially big money prize attached. Every Monday at Flop House Comedy Club, hopeful comedians donate $1 to enter a lucky draw. Fifteen names are drawn and the comedian voted the best receives all the signup money plus half of ticket sales, which once added up to a whopping $238. 

40.  "Liberty the Tattooed Lady" at City Reliquary museum

For more than a century, the Statue of Liberty has offered inspiration as a beacon of freedom, equality, and democracy. And for just as long, she has also served as an inspiration for tattoo artists. 

A new exhibit at City Reliquary, a jewel box of a museum in Brooklyn's Williamsburg neighborhood, features vintage Statue of Liberty tattoos. As the first show devoted to Lady Liberty ink, it also traces tattooing history in NYC since the 1800s. " Liberty the Tattooed Lady: The Great Bartholdi Statue as Depicted in Tattooing " is now open through January 12, 2025.

The exhibition spotlights antique flash, vintage photographs, drawings, and other ephemera that show how Lady Liberty has been a popular subject in tattooing for as long as she’s stood in New York Harbor. You'll even get to see vintage tattoo art that's never been on display before.

41.  "Reanimating Theater" at the Library for the Performing Arts

See some of Broadway's most famous shows through fresh eyes at this new exhibit at the Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. The exhibition showcases lenticular prints, which appear to animate as you move around. 

"Reanimating Theater: The Photography of Friedman-Abeles," is on view through September 25, 2024. It brings to life photographs by Friedman-Abeles Studio of some of Broadway's most beloved productions from 1954-1970, like West Side Story ,  Camelot , and Bye, Bye Birdie . 

42.  "Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now" at The Rubin Museum

The Rubin Museum, that legendary building in Chelsea that has housed the largest collection of Himalayan art in the world for two decades, is permanently closing its physical space later this year. As sad as this is for New York’s culture scene, New Yorkers at least get to enjoy the museum until October, and you should definitely plan to make the most of it until then. 

The museum’s last exhibit, “Reimagine: Himalayan Art Now , ” will be an appropriate, forward-looking nod to 32 contemporary artists from the Himalayas and the Asian diaspora whose work will be shown in dialogue with objects from the museum’s existing collection.

The exhibit is open through the museum's physical closing on October 6. Expect to see 32 new commissions and work across mediums, including painting, sculpture, sound, video, performance and more.

43.  Secret Message Party at The Lavaux Wine Bar

If you’re on Foodie-Tok, chances are that you’ve come across a  video  of  The Lavaux , a romantic Swiss restaurant and wine bar in the West Village that has some of the best Swiss cheese offerings in the city. But recently, it’s gone viral on TikTok for its “Secret Message Party,” where they encourage strangers to send each other anonymous notes on Tuesday nights.

The note-passing party is the baby of general manager Christian Stemmer, who got the idea two years ago while traveling through his native Switzerland and ate at a restaurant where people were sending notes to other tables. He decided that something like that would probably do very well in New York, where most of us are starved for deeper human connection. “New Yorkers are all about new experiences,” Stemmer tells  Time Out . 

44.  The NYC Talent Show

Every Monday at 7:30pm in the Parkside Lounge on East Houston Street, the NYC Talent Show highlights unconventional talent from the worlds of comedy, music, dance, spoken word, and more. Audience members are also welcome to show their talent if they choose to participate, creating an environment that feels truly dynamic and collaborative. Tickets are $45 with a 60% off early bird discount if you buy prior to midnight the Friday before the event with the promo code PHILOPYGUS.

45.  Sip & Stitch

At Sip & Stitch, create your very own custom handbag with the guidance of purse pro Anthony Luciano. As a longtime handbag artisan and a fashion expert, Luciano will share tips and tricks for making a handbag that's perfect for your personal style. 

The lively workshops are held in Luciano’s Garment District studio, which is packed with vintage ephemera, beautiful decor, and plenty of purses to spark your inspiration. The class begins with a chance to pick a leather color and texture of your choosing—just nothing boring, as Luciano admonishes. Once that’s sorted, he’ll guide you through each step of the process, from cutting to gluing to making final touches. While the workshop is called Sip & Stitch, there’s technically no “stitching” involved, so don’t be intimidated. Even if you’re not a crafty person, Luciano and his team will make sure you leave with a handbag you’re proud to carry. 

Several workshops fall under the Sip & Stitch umbrella, from a classic handbag to a unisex option. Prices range from $175 to $275, with adult beverages and snacks provided at the higher price point. The team plays pop and disco tunes in the background, making a fun and fashionable night for all.

46.  "The Notebook" on Broadway

Nicholas Sparks's bestselling 1996 novel, which inspired a popular 2004 movie, is now also the source of an original musical by indie singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and playwright Bekah Brunstetter. The show charts a romance that begins in the 1940s, and the central is played—in different chapters of their story—by Maryann Plunkett, Dorian Harewood, Joy Woods, Ryan Vasquez, Jordan Tyson and John Cardoza; the supporting cast includes Andréa Burns.

The production, directed by Michael Greif and   Schele Williams, arrives on Broadway after a well-received 2022 run at Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

47.  Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology

Mercer Labs, Museum of Art and Technology , a new immersive museum is now open. It's the brainchild of Roy Nachum, the artist behind Rihanna’s famous 2016 “Anti” album cover, and his business partner Michael Cayre, a real estate developer. 

The 36,000-square-foot space is located at 21 Dey Street, inside the bank building that used to be part of the now-nextdoor Century 21. It's filled with room after room of immersive fun.

The first of 15 experiences, for example, will take you through a giant room equipped with 26-foot-high projectors that blast a series of images all around that will have you feel like you've just taken a swim inside the sorts of motifs that Nachum explores throughout his work. You will quite literally land inside his art pieces.

In another room, which is being branded as one of only three 4D sound studios in the world, guests are asked to wear a blindfold and lay on the floor to properly enjoy the sounds blasting out of the 36 speakers that are embedded under the elevated floor.

48.  Crash and Burn comedy show

If you're looking for some good laughs in Bushwick while sticking to a budget, then your best bet is to head to Starr Bar's free stand up comedy shows every Wednesday at 10pm. Hosts James Donlon, Aditya Mayya, and Paddy DeFino will showcase new sets of comedians every week with no cover charge, drink minimum or ticket fee. 

49.  Chamber Magic

• Circuses & magic
• Midtown East Open run

There's a reason Chamber Magic has remained a staple in NYC's magic scene for more than two decades: It dazzles, show after show, with tricks that'll still leave you awestruck days later. 

The charming Steve Cohen, billed as the Millionaires’ Magician, conjures high-class parlor magic in the marble-columned Madison Room at the swank Lotte New York Palace. Dress to be impressed (cocktail attire is required); tickets start at $125, with an option to pay more for meet-and-greet time and extra tricks with Cohen after the show. If you've come to see a classic-style magic act, you get what you pay for.

Sporting a tuxedo and bright rust hair, the magician delivers routines that he has buffed to a patent-leather gleam: In addition to his signature act—"Think-a-Drink," involving a kettle that pours liquids by request—highlights include a lulu of levitation trick and a card-trick finale that leaves you feeling like, well, a million bucks.

50.  BoogieManja: A Sketch Comedy Collective

Support up-and-coming sketch comedians as they perform a medley of new sketches at this show at The PIT. The show's called "BoogieManja: A Sketch Comedy Collective" and it promises an hour of sketch comedy that changes every show. 

BoogieManja performs on most Wednesdays. Performers include Nothing Bagel,  Both Hands, The Right Stuff, Attainable Crush, EZ Pass,  and Cliff Hanger.

51.  "Thank You Darling" at The High Line

A pastel-hued floral mural with a feminist message is the newest addition to the High Line. Titled “Thank You Darling,” this mural by Dutch artist Lily van der Stokker celebrates the playful, feminine realm often overlooked or derided in our culture. 

"Van der Stokker’s work, which she has referred to as 'feminist conceptual pop art,' is undeniably joyful and positive. However, it often simultaneously speaks to weighty themes—aging, health, and, more generally, the lived experience of being a woman within patriarchal structures," a press release from High Line Art explains.

Her installation for the High Line continues this practice for a wide public audience, offering a sweet expression of gratitude to the millions of passersby and inhabitants of nearby buildings. Find the words THANK YOU DARLiNG (with that capitalization) on the side of a building adjacent to the High Line at 22nd Street.

With the word "darling" styled in bright yellow bubble letters, the mural seems to reach out to personally thank every single person who sees it. Check it out through November 2024.

52.  Live At the Inn!

Head to a beloved West Village music shop for a banging musical comedy blowout every Friday night. This variety show mixes music, comedy, and characters with appearances by Stephen Sihelnik (NY Comedy Festival), Natan Badalov (Adult Swim), Alexander Payne (Netflix), and surprise guests.

Fun fact: The event's set in New York's oldest continually-run music and record store, Music Inn World Instruments. It's been in operation since 1958 and has been heavily featured in the first two seasons of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel."

Show up early, save a seat and BYOB: You're in for a party.

53.  Sinister Secrets of the Seaport walking tour

Beneath the cobblestone streets of the Seaport, secrets hid underground for decades—until now, that is. A new walking tour led by the South Street Seaport Museum unearths the neighborhood's freaky and fascinating facts.

The museum's "Sinister Secrets of the Seaport" whisks visitors back in time for a 90-minute walking tour full of true crime tales about theft, organized crime, murder and even pirates.   Tours are available  for $30-$40/adult. Whether you're a true crime buff or you're just always in the Halloween spirit, these tours make for a memorable afternoon in a historic neighborhood. 

The tour takes on the scandalous, dubious and sinister tales lurking throughout this historic district. While many stories come from the area's crime heyday in the 1800s, some stories stretch back to the 1790s and others up to the 1990s. It's grim subject matter, of course, but it's delivered in a lighthearted way. You'll never see the Seaport in the same way again.

54.  NYSCI's Big Bubble Experiment

Beautiful, buoyant, beguiling bubbles are back at the New York Hall of Science (NYSCI)  in Queens. The beloved bubbles exhibit, which has been closed for five years, will return bigger, better and bubblier than ever.

The Big Bubble Experiment encourages kids of all ages to experiment and discover through the joy of playing with bubbles. That includes blowing, stretching, popping and looking closely to see what happens at each move. 

The exhibit features 10 stations, each one with different tools and methods for exploring bubble solution.

55.  The Secret World of Elephants at AMNH

Majestic, incredible elephants are getting the spotlight in a new exhibit at The American Museum of Natural History. "The Secret World of Elephants" showcases both modern and ancient elephants, offering visitors a chance to see a full-scale model of a woolly mammoth, learn about what elephants eat, touch an elephant's tooth, listen to elephant calls and more.

The exhibition is now open in the museum’s LeFrak Family Gallery. An additional ticket is required to visit the exhibit; museum members can visit for free.

56.  "Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark" at Museum of Jewish Heritage

Eighty years ago, as World War II raged on, Danish citizens worked together to ferry 7,000 Jewish people to safety, keeping them out of concentration camps. 

Now, New York City’s   Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust  is commemorating that anniversary, known as one of the most effective examples of mass resistance in modern history. " Courage to Act: Rescue in Denmark ," the museum’s first exhibition developed for elementary-age students, is now open.

The exhibit focuses on themes of separation, bravery and resilience to help children ages 9+ reflect on the dangers of prejudice and on their own potential for courageous collective action. 

57.  Book-a-bath at LUSH Spa

• Weird & Wonderful

In New York City, it can be hard to find an apartment with a nice bathtub you'd actually want to soak in. Heck, it can be hard to find an apartment where the shower isn't in a closet in the living room (ahem,   this $1.25 million StreetEasy listing ).

But now cosmetics company LUSH is solving that very New York problem with a new book-a-bath service just launched this week. In addition to indulgent baths,   LUSH Spa Lexington   also offers massage treatments and facials, creating a calming oasis near hectic midtown. Find the newly opened spa on the Upper East Side at Lexington Avenue and East 61st Street.

Given the fact that LUSH invented the bath bomb, they’re pros when it comes to bathing. For the book-a-bath experience, head through the store and climb the stairs to the spa. Inside a petite pink-and-white bathroom, a clawfoot tub beckons. Before your bath, a staff member will prepare the water with a Snow Fairy bath bomb, which creates glittery pastel pink water. Plus, they’ll offer a fresh face mask tailored for your skin, a curated playlist and a cup of vegan hot chocolate. 

58.  Lobby Comedy

Running every Monday since 2014 —which might make it the longest-running bar show in Brooklyn, but don’t quote them (except we just did)—Lobby Comedy brings together a curated and very funny lineup of international and national touring comedians as well as up-and-coming local acts.

Co-hosted by real-life BFFs and stand-up comics Matt Pavich and Dan Davies, the weekly series is currently held at Williamsburg’s Freehold bar. Grab a booth or a cozy armchair, enjoy the espresso martini that comes with every $10 ticket (and considering that espresso martinis alone are well worth more than $10, consider it a very good deal!) and sit back for 90 minutes of fresh comedy.

"All you have to do is show-up and laugh your *** off," organizers promise. 

59.  Louis Armstrong House Museum

America’s first Black popular music icon is getting his due with a massive new center that houses a 60,000-piece collection and a venue for live music, lectures and screenings.

NYC’s Louis Armstrong House Museum has now opened its new facility, the Louis Armstrong Center—and it’s a big deal!

The space acts as a permanent home for the 60,000-piece Louis Armstrong Archive (the world’s largest for a jazz musician containing photos, recordings, manuscripts, letters & mementos) and a 75-seat venue for performances, lectures, films, and educational experiences, according to a release.

The Center and the historic house are now open to the public Thursdays through Saturdays. Tickets can be purchased at   louisarmstronghouse.org.  Tours have limited capacity, so book in advance.

60.  MoMA Before Hours Tour

On a typical visit to the Museum of Modern Art , crowds surround the most precious paintings, and it can be tough to squeeze your way in for a photo, let alone to admire the artwork’s brushstrokes. But now, thanks to these new exclusive tours by GetYourGuide , you can get in before the museum opens for a guided tour of amazing artwork. 

The new MoMA Before Hours Tour with Art Expert is now available. Tickets are on sale here for $99/person. Few New York City experiences compare to the absolute thrill of gazing at famed works of art uninterrupted for as long as you like.  

61.  The House of Cannabis, NYC’s weed museum

Many museums start with some kind of orientation, like a map or remarks from a docent. But not The House of Cannabis (a.k.a. THC NYC), the new weed museum now open in Soho. Instead, this museum starts, quite fittingly, with a trippy “Disorientation Room.”

While the museum boasts plenty of mind-bending multi-sensory bells and whistles, it also showcases art, highlights science and confronts the social justice issues baked into cannabis prosecution. The museum, the first of its kind at this scale, packs every inch of its four-story, 25,000-square-foot space at 427 Broadway with fascinating facts and delightful immersive experiences fit to entertain both tokers and non-smokers alike. Tickets ($45/adult)  are on sale now .

62.  The Free Black Women’s Library in Brooklyn

Find your latest read at  The Free Black Women’s Library , a new free library in Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy neighborhood, which also serves as a social art project, a reading room, a co-working space and a community gathering center. The library "celebrates the brilliance, diversity and imagination of Black women and Black non-binary authors." All 5,000 books in the library's collection are written by Black women and non-binary authors.

Here's how it works: Anybody can visit the space to read, work or hang out. If you want to take a book home, simply bring a book written by a Black woman or Black non-binary author, and you can trade. Whether you decide to bring the book back after you're done reading or keep it for your collection is up to you.

The library is currently open four days per week (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday) at 226 Marcus Garvey Boulevard. In addition to offering a space to read or work, the library has also hosts a book club, art shows and workshops on topics like writing, drawing, poetry, painting and sewing. All are welcome. 

63.  Outdoor art in NYC

• Contemporary art

New York City is full of free outdoor art that you don't even have to go to a museum to see. Sculptures, murals and photographs can be found in its parks, sidewalks and on its buildings! 

An outdoor artwalk makes for a perfect fall activity, and there's no shortage of art to check out right now. Best of all, it costs you nothing to pay a visit.

64.  Bonsai Bar

The name really says it all: Make bonsai in a bar! These teeny tiny trees are the definition of "happy little trees." 

The pros from Bonsai Bar will teach you the fundamental skills and techniques behind the art of bonsai while you sip your drink and have some fun with your friends. The teachers will also help you as you pot, prune and design your very own bonsai tree. 

Bonsai Bar events pop up all over the city at locations like Brooklyn Brewery, the Bronx Brewery and SingleCut Beersmiths Queens Taproom.

65.  NYPL's free exhibit of rare artifacts

The New York Public Library dug through its expansive and centuries-spanning archive to stage an impressive free exhibition filled with cultural artifacts. " The Polonsky Exhibition of New York Public Library’s Treasures"  spans 4,000 years of history and includes a wide range of history-making pieces, including the only surviving letter from Christoper Columbus announcing his “discovery” of the Americas to King Ferdinand’s court and the first Gutenberg Bible brought over to the Americas.

New treasures were just added to the exhibit this fall, including a  signed, first edition copy of "Passing" by Nella Larsen, a selection of manuscript pages from "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot, and a miniature early 19th-century Qur’an, produced in Turkey.

66.  Swingers NoMad

Swingers NoMad , a "crazy mini-golf course" and entertainment complex straight from London, offers three nine-hole golf courses across 23,000 square feet under 20-foot-high ceilings.

"Crazy golf" is a British spin on mini-golf, but it's for a 21-and-over audience since craft cocktails are served by caddies on the course. Take your pick from six cocktail bars with signature classic cocktails, as well as 12 cocktails created specifically for Swingers NoMad. Plus, you can rent private rooms, check out an opulent clubhouse and enjoy four gourmet street food vendors—Sauce Pizzeria, Miznon, Fonda and Mah Ze Dahr Bakery.

For the holiday season, Swingers is offering a fun twist on the festivities: Spin a Naughty-or-Nice Prize Wheel to decide whether you're ordering the "Naughty" Sex on the Green shot or the "Nice" Festive Dessert. In addition to the game, there's also seasonal decor and even more holiday drinks.

67.  Ambush Comedy

Join Josh Johnson (Comedy Central's The Daily Show ), Lucas Connolly (Comedy Central), and Brittany Cardwell (Drule, New York Comedy Fest) for stacked lineups of top comics from NYC and beyond every Wednesday at 7:30pm. 

Plus you can enjoy free beer from 7:30 to 8pm  and there's a pizza raffle if you RSVP. What's not to love? Show up to Two Boots Williamsburg for the show.

68.  Artshack Cafe

Artshack Cafe  offers everything on its menu on ceramic pieces made in-house. What’s more, according to an official statement by the cafe, patrons are asked to “help reduce waste by bringing their own cups.” Looking for a coffee to-go? Expect it served in a ceramic to-go cup. The cafe is part of  Artshack Brooklyn , a community-based ceramics studio that offers both free and subsidized programming for adults and children alike. In addition to not using single-use products, standout features of the Bed-Stuy cafe at 1129 Bedford Avenue by Monroe Street include an anti-racism library and a number of chairs shaped like bunnies that will make anyone’s selected orders from chef Silvia Barban’s menu taste that much better.

69.  Subterranean Date Night at The Django

Descend into The Django (l2 6th Avenue, The Roxy Hotel, Cellar Level) and you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world. The subterranean jazz club, with its vaulted ceilings and exposed brick walls, was modeled after the boîtes of Paris. The venue consists of two cocktail bars, an open dining space, and a stage for live performances with a state-of-the-art sound system. The Django offers a full dinner menu and handcrafted cocktails, all partnered with a brilliant entertainment lineup. Check out the schedule here .

70.  The full New York Aquarium

Superstorm Sandy devastated New York City, destroying homes and businesses, but it also flooded the New York Aquarium so badly that parts of it have been closed to the public for the past decade. Now, after completely rebuilding these galleries with help from FEMA, New York State and New York City, NY Aquarium is open in full—you can see all of it—"Spineless," the PlayQuarium, "Ocean Wonders: Sharks!" Glover’s Reef, the Conservation Hall, the Sea Cliffs, the Aquatheater, the Seaside Café and more.

71.  Date Night at The Met Museum

• Sex and dating
• Sex & Dating

The Metropolitan Museum of Art 's "Date Nights" give visitors an opportunity to become acquainted with artwork with informal drop-in gallery chats, listen in on gorgeous live music and sip on yummy cocktails.

"Date Nights" are held every Friday and Saturday night in the American Wing Café from 5pm to 9pm. Make it a night out with The Met's  buy-one-get-one drink special and snack on light bites in the American Wing Café. More details can be found at  metmuseum.org/datenight . 

There's literally no excuse not to go—the date nights come with museum admission, which is always  pay-what-you-wish for New York State residents and NY, NJ, and CT students with valid ID . And this time, advance tickets are not required. 

72.  QC NY Spa on Governors Island

The luxurious Italian wellness spa QC NY  has opened to the public, bringing the elegance and rejuvenation of a European spa to Governors Island, but with New York City flavor. It's immediately clear when you enter the spa that it was made to feel like home. From its cozy reception area decorated with custom-made furniture from Italy to its welcoming relaxation spaces with plush leather chairs and massive pillows you can sprawl out on, it feels like you're staying at a retreat with New York Harbor views. Since it's on the edge of the island, a short walk from Soissons Landing, looking out the windows offers gorgeous blue water views and glimpses of the city skyline. Because of its layout, the spa feels secluded from the rest of the island. Click through to read more about the new spa.

73.  A self-guided literary walking tour of Brooklyn

A new audio tour by the Brooklyn Public Library seeks to explore the lives of the characters and authors that call the borough home in fiction and in real life. From Patti Smith to Biggie Smalls, Howard Zinn to Tanwi Nandini Islam, the guide covers a total of 16 writers over eight miles of Brooklyn. You can also expect to stop at important public libraries the likes of Washington Irving and Clinton Hill, which, according to an official press release, "played an important role in the lives of the featured author[s]." Expect the entire tour, which can virtually start off from anywhere in Brooklyn, to take at least two hours to complete, depending on how many stops you wish to make along the way.

Looking for more things to do?

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NYC events calendar for 2024

Want to know what’s happening in New York today, this weekend or in the coming months? Use our NYC events calendar for 2024 as your guide to find the best things to do around town.

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