Waterfront parks, charming cobblestone streets, and an exciting art and food scene are just a few of the things that make Dumbo a top neighborhood to explore in Brooklyn. It’s a tiny neighborhood, covering only 25 blocks and home to 1,000 residents, but it has no shortage of unique things to do.
Although it’s now one of New York’s most attractive neighborhoods (and an Instagrammable hotspot), it was long a manufacturing district. As you explore the neighborhood, you’ll notice how the warehouses have been creatively repurposed into apartments, offices, stores, and restaurants.
This neighborhood is a must-see and today, we’re sharing exactly what to do in Dumbo. Let’s jump into it!
1. Manhattan Bridge View
If you’ve seen a picture of Brooklyn, Dumbo, or even New York City, chances are you’ll have seen this image. This is the heart of Dumbo and where you can very literally understand its name which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass.
It’s located on the corner of Washington & Front Street and an Instagram hot spot, maybe even the most photographed spot in all of New York City. Whether you come during the day or at night, it’s certainly worth the view.
POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 3-Day New York Itinerary For A Long Weekend
2. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is an 85-acre park that runs along Brooklyn’s side of the East River (for Manhattan folks, it’s the Brooklyn version of the West Side Highway). There’s a lot to do – from dedicated areas to play frisbee, soccer, and basketball, to kayaking spots and even a beach where you can dip your toes!
3. Grimaldi’s & Juliana’s Pizza
New Yorkers don’t take their pizza lightly and Dumbo is recognized for two pizza places: Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s which were both opened by Pasquale “Patsy” Grimaldi.
As the story goes, Grimaldi opened Grimaldi’s in 1990 and later sold the business to Frank Ciolli. Ciolli has operated Grimaldi’s ever since but moved the business next door at some point due to a dispute with the landlord.
Grimaldi reportedly regretted the decision to sell Grimaldi’s and in 2011, he debuted his new pizza restaurant, Juliana’s, which ironically is located in the original Grimaldi’s location.
The two pizza places have been pitted against each other for the better part of the decade but one thing is for sure, they both serve up a stellar pie.
4. Movie at the Park
Looking for what to do in Dumbo during the summer months? How about an outdoor movie? On Thursdays, the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy hosts free movie nights on Harbor View Lawn. Grab your friends, bring a picnic dinner, and watch the sunset over the Manhattan skyline as the movie begins.
5. % Arabica Coffee
% Arabica is a minimalist Japanese coffee shop that serves up amazing coffee and pastries. Its large arched windows offer a great view over the waterfront. This is a great spot to spend an hour reading a book, journaling, or just people-watching!
6. Brooklyn Flea
If you visit Dumbo on the weekend, you have to visit Brooklyn Flea, one of New York’s largest and most popular flea markets. With over 80 vendors, it’s a treasure trove for vintage clothing, art, home goods, furniture, and more. The market is open every Sunday between April through October from 10am to 5pm. People flock from all over the city to check out this market, so come early if you can.
7. Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge
Get a rooftop view of the skyline at Harriet’s Rooftop & Lounge. It’s the best year-round rooftop spot in Dumbo, with an open roof deck in the summer and a glassed-in lounge during the winter (so keep this in mind if you’re looking for what to do in Dumbo in the winter). Their menu of cocktails and bites won’t disappoint!
POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 17 Indoor Things To Do In New York City On Cold Or Rainy Days
8. Jane’s Carousel
Don’t miss Jane’s Carousel, a prize-winning carousel located on the Dumbo waterfront. It was originally built in Ohio in 1922 but was relocated to Manhattan, where it was painstakingly restored to its original condition before it opened to the public in 2011.
The carousel is a work of art and will impress any age. It’s set in a beautiful glass pavilion to prevent it from any weather decay. Truly a marvel! And a ride on this historic carousel is only $2.
took decades to restore and now charm the waterfront from within a Jean Nouvel-designed transparent cube.
9. Time Out Food Market
If you’re feeling hungry, head to Time Out Market, a food hall with over 21 eateries and 3 bars. You can eat through the world here and check out outposts of some of the best New York restaurants, including Clinton Street Baking Co., Sugar Hill Creamery, Fornino Pizza, Jacob’s Pickle’s, Pat LaFrieda, and Ess-A-Bagel.
This sprawling market covers two floors and has a spectacular view of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline on the upper level.
10. The River Cafe
Check out The River Cafe, an elegant spot for a romantic dinner. This is a restaurant you’ll want to remember for a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or to pop the question. It’s located right under the Brooklyn Bridge and has a stunning view of the Manhattan skyline.
POSTS YOU MAY LIKE: 11 Most Romantic Restaurants In New York City
11. Shopping
Hit the shops at some of the most iconic spots in Dumbo:
- Berl’s Brooklyn Poetry Shop: New York’s only all-poetry store
- Front General Store: curated home goods, stationery, and vintage clothing
- Blackbarn Shop: eclectic home-goods
- Jacques Torres Chocolate: world-famous chocolate
12. St. Ann’s Warehouse
St. Ann’s Warehouse is a former tobacco warehouse that’s been transformed into a theater – talk about a glow-up! At this theater, you can catch innovative performances which are putting Dumbo on the map, like the 2018 presentation of the musical Oklahoma!, which made it to the Broadway stage.
13. Powerhouse Arena
Powerhouse Arena is a quirky spot with a little bit of everything. It’s part bookstore, boutique, and gallery, and it has an event space as well. It’s aptly named a laboratory for creative thought. Whether or not you’re a book lover, a visit to Powerhouse Arena will leave you inspired.
As you can see, Dumbo is a vibrant and exciting neighborhood to explore. We hope this list of what to do in Dumbo has inspired you to plan a visit!