DUMBO: Brooklyn’s iconic neighborhood
DUMBO is a Brooklyn neighborhood facing New York's Financial District. A vibrant, highly photogenic destination you won't want to miss!
What to Know About DUMBO
- DUMBO is a neighborhood in the northeastern part of Brooklyn. It borders the East River and faces the Financial District directly across the water. This strategic location is home to two of New York’s most famous bridges: the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
- DUMBO stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. The name is a playful nod to Disney‘s flying elephant.
- Before adopting its current name in 1978, the neighborhood went by several other names: Rapailie, Olympia, and Gairville. Until the late 1970s, it was heavily industrial, filled with warehouses and factories. Back then, you wouldn’t have thought to take a stroll here.
- Since the late 1970s, DUMBO has transformed completely. Warehouses became artist lofts, galleries, and residential apartments. Shops, restaurants, cafés, and bars followed. Today, DUMBO is one of New York’s trendiest neighborhoods. The transformation continues, with major brands, concept stores, and upscale developments arriving regularly. Yet the neighborhood retains its industrial character through cobblestone streets and brick buildings—an atmosphere you won’t find elsewhere in New York.
What to See in DUMBO
- Start with the Brooklyn Bridge, New York’s most iconic bridge. It connects Manhattan and Brooklyn. Nearby stands the imposing Manhattan Bridge, which links Brooklyn to Chinatown.
- At the foot of both bridges lies Brooklyn Bridge Park, a waterfront park built in 2010 along the East River. It’s one of the city’s most photogenic spots: you can capture the Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, and Manhattan’s skyline all in one frame. This park is a favorite location for our photo shoots in New York.
- DUMBO offers another iconic photo spot. Head to Washington Street to photograph the Empire State Building framed by a pillar of the Manhattan Bridge. This view became famous from the poster of the classic film Once Upon a Time in America, starring Robert De Niro. If you love film locations in New York, this is a must. You’ll often spot film crews working in the neighborhood’s streets.
- The neighborhood has plenty of restaurants and bars to explore. Time Out Market is a great choice, offering every type of cuisine. Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan. The rooftop at 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, located right at the base of the bridge, is also excellent.
- To make the most of the neighborhood, consider joining a guided tour that covers DUMBO. You’ll get detailed insights and can ask questions as you explore. DUMBO is also the starting point for bike tours of Brooklyn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to DUMBO?
From Manhattan, you have several options. Take the F subway line to York Street station. Alternatively, take the A-C line to High Street station. If you don’t mind a walk, take the 2-3 line to Clark Street station and head through Brooklyn Heights, a neighborhood overlooking New York Harbor.
What films have been shot in DUMBO?
DUMBO is best known for Once Upon a Time in America. But many other films have been shot here: The French Connection, Three Days of the Condor with Robert Redford, and Coming to America with Eddie Murphy. The destruction scenes of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge appear in I Am Legend with Will Smith. In 2001, Vanilla Sky with Penélope Cruz and Tom Cruise used DUMBO as a filming location. The neighborhood also doubles as Gotham City in the Netflix series Gotham.
DUMBO in Photos
