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The Guide to Visiting DUMBO, Brooklyn

What is DUMBO Brooklyn you ask? DUMBO is an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. Located on the waterfront perimeter of Brooklyn, this industrial-turned-residential neighborhood’s cobblestone streets and views of Manhattan have people flocking there to explore and take pictures. Keep reading our guide to visiting DUMBO so you can, too.

Old Fulton Plaza

For a little bit of DUMBO’s history make sure you stop at Old Fulton Plaza. Positioned at the main entrance of Brooklyn Bridge Park, here you will find panoramic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Come here for famous pizza along with its stunning views. 

Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory 

Who doesn’t love ice cream? Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is a staple in the city. Its original location was a converted 1922 firehouse at 1 Water Street. It is now open across the street at 14 Old Fulton Street. Often called “the best ice cream in New York” all of its ice cream and hot fudge are freshly made. 

Washington Street 

If you look up DUMBO on Google or Instagram you will see tons of pictures of Washington Street and the iconic view that it offers—The Manhattan Bridge with the New York City skyline in the background. Tree-lined cobblestone streets bring you back in time and are an interesting juxtaposition as you gaze at the Manhattan bridge and skyline. When you are walking on Washington Street you can’t help but feel inspired. Due to this spot’s popularity, it can become crowded. If you are serious about seeing the view (uninterrupted) make sure you get there at sunrise or right after sunrise when it is less crowded. 

Brooklyn Bridge

Walking over the Brooklyn Bridge is a New York rite of passage. According to the Department of Transportation more than 10,000 pedestrians cross the bridge daily. The walk is about a mile long so you’re looking at anywhere from 30- to 60 minutes of walking time depending on your pace. To walk across you will use the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway. After catching the view on Washington Street, head to the staircase located in the underpass on Washington Street/Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street. At over 100 years old, the bridge opened to the public in 1883 and will forever be cemented in the history of New York City. 

Did you know that DUMBO was originally called Fulton Landing? The area was renamed DUMBO by fearful residents in the 1970s who wanted to deter real estate brokers and gentrification. However, they couldn’t stop fate. This acronym actually did the opposite, becoming a trendy term. Instagram is filled with pictures of tourists posing on Washington Street (where you can see views of the Manhattan Bridge). Subsequently, DUMBO is now the most expensive neighborhood in Brooklyn. 

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