DUMBO

Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass is a thriving neighbourhood of artistic activity and tech startups.

TravelCurious Tip

Be greedy: try both Juliana’s Pizza and Grimaldi’s Pizza. These two joints usually duke it out for the accolade of best pizza in DUMBO. Be your own judge!

DUMBO, short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a neighbourhood in the borough of Brooklyn. The unflattering acronym was adopted by local artists in 1978 in the hope that it would help deter developers. But to no avail: today it is a start-up haven and Brooklyn’s most expensive neighbourhood. Although the cheap lofts may be long gone, the legacy of art lives on. Keep your eyes open as you walk by the windows of graffitied warehouses and you may glimpse a sculptor at work.


With its waterfront access, thriving art scene and architecture that’s at once rough and charming, its no surprise that DUMBO has become one of Brooklyn’s most sought after neighbourhoods. It’s a perfect place to get a little lost: the area is awash with all the amenities that follow gentrification. You’ll be spoilt for choice with DUMBO’s French bakeries, independent bookstores, designer boutiques, edgy galleries and outstanding restaurants.


Starving artists

They may have existed here in the past, but probably no longer: DUMBO is home to some of the finest restaurants and food shops in New York. Take Juliana’s Pizza on Old Fulton Street — recently voted the best Pizza joint in America according to Trip Advisor, its buffalo mozzarella and smoky coal-oven flavours are not to be missed. If that’s not enough, make a trip to Jacques Torres Chocolate. There you will find a Willy Wonka emporium, replete with seasonal sweets and a Mexican style hot chocolate with ground chilli peppers. That ought to keep the winter cold at bay.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in New York
Brooklyn Bridge
New York's iconic 19th century bridge is an awesome industrial achievement, and a symbol of American optimism.
Time Out Market
The Time Out Food Market is inside the historic Empire Stores and has over 20 places from which you can choose local fare.
Main Street Park
See some spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan from DUMBO's waterfront park.
The Clocktower Building
See the first building converted from its industrial past into luxury apartments and condos.
Brooklyn Bridge Park
A modern park built on historic foundations that affords magnificent waterfront views of Lower Manhattan.
Brooklyn Heights
Originally Brooklyn Village, this historic neighborhood is now a beautiful and affluent residential area.

Related Tours

Brooklyn Bridge & DUMBO: Private New York Half-Day Walking Tour

Enjoy a fascinating and scenic walking tour of NYC’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge and vibrant DUMBO area (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Connecting Long Island and Manhattan since 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has become a globally recognised symbol of New York. 

On your private half-day walking tour, you will:

  • Begin your tour in Manhattan, near City Hall Park which leads onto the famous Brooklyn Bridge
  • Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge into Brooklyn, while your guide tells you the bridge’s unique history; 
  • Enjoy spectacular views of New York’s skyline and waterfront;
  • Step off the bridge into DUMBO - an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass;
  • Enjoy a fascinating walking tour of this previously neglected area that has enjoyed investment and rejuvenation in recent years, becoming one of NYC’s trendiest areas;
  • Capture the iconic photograph of the Brooklyn Bridge through the brick buildings;
  • Explore the artsy and vibrant area of DUMBO, famous for its cobblestone streets and warehouses converted into trendy galleries, restaurants, and theatre spaces
  • See Jane’s Carousel built in 1922, a 48-horse merry-go-round and a famous landmark;
  • Wander through pretty Main Street Park with its nautical theme and gorgeous views of the Manhattan skyline and Brooklyn Bridge; 
  • See the famous Clock Tower now a set of upmarket apartments - the Clock Tower penthouse sold for $15 million;
  • Finish your tour at the trendy Time Out Market, filled with eateries and bars, where your guide will help you get your bearings and point out the best of the local food offering.

Enjoy a scenic walking tour over Brooklyn Bridge, and explore the trendy area of Dumbo with its quaint cobblestone streets and former warehouse buildings converted into galleries, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and theatre spaces. Enjoy incredible views, historic landmarks and a thriving foodie scene. 

Begin your tour in the heart of Manhattan and enjoy a truly spectacular stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge with its breathtaking views over New York Harbour and that world-famous skyline of Manhattan’s skyscrapers

Your expert private guide will tell you the fascinating history of the bridge and give you ample time to photograph Manhattan, Brooklyn, and New York Harbour. 

You will hear about the origins of the ferry and travel across the East River, learn about the politics behind the building of the bridge, the complications around its construction, as well as the stories of designers and immigrant builders who made the project happen.

From the promenade, you will walk down to the ferry landing area and explore a small part of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). Formerly a manufacturing and industrial district, the area suffered from economic decline and eventually fell into disrepair. 

Fortunately, due to a renewed appreciation for the architecture of the area and sizable investment, the once-vacant factory lofts have now become very attractive destinations for artists and creatives alike. 

DUMBO has been transformed into a lively Brooklyn neighbourhood, boasting many art galleries and high-end boutiques, pizzerias, a scenic waterfront and characterful cobblestone streets lined with historical architecture. 

Your tour finishes at the Time Out Market, where you can enjoy some of the best of Brooklyn’s food scene.

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