Things To Do In Dumbo Nyc: A Travel Guide

Dumbo, an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a vibrant waterfront neighborhood located in Brooklyn, New York City. It is bordered by the East River, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the upscale Vinegar Hill neighborhood. In recent years, Dumbo has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists, who flock to the area for its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and its plethora of trendy restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.

A Brief History of Dumbo

Dumbo’s history is closely intertwined with the development of the Brooklyn Bridge. In the 19th century, Dumbo was a small fishing village on the East River, but by the early 20th century it had become an industrial area and many warehouses were built along the waterfront. As the Brooklyn Bridge began to take shape in the late 19th century, many of these warehouses were abandoned and the area fell into a state of disrepair.

In the 1980s, however, developers began transforming the area into an upscale residential and commercial district. The area was rebranded as “Dumbo” in the early 2000s and has since become a top destination for tourists looking to explore one of New York City’s most vibrant waterfront neighborhoods.

What to Do in Dumbo Nyc

From its stunning views of Manhattan to its trendy restaurants and boutiques, Dumbo has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or an immersive art experience, here are some of the top things to do in Dumbo NYC:

Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park

As one of New York City’s most iconic parks, Brooklyn Bridge Park is an essential stop for any trip to Dumbo. The park spans 85 acres, with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and plenty of open green space for picnicking and sunbathing. The park also contains several playgrounds for children, as well as kayak and canoe launches along the waterfront.

Walk Across the Brooklyn Bridge

One of New York City’s most iconic landmarks, the Brooklyn Bridge is a must-visit when in Dumbo. Take a leisurely stroll across the iconic bridge and admire the stunning views of Manhattan and Brooklyn from the wooden walkways. You can also opt to cycle across the bridge if you want a more active experience.

Taste the Craft Brews at Brooklyn Brewery

Located in a former factory building in Dumbo, Brooklyn Brewery is one of New York City’s most popular craft beer destinations. The brewery offers a range of award-winning ales, lagers, and ciders, as well as food pairings and tours that provide insight into the brewing process.

Immerse Yourself in Art at St. Ann’s Warehouse

St. Ann’s Warehouse is located in Dumbo’s Tobacco Warehouse building, a national historic landmark that was once used to store tobacco from nearby Brooklyn Navy Yard. Today, it houses a theater that hosts a wide range of performances from music concerts to plays and art exhibitions. St. Ann’s Warehouse is also home to a cafe and outdoor seating area with spectacular views of Manhattan.

Sample Local Cuisine at Vinegar Hill House

Vinegar Hill House is a cozy neighborhood eatery located in Dumbo’s Vinegar Hill neighborhood. The restaurant offers seasonal American cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients and farm-to-table dishes. The menu features dishes such as roasted beets with yogurt and pumpkin seeds, crispy skate wing with brown butter and capers, and wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh toppings.

Popular Tours to Book in Dumbo Nyc

In addition to exploring Dumbo’s sights and attractions on your own, there are also several popular tours you can book to get a more immersive experience of the area. Here are two popular tours you can book in Dumbo NYC:

Brooklyn Bridge Tour

Experience one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks on this guided tour of the Brooklyn Bridge. You’ll explore the bridge’s history and learn about its construction while taking in stunning views of Lower Manhattan from atop its wooden walkway. You’ll also have a chance to explore the streets of Dumbo and hear stories from the locals about life in this vibrant waterfront neighborhood. You can book this tour.

Dumbo Food Tour

Discover Dumbo’s culinary offerings on this guided food tour of the neighborhood’s top eateries. Your tour guide will introduce you to local chefs and restaurateurs who will share stories about their unique cuisine while you sample their dishes. You’ll explore New York’s culinary culture while tasting artisanal dishes such as wood-fired pizza and fresh seafood prepared with locally-sourced ingredients. You can book this tour.

Conclusion

As one of New York City’s most vibrant waterfront neighborhoods, Dumbo is filled with attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers. From exploring Brooklyn Bridge Park and taking a leisurely stroll across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge to tasting local cuisine at Vinegar Hill House and immersing yourself in art at St. Ann’s Warehouse, there’s something for everyone in this charming corner of Brooklyn. And for an even more immersive experience, you can book one of Dumbo’s popular tours such as the Brooklyn Bridge Tour or Dumbo Food Tour – both sure to provide a unique perspective on this captivating neighborhood.