Neighborhood: DUMBO
Population: 42,517 people; population density 47,101 people per square mile (Brooklyn: 34,917 people per square mile)
Adjacent Neighborhoods: Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Fulton Ferry, Vinegar Hill
Public Transit: F (York St.), A/C (High St.); East River Ferry (Fulton Landing)
What’s Here?: Art meets technology on the cobblestone streets of DUMBO, a family-friendly neighborhood that is both historic and cutting edge. Located along the Brooklyn waterfront, just one subway stop from lower Manhattan, DUMBO feels like a tucked-away gem, yet it’s quite accessible.
See the city from a fresh perspective by walking or biking across the Brooklyn or Manhattan Bridge, or ride the water ferry (the East River Ferry to Fulton Landing also stops at Governor’s Island, Wall Street, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, and E. 34th St. in Manhattan). Head to Grimaldi’s, a legendary pizzeria where the line is always out the door, or celebrate a special occasion at The River Café, a posh waterfront restaurant. Order a perfect iced coffee at Brooklyn Roasting Co. Stop by the irresistible Jacques Torres Chocolate shop for decadent bonbons, cookies, hot chocolate, and more. Visit the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, a summertime hot spot located by the Fulton Ferry Pier, which offers stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
Flat or Tall?: While high-rise apartments and luxury condos are increasingly attractive options in DUMBO, the neighborhood also remains true to its roots. Its spacious artists’ lofts as well as old-fashioned warehouses—now converted—haven’t lost their charm.
History: An industrial area in the late nineteenth century, the western part of the neighborhood was called Fulton Landing. As factories closed and the neighborhood grew more residential, in the late 1970s, many artists sought out its large, affordable, live-in loft studios. Residents then christened the neighborhood DUMBO—an acronym for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass—hoping that the odd, seemingly unmarketable name would keep it the best-kept secret in Brooklyn.
Activities: Today, DUMBO is known for its many tech start-ups as well as art galleries, fantastic eateries, and unique shops. Catch an innovative theater performance or a concert at St. Ann’s Warehouse. Immerse yourself in classical music at Bargemusic, a one-of-a-kind floating concert hall. Nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park hosts a wealth of activities, from biking and boating to outdoor movies and yoga classes, from Jane’s Carousel to a Pop-Up Pool in the summer.
Check it out: Don’t miss the DUMBO Arts Festival — a three-day, indoor-outdoor cultural extravaganza (free and open to the public) that takes place every fall, featuring art installations and exhibitions, open studios, interactive art, and live performances.
