Last Updated on November 16, 2023 by Sam
The Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view is one of the most iconic viewpoints in New York City. It’s a famously picturesque spot, with the buildings along Washington Street perfectly framing one of the bridge’s suspension towers – making for a spectacular view. This neighbourhood of Brooklyn is known as DUMBO (short for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), which is where the famous viewpoint gets its name from. This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view in Brooklyn, with directions on how to get there, the exact photo location, how to beat the crowds, and more!
Find more great viewpoints of this iconic bridge with our guide to the best Manhattan Bridge views in New York City!
How to get to the Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View
The exact location of the famous Manhattan Bridge view photo spot is right next to 35 Washington Street in Brooklyn. No tickets are required to access the Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view as it is located on a public street – meaning it’s completely free to access. There are a range of different ways to get to this iconic spot, which we cover below.
Subway
The quickest and easiest way to reach the Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view is on the New York subway. Simply take the F train to York Street station, or an A or C train to the High Street station by Brooklyn Bridge.
Both stations are a short walk away from the stunning Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view. It’s around a 5-minute walk to the viewpoint from York Street station, and around a 10-minute walk from High Street station.
Brooklyn Bridge Walk
If you are coming from Manhattan then you can take a stroll along the Brooklyn Bridge, and once you reach Brooklyn it’s only around a 10-minute walk to the Dumbo viewpoint. Brooklyn Bridge is another iconic place to visit in New York, so walking along it is a convenient option for getting to Dumbo.
It’s a 1.3 mile walk along Brooklyn Bridge, which takes around 30 minutes depending on your pace. In total it should take around 35-40 minutes to walk across the bridge from Manhattan and then on to the iconic Dumbo viewpoint.
As you walk you can enjoy the Manhattan Bridge view from Brooklyn Bridge, as well as breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline. From certain parts of the bridge you even get some views of the Statue of Liberty! The scenic walk along Brooklyn Bridge is well worth adding to your New York itinerary, so it’s worth combining it with a visit to the Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view.
Manhattan Bridge Walk
Alternatively, you can walk across the Manhattan Bridge and then down to the viewpoint below. The benefit of this walk is that you get views across to the famous Brooklyn Bridge, and it’s also closer to the Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view.
Walking across the Manhattan Bridge before you get to see it from the iconic Dumbo viewpoint feels fairly appropriate, and you do get nice skyline views through the railings along the walkway. Like the Brooklyn Bridge, it’s a 1.3 mile walk along the Manhattan Bridge, which takes around 30 minutes depending on how quickly you walk.
Once you are in Brooklyn it only takes a few minutes to then walk to the famous Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view.
Ferry
For a scenic approach, consider taking the ferry to Dumbo. Both the East River Ferry and South Brooklyn Ferry connect various parts of New York City to Dumbo, making it a convenient way to reach the famous Manhattan Bridge viewpoint.
The Dumbo ferry stop is located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, so as you wander towards Dumbo you can enjoy some of the best views of Brooklyn Bridge. A one-way trip on the ferry costs just $4 per person, and there are various places in Manhattan and Brooklyn at which you can get on to head to Dumbo. Click here to find out more on the NYC ferry website!
Taxi
Of course there is always the option of taking a taxi to the Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view. This is generally the most expensive option, and will be quite costly if you are coming from a distance.
There are plenty of ways to get a taxi, either by hailing one on the streets of New York or by using Uber, Lyft or another similar app.
Tips for visiting the Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View
Timing is key – The Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view has become something of an Instagram hotspot, due to the way the street’s buildings perfectly frame the view of the bridge. As a result, it can get pretty busy with tourists and even locals trying to get the perfect picture.
If you want to enjoy the view without a crowd of other tourists then it’s best to visit as early as possible, and ideally on a weekday. Evenings can also be quieter, but generally speaking, early morning is the best time to visit.
Be patient – Even if you visit early in the morning, there can be a fair few other people enjoying the view. As long as you have a bit of patience it should be possible to get pictures without other people in, as most people don’t stick around too long.
Visit on a clear day – The Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view is best visited on a clear day, so that you can enjoy this iconic view with the backdrop of a blue sky. That being said, it can also be nice to visit on a misty day as it gives a different feel to the view.
Traffic – While enjoying the stunning Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view, it’s important to remember that Washington Street is also an active road. It normally isn’t too busy with traffic, but it’s still important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid standing in the road when vehicles are passing through.
Things to do in Dumbo, Brooklyn
Dumbo Flea Market – If you’re visiting on a weekend then it’s worth checking our the Brooklyn Flea Market, which is located in the Dumbo Archway at 80 Pearl Street. There are a selection of unique goods for sale, from vintage clothes to jewellery to records, and much more!
Lassen & Hennigs Bakery – If you have a sweet tooth make sure to visit the Lassen & Hennigs Deli and check out their amazing baked goods. They serve some of the best muffins and cookies we’ve ever tasted – and the chocolate chip muffin is particularly yummy!
There are two locations in Brooklyn, and the location at 177 Water Street is just a short walk from the iconic Dumbo viewpoint.
Brooklyn Bridge Park – Make sure to check out the nearby Brooklyn Bridge Park. This waterfront park is accessible from the end of Washington Street, and offers stunning views of both Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
It’s a great place for a short walk by the waterfront and to soak up even more iconic views of New York.
Wander Brooklyn Heights – While you’re in the area, it’s worth taking a stroll through Brooklyn Heights to discover more of this historic neighbourhood. The various brownstone buildings are particularly impressive to see, so take the opportunity to have a bit of an explore!
Juliana’s Pizza – Located just a 5 minute walk from the famous Dumbo Manhattan Bridge viewpoint, Juliana’s Pizza is one of the best pizza restaurants in Brooklyn. Both dine-in and takeaway options are available, and it’s worth stopping by for some of the best pizza in the city! Unfortunately it’s not possible to buy pizza by the slice here, but once you’ve tried it you will be glad you have a whole pizza and not just a slice!
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