Dumbo, Brooklyn

Short for "Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass," Dumbo is a bustling community on the shore of the East River. Thanks to the efforts of Joy Glidden, founder of of the DUMBO arts center and co-founder of the DUMBO Art Under the Bridge Festival, as well as other urban developers, the once industrial area was successfully transformed into a waterfront hub for artists and entrepreneurs. The rich arts and culture scene includes everything from small galleries to large performance venues, as well as book and music stores. The neighborhood also features trendy shops, bars, and restaurants, including great pizza places. As you wander between local businesses, many of which are housed in revamped industrial buildings, take in views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. The relatively small neighborhood is easy to explore on foot, and it is accessible from Manhattan via subway and ferry. Take a look at our Brooklyn tour itinerary maker tool to schedule your visit to Dumbo and learn about what else to see and do during your holiday.