Last Updated on June 21, 2026 by Nadia Halfway
📜 Introduction.
Nope, Dumbo is not the cute Disney elephant. It stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”, an intersection perfect for taking the iconic NYC shot. This little cobblestoned corner of Brooklyn was an absolute discovery of my trip to New York.
So, if you’re planning a getaway from the Manhattan madness, Dumbo, and specifically Washington Street, is the perfect place for an evening stroll.
This striking view frames Manhattan Bridge between two buildings and circles the famous Empire State Building inside. It is the perfect example for urban photography.
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📸 The Million Dollar View in Brooklyn.
You’ve definitely seen it on Instagram, but seeing it in person is something else entirely. To reach this point, head straight to the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street, or search for these coordinates on Google Maps: 40°42’09.3″N 73°59’22.7″W for a further view.
The framing is just perfect: the blue steel of the Manhattan Bridge rises dramatically between two historic red brick buildings. But here is the secret: if you look closely through the bridge’s legs, you can spot the Empire State Building peeking through. It is the ultimate New York composition!
🎠 A Stroll by the Water.
Once you have snapped your photos (and trust me, you will take hundreds), walk down to Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Just a stone’s throw from Washington Street, you’ll find Jane’s Carousel, a beautifully restored merry-go-round encased in glass. It looks magical, especially at sunset. The waterfront here offers the most breathtaking skyline views of Lower Manhattan. It is the perfect spot to just sit and watch the ferries glide by.
🍔 Feeling Hungry?
If you are feeling hungry, head to the Time Out Market. It is basically a food hall in a historic warehouse where you can taste dishes from some of the city’s best chefs.
As mentioned on their website, they are open every day from Sunday to Thursday from 8 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday from 8 AM to 11 PM.
💡 Travel Tips.
The best time to visit Washington Street is undoubtedly early morning, at sunrise or before 9 AM. Later in the day, it gets packed with tourists, and getting a clean shot without strangers in your frame becomes mission impossible.
That said, I actually visited at sunset! I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan and arrived just as the golden light hit the cobblestones. It was magical.
To get there, simply hop on the F train to York Street or the A or C train to High Street. It is a short stroll from the station. However, for a more scenic route, take the NYC Ferry from Wall Street to Dumbo. It costs the same as the subway, but the views are absolutely priceless!
If you don’t want to miss a thing, check out the guided tours on GetYourGuide. They offer fantastic walking tours from Brooklyn Bridge to Dumbo at very affordable prices.
❓ FAQ.
You can easily catch the F train to York Street or take the A or C line to High Street. Another option is the NYC Ferry from Wall Street. However, I reckon the best and most spectacular way to get to Dumbo is by taking a stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge.
At sunrise to to avoid the tourist crowds, or at sunset for the golden hour, though the area does get rather busy in the evening.
Yes, it is quite safe! Brooklyn is a massive borough, but the most popular tourist spots like Dumbo are quite peaceful. You will always find plenty of people walking around, from touristis to local families.
🎈 Conclusion.
Dumbo is more than just a photo spot for taking the iconic NYC shot. It is a place that blends industrial history and modern cool in a sublime way.
Between the bridge views, the cobblestones, and the river breeze, it is easy to see why this is everyone’s favourite spot in Brooklyn. It was the undisputed highlight of my evening in New York.
💬 And you? Did you know about the Empire State Building trick in the photo?
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