8 Tips and Tricks for Visiting DUMBO, Brooklyn in NYC + Getting the Perfect Shot

The best way to see Manhattan is from Brooklyn. Seriously, if you’re coming to NYC looking for unparalleled views of iconic architecture such as the World Trade Center and the Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO {Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass} is the spot for you. I’m not typically one for Brooklyn {I’m a Manhattan girl myself}, but even I’ve found myself venturing out of Manhattan and into Brooklyn several times for this perfect photo spot! Here’s everything you need to know before you go:

1. The Iconic View of the Manhattan Bridge is on Main St and Washington St

This is probably the most instantly recognizable photo from DUMBO! There’s a good chance that you’ve seen your favorite blogger or Instagrammer posting from this spot. There’s no Google Maps location for “that spot where you can see the Manhattan Bridge,” which is why I’m telling you that you can find it on Washington St and Main St.

 

2. There Will be Tourists in Your Photos

I’ve gone to DUMBO specifically to take photos on three different occasions now, and the only time in which I was able to get long shots without anyone in them was when I went at 7am in the morning on a weekday {even then there was already a group of people also out shooting!}. I HIGHLY recommend taking this route and going really early, because it does get insanely crowded with tourists, photographers, and models. The other two times I went, we shot around 11am in the morning, at golden hour and also into the night, and even when it got dark, there were still tons of people out shooting. The image above was taken right around 11am, and we solved the issue of other people in the frame by shooting upwards and cropping the shot to a 3/4 shot instead of a long full body shot. The below photos were taken at 7am. No people, and also far less traffic!

 

3. It’s Not the Most Convenient Spot

Despite being super popular, there’s really one amazing option when it comes to transportation to and from DUMBO. Of the very few subway stations in the area, each are at least a 10-15 minute walk from the main part of DUMBO. While it’s not bad during the day, because of how far out of the way they are and where they are located, it’s not a walk I would recommend at night unless you’re with a solid group of people. The two train stations I’ve walked to in DUMBO required walking through areas with major construction, poorly designed and mildly dangerous intersections {not many lights, signage, etc.}, and one time, under a bridge.

My favorite way to get to DUMBO from Manhattan so far has been Via! My trip only cost $7.95 and took 20 minutes to get to DUMBO instead of 35 minutes on the subway. If you use my code “eva8r8” you’ll receive $15 in Via ride credit when you sign up! You can see my full comparison of Via vs. Lyft vs. Juno vs. Uber for getting around NYC by clicking here. While I do love ride share for getting to DUMBO, I noticed when trying to leave and go back into Manhattan that it would be at least a 12 minute wait for a driver to reach me to get back into Manhattan. This was around 8:30 am. During peak hours when I’ve called a car from DUMBO, the average wait has been 6-12 minutes. In the event that the wait is over 8, I typically opt for the subway as at that point it’s more cost effective and usually about the same amount of time.

 

4. Need an Outfit Change? No Problem.

Unlike many other photo hot spots in NYC, DUMBO has no shortage of places to change your outfit! There’s public restrooms both at the Brooklyn Bridge Park, and at Empire Stores. Empire Stores is well heated and also has public work spaces. It’s the perfect spot to take a break when out and about in the colder months.

 

5. There’s a Hidden {Free} Public Access Rooftop

If you’re truly looking for an amazing view of Manhattan, this rooftop is exactly where you need to be! See the Brooklyn Bridge, World Trade Center, and Manhattan skyline on one side, and the Manhattan Bridge on the other. To get there, head to Empire Stores {just one block off from Washington and Main on Water St} and take the elevator to the fifth floor. Step out to a rooftop with an amazing view and beautiful gardens. Even better, it’s totally free to access and open to the public!

 

6. Washington St Has One Way Traffic

Be careful when trying to get that iconic shot! There’s one way traffic on Washington St, and it’s not the direction you’d like for it to be in. Stay safe, and make sure that whoever’s taking the photo for you is watching out for cars coming up from behind.

 

7. Choose Your Footwear Carefully

Part of DUMBO’s charm is it’s cobblestone streets, however walking down the cobblestone sidewalks can also be a little difficult! I recommend leaving the stiletto heels at home and opting for a block heel or just a flat shoe altogether. After all, dodging people while trying to get down a sidewalk in NYC is difficult enough without the element of the uneven cobblestone added in!

 

8. There’s a Gorgeous Vintage Carousel

I may technically be an adult, but I never outgrew my love for carousels! Jane’s Carousel is a beautiful vintage carousel in DUMBO on the Brooklyn Bridge Park waterfront. The carousel is open on the weekends and you can ride it for just $2.

 

xx,

E

 

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