TLDR: DUMBO is where you go for the famous Manhattan Bridge photo, the best pizza in New York (Juliana’s, not Grimaldi’s), and 85 acres of waterfront park with skyline views. Combine it with a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge for a full half-day trip. From the Wales Hotel, take the 4/5 to Borough Hall and walk to DUMBO (about 40 minutes total), or walk the Brooklyn Bridge and arrive directly in the neighborhood.
Getting to DUMBO from the Wales Hotel
You have two options, and one is significantly better than the other.
Option 1: Walk the Brooklyn Bridge. Take the 4/5/6 to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall station in Lower Manhattan. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (about 30 to 40 minutes at a comfortable pace) and you’ll end up right in DUMBO. This is the recommended approach because it combines two great experiences into one trip. See our Brooklyn Bridge walking guide for the full details.
Option 2: Subway to Borough Hall. Take the 4 or 5 train to Borough Hall in Brooklyn and walk north about 10 minutes to DUMBO. This is faster (about 40 minutes door to door) but you miss the bridge walk.
The Famous Photo Spot
You’ve seen this photo before, even if you don’t realize it. Standing on Washington Street looking north toward Water Street, the Manhattan Bridge is perfectly framed between two rows of brick warehouse buildings. The Empire State Building appears in the distance through the bridge’s arch.
The exact spot is the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street. It’s the most photographed spot in Brooklyn and one of the most photographed locations in all of New York City.
Expect a crowd. There will be other photographers and people posing in the middle of the street. The best time for photos is early morning (before 9am) when the light is soft and the crowds haven’t arrived. Sunset works too if you don’t mind company.
Juliana’s Pizza: The Locals’ Pick
There are two famous pizza places in DUMBO on the same block: Grimaldi’s and Juliana’s. Every tourist guide points to Grimaldi’s. Every local goes to Juliana’s.
Here’s the story. Patsy Grimaldi opened the original Grimaldi’s and built its reputation over decades. He retired, sold the name, and the new owners kept the brand. Then Grimaldi came out of retirement and opened Juliana’s in his original space. So the pizza maker who made Grimaldi’s famous is actually at Juliana’s.
The pizza at Juliana’s is coal-fired, thin-crust, and excellent. The line is shorter than Grimaldi’s on most days. The margherita is the move.
Insider Tip
Juliana’s is the locals’ pizza pick, not Grimaldi’s. Same block, shorter line, better pie. The original Grimaldi’s pizza maker actually opened Juliana’s after a dispute. Go for the margherita and don’t overthink it.
Time Out Market
Time Out Market is a curated food hall at 55 Water Street. It brings together a selection of restaurants chosen by the editors of Time Out New York, so the quality is consistently high across all the vendors.
The rooftop terrace is the highlight. It faces the East River with direct views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. Grab a drink and some food and sit outside. On a clear day, this is one of the best lunch spots in the city.
The market gets busy on weekends, especially the rooftop. Weekday afternoons are the sweet spot for finding a table without a wait.
Jane’s Carousel and Brooklyn Bridge Park
Jane’s Carousel is a restored 1922 merry-go-round housed inside a glass pavilion designed by Jean Nouvel. It sits right on the waterfront in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Rides cost $2 per person. Even if you don’t ride, the pavilion itself is worth walking over to see.
Brooklyn Bridge Park stretches 85 acres along the East River waterfront. It runs from the Manhattan Bridge south to Atlantic Avenue. The park has playgrounds, sports courts, walking paths, and some of the best views of Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty from ground level.
If you’re traveling with kids, Pier 6 has a massive playground with a water lab and a sand area. Pier 2 has roller skating, basketball, and bocce courts. The whole park is free to enter.
Planning Your DUMBO Day
Here’s the ideal sequence. Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge in the morning (1 hour). Arrive in DUMBO and head to the Washington Street photo spot. Get pizza at Juliana’s for lunch. Walk through Brooklyn Bridge Park. Visit Jane’s Carousel. End at Time Out Market for a drink on the rooftop.
The whole trip takes a half day, roughly 4 to 5 hours. You could combine it with a visit to the 9/11 Memorial or Battery Park on the Manhattan side, since both are close to the Brooklyn Bridge starting point.
Brooklyn Is Closer Than You Think
From the Upper East Side, DUMBO is a single subway ride plus a bridge walk. Stay near Central Park and you’ll have easy access to Brooklyn and the rest of Manhattan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does DUMBO stand for?
Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. The name was originally coined by local artists in the area who wanted an unappealing name to discourage developers. It didn’t work.
Is Juliana’s really better than Grimaldi’s?
Locals think so, and the line is shorter. The original pizza maker who built Grimaldi’s reputation now runs Juliana’s. Both serve coal-fired thin-crust pizza. You won’t be disappointed by either, but Juliana’s is the local favorite.
Where is the famous DUMBO photo spot?
The intersection of Washington Street and Water Street. Face north and you’ll see the Manhattan Bridge framed between the buildings. It’s the most iconic photo location in Brooklyn.
Is Brooklyn Bridge Park free?
Yes. The park is free to enter and open daily. Playgrounds, walking paths, and sports facilities are all free. Jane’s Carousel costs $2 per ride.
Can I walk to DUMBO from the Brooklyn Bridge?
Yes. When you finish crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, follow the path down to the right (north) and you’ll walk directly into DUMBO. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the bridge exit to the main streets of the neighborhood.
How long should I spend in DUMBO?
Budget 2 to 3 hours for the neighborhood itself (photos, pizza, waterfront). If you include the Brooklyn Bridge walk, plan for a 4 to 5 hour half-day trip. Add more time if you want to explore the full length of Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Is DUMBO safe?
Yes. DUMBO is one of the safest neighborhoods in Brooklyn. It’s well-trafficked by tourists and locals throughout the day and evening. Use normal city awareness and you’ll be fine.
What’s the best time to visit DUMBO?
Early morning for the photo spot without crowds. Late morning to early afternoon for pizza and the waterfront. Sunset for views from Brooklyn Bridge Park. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends at every hour.