Best things to do in DUMBO, 2026.

Let’s kick off our list of the best things to do in DUMBO with a fan favorite, Juliana’s Pizza. This beloved pizza joint opened in 2012, but locals know that the delicious pies at Juliana’s date back 75 years. It was founded by NYC pizza-making legend Pasquale Grimaldi (who’s tied to the most iconic pizzerias in NYC, Patsy’s and Grimaldi’s).

Juliana’s stays true to traditional coal-fired New York pizza (thin crust, delicious tomato sauce, and high-quality ingredients). The top seller is the Classic Margherita pie (San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil), but for me, nothing tops the White Pie (olive oil, fresh mozzarella, and lots of garlic).

Good to Know Juliana’s doesn’t accept reservations, first come, first served only. Lines move quickly!

Picture this: a relaxing stroll along the East River with unbeatable views of the Manhattan skyline, framed by the impressive Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges. Strolling along the Brooklyn Promenade is one of the most romantic things to do in DUMBO. I suggest visiting around sunset because the way the evening light plays off the skyscrapers is unforgettable, pure magic!

In repurposing a massive waterfront warehouse, the Time Out Market is a glorious food hall that houses some of the best restaurants in NYC. This is my go-to spot when traveling with a group of friends who never agree on where to eat because there’s something for everyone.

Make an effort to snatch an outdoor table on the rooftop (which has one of the best happy hours in NYC on weekdays from 4 pm-7 pm). You’d normally have to make reservations a month in advance and slip the host a crisp $20 bill for views like this.

Built in 1922 (more than 100 years ago!), Jane’s Carousel is a historic wooden carousel that has been meticulously restored to its original splendor in a process that took more than two decades. When the restoration was complete, the carousel was relocated to DUMBO where it opened to the public.

Housed inside of a beautiful glass pavilion, the carousel is open rain or shine and admission is a mere $2 per person (adults allowed, even without children). The breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and East River coupled with a beloved childhood activity give this experience a nostalgic feel. This is one of the best things to do in DUMBO with kids. But honestly, I’ve hopped aboard the carousel on dates (without kids in tow) and had a blast, too.

Of all the idyllic scenes you’ll find in the neighborhood, there’s one iconic spot you can’t afford to miss — the intersection of Water & Washington Streets. A popular backdrop for Christmas cards, wedding photos, and even proposals, the looming Manhattan Bridge is the star of the show. Make an effort to swing by and take photos while visiting DUMBO.

If you’re searching for some of the cutest coffee shops in Brooklyn, make sure to pop into Arabica Coffee while visiting DUMBO. The draw? Apart from the velvety-smooth coffee, of course, are the large domed windows that frame the Brooklyn Bridge beautifully.

As for the coffee, it’s roasted in-house! Securing a corner seat and catching up with an old friend over good coffee is one of the most relaxing things to do in DUMBO.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve hopped aboard the Ferry from DUMBO. This is one of my favorite things to do in DUMBO with out-of-town guests because everyone raves about it for months after. In fact, most of my visitors consider this the most memorable part of their trip.

The short route between DUMBO and Wall Street is magical. For the price of $4 (per person), you can catch some of the best views of NYC from the water, which is why it’s my preferred mode of public transportation when visiting the area with friends.

Whether you take the ferry to DUMBO or hop on to leave the area, there’s no denying that riding the ferry is one of the best things to do in DUMBO. If you’re not tied to any particular schedule I suggest riding the ferry at sunset — or, even better — at night (it’s a magical experience).

Local’s Tip To ride the ferry you’ll need to download the NYC Ferry App. You can buy tickets through the app and then scan the QR code to board, it’s very easy!

Spanning a little more than a mile, the Brooklyn Bridge is an engineering masterpiece. It was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of completion and has stood as an icon for NYC since. So it should come as no surprise that of the most popular things to do in DUMBO is to take the stroll from Brooklyn to Manhattan (or vice versa).

The trip takes about 30 minutes and is an activity the whole family can enjoy. From the bridge, you can see most of NYC’s iconic buildings, including the Statue of Liberty.

Local’s Tip I suggest starting on the Manhattan side and crossing the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO. When you’re done exploring DUMBO, take the ferry back to Manhattan, you’ll get the best of both worlds!

Cecconi’s is a popular Italian restaurant best known for its epic views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. The restaurant is slightly overpriced for what it is (in my opinion), which is why happy hour is the time to go. Happy hour runs from 4 pm –7 pm on Tuesdays-Fridays at the bar.

Started by Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso, an identical twin from Denmark, Evil Twin Brewing seems to have one mission in mind: upset the apple cart. His twin brother launched Mikkeller Brewing Company in 2006, which Jeppe challenged with Evil Twin Brewing in NYC in 2010.

This has quickly become the most popular brewery in Brooklyn. Expect to find exciting, albeit unusual, variations on classics. I’m partial to the IPAs but even I can’t pass up an unusual seasonal delight every now and then. Swing by if you’re looking for relaxing things to do in DUMBO, the beer is delicious!

Randolph Beer is known for two things. First, the breathtaking panoramic views from the rooftop. And second, an impressive self-serve beer wall that features more than 24 rotating brews.

Offering one of the most unique experiences in DUMBO, simply pre-load a card at the “beer ATM” and enjoy the wall of beer (charged per ounce). It’s a fun way to spend an hour (or two) catching up with good friends.

Seasonal but worth mentioning, if you’re visiting DUMBO in the summer, catching an outdoor movie at Brooklyn Bridge Park is a must. Most of the movies are family-friendly, making this one of the best things to do in DUMBO with kids. Food vendors open at 5 pm, and pre-movie DJs are dolling out easy-going summer vibes. I try to show up early (around 6 pm) to get a good spot before the movies start (typically around 8 pm).

I love visiting DUMBO during hot summer days. Being by the water makes the area feel like an escape from the city. Plus, there’s two charming ice cream shops that elevate the experience up a notch. My favorite spot is the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, which oozes small town ice cream parlor vibes. The outdoor seating is great and the banana splits are even better.

And then there’s Van Leeuwen, which makes an appearance on our list of the best ice cream in New York City. Housed in a repurposed fireboat station, the ice cream hits the spot on a hot summer day (gluten-free and vegan options available). I love the matcha and earl gray flavors the best, but everything on the menu is bound to impress, highly recommend it!

The Brooklyn Bridge promenade can be a busy place, so where do you go when you need a break? How about to St. Ann’s Warehouse? Sitting right underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, this pre-Civil War building is home to the Max Family Garden.

It’s open to the public, but I think it’s one of the most underrated places in DUMBO because it’s seldom busy. St. Ann’s Warehouse is also home to a multi-use venue that’s popular for hosting off-Broadway theater performances, check out the website to learn more if you’re interested!

If you’re looking for a restaurant that’ll make you feel like you’re on an episode of Sex and the City, make a beeline for Celestine. Located under the towering Manhattan Bridge, enjoying a meal this fine-dining Mediterranean restaurant is one of the most memorable things to do in DUMBO.

The floor-to-ceiling windows make it a prized destination for romantic dates and milestones worth celebrating. As you know, it’s (sadly) not uncommon for restaurants with pretty views to skimp on quality, knowing they’ll attract customers regardless. Thankfully, Celestine doesn’t play games like that. The food is top-notch!

One of the best flea markets in NYC also happens to be one of the best things to do in DUMBO. Started in 2008, The Brooklyn Flea is open Saturdays and Sundays under the DUMBO Archway from April through December. You can score vintage and handmade goods that support artsy locals and help keep waste out of landfills. Cool totes, hard-to-find records, and vintage cameras are up for grabs.