Checking Out DUMBO | Get That Instagram Photo in NYC

HAVE YOUR WALKING SHOES READY

We went from the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO. This was a place that was on my travel wish list thanks to many of the shows and movies I have seen that take place in New York. There is almost always that iconic shot of DUMBO with the bridge in the background. Thankfully, we had our walking shoes ready!

If you are able to, take your time and enjoy DUMBO and the areas surrounding it in Brooklyn. I wish we had spent more time in the area and explored more. I regret waiting until the last day to go here. Just means we need to go back. There is definitely lots to be discovered. We popped into a great coffee shopped, walked the beach, and my husband got some of my favourite photos from the trip. – Thanks for being my Instagram husband! 

Did you know that DUMBO stands for Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass? 

DO IT FOR THE GRAM

This spot is definitely one of the most popular Instagram spots and places to get a photo in NYC. DUMBO is where many convene to get photos. Whatever you do be careful, this is a fully operating street.  While most New Yorkers don’t seem to like anyone getting in their way, the people of Brooklyn must be more laid back.

DUMBO’s Washington Street is where it’s at for photographers and those in the photos. You’ll see many people gravitating towards this street to get the perfect shot while standing in the road, with hopefully not many people in the background. If you’re trying to figure out where to stand head towards Water Street as many start to take photos here and change their angles. We even saw people further up towards Front Street.

Getting to this area early in the morning means the street is pretty much free of other tourists looking to get the same photo. It makes a big difference having no one in the background or competing for the perfect photo spot. When we were leaving to go find a coffee shop the wave of people was starting to come in. Seems everyone else was finally awake and our early start to the day was paying off.

TRY A COFFEE SHOP YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF

Several people had recommended to us to try coffee shops that we had never heard of. The same was said about places to eat at. Don’t just go to the chain you know from back home, try something local!

We popped into the Brooklyn Roasting Company on Washington; you can see if from where people are taking photos with the bridge in the background. The lights are made from gramophones and there is reclaimed furniture all throughout it.  They make a fantastic cup of coffee.

GO AND WALK AROUND

DUMBO is an area that you will want to go and walk around in when there. Just a few steps away from where we got coffee, was the Brooklyn Bridge Park and Pebble Beach. Off in the distance of the photo below, you can see Jane’s Carousel. 

Going to Pebble Beach gives you the opportunity to dip your toes in the East River. Since it was the middle of winter we opted to skip rocks instead. If you’re in this area in the summer, you can go kayaking for 20 minutes for free! I can only imagine what a unique experience that would be. This little beach area was a highlight of the trip for me. I love the photo I have with my husband from there. It was beautiful watching boats go by and hearing the water crashing on the rocks. 

If you were following on Instagram, you’ll know why I took photos of pigeons. Look! 

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