DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View: THE Magical NYC Photo Spot

The DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View is a popular photo spot to take pictures from DUMBO, Brooklyn with a view of the Manhattan Bridge in the background.

Immortalized in countless photos, movies, social media posts, or even engagement and wedding photo shoots, this spot became one of the most popular photo stops of New York City.

The Manhattan Bridge photo spot is located in DUMBO, Brooklyn, one of the best areas to stay in New York for the first time.

It offers a recognizable and iconic view of the Manhattan skyline from just across the river in Brooklyn. It is also easily accessible by public transport!

The view from this photo spot is especially magical during sunset and nighttime, when Manhattan lights up and Manhattan Bridge is illuminated as a backdrop.

👇 Here are top things to know for a good visit to the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge view. We’ve also put together some photo tips to help you get the best possible shot!

What is the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View?

The DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View is a well recognizable backdrop for photos. It is located in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn in New York City. 

It combines cobblestone streets with a view of the Manhattan Bridge and the Manhattan skyline. No wonder why it became one of the most Instagrammed places in NYC!

What is DUMBO?

DUMBO stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass”.  DUMBO gets its name from its location under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass. Visiting it is one of the best things to do in Brooklyn in September for a late-summer night, or a Christmas light walk!

It used to be a manufacturing district in the past, before its recent transformation into a trendy hotspot. This neighborhood now boasts fabulous apartments with a Manhattan skyline view, art galleries and restaurants.

The art scene in DUMBO dates back to the 1970s. Back then, artists found use for its abandoned warehouses, kicking off its transformation from manufacturing to the arts. Due to its location on the East River, the Dumbo view of Manhattan Bridge is incredible!

Manhattan Bridge

The Manhattan Bridge is one of the main bridges that connects the island of Manhattan to Brooklyn across the East River. The bridge is characterized by steel cables and towers, which make for a striking sight against the city skyline.

From one of the most famous Brooklyn streets, which we are about to reveal, you can capture both the Manhattan Bridge and the Manhattan Skyline. 

The setting on a cobblestone street and the surrounding red brick buildings add charm to the picturesque view. You can even see the Empire State Building through the Manhattan Bridge.

Revealing DUMBO Manhattan Bridge view address

The street address for catching the iconic view of the Manhattan Bridge from DUMBO is from outside the building. It is located at 39 Washington Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201, United States. It is situated along Washington Street between Water Street and Front Street in DUMBO.

Where to stay in Dumbo New York?

How to get a good photo at the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View?

When reading about the best places to take photos in New York, the Empire State Building VS Summit One Vanderbilt share the top spots. They are indeed fabulous, but you can take an equally fabulous photo at DUMBO if you follow these tips.

1- Choose the right spot

The best Manhattan bridge view from DUMBO is from Washington Street. More specifically, the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street offers not only offers a view on the Manhattan Bridge, but also on the Empire State Building.

While Washington Street is known as THE street in Dumbo with a view of Manhattan Bridge, the surrounding streets provide interesting angles.

Some offer views of both the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge. In addition to the bridges, the red brick buildings in DUMBO, which were originally used as warehouses and factories,  are also a standout feature.

2- Check your camera settings

If you have a tripod, it can be helpful to keep the camera steady and avoid blurry images. However, pictures taken with handheld phones work well for social media nowadays.

It’s also recommended to use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire view of the bridge and the surrounding area. Last but not least, you should adjust the aperture and shutter speed to achieve the desired depth of field and exposure.

3- Be patient

Given this spot can get crowded for pictures, you should plan to be patient. Wait for the right moment to take the shot. Sometimes the perfect shot requires waiting for the right lighting. Or waiting for the moment when there are fewer people in the frame!

As this DUMBO photo spot is a popular spot for New Yorkers and tourists alike, one way to avoid crowds when taking photos is to visit early in the day or during the week when there are fewer people around.

If you wait there long enough, there are times when the street opens up for a great picture without throngs of crowds in the background.

4- Check the weather

Capturing it in the right light is crucial for getting the perfect shot. We recommend visiting on a sunny day to see the light shine on the bridge, river and red bricks of Washington Street.

5- Edit your photos

Editing photos is an important step to enhance their quality by adjusting their brightness, contrast, and saturation to make the photos more vibrant and eye-catching. 

You can also crop the photos to remove any distracting elements and focus on the main subject, which may be a person or the view.

How long should you spend at DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View?

It is advisable to spend at least an hour at this location to fully take in the stunning views and snap some memorable photos, especially since it can get crowded.

When is the best time to visit the Manhattan bridge photo spot?

The best time to photograph this iconic spot is during the golden hour, or at night, when Washington Street is not in shadow.

The golden hour’s soft and warm light creates a beautiful glow on the Manhattan skyline and the Empire State Building. The Manhattan skyline at night creates the perfect backdrop to a photo at this spot.

However, it will be pretty crowded at the golden hour. If you want the perfect Dumbo Manhattan bridge photo with no one in the background, you should head there in the early hours of the morning.

Can you visit the dumbo Manhattan Bridge view for free?

Absolutely! Anyone can access Washington Street for free, it is a public street in New York City. You are also allowed to take pictures in this street, for free.

What are the opening hours of the iconic Manhattan Bridge photo?

You can visit the Dumbo Manhattan Bridge view at any time of the day or night. However, it is a residential area. If you visit at night, please be respectful and do not talk out loud.

How to get to DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View?

There are several ways to get there to DUMBO for the Manhattan Bridge view depending on your preference and location.

By subway

The closest subway station to the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View is the York St. station on the F train. From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the photo spot. Alternatively, you can take the A/C trains to High St. station. Thenk, it’s a 15-minute walk to reach the spot.

By walk

The DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View is easily accessible from several nearby neighborhoods by walking. You can easily walk to the photo spot from Brooklyn Heights or Downtown Brooklyn. 

Another cool way to get to DUMBO from Manhattan is to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge on the pedestrian walkway. You will get scenic views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.

By ferry

Another way to reach the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View is by taking the NYC Ferry to the DUMBO/Fulton Ferry stop from Pier 11 at Wall Street.

The ferry ride also offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge.

By taxi

If you prefer to take a taxi, you can easily hail one from anywhere in New York City and ask the driver to take you to Washington Street between Water Street and Front Street in DUMBO. 

A street address for the location is the view from outside the building at 39 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201.

✔️ Local tip: our friend Hanit from Gotta Love New York also recommends biking to Washington Street. There are several bike rental stations in the area making the journey really easy and more enjoyable as you get to see more of New York by bike!

What movies have been filmed at the Manhattan Bridge Dumbo view?

There is a huge chance that you have already seen the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View on the big or small screen. It has been featured in many movies and TV shows. 

Leading film-makers were quick to recognize the potential of this street with its unique view, and used it for epic scenes in their works. Here are some of the most memorable.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

The DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View was used to showcase the city’s skyline during the prohibition era in Sergio Leone’s work. The incredible view of the Manhattan Bridge, as seen from Washington Street, was used as the official poster for the film.

Godzilla (1998)

Remember the climactic battle between Godzilla and the military in the iconic monster movie? The DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View was used as a backdrop for this scene!

Gangs of New York (2002)

The DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View was used to showcase the city’s skyline during the Civil War in Martin Scorsese’s epic historical drama set in 1863 New York City.

The Dark Knight Rises (2012)

Have you seen Christopher Nolan’s Batman trilogy? If so, you must remember the epic battle between Batman and Bane in the final episode of the saga. The DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View was featured in this scene.

The DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View also made appearances in several TV shows, including Person of Interest, The Blacklist or The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Other Cool Photo Spots in DUMBO

While the DUMBO Manhattan Bridge View is undoubtedly the most magical photo spot in New York, there are other cool photo spots in the area that are worth checking out.

Jane’s Carousel

Jane’s Carousel is a beautifully restored, vintage carousel that sits in a glass pavilion in Brooklyn Bridge Park. The carousel features 48 hand-carved horses and two chariots, and is popular with children and adults alike.

Pebble Beach

This small beach of rocks, facing the Manhattan skyline and right next to the Manhattan Bridge, is wonderful for photos. You can play with the waves and take incredible shots of the views.

After the photo shoot, we recommend having a take away drink and relaxing at Pebble Beach. When visiting New York City, it is important to stop for a relaxing moment when you get the chance.

Brooklyn Bridge Park

Brooklyn Bridge Park is an expansive waterfront park that offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and the Brooklyn Bridge, which is beautiful to visit any time of day or night.

The park has a variety of attractions, including playgrounds, sports fields, picnic areas, and walking and biking paths.

Dumbo Manhattan Bridge View: final thoughts

Dumbo’s view of the Manhattan Bridge is truly epic, and a must-see even if you’re short on time. 

During a New York one day itinerary, the classic tour includes a visit to the highlights of Manhattan, then a crossing of the Manhattan or Brooklyn Bridge, to this unique spot! 

Unloading the day at DUMBO after a busy NYC tour allows visitors to relax and reflect on the fabulous memories they’ve just made.

👉 After visiting the big Apple, the coolest east coast adventure is a New York to Maine road trip!
From charming small fishing villages to other cool big cities, there is so much to discover in this part of the United-States.
👉 You could also head south and visit Washington DC and its lively district Georgetown DC at night.