Last weekend, my husband and I visited New York for our friend’s wedding. Our hotel was in Brooklyn and within easy walking distance to the DUMBO area. For people like me who didn’t know what the heck DUMBO stood for, it’s not referring to the sad cartoon elephant. DUMBO, Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, is a Brooklyn neighborhood near the East River brimming with cafes, flea markets, and galleries. We really enjoyed exploring this area, and the best part? It’s extremely walkable! Scroll for some ideas for your next trip to Brooklyn.

Wake Up

Our first morning, we visited Bluestone Lane, a cute cafe where we ordered an avocado smash toast, a chai, and a coffee. It’s set up like a bar, so you can watch the staff make your drink. This place has a chill, sunny vibe with the flamingo wallpaper, greenery, and geometric patterned gold chairs.

The next morning, we went to Usagi, a combination art gallery and cafe. I LOVED this place. They have a cozy library area where you can flip through design and art books, a stark gallery space where the exhibits blend art with science and technology, and a cafe serving up matcha custard cakes, poke bowls, and bentos (during weekdays) and matcha lattes. Their seating area is full of light and little kokedama hanging out in the windowsills. I highly recommend checking out this unique space.

See

Go mural searching in DUMBO. This site had a pretty comprehensive list of most of the murals and their locations. Look behind trees and under the many overpasses to find these public art galleries.

Do

Go in search of a great shot of the Manhattan Bridge. DUMBO is full of cobblestone streets, tall brick buildings, and surprise views of both of the famous bridges in the area.

Ride Jane’s Carousel near the riverfront. We saw a bride and groom and their wedding party taking pictures on the carousel, so cute!

Eat

 

We stopped in for lunch at Atrium Dumbo and got their Cuban, a lobster roll, and a dried hibiscus iced tea. This cafe has ample outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching in nice weather.

If you’re craving something sweet after lunch, head across the street to Almondine Bakery and grab a pastry…or two. We shared a berry eclair and a croque monsieur, which we probably ate before we got to take a photo.