Walking Route DUMBO – Brooklyn Bridge in New York

Take this walking route to explore DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights, and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. As well as the iconic bridge itself, you’ll discover the neighbourhoods on the other side. While walking across the bridge is impressive, there’s much more to discover in Brooklyn: streets lined with brownstones, old warehouses and stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. I created both the route and the photos myself, and by walking it regularly, I keep everything up to date. Open the Brooklyn Bridge – Dumbo walking tour in my Eric’s New York App and set off whenever it suits you, at your own pace.

Download the app and buy your walking route for New York here

Highlights of the DUMBO – Brooklyn Bridge Route

The Brooklyn Bridge is on everyone’s list, and rightly so. But this walk deliberately saves the bridge for last, because the walk leading up to it is just as beautiful.

You’ll stroll through the streets of Brooklyn Heights, with its famous brownstone houses. In DUMBO, you’ll wander amongst the old warehouses, which now house shops, galleries and restaurants. Be sure to take a moment to stop for a coffee at the Empire Stores, a converted warehouse right on the waterfront.

From Brooklyn Bridge Park, you might just have the best view of Manhattan there is. Along the way, I’ll take you past the best spots for that iconic photo of the skyline, including the hidden corners that some visitors tend to walk right past.

And then, of course, there’s the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge itself, with the water below you and the skyscrapers of Manhattan ahead. Were you already planning to walk across the bridge? If so, this route will help you make much more of your day and see New York from a new perspective, in addition to walking the Brooklyn Bridge.

At each stop, I’ll tell you the story behind what you see: the history of the bridge and the neighbourhoods, where you can take some lovely photos, and where I personally like to stop for a break.

How’s This Walking Route?

This walk is about 6 km long. To get onto the Brooklyn Bridge, you need to walk up a flight of stairs. The bridge also slopes slightly upwards, so it’s a bit of a climb.

There are plenty of opportunities to take a break along the way: in DUMBO and along Brooklyn Bridge Park, you’ll find plenty of cafés, benches and spots to sit for a while with a view of the water. You set your own pace, and the walk is easily manageable even with children. There’s even a nice surprise in store for them along the way.

DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights: Brooklyn at Its Best

Brooklyn Heights is a quiet, green neighbourhood full of stately brownstone houses. From the promenade, you can look out over the East River and the Manhattan skyline. You can also see the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

DUMBO is right next door and is the exact opposite. The name stands for “Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass,” and the neighbourhood was once an industrial area full of factories and warehouses. These days, it’s one of Brooklyn’s most popular neighbourhoods, with art galleries, design shops and restaurants housed in those old buildings. The cobbled streets and views of the bridges make the neighbourhood instantly recognisable. Together, these two neighbourhoods show you that Brooklyn is much more than just the bridge.

Practical Information

• Starting point: High Street subway station
• Distance: 6 km
• Duration: 100 minutes
• Price: from $2 as part of a package
• Best time: I prefer to walk this route in the morning, when it’s particularly lovely and the neighbourhoods are still quiet

Pairs well with:
Do you enjoy walking? With the package, you can explore every part of New York at your own pace. For example, you could then walk the Downtown route, which starts very close to the end of this DUMBO – Brooklyn Bridge walking tour. Or take the evening walking tour through Brooklyn, so you can explore Brooklyn after dark as well.

How Does the Walking Route Work in the App?

All you need for this walk is my Eric’s New York App. As the route works offline, you’ll find your way easily even without a signal. You can have the walking tour on your phone in just a few minutes:

1. Download the free Eric’s New York App from the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Tap the “Routes” icon at the bottom, or the menu button in the top right-hand corner of the home screen.
3. Select the DUMBO – Brooklyn Bridge walking route.
4. Tap “Buy route” and complete the payment.
5. You’ll now see the full route in the app, with all the points you’ll pass. At each point, you’ll find my stories, tips and photos.
6. On the map, click on the green figure to view the route and your own location. That way, you won’t get lost along the way.

Handy: you can buy the route before you set off, taking your time at home to have a look at what you’ll see along the way. Once you’re in New York, simply follow the map at your own pace. Feeling like taking a break or making a detour? You can do that whenever you like; you can then simply pick up where you left off.

If you’re on your mobile, you can open this link directly to the walking routes in the app

Tip: Budget-Friendly Walking Routes Through New York

Would you like to do more than one walking tour during your city break? If so, the package in the app is the smartest choice. It allows you to purchase several routes in one go, meaning you pay less than if you bought them individually. This way, you can discover the most beautiful parts of New York on foot in just a few days.

View all walking routes and packages in the app