The Best Spot in DUMBO to Photograph the Manhattan Bridge

Where exactly do you stand for the famous DUMBO Manhattan Bridge photo?

Listen. You’ve seen this shot a thousand times. The Manhattan Bridge towering between two rows of old brick warehouses, cobblestones underfoot, maybe the Empire State Building peeking through the arch. That’s Washington Street, looking north from the intersection of Water Street. Period.

Stand in the middle of Washington Street, just north of where it crosses Water Street. Face north toward the bridge. The brick buildings on either side of the street create a natural frame. The Manhattan Bridge fills the gap. That’s the shot.

A few specifics:

• Cross streets: Washington Street between Water Street and Front Street. The sweet spot is closer to Water Street.
• Cobblestones: Yes, the street still has them. They add to the shot. Watch your ankles.
• Empire State Building: On a clear day, the Empire State Building lines up directly under the bridge’s archway. You can’t plan this better if you tried.

What is the best time of day for this photo?

Golden hour. No debate.

The Manhattan Bridge faces roughly west from this vantage point, so late afternoon light hits the bridge and the brick facades beautifully. In summer, that means arriving around 7:00 to 7:30 PM. In winter, closer to 3:30 to 4:00 PM.

A few timing notes:

• Sunrise works too if you want the street empty. You’ll get softer, cooler light and almost no tourists. Show up by 6:00 AM in summer.
• Blue hour (just after sunset) gives you the bridge lit up against a deep blue sky. Bring a tripod or brace your phone on something steady.
• Midday is the worst light but the most crowded. Harsh shadows, flat bridge. Skip it if you can.
• Weekday mornings are your best bet for fewer people in the frame. Weekends between 11 AM and 4 PM? Forget about it. You’ll be fighting for position with 30 other photographers and a couple doing engagement photos.

How do you get to the DUMBO photo spot?

By subway: Take the F train to York Street. Walk west on Jay Street, then turn right on Water Street. You’re there in four minutes.

Alternatively, the A/C trains to High Street-Brooklyn Bridge station put you about a 10-minute walk south through the neighborhood.

On foot from the Brooklyn Bridge: If you’re walking across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan, exit on the Brooklyn side, follow the path down to Washington Street, and head north. Takes about 10 minutes from the bridge exit to the photo spot.

By car: Street parking in DUMBO is a nightmare. Use the parking garage on Water Street near Main Street, or better yet, don’t drive.

Can you suggest a walking route from the World Trade Center across the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO?

Absolutely. This is one of the best walks in the city.

1. Start at the World Trade Center (Fulton Street side). Walk east on Fulton Street toward City Hall.
2. Pick up the Brooklyn Bridge pedestrian path at the entrance near City Hall Park (Park Row and Centre Street). Look for the wooden-plank walkway above the car lanes.
3. Cross the bridge. Takes about 25 to 35 minutes at a comfortable pace. Stay on the pedestrian side; the bike lane is separate and cyclists will let you know if you wander into it.
4. Exit on the Brooklyn side and follow signs toward DUMBO/Washington Street.
5. Walk north on Washington Street to Water Street. There’s your shot.
6. Total walking time from the World Trade Center to the photo spot: roughly 45 minutes to an hour.

After you get the photo, you’re steps from Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park, Grimaldi’s Pizzeria on Old Fulton Street, and Time Out Market on Water Street for food and drinks.

Are there family-friendly activities near the photo spot?

DUMBO is one of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Brooklyn. Once you’ve got your photo:

• Jane’s Carousel in Brooklyn Bridge Park is a beautifully restored 1922 carousel inside a glass pavilion designed by Jean Nouvel. Rides are $2 per person.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park Playground (Pier 6) has water features, slides, and a sandbox. Kids lose their minds here.
• Pebble Beach at the base of the Manhattan Bridge is a small waterfront stretch with skyline views. Great for skipping stones, not for swimming.
• The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory on Old Fulton Street serves simple, excellent ice cream. Cash only.
• DUMBO Boulders is an outdoor bouldering wall in Main Street Park, open seasonally.

What else should you know before you go?

• It’s a public street. Cars do drive on Washington Street. Watch for traffic, especially Ubers and delivery trucks. Don’t stand in the road for longer than you need to.
• Tripods are fine. No permit required for personal or editorial photography. Commercial shoots with crews and equipment need a permit from the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.
• Nearby restrooms: Time Out Market (53 Water Street) and Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 both have public restrooms.
• Weather tip: Overcast days actually produce great photos here. The clouds diffuse the light evenly across the bridge and buildings. Don’t skip the trip just because it’s cloudy.
• Night shots: The Manhattan Bridge is lit at night. The street is quieter. If you have a phone with a decent night mode (iPhone 14 and up, Pixel 6 and up), you can get a solid handheld shot without a tripod.