Real Estate DUMBO

Here’s everyone’s favorite street for photos in DUMBO

Come see the most photographed street in Brooklyn.

November 29, 2019 Lore Croghan
Welcome to Washington Street, Brooklyn’s premier photo hot spot. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle
Welcome to Washington Street, Brooklyn’s premier photo hot spot. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle
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Brooklyn’s most Instagram-worthy spot is down on the waterfront in DUMBO, at the intersection of Washington Street and Water Street.

Night and day, in fair weather or foul, people from all over the world come to this location to take photos, from selfies to pro shots.

Head for the cobblestoned street and see for yourself. Old-fashioned red-brick buildings frame an iconic view of the steely-blue Manhattan Bridge. Look closely — and you’ll see the Empire State Building in the void between the bridge supports.

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Some people bring friends and family to take their pictures with the bridge in the background. Some people use selfie sticks. Others arrive with professional photographers in tow to memorialize engagements or snap shots for advertising campaigns.

Related: “Come see the Manhattan Bridge, with dazzling views”

This photo hot spot can get pretty crowded on weekends. There’s a certain amount of jockeying for position so the bridge is in just the right place in everybody’s pictures.

Be warned: You might have to step out of the way for cars a couple times while you’re taking photos. Drivers in DUMBO know this street is usually clogged with visitors, so they take it slow. But they do expect you to let them through.

If you’re there in late September you may see thousands of tiny elephants floating onto the street during the DUMBO drop.

How to get to Brooklyn’s most iconic street

One easy way to get to the most photographed street in Brooklyn is via the NYC Ferry. Several routes have stops in DUMBO at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1. A boat ride costs $2.75, just like a subway ride. Check NYC Ferry’s website for schedules.

It can get a bit crowded at the intersection of Water and Washington streets where everybody’s taking pictures. Eagle photo by Lore Croghan
It can get a bit crowded at the intersection of Water and Washington streets where everybody’s taking pictures. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle

When you step out of the park, you turn left onto Water Street. It’s a five-minute stroll to the corner of Washington Street.

Related: “15 things you should know about DUMBO”

Another way to get to the most photographed street in Brooklyn is via the F subway line.

Hop off the train at DUMBO’s York Street stop and walk down Jay Street. Turn left onto Water Street. At the intersection of Pearl Street, stroll across a plaza and through an archway that leads you back to Water Street again. This may sound complicated, but the walk to the intersection of Washington Street from the subway stop only takes about four minutes.

Image: Google Maps
Image: Google Maps

If you’re up for an adventure, you can get to DUMBO’s photo hot spot from lower Manhattan by walking over the Brooklyn Bridge. On the Brooklyn side of the famous span, there’s a staircase that leads to Cadman Plaza East. Turn left and start walking. Cadman Plaza East becomes Washington Street. It’s a three-minute walk from the stairs to the intersection of Water Street.

Related: “Come walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunrise”

What to eat in DUMBO

When you’re done taking pictures of the most photographed street in Brooklyn, you might need a snack. If you insist on eating something healthy, Sweetgreen (55 Washington St.), which serves salads and quinoa bowls, is just steps away.

Strike a pose! You’re on the most photographed street in Brooklyn. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle
Strike a pose! You’re on the most photographed street in Brooklyn. Photo: Lore Croghan/Brooklyn Eagle

If you want to be a little more self-indulgent, how about a cup of coffee and an almond croissant at Almondine Bakery (85 Water St.) or a plate of Whoopie Pies at One Girl Cookies (33 Main St.)?

Or there’s Time Out Market’s food hall at historic Empire Stores, which serves gourmet burgers, high-end ramen bowls and other enticing meals (55 Water St.) There’s a bar on Empire Stores’ rooftop with epic views, in case you want a few more photos for your Instagram feed.

Related: “There’s a rooftop bar at Empire Stores, plus other DUMBO stuff you should see”

Follow reporter Lore Croghan on Twitter.

A version of this article was originally posted on Nov. 5, 2014 and was updated on Nov. 27, 2019.


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