Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists in DUMBO
Top Things to Do in New York City for Cyclists in DUMBO
1. Brooklyn Bridge Park Greenway
Cruise the DUMBO stretch of the park’s waterfront greenway between John Street and Empire Fulton Ferry. It’s flat, photogenic, and threaded with lawns, piers, and river vistas tailor‑made for easy spins and cooldowns.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the most seamless way to experience DUMBO by bike—no cars, constant skyline views, quick access to bathrooms, water, and food nearby.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings (sunrise to 9am) or golden hour on clear days for fewer joggers and the softest light on the bridges.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use this segment as a gentle warm‑up or cooldown before/after climbing a bridge. Lock up at park racks near 99 Plymouth St to explore on foot.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists love the calm, car‑free flow and nonstop photo ops; families praise the easy terrain and amenities close at hand.
2. Manhattan Bridge Bike Path
The North side path delivers a direct, bike‑only crossing to Manhattan with gritty, classic river views and a steady climb that rewards strong cadence.
✓ Why Go:
It’s DUMBO’s quickest two‑wheeled gateway to SoHo/Chinatown and a favorite for riders who want a less tourist‑clogged alternative to the Brooklyn Bridge.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings or late evenings; avoid rush hours if you’re new to NYC bridge riding.
✓ Insider Tip:
Brooklyn access is via Jay St/Sands St—approach from the protected Sands St cycle track. Bells/lights help with tunnel sections and train noise.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders rave about the efficient climb and minimal pedestrian traffic; some note loud trains, so expect an urban soundtrack.
3. Washington Street Viewpoint
Roll up to the cobblestones where the Manhattan Bridge perfectly frames the Empire State Building—DUMBO’s iconic shot and a classic mid‑ride pause.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the postcard moment for any DUMBO ride, and a great regroup spot before continuing along the waterfront.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise for empty streets and pastel skies; crowds swell from mid‑morning through sunset.
✓ Insider Tip:
Dismount and walk—cars, vendors, and photographers crowd this block. A U‑lock and quick release precautions are wise here.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors gush over the jaw‑drop view; locals warn it gets packed—courtesy and patience earn smiles (and better photos).
4. DUMBO Archway
A cathedral‑like plaza under the Manhattan Bridge that hosts markets, music, and pop‑ups—perfect for parking the bike and lingering.
✓ Why Go:
Sheltered space, frequent events, and plenty of seating make this a convenient mid‑ride cultural stop steps from the greenway.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for live programming in summer; weekend afternoons for markets and casual hangouts.
✓ Insider Tip:
Look for nearby racks along Water and Pearl Streets. If you’re sensitive to noise, bring earplugs when trains rumble overhead.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised as uniquely New York—industrial bones, creative energy, and a convivial vibe right off the bike route.
5. Fulton Ferry Landing
Historic pier at the foot of Old Fulton Street with sweeping bridge and skyline views—and a ferry stop if you’re linking rides by water.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a scenic cooldown and a functional hub: NYC Ferry accepts bikes, letting you stitch together waterfront routes across the city.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for dramatic light on the bridges and skyline; calmer weekday mornings for quiet river breezes.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mind wind gusts on the pier. If boarding the ferry, arrive early—bike space can be limited on busy summer days.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved for romance‑level views and easy transit connections; riders appreciate the stress‑free link to other waterfronts.
6. Emily Warren Roebling Plaza
Brooklyn Bridge’s under‑span plaza elegantly links DUMBO’s park sections—great for gliding beneath the stone towers and studying the engineering up close.
✓ Why Go:
A smooth, photogenic connector that completes the park route, with ample space to rest, stretch, and admire the bridge’s craft.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for side‑lit textures on the bridge; winter weekdays feel especially serene.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use it to bypass busier riverfront pinch points on crowded days; keep speeds mellow around strolling families.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors marvel at being “inside” the bridge—calm, airy, and surprisingly contemplative for a major landmark.
7. Empire Stores Rooftop
Climb to the public roof deck of the restored brick warehouses for one of the best bridge‑to‑bridge panoramas in NYC.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a quick detour from the greenway with elevator access—ideal for a bottle‑fill, a breather, and a jaw‑dropping lookback over your route.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Clear days after rain for crystal views; evenings for a golden skyline glow.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a compact lock—ground‑level racks fill up fast on weekends. Restrooms and bites are an easy elevator ride away.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Cyclists call it the “money view” and love the easy access; photographers linger long after their break is over.
8. Time Out Market New York
A multi‑vendor food hall with a rooftop bar, perfect for refueling—carbs, coffee, and calories to match any ride.
✓ Why Go:
One stop, many menus—great for groups with mixed cravings, and steps from riverfront racks and the greenway.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late breakfast on weekdays to beat lines; post‑sunset for skyline sips after your spin.
✓ Insider Tip:
Head to the fifth‑floor terrace with your tray for bridge views; refill bottles and plan your next segment from shaded tables.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Riders applaud the convenience and variety; out‑of‑towners love the rooftop perspective without a cover charge.
9. Jane’s Carousel
A gleaming 1922 carousel in a glass pavilion at the water’s edge—whimsical, breezy, and photogenic between bridge climbs.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a joyful cooldown and a rare chance to blend vintage charm with world‑class views—fun solo or with kids in tow.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday late mornings; aim for calm days to catch mirror‑like reflections on the pavilion glass.
✓ Insider Tip:
Lock up just outside the pavilion and circle the boardwalk for reflective shots of the horses and bridges.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as magical and surprisingly affordable; cyclists praise the effortless add‑on to any DUMBO loop.
10. Almondine Bakery
Beloved neighborhood boulangerie turning out croissants, baguettes, and sandwiches—a premium pastry pit stop steps from the river.
✓ Why Go:
Fast counter service, strong coffee, and carb‑smart options make it a rider favorite for pre‑bridge fuel or post‑ride treats.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Open to mid‑morning for the freshest bakes; expect lines on sunny weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Grab a baguette sandwich to go and picnic on nearby Pebble Beach—keep an eye out for gulls when unwrapping your feast.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals swear by the croissants; cyclists call it a perfect, no‑frills refuel with bakery‑window bike watching.
