There’s something at once familiar and exciting about the Brooklyn waterfront, which has become emblematic of a generation.

Sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline and former redbrick warehouses that are now start-ups partially explain why DUMBO is one of Brooklyn’s most iconic new neighbourhoods. Standing for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, the neighbourhood’s whimsical name reflects its thoroughly modern origins. A former industrial area of the borough has been completely revitalized by an influx of new restaurants and businesses. Visit DUMBO to learn what all the excitement is about and get iconic pictures along its cobbled streets.

Avant-garde culture is everywhere in the reclaimed brick buildings of DUMBO. See cutting-edge New York theatre at St. Ann’s Warehouse. Browse books and attend cultural events at the Powerhouse Arena or visit the Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge for community events, from concerts to festivals. Shop at the Empire Stores or amid stalls of the distinctly high-end DUMBO Flea on spring and summer Sundays.

Despite its industrial nature, enjoy nature in DUMBO too. View the East River and Manhattan from Main Street Park’s wide waterfront lawns. In the middle, have whimsical fun on Jane’s Carousel, which, protected by a glass box, operates year round.

Dip your toes into the water or take a kayak tour from the shores of Pebble Beach. Ride a bigger boat from the Fulton Ferry Landing, which is decorated with the words of Walt Whitman’s poem about the historical ship.

DUMBO is one of Brooklyn’s neighbourhoods connected to Manhattan. In addition to the bridge, which gave it its name, several subway and bus lines run through the neighbourhood. Get here in about 20 minutes by subway from Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal, which has Long Island Railroad and MetroNorth connections, or in 30 minutes from Penn Station. Taxis are easy to find, but parking is extremely limited, so leave your car at home.

Before leaving DUMBO, get an iconic picture of the neighbourhood at the corner of Washington Street and Front Street, where a street of warehouses frames the Manhattan Bridge. The bridge frames the Empire State Building in the distance.