Manhattan is not all of New York City. Some of the most cinematic, atmospheric, and gastronomically vibrant corners of the city lie across the East River. Welcome to Brooklyn, where history meets urbanism, and walks turn into adventures. American Butler invites you on a stroll through neighborhoods that not all tourists know, but no one can forget: Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO.

Between the sky, the bridges, and history — what is this place?

Tourists love Manhattan. Brooklyn — is chosen by those who truly fall in love with New York. This tour is for those who want to experience another side of the city: not glamorous, but real, with soul, history, and character. DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights are two unique neighborhoods, each with its own story, face, and atmosphere. And both are incredibly cinematic.

DUMBO — from factories to food courts and photogenic bridges

DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is not just an abbreviation but a true symbol of New York’s transformation. In the 19th century, machines roared here: soap factories, paper mills, and tobacco warehouses bustled with activity. The neighborhood was industrial, noisy, covered in soot, and smelled of machine oil.
Everything changed when the Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883. It connected Manhattan and Brooklyn and became a catalyst for change. Factories began to close, industry moved out of the city, and warehouses emptied. Then those who valued space over prestige came here: artists, sculptors, photographers. Spacious rooms with high ceilings, brick walls, and light from huge windows — perfect for studios.

The neighborhood got its name almost as a joke. Artists, fearing that wealthy developers would soon take over their territory, came up with this catchy, slightly self-deprecating name — DUMBO. It does sound like “dumb,” but fortunately, the intelligence and spirit of the place were not affected.
Today, it is one of New York’s most creative neighborhoods, where:

• Every wall is a work of street art;
• Every alley is a photo spot;
• Every second restaurant is an award-winning gastronomic destination.

This is a space where old warehouses found a second life: they became theaters, galleries, vinyl shops, and tiny two-table cafés. People come here for “that” photo under the Manhattan Bridge arch, for the best coffee in the city, and for books you can’t find online.

Brooklyn Heights — American aristocracy on the banks of the East River

If DUMBO is a young, ambitious artist in a denim jacket, then Brooklyn Heights is his literary grandmother in a tweed blazer who knows American history better than any museum.
It is one of New York’s oldest residential neighborhoods, founded during the colonial era. You can still feel the spirit of old America here — with white shutters on the windows, lawns, front gardens, and mansions in the Federation, Greek Revival, and Neo-Gothic styles. Many houses were built before the Civil War, and some even before the War of Independence.

• Brooklyn Heights was the first neighborhood in New York City to be officially designated a historic preservation district. Why? Because of its architecture, its residents, and its location. Imagine: you step outside your home, walk a few steps — and find yourself on the Promenade, a waterfront walkway offering panoramic views of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, bridges, and the harbor.
• Famous residents included Truman Capote, Walt Whitman, Norman Mailer, Tennessee Williams, and Hart Crane. It was in these homes that not just books but cultural phenomena were born. Capote himself wrote about the Promenade as “one of the few places on Earth where you feel that New York belongs to you”.
• The streets here have names like Cranberry Street, Orange Street, Pineapple Street. Legend has it that one elderly lady — a pacifist and a bit of an eccentric — began covering the boring official street signs at night with fruit names. City officials never restored the old signs — people loved the new names.

Brooklyn Heights is a place where silence speaks, while DUMBO is where creativity roars. Together, they create a unique route for those who want to understand New York more deeply than just snapping a photo of the Empire State Building. These neighborhoods aren’t just checkboxes — they’re memories.

What to do: a walk like in the movies

On this tour, you don’t just walk — you live a day like a true New Yorker — not a tourist, but someone woven into the city’s rhythm. It’s a day with a storyline, shifting moods, and visual poetry at every step.

• Stroll along the Brooklyn Heights Promenade waterfront
  Imagine the perfect movie shot: you stand on the promenade, the wind playing with your hair, in front of you — Manhattan with its steel skyline, the Statue of Liberty just off to the side, and ferries sailing down the river below. This place isn’t just a viewpoint — it’s a living postcard. Here, people drink their morning coffee, take their kids to school, walk their dogs, and declare their love. If you want to feel part of New York — start here.
• Explore the nooks and crannies of DUMBO
  DUMBO is a city within a city. Narrow cobblestone streets, brick walls covered in graffiti, industrial-style signs, galleries, and lofts. You might stumble upon an exhibition by a local artist right inside a former warehouse or see a street musician playing Bach outside a pizzeria. Here reigns the spirit of freedom, self-expression, and... surprise.
• Local spots
  This is a gastronomic cosmos. The iconic Grimaldi’s pizzeria, where pizzas are baked in a coal-fired oven following recipes from the 1920s. There’s the Time Out Market — a food hall with panoramic river views featuring the city’s best cuisines. Vegan burger joints, craft ice cream, lavender lattes, and prosecco cookies — this gastronomic adventure will take at least an hour.
• Photo session with perfect angles
  That famous shot with the Manhattan Bridge framed by two brick buildings on Washington Street — it’s like a magnet. But that’s just the beginning. The bridge reveals itself differently from various angles, and the Golden Hour (the hour before sunset) makes the neighborhood truly magical. Your guide will point out the best photo spots away from crowds.
• Shops and souvenirs with soul
  Forget about magnets. In DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights, you can find real treasures: vintage books, handmade ceramics, postcards by local artists, candles scented like New York bakeries, and jewelry made from recycled materials. Here, you don’t just buy things — you take memories with you.

This is a walk where you don’t follow a route — you follow emotions.

Must-see landmarks you shouldn't miss

Each of these places is like a scene from a movie or a page from a novel. They are not just beautiful but filled with meaning, history, and the atmosphere that makes Brooklyn so beloved.

1. 01. Brooklyn Heights

• Brooklyn Heights Promenade
  This is the district’s hallmark and one of the most picturesque waterfronts in New York City. From its heights, panoramic views of Manhattan, the harbor, and the Statue of Liberty unfold. Mornings are quiet and peaceful, evenings romantic and photogenic. Here people arrange dates, propose marriage, and simply breathe in New York.
• Montague Street
  A historic street that preserves the spirit of old Brooklyn. Flea markets, coffee shops serving almond milk lattes, vintage furniture stores, and jewelry boutiques. It’s a pleasant walk toward the promenade, soaking in the neighborhood’s vibe.
• Truman Capote’s House
  At 70 Willow Street stands the house where the famous writer created “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. Capote often said this neighborhood inspired his morning walks and evening reflections. Now private property, but many stop by the gates to photograph the iconic facade.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park
  A grand transformation of the waterfront: from an industrial zone to a multi-level park with picnic areas, bike paths, playgrounds, beaches, a skate park, and even open-air summer cinemas. The perfect place for a leisurely rest with views of Manhattan.

1. 02. DUMBO

• Washington Street
  The most photographed stretch of street in DUMBO. From here, the Empire State Building is perfectly framed by the Manhattan Bridge arch. This spot is an Instagram paradise, and even early in the morning you can find people with cameras here.
• St. Ann’s Warehouse
  A former tobacco warehouse turned into a modern theater and art space. Avant-garde performances, music nights, and exhibitions take place here. The atmosphere is industrial chic, with preserved brick walls and a minimalist interior.
• Jane’s Carousel
  A true retro gem: a 1922 carousel, fully restored and enclosed in a glass pavilion. It looks especially beautiful in the evening when illuminated and reflected in the water. A great spot for romantic photos and family time with kids.
• Time Out Market New York
  If you’re unsure where to eat — come here. This food hall with a panoramic terrace brings together the best dishes from top city restaurants. Food for every taste: from lobsters to Vietnamese soups, from burgers to gluten-free desserts. Plus — cocktails and the best sunset views.

What to expect from a tour with American Butler

We won’t just show you Brooklyn — we’ll live the day with you, full of discoveries, flavors, and vivid stories. Every detail is carefully planned: from comfortable transportation to the best photo angles and cozy spots to rest. Here’s a rough itinerary and schedule:

• 09:00 — Meeting at the hotel
  Your day begins with care. The driver meets you and takes you to Brooklyn in a comfortable car. Along the way, the guide starts sharing stories about the city, bridges, and the neighborhood’s history.
• 09:30 — Brooklyn Heights Promenade
  The first stop is the lookout with a mesmerizing view. Here you’ll learn who founded this district, what it looked like 200 years ago, and why writers, presidents, and philosophers lived here.
• 10:30 — Walk through DUMBO
  We’ll head to the very heart of creative Brooklyn. Cobblestone streets, post-industrial chic, art installations, workshops, designer boutiques. The guide will show you hidden corners not mentioned in guidebooks and the best photo spots away from crowds.
• 12:00 — Lunch to your taste
  You choose how to treat yourself: legendary pizza at Grimaldi’s, Asian street food, gourmet cuisine, or lobsters on a terrace with a view. The guide will recommend the best based on your preferences.
• 13:00 — Brooklyn Bridge Park
  After lunch — a stroll along the green waterfront with views of bridges and city. Playgrounds, skate zones, art installations, lawns, and cafes. A perfect place for relaxing and unhurried conversations.
• 14:00 — Free time
  You’ll have about an hour to sit by the water with coffee, buy designer postcards, take final photos, and simply soak in the atmosphere of this neighborhood.
• 15:00 — Return
  You’ll be taken back, and on the way, you can discuss what you saw, ask the guide extra questions, or just enjoy the views from the window.

Tips from those in the know

To make your Brooklyn walk easy and enjoyable, listen to these tips from people who have walked these streets many times:

• Shoes: comfortable and sturdy. The cobblestones in DUMBO are beautiful but tricky — stilettos and hard soles can spoil the day.
• Dress for the weather: even in summer, it can be cool on the waterfront. A light windbreaker or scarf will save you from sudden breezes off the East River.
• Power bank: photos won’t be measured in megabytes — but gigabytes. Better to be charged up.
• Smartphone or camera: the shots come out so cinematic, it’s hard to believe it’s not a filter.
• Water and light snacks: especially in warm weather — you’ll need energy, and cafes can be saved for dessert.
• Some cash: some shops, antique stores, and local markets don’t accept cards but offer real treasures.

Terms & Conditions

• Tour cost — a 3-hour walking tour through the DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights neighborhoods starting at $225 ($75/hour);
• 6-hour car tour of Brooklyn, including Brighton Beach — starting at $450 ($75/hour);
• The minimum tour price is calculated for a group of up to 3 people; an additional fee of $75 applies for each extra passenger;
• Tour duration — 3 to 6 hours;
• Travel time accounts for traffic and route conditions but is not less than the specified duration. The cost of each additional hour is $75;
• Tickets to museums and hotel accommodation for the guide are paid separately;
• Tips for the guide are always appreciated but not mandatory and can be given at your discretion;
• Tour prices may vary depending on the season.

Would you like to see a different New York with American Butler?

The tour of DUMBO and Brooklyn Heights is not just a trip. It’s like sitting on a bench with New York, hearing its thoughts, feeling its pulse beyond Manhattan. There’s no hustle and bustle of Times Square, but there is a living city — open, a little ironic, with the taste of coffee and roasted garlic in the air.

Rediscover New York — from the other side of the river. American Butler won’t just guide you through Brooklyn; it will give you a full journey into its meaning and atmosphere.

Brooklyn is waiting for you. We organize everything: transfer, guide, cafes, photos, the best views, and cultural discoveries.