Parking in DUMBO, Brooklyn
DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) is one of the most parking-challenged neighborhoods in all of Brooklyn. Its compact street grid, cobblestone roads, heavy tourist foot traffic around Washington Street and Brooklyn Bridge Park, and concentration of tech offices create a perfect storm for parking frustration. Street parking is extremely limited, and the majority of curb space is either metered or restricted. For drivers who insist on street parking, knowing the ASP schedule is the difference between a free spot and an expensive ticket.
DUMBO has some of the most limited street parking inventory in New York City. The neighborhood's small geographic footprint — roughly 12 square blocks — means that any available spot is fiercely contested. Cobblestone streets like Water Street and Plymouth Street can make signage difficult to read, as signs may be mounted on older poles that are partially obscured by bridge infrastructure. The concentration of tech companies (Etsy, WeWork, and numerous startups) means that weekday parking demand is extremely high from 8 AM to 7 PM. Brooklyn Bridge Park draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, with peak congestion on summer weekends when tourists flood Washington Street for the iconic Manhattan Bridge view. Film and TV productions frequently obtain temporary no-parking permits in DUMBO, creating sudden blocks-long parking blackouts with as little as 24 hours' notice.
Boundaries: Located between the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, bounded by the East River waterfront to the north and west, Vinegar Hill to the east, and Brooklyn Heights/Downtown Brooklyn to the south.
Local Parking Tips for DUMBO
- Pearl Street and Jay Street approaching the Manhattan Bridge have some of the last remaining free residential ASP spots in DUMBO. Check side streets here first before circling Water Street.
- Most metered parking in DUMBO has a strict 1-hour or 2-hour maximum. If you need longer parking, a garage is almost always more cost-effective than risking an expired meter ticket ($65).
- Watch for temporary "No Parking — Film/TV Production" signs, especially on Washington Street and Water Street. These pop up frequently and violations result in towing, not just tickets.
- The Jay Street–MetroTech station is a short walk from DUMBO. On high-demand days, consider parking near Downtown Brooklyn (where supply is better) and walking or taking the F train one stop.
- Weekend mornings before 10 AM are the easiest time to find street parking in DUMBO, as both office workers and tourists arrive later.
Ticket Hotspots in DUMBO
Washington Street between Front Street and Water Street is the single most photographed intersection in Brooklyn and also one of the most ticketed. Drivers frequently double-park to take photos of the Manhattan Bridge, earning $115 double-parking violations. The metered spots along Water Street have a high turnover rate and TEAs are extremely vigilant about expired meters. Front Street near the Archway and the entrance to Brooklyn Bridge Park sees heavy enforcement for no-standing violations, particularly during summer months when park attendance peaks. The area around Adams Street near the Brooklyn Bridge on-ramp has restricted commercial vehicle zones that are frequently misread by passenger vehicles.
Nearby Parking Garages
Dock Street Parking
55 Dock St
$30–$55/day
DUMBO Parking Garage
155 Water St
$35–$60/day
MPG Parking
100 Jay St (Downtown Brooklyn)
$22–$40/day
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free street parking in DUMBO, Brooklyn?
Very limited. Most curb space in DUMBO is metered or has no-parking/no-standing restrictions. The few free residential ASP spots are concentrated on Pearl Street and the side streets near Jay Street. On Sundays, both ASP and meters are suspended, making Sunday the best day for free parking in DUMBO.
Where should I park to visit Brooklyn Bridge Park?
The closest garage to Brooklyn Bridge Park is at 55 Dock Street. Street parking along Furman Street and Old Fulton Street is extremely limited and metered. On weekends, consider parking in Downtown Brooklyn near the Jay Street–MetroTech area and walking 10 minutes to the park entrance.
What are the meter hours in DUMBO?
Most meters in DUMBO are enforced Monday through Saturday, typically from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Some commercial blocks on Water Street and Front Street have meters active until 10:00 PM. Meters are free on Sundays and on major legal holidays when both ASP and meters are suspended.
Can I park on the cobblestone streets in DUMBO?
Yes, but pay close attention to the posted signs. Cobblestone streets like Water Street and Plymouth Street have standard ASP and meter rules. The signs can be harder to read due to older mounting infrastructure and the visual distraction of the bridge overpasses. When in doubt, check both sides of the street for signage.