Dumbo Walk (Self Guided), New York

Dumbo is a trendy little Brooklyn neighborhood that is nothing but a pure joy and delight to visit. The area, which stands for Down Under the Manhattan Bridge overpass is filled with art studios and luxury homes. There are chic pads and swish offices in the converted industrial warehouses and vintage loft spaces.

A walk down its cobblestone streets will take you to a much-admired French bakery and other fantastic places to eat, including the famous pizzeria Grimaldi's. And if you are into chocolate, a visit to Jacques Torres chocolate shop is a must. At almost every turn, you will come across somewhere great to eat, which is why the neighborhood has long been a part of New York's food scene.

Art lovers can typically find some fascinating pieces of work coming out of Dumbo's art studios, and occasionally, large art shows are presented here. One of the many pleasures to be had when visiting Dumbo is to go to the Brooklyn Bridge Park for the panoramic view of New York across the river. This 85-acre (34-hectare) waterfront park is also a delightful place for a walk. Other features of the park are expansive lawns, picnic tables, volleyball courts, a dog run, fitness equipment and boardwalks.