Brooklyn Bridge
Completed in 1883, the first steel-wire suspension bridge in the world, with Gothic stone towers and a web of cables. Walk from Brooklyn toward the Manhattan skyline in about 30 minutes.
The Brooklyn Bridge spans the East River, connecting lower Manhattan with Brooklyn. When it opened in 1883, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Its two Gothic granite towers rise 84 meters, and the steel cables fan out like a spider's web. The wooden walkway in the middle of the bridge, raised above the traffic lanes, is New York's most classic stroll. It's 1.8 kilometers long and takes about 30 to 40 minutes to walk.
We recommend walking from Brooklyn toward Manhattan, so the lower Manhattan skyline, including One World Trade Center and City Hall, grows larger in front of you as you go. Take the A or C train to High St, or the 2 or 3 train to Clark St, then climb onto the bridge from the Brooklyn-side approach. You can finish at City Hall Park in Manhattan, or go the other way and explore Brooklyn first.
On the Brooklyn side, beneath the bridge, you'll find the DUMBO neighborhood. On Washington Street, the spot where the Manhattan Bridge frames the Empire State Building is a popular photo location. Also here are the Time Out Market food hall, Jane's Carousel, and the Brooklyn Bridge Park along the river. Pebble Beach, a pebble shore, faces the bridge and Manhattan, making it the best place to photograph sunsets and night views. The park also has the Pier 1 lawn and the Pier 6 beach volleyball courts.
A classic plan is to have dinner in DUMBO in the evening (expect to queue for Juliana's or Grimaldi's pizza), then walk back across the bridge after sunset to see the lights of Manhattan. Walking on the bridge is free and open all day.
Note that since 2021, the bike lane has moved down to the road level, so the walkway is reserved for pedestrians. Still, keep to the right and avoid stopping in the middle to take photos, which blocks others. It can be windy on the bridge. Unofficial vendors often sell handmade crafts and "Brooklyn" T-shirts on the bridge.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- DUMBO & Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Chinatown, Manhattan
- Wall Street & Charging Bull
- SoHo
- National September 11 Memorial & Museum
- One World Observatory
- Washington Square Park & Greenwich Village
- Governors Island