Walking across the elevated wooden boardwalk of the historic Brooklyn Bridge is a classic New York experience that rewards you with spectacular views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline. Completed in 1883, this grand suspension bridge features massive, Gothic-style stone arches and a complex web of steel cables that soar over the water. As you walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn, the towering skyscrapers fade behind you, replaced by the open skies and the gentle breeze off the river.
What makes this walk highly rewarding is the dramatic contrast between the massive stone towers of the bridge and the modern glass towers of the city. Standing beneath the soaring stone arches, looking out at the Statue of Liberty in the distance, and watching the yellow cabs crawl along the lower deck below provides a true sense of New York's historic grandeur. It is a favorite local path for catching the fresh river breeze, offering plenty of scenic spots to capture spectacular photographs of the skyline.
One fun fact people love:
To prove the bridge was safe and sturdy before it opened to the public, the city marched twenty-one elephants from a circus across the span in 1884.
Where in New York City is it?
Spanning the East River, connecting lower Manhattan near City Hall to the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn.
How to reach:
Walkable directly from the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station (4, 5, or 6 lines) on the Manhattan side.
Best time to visit:
September to November when the air is crisp, cool, and perfect for walking.
Best time of day:
Early morning around 6:30 AM to capture spectacular photographs of the skyline without heavy tourist crowds, or near sunset.
Entry fee:
Completely free of charge to walk across the pedestrian pathway.
Commute difficulty:
Easy; a flat wooden boardwalk separated from vehicle traffic, although the initial approach has a slight incline.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- The pedestrian path is highly popular with local runners and fast-moving cyclists, so make sure to stay inside the designated walking lanes to avoid a collision.
- The wooden planks can be uneven, and heels can easily get caught between the boards, so wear sturdy flat shoes.
- Walking from Manhattan to Brooklyn offers the best entry into the trendy DUMBO district, where you can find fantastic waterfront parks and pizza spots for lunch.
