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Editor Pick
Walking Across New York's Most Famous Bridge
- October 30, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
airynfaerie from St. Augustine, Florida
Once the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most recognizable landmarks in New York City. This beautiful structure sits proudly over the harbor on the south end of Manhattan, and gives drivers, cyclists, and
pedestrians one of the best views over the city's skyline.
After visiting the Big Apple several times before and never visiting the bridge, on my last trip I finally made sure to not to miss it! Now that I've walked it, I can highly recommend this to any visitor to NYC for an experience full of history, great views, and no admission fee!
Building began in 1870 and lasted 13 years after being designed by engineer John Roebling and completed by his son, Washington. The NeoGothic style is evident in the towering stone bases and careful arrangement of steel cables. Somehow looking at the harbor and city skyline through the woven layers of cables gives your point of view an interesting frame. Photographers galore can be found along the walkway, and if you want to brush up on some fun facts, be sure to read the information plaques in the enclaves under each tower.
The pedestrian walkway made of wooden planks runs above the street with vehicles below. Be sure to yield to bicyclists who also share the pathway, as the pedestrians are supposed to stick to the south side of the path. If you don't want to walk both ways, I'd recommend starting on the Brooklyn side and walking towards Manhattan for the best views (although be sure to take a look at the industrial buildings behind you in Brooklyn with some awesome old marque signs.
If you just want a good look at the bridge without taking the walk high above the water, then meander down to Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport just south of the bridge in Manhattan. Here there is a lovely promenade and cafes where many people take advantage of a great photo op with the iconic bridge in the background.
• 1071 Fifth Avenue (at 89th St)
• Pedestrian Manhanttan entrance: end of Centre Street; Brooklyn entrance: staircase on Prospect St between Cadman Plaza East and West
• Metro stop: Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall on trains 4, 5, 6
• Free admission
• Open 24hrs/day
From journal Favorite Free Attractions in the Big Apple
Editor Pick
Brooklyn Bridge
- January 1, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Joy S from Manchester, United Kingdom
Manhattan is an island connected by lots of bridges, but the Brooklyn Bridge is in a class all of its own. It really is a New York icon and I always wanted to walk across it.
When Brooklyn Bridge opened in 1883 after 14 years of construction, it was the largest suspension bridge in the world. The span between its 2 support towers is 1,596 feet. Today the bridge continues to dazzle. It is one of the architectural gems of New York.
The Brooklyn Bridge connects Lower Manhattan with the 19th Century neighbourhood of Brooklyn Heights.
We took the subway to City Hall and quite easily found the entrance to the bridge. There is a nice pedestrianised walkway right in the middle. We walked across this between huge stone pylons and a spiderweb of steel support cables.
Traffic flows on the level below the pedestrian walkway.
We were well wrapped up against the weather, but were nonetheless almost frozen. Make sure you wear lots of layers if you brave the bridge in winter.
We walked to Brooklyn and then turned and came back to Manhattan. Most people seemed to be doing this. The views of the Manhattan skyline are unforgettable. We couldn't stop taking pictures - there is also a great view of the Empire State Building. You can just about see the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
Back in Manhattan, South Street Seaport and Pier 17 are only a short stroll away. We found this a good place to have a coffee and generally warm up. There is a shopping mall with quite a few very nice shops and a food court at the top level. From the food court and the outside terrace you get excellent views of the water and the Brooklyn Bridge.
This is quite a nice area to spend an hour, as outside there was a lovely Christmas tree, a choir singing, cobbled streets and old ships.
From journal A Week in New York
Brooklyn Bridge
- August 21, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
Clem75 from New York, New York
On August 20, 2006, I went with my son and a friend of mine for a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, from Manhattan to Brooklyn, and it was well worth the time spent. It was not only great exercise, but the views were out of this world! It took us around 45 mins. to an hour to complete the journey. Make sure that you bring plenty of water to drink and an umbrella to create shade if it's a very sunny day and/or you're prone to heat stroke. Stay in the walkers' lane, as bikers come down their lane at full speed. Wear comfy shoes and bring your camera! The views looking back at Manhattan, toward Brooklyn, over in the direction of the BB's neighbor The Manhattan Bridge and in the direction of the South Street Seaport and Statue of Liberty were all amazing. It took my breath away. Speaking of which, BEWARE! I had a few spells of dizziness, so if you're afraid of heights like I am, avoid the sides. Cars wizz by underneath you and boats cruise down the river below them. It's like standing on the hub of NYC's wheel.
There are also fascinating plaques describing the history and details of this elegant suspension bridge. We even passed a musician playing the saxophone at around the half-way mark (see pics). This is a really fun thing to do on any nice day of the year. ENJOY!
From journal Walking Tours of New York City
Brooklyn Bridge
- May 15, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
harrka from Chicago, Illinois
It's a 45-minute walk across, but the pictures and views are great. I think it's what made me fall in love with NYC! I had to buy an I love NY sweatshirt after the walk!
If you only want to go one direction, take the subway into Brooklyn and walk towards the city. The view is better! Watch out for bicyclists and stay to the left of the yellow line. The bikers come fast and furious--and in my opinion aren't biking responsibly for their safety and others... you need a helmet to walk across.
Convenient water station on the way across, this guy was probably not licensed but it was tempting to buy a water for $1 (only!!!).
Do it; you won't be sorry!
From journal Weekend in New York
Editor Pick
Brooklyn Bridge
- February 13, 2006
- Rated 5 of 5 by
artslover from Calgary, Alberta
We took the subway at 6pm to the City Hall Brooklyn Bridge stop. It was still light out, and we planned to walk the bridge if the height did not scare me too much. I hate heights. The walk is in the middle of the bridge and starts out at the same level as traffic but gradually rises above the traffic. There is enough metal, the walkway is mostly boards without gaps, and the edge looking down to the water is far enough away. My vertigo did not bother me enough to keep me from walking over the bridge.
Although we walked towards Brooklyn, rather than towards Manhattan, there were lots of opportunities and plenty of space to stop, turn around, and take a lot of pictures of Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the bridge itself. Because we timed it at sunset, it was a spectacular view.
We left the bridge down the steps and walked until we reached Cadman Plaza. We ended up on the Esplanade, from which we could see that we had walked too far, as we were trying to get to the River Cafe. We headed along the Esplanade until we were on Old Fulton Street and followed it to the wharf next to River Cafe. From the wharf, there were lots more photos as the sun set.
The walk was very easy and lasted about 30 minutes with many stops. It was a not-to-be-missed experience.
From journal Enjoying Art, Theatre, and Food in Manhattan