Attraction
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Met on Fifth Avenue is one of the world's great encyclopaedic art museums, spanning five thousand years of art from every corner of the globe.
Brooklyn Bridge
Opened in 1883, the granite-towered suspension bridge links Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, with an elevated walkway offering skyline views.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic bridge
- Area
- Lower Manhattan / DUMBO, New York, United States
Good to know
- Free
- Pedestrian-only promenade
- Protected bike lane on roadway
- National Historic Landmark
Why we recommend it
The Brooklyn Bridge opened on 24 May 1883, linking Lower Manhattan with Brooklyn across the East River, and for years it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. John A. Roebling designed it; after his death his son Washington Roebling took over as chief engineer, and Washington's wife, Emily Warren Roebling, carried much of the day-to-day work when illness confined him. The granite and limestone towers, with their pointed Gothic arches, and the web of steel cables have made it one of the most photographed structures in the city.
Walking across is free and is the best way to experience it. An elevated promenade runs down the centre of the bridge, about 18 feet above the traffic, and since 2021 cyclists have used a protected two-way lane on the Manhattan-bound roadway, so the walkway is now for pedestrians only. The main span is almost 1,600 feet long, and a full crossing takes most people 30 to 45 minutes with stops for photographs at the towers.
Many visitors start on the Brooklyn side and walk towards Manhattan, so the Financial District skyline grows in front of them. Others prefer to start at City Hall Park in Manhattan and finish in DUMBO, where the cobbled streets, waterfront and views back to the bridge make a good reward. Either way, the promenade has wooden planks and is exposed, so wear sensible shoes and bring a layer on windy days.
Early morning is the calmest time; by late morning and at sunset the walkway can be very crowded, and vendors set up at the Manhattan end. Keep to the pedestrian walkway and watch for runners. The bridge is a National Historic Landmark and a New York City landmark, and the plaques near the towers tell more of its story.
On the Manhattan side, the walkway begins near City Hall, by the Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall subway station. On the Brooklyn side, the ramp comes down near Cadman Plaza and High Street station, and from there it is a short walk down to DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park and the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, which has one of the best views of the bridge and Lower Manhattan together.
Brooklyn Bridge FAQs
Can you walk across the Brooklyn Bridge?
Yes. There is a free elevated pedestrian promenade between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
When did the Brooklyn Bridge open?
On 24 May 1883.
Who designed it?
John A. Roebling. His son Washington Roebling completed it as chief engineer, with substantial help from Emily Warren Roebling.
How long does it take to walk across?
Most people take 30 to 45 minutes including stops for photographs.
Can you cycle on the promenade?
Cyclists use a protected two-way bike lane on the Manhattan-bound roadway, opened in 2021, leaving the promenade for pedestrians.
Which direction is best?
Starting in Brooklyn lets you walk towards the Manhattan skyline; starting in Manhattan ends in DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park.
When is the best time to walk it?
Early morning, before the crowds build later in the day and at sunset.