The Brooklyn Bridge, an architectural marvel connecting Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, stands as one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks. Completed in 1883, this engineering feat was the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time of its opening and remains a vibrant symbol of innovation and connection. Its Gothic Revival towers and sweeping steel cables draw millions of visitors annually, eager to walk its historic span and capture breathtaking views. Whether you plan to stroll across its famous promenade or seek out the perfect vantage point for a photograph, this guide provides all you need to know about visiting the Brooklyn Bridge and securing those unforgettable shots.
How to Visit the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is open 24 hours a day and is completely free to cross, whether by foot, bike, or car. The pedestrian and bicycle paths are elevated above the vehicle lanes, offering a safe and scenic journey.
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is a particularly iconic New York experience. The pedestrian walkway is just over one mile long, and an average walk takes about 30 minutes in one direction without stops.
On the Manhattan side, the pedestrian entrance is conveniently located along Centre Street, directly across from City Hall Park. It’s easily accessible from the Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall subway station (4, 5, and 6 lines) or a short walk from the Financial District.
From the Brooklyn side, there are a few entry points. You can access the promenade from Adams Street and Tillary Street in Downtown Brooklyn via a gradual ramp, which is good for those with mobility issues, though it is a longer way onto the bridge. A more popular and often recommended entrance is a staircase located under the overpass at Washington Street and Prospect Street in DUMBO. This entrance provides excellent views of the Manhattan skyline as you begin your walk towards Manhattan.
For the best experience, consider walking during or just after sunrise to avoid crowds and capture the golden hour glow. In the summer, aim for early morning or early evening to escape the heat. In winter, mid-afternoon is often the warmest time. Regardless of the season, expect wind and dress in comfortable shoes, as the walk can be longer than anticipated. Remember to stay in the pedestrian lane and be mindful of cyclists, as a separate bike path now exists. If you stop for photos, move to the side to avoid blocking others.
Biking the Brooklyn Bridge
Since September 2021, the Brooklyn Bridge features a dedicated two-way protected bike lane, repurposed from a vehicular lane. This makes cycling across the bridge a much safer and more enjoyable experience. Bike rentals are available throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. Always ensure you use the correct bike path and do not ride on the pedestrian walkway.
Driving and Public Transport Access
While you can drive across the Brooklyn Bridge, traffic can be heavy. For most visitors, public transport offers the most convenient access.
By subway:
- From Manhattan: Use the 4, 5, or 6 trains to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall; J or Z trains to Chambers Street; or N, R, or W trains to City Hall.
- From Brooklyn: Use the A or C trains to High Street-Brooklyn Bridge, or the F train to York Street.
The NYC Ferry also provides access to Brooklyn Bridge Park at Fulton Ferry Landing, offering a scenic approach to the bridge.
Where to Get the Best Photos of the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the most photographed structures in the world, offering endless opportunities for stunning images.
On the Bridge Itself
- Near the pylons: Walk about 15 minutes from either pedestrian entrance towards the center pylons. Here, you can fill your frame with the bridge’s iconic Gothic arches and intricate steel cables.
- Shooting towards Manhattan: From the Brooklyn side of the bridge, aiming west (towards Manhattan) provides incredible views that combine the bridge’s structure with the dramatic Manhattan skyline, including One World Trade Center, the Empire State Building, and the Chrysler Building.
- Shooting towards Brooklyn: From the Manhattan side, you can capture sweeping views of Downtown Brooklyn.
- Photography tips: Be patient, especially during crowded times. If people are in your shot, try to incorporate them as part of the scene to show the bridge’s popularity. Do not climb on the bridge structure, as it is dangerous and illegal.
From Brooklyn Bridge Park (DUMBO Area)
The Brooklyn side offers some of the most iconic and diverse photo opportunities of the bridge, often with the Manhattan skyline in the background.
- Pebble Beach: Located between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges within Brooklyn Bridge Park, this spot (near Main Street Park) provides an iconic, ground-level view of the Brooklyn Bridge spanning the East River with Lower Manhattan behind it. It’s very popular, especially at sunset.
- Pier 1 Promenade: This promenade in Brooklyn Bridge Park offers fantastic views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan from various angles, with benches for leisurely viewing.
- Max Family Garden (inside St. Ann’s Warehouse): A beautiful, tranquil public garden offering a unique, close-up perspective of the bridge structure right overhead.
- John Street Park: A more secluded area in Brooklyn Bridge Park, offering different angles of the bridge and the Manhattan skyline, often quieter than Pebble Beach.
- Jane’s Carousel: This historic carousel, located within Brooklyn Bridge Park, can serve as a charming foreground element for photos of the bridge.
- Time Out Market rooftop: For an elevated perspective, head to the rooftop terrace of Time Out Market in DUMBO, offering exceptional views of the Brooklyn Bridge and city skyline.
From Manhattan
While many iconic shots are from Brooklyn, Manhattan offers its own unique vantage points.
- South Street Seaport: This historic district provides charming views of the Brooklyn Bridge from the Manhattan side, especially along the waterfront.
- Staten Island Ferry/NYC Ferry: Taking a ferry provides excellent moving perspectives of the Brooklyn Bridge, especially as you sail under it, offering unique angles of its structure and the surrounding skylines.
The Brooklyn Bridge is a timeless masterpiece, inviting visitors to experience its grandeur from every angle. Whether you choose to walk its historic pathway, bike its dedicated lane, or simply admire it from afar, the bridge promises an unforgettable part of your New York City adventure.
