Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour
The 2.1 km stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge makes a great walking tour with unparalleled views of the New York Skyline
For a true Big Apple experience, spend a sunny afternoon strolling across the Brooklyn Bridge, one of the most iconic landmarks in New York City for over 125 years. Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge crosses the East River connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The timeless beauty of its Gothic-inspired stone pylons and sweeping steel cables has inspired many, including Walt Whitman, Frank Sinatra and Georgia O'Keefe. the Brooklyn Bridge Walk allows visitors to follow in their footsteps for a unique vantage point to appreciate the breathtaking New York City skyline with unrivalled views of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Starting your walk from Brooklyn offers a more dramatic perspective, while beginning in Manhattan may be more convenient. Departing on either end, the walkway offers 1.3 miles of outstanding photo opportunities, so bring your camera and plan on spending at least one hour. Remember to dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes; the wood plank walkway is not high heel friendly. Sightseers should stay within the designated pedestrian area and be mindful of cyclists.
There are no facilities or food vendors available on the Brooklyn Bridge Walk, but you can enjoy a treat of Brooklyn Ice Cream (1 Water St) or enjoy a world-famous slice at Grimaldi's (19 Old Fulton Street). On the Manhattan side, it is a short walk to South Street Seaport for a wide variety of dining options (Pier 17, Fulton and South Street).
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: New York, NY 10038, USA
Official Website: Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge Reviews
Rated out of 5![]()
Must do in NYC! The view is just breathtaking! You can see the Statue of Liberty from there! And all of the city it’s just so cool! Definitely an amazing spot to walk or run across. It’s free!! And super fun!!
Jack - 2 weeks ago
Brooklyn Bridge – A Must-Do in New York! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is an experience you simply cannot miss when visiting New York City! The moment you step onto the wooden walkway, you’re greeted with stunning views of Manhattan’s skyline, the East River, and even a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty in the distance.
The bridge itself is a masterpiece of architecture with its towering stone arches and intricate cables — it’s as beautiful up close as it is from afar. It’s incredible to think it has been standing strong since 1883, carrying not only cars and bicycles but also thousands of people every day.
The walk takes about 20–30 minutes at a relaxed pace, but you’ll want to stop often for photos. My advice: go early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid heavy crowds and capture the best light for pictures. At night, the city lights make the bridge feel even more magical.
On the Brooklyn side, you can relax at Brooklyn Bridge Park, grab a slice of famous New York pizza, or just sit by the waterfront and take in the views. From the Manhattan side, you’re only steps away from City Hall, Chinatown, and the Financial District.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, stay in the pedestrian lane (cyclists zoom by fast!), and bring your camera — every angle offers a postcard-worthy shot.
🌟 Overall: An unforgettable walk and one of the best free things to do in New York. It’s not just a bridge, it’s a true New York experience!
Shehan Irundika - a month ago
Iconic walk with stunning skyline views
The Brooklyn Bridge is a must-visit for breathtaking views of Manhattan. A great way to experience it is to take the ferry from Pier 11 to DUMBO and then walk back across the bridge toward Manhattan, which provides an amazing perspective of the skyline.
The bridge is very close to downtown Manhattan, easily accessible, and the walkway offers plenty of photo opportunities. Crowds can be moderate, but the views more than make up for it.
It's iconic, scenic, and perfect for a leisurely stroll with unbeatable city views.
Amin Sameni - a month ago
In April 2022, I visited the Brooklyn Bridge, and it was one of the highlights of my New York trip. The weather was just right pleasant enough to enjoy the long walk across without feeling rushed. The bridge itself felt iconic the moment I stepped onto it; the stone arches and steel cables create a perfect mix of history and architecture that you’ve seen in pictures but feels entirely different in person. Walking from Manhattan toward Brooklyn, the skyline views were stunning, with the Freedom Tower on one side and the East River sparkling below.
The pedestrian walkway was busy, as expected, but not overwhelming. There were cyclists, runners, tourists, and even street performers, which added to the vibrant energy. I stopped several times to take photos and simply take in the moment. What struck me most was how the bridge makes you feel part of the city’s heartbeat standing on it, you sense New York’s history and modern life blending together.
Crossing into Brooklyn, I ended my walk with a visit to DUMBO, grabbing coffee and enjoying the waterfront park with more breathtaking views back toward the bridge. Overall, the experience was beautiful, memorable, and absolutely worth doing.
purnima singh - a month ago
Native experience ❤️🌉
Being raised in NYC is the most best and charitable moments, being close to local sights and places. Ive been going here often and the crowds aren’t bad to take pictures in front of the bridge. At night its heavenly and beautiful.💗
Victoria Yegorova - a month ago
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Directions
| Subway Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| 4, 5 or 6 | Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall | 2 minutes |
| N or R | City Hall | 5 minutes |
| A or C | High Street / Brooklyn Bridge | 6 minutes |
| 2 or 3 | Clark Street / Brooklyn Bridge | 9 minutes |
How to get to Brooklyn Bridge by Subway
From Manhattan, take the 4, 5 or 6 train to Brooklyn Bridge / City Hall and follow Park Row to Center Street (2 minutes) or take the N or R to City Hall and walk east across City Hall Park to Park Row, turn right and walk north to the promenade entrance.
From Brooklyn, take the A or C train to High Street / Brooklyn Bridge stop and go north on Cadman Plaza E, then left on Prospect Street to the stairs in the underpass (4 minutes) or for a more scenic, but slightly longer route take the 2 or 3 train to Clark Street, take the elevator to street level, turn left onto Little Henry Street, cross at Cranberry Street and take the path through the co-op houses. Continue across the street to Cadman Plaza West and follow the path through Cadman Plaza Park to Washington Street.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Brooklyn Bridge:
Photo Gallery
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Enjoying a nice day walking across the Brooklyn Bridge cc licensed photo by Dave Winer -
Photo Credit: Thank You (25 Millions ) views - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: PunkToad - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: istolethursday - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Mig Gilbert - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Mig Gilbert - cc license via Flickr

