Manhattan Bridge: New York’s iconic bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn

What You Need to Know About the Manhattan Bridge

• The Manhattan Bridge spans the East River, connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn. This suspension bridge stands near the Brooklyn Bridge and ranks among New York’s most iconic bridges.
• The Manhattan Bridge opened on December 31, 1909, twenty-six years after the Brooklyn Bridge. Construction was fully completed in 1912. Engineer Leon Moisseiff designed the bridge and later used the same techniques for the George Washington Bridge in New York and the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. You’ll notice the family resemblance.
• The Manhattan Bridge stretches 2,089 m (6,855 ft) long. Two elegant towers support it, each standing 102 m (335 ft) high.
• The bridge has two levels. The upper level carries four vehicle lanes, while the lower level has three vehicle lanes and four New York subway tracks serving the B, D, N, and Q lines. A pedestrian walkway runs along the south side, and a bike path runs along the north side.
• The Manhattan Bridge became famous in 1984 when it appeared on the poster for Sergio Leone’s film Once Upon a Time in America. Since then, tourists have flocked to DUMBO to recreate one of New York’s most famous photographs, framing the Empire State Building through one of the bridge’s towers.

What to See on the Manhattan Bridge

• The Manhattan side entrance features a grand arch and colonnades in pure Beaux-Arts style. The architectural firm Carrère and Hastings designed this ensemble; they also created the New York Public Library and the mansion now home to the Frick Collection. The Brooklyn side entrance is far less dramatic—just a long access ramp.
• The pedestrian walkway on the Manhattan Bridge deserves a spot on your New York sightseeing itinerary. Located on the bridge’s south side, it offers breathtaking views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Financial District, including One World Trade Center and the surrounding towers.
• Cross from Brooklyn to Manhattan to keep the view ahead of you as you walk. Plan your crossing for morning or sunset. The views from the Manhattan Bridge rank among the finest in the city.
• One thing to note: the walkway is enclosed by tall mesh fencing. This won’t stop your photos, though—openings have been cut at the best vantage points.
• The Manhattan Bridge also has a bike path on the north side. From here, you’ll see north Manhattan, including Midtown, the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt. If you’re cycling, you must use the designated bike path. You can reserve a bike rental in Brooklyn in advance on our site.

Practical Information

• Subway: From Manhattan, take the B or D line to Grand Street, or the 4, 6, N, Q, R, or W line to Canal Street. From Brooklyn, the closest access is the F line at York Street.
• Hours: The pedestrian walkway and bike path are open 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you walk across the Manhattan Bridge?

Yes, you can walk across the Manhattan Bridge. It has a dedicated pedestrian walkway with stunning views of the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and New York’s Financial District. It’s a walk worth making. The pedestrian path is on the bridge’s lower level, just beside the subway tracks.

How long does it take to cross the Manhattan Bridge?

Crossing the Manhattan Bridge takes about 30 minutes without stopping. Plan on 45 minutes to an hour if you want to enjoy the views and take photos. The point is to savor the experience, not rush across.

How do you access the pedestrian walkway on the Manhattan Bridge?

On the Manhattan side, the pedestrian entrance is at the intersection of Canal Street and Bowery, near the arch and colonnades. On the Brooklyn side, access is at the corner of Jay Street and Nassau Street.

What's the difference between the Manhattan Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge?

Both bridges connect Manhattan to Brooklyn, but they serve different areas. The Manhattan Bridge links Brooklyn to the Lower East Side and Chinatown. The Brooklyn Bridge connects Brooklyn directly to the Financial District.

Photos of the Manhattan Bridge