New York from Brooklyn Bridge

What is the Brooklyn Bridge?

• Connecting Lower Manhattan’s Financial District to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge is New York’s most iconic bridge. It has appeared in countless films and TV shows, including I Am Legend with Will Smith and The Day After Tomorrow. A true New York icon.
• The bridge isn’t just for cars. A pedestrian walkway lets you cross the roughly 2 km (1.2 mi) span safely on foot.
• The pedestrian path sits above street level, giving you clear views of the Financial District, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the East River. On clear days, you can spot the Statue of Liberty in the distance, and looking back toward Manhattan, the Empire State Building and the towers of Midtown, including the Chrysler Building. The Brooklyn Bridge is one of the best vantage points in the city.
• The bridge also has a bike lane on the lower level. The views aren’t quite as expansive as from the pedestrian walkway, though.

Tips for getting the most from the Brooklyn Bridge

To make the most of your visit, keep these tips in mind:

• Walk from Brooklyn toward Manhattan so the Financial District stays in front of you the whole way. The bridge entrance is near Washington Street; look for the narrow stairs leading up to the walkway.
• Cross in the morning when sunlight hits the Financial District directly. Sunset is also stunning, with the towers silhouetted against a glowing sky. Skip the middle of the afternoon, when the Financial District sits in shadow.
• The bridge has a dedicated bike lane at street level. You can cross by bike too. The views aren’t quite as commanding as from the elevated pedestrian path, but it’s still a memorable ride.
• Take your time and enjoy the views and benches along the way. Tip: time your crossing so you arrive on the Brooklyn side around noon, then grab lunch. You can easily continue to Chinatown and Little Italy just north of there.