The Brooklyn Bridge is one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks and one of the best free attractions in the city. Spanning the East River between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, the bridge offers spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, the East River, and New York Harbor. Whether you’re visiting for the architecture, photography, history, or simply the experience of walking across one of the world’s most famous bridges, it’s an unforgettable part of any New York itinerary.
Walking the bridge is just as much about the journey as the destination, with every few minutes revealing a different perspective of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn waterfront, and New York Harbor. It’s an experience that changes with the time of day, making sunrise, sunset, and evening walks equally rewarding.
Completed in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was the world’s longest suspension bridge at the time and remains one of America’s greatest engineering achievements. Today, millions of pedestrians and cyclists cross the bridge every year using its elevated wooden promenade, making it a favorite destination for both visitors and locals.
More than 150,000 people crossed the Brooklyn Bridge during its first 24 hours after opening in 1883. Today, hundreds of thousands of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians travel across the bridge every day, making it one of New York City’s busiest crossings.
Brooklyn Bridge Quick Facts
- Opened on May 24, 1883
- Connects Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Crosses the East River
- Designed by John A. Roebling and completed by Washington Roebling, with Emily Warren Roebling playing a vital leadership role during construction
- Main span measures 1,595 feet (486 meters)
- One of the oldest suspension bridges in the United States
- Features a dedicated elevated pedestrian and bicycle promenade
- Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1964
- Free to walk across year-round
Things to Do at the Brooklyn Bridge
- Walk across the bridge between Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Enjoy panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and New York Harbor
- Photograph the bridge’s iconic Gothic stone towers and suspension cables
- Watch ferries, sailboats, and water taxis travel along the East River
- Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park after crossing into Brooklyn
- Explore DUMBO’s cobblestone streets, restaurants, and waterfront
- Watch the sunrise or sunset from the pedestrian promenade
- Capture classic New York skyline photos from the center of the bridge
Why Visit the Brooklyn Bridge?
The Brooklyn Bridge combines history, architecture, engineering, and breathtaking scenery into one unforgettable experience. Unlike many of New York City’s top attractions, walking across the bridge is completely free, and every step offers a new perspective of the skyline and waterfront. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge remains one of the city’s most memorable experiences.
Perfect For
- First-time visitors to New York City
- Photographers
- History enthusiasts
- Couples
- Families
- Walking tours
- Sunrise and sunset sightseeing
Typical Visit Length
- Walk across the bridge: 30–45 minutes
- Bridge and DUMBO: 2–3 hours
- Bridge, DUMBO & Brooklyn Bridge Park: Half day
Best Photo Spots
Some of the bridge’s best views can be found from the center of the pedestrian walkway, where the suspension cables naturally frame the Manhattan skyline. For classic postcard-worthy photos of the bridge itself, head to Washington Street in DUMBO or the waterfront paths throughout Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Best Time to Visit
Early mornings offer the fewest crowds and some of the best lighting for photography. Sunset is another favorite time to visit as the skyline glows in golden light before the city lights come alive. Midday tends to be the busiest, especially during weekends and holidays.
Visitor Tip
Walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn if possible. The Manhattan skyline stays directly in front of you throughout the walk, creating some of the bridge’s most iconic photo opportunities. After reaching Brooklyn, continue into DUMBO or Brooklyn Bridge Park before returning to Manhattan by subway, NYC Ferry, or another walk across the bridge.
Good to Know
- Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is completely free.
- The pedestrian walkway is shared with cyclists—stay in the designated walking lane.
- There are no restrooms located on the bridge.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- The bridge is open 24 hours a day.
- Expect windy conditions during cooler months.
- Plan extra time if you intend to stop frequently for photos.
Hours
The Brooklyn Bridge is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Pricing
Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is completely free. No admission, reservations, or tickets are required.
Pair Your Visit
Walking the Brooklyn Bridge pairs perfectly with a day exploring both Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Begin near City Hall, walk across the bridge into DUMBO, explore Brooklyn Bridge Park, enjoy lunch or coffee along the waterfront, then return to Manhattan by subway, NYC Ferry, or by walking back across the bridge if you’re up for the extra distance. Many visitors also combine the bridge with the nearby 9/11 Memorial & Museum, One World Observatory, or a ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty.
Looking for More Iconic NYC Attractions?
If you’re exploring New York City’s most famous landmarks, continue your adventure at Statue of Liberty, One World Observatory, Empire State Building, or Grand Central Terminal.
Nearby Things to Do
The Manhattan entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge begins near City Hall in Lower Manhattan and is within walking distance of 9/11 Memorial & Museum, One World Observatory, Wall Street, The Oculus, and Battery Park. On the Brooklyn side, you’ll discover DUMBO, Brooklyn Bridge Park, waterfront restaurants, scenic walking paths, and some of the best skyline viewpoints in New York City.