Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the East River from Brooklyn to Manhattan in New York City. Here is a complete guide.
How To Get To Brooklyn Bridge
Spanning the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bridge is a suspension bridge that is just over 1 mile or 2 km long.
By Subway:
From Brooklyn take trains 4, 5 or 6 to Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Stop or the J or Z trains to Chambers Street Stop.
You will see the the bridge across the street from the subway station.
From Manhattan go the nearest subway station serving F Line.
The closest station to the bridge is York Street Station and if you walk along York Street you will come to the bridge entrance.
By Bus:
The B25 bus is a Brooklyn area bus that will take you to Brooklyn Bridge.
The following Manhattan buses BXM18, M15, M15-SBS, QM11, QM25 all have routes that pass near to the Brooklyn Bridge entrance.
Or of course you can take the New York: Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour.
Which includes iconic sights like Times Square, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and more.
The two entrances to the pedestrian walkway:
From Brooklyn, use the Brooklyn Bridge Pedestrian Walkway.
This begins at the intersection of Tillary Street and Boerum Place or access the pedestrian walkway via the staircase located in the underpass on Washington Street/Cadman Plaza East and Prospect Street.
From Manhattan, use the entrance at Park Row and Centre Street, across from City Hall Park.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
Brooklyn Bridge Entrance Fee
It is free to cross the Brooklyn Bridge whether walking, cycling or driving.
For all tourists visiting New York we recommend purchasing either the New York: Go City Explorer Pass with 95+ Tours & Attractions or the New York CityPASS®: Save 40% at 5 Top Attractions.
These are a great way of saving money when visiting multiple tourist attractions during your stay in New York.
Both include:
- Top Of The Rock
- Empire State Building
- Statue of Liberty
- American Museum of Natural History
- 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- And many more!
Brooklyn Bridge Opening Times
Brooklyn Bridge is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Best Times To Visit Brooklyn Bridge + Tips
Brooklyn Bridge is a very popular tourist attraction and can get very busy during the summer months and school holidays.
Not to be confused with the Manhattan Bridge which is famously photographed from Dumbo.
If you want to avoid the crowds it is best to go early in the day or late in the evening.
It is beautiful to walk over at any time of day but sunrise and sunset are extra special. (Sunrise being the quieter time.)
One of the most popular ways to see the bridge is via the NYC: 1-Hour Cruise Around Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island.
If you’re more of a adrenaline junky then the New York City: Manhattan Helicopter Tour is a huge bucket list tick!
Take something warm to wear as there can sometimes be a chilly wind blowing across the bridge.
There is also no shade on the bridge when it’s hot, so remember the sunscreen.
You can always walk half-way and then turn back if you feel the walk across and back is too much. You will still get all the incredible views!
What To Pack
The History Of Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge was designed by John Augustus Roebling and was built between 1869 and 1883.
Prior to the construction of the bridge, people had to take a ferry across the river from Brooklyn to Manhattan.
When it opened in 1883, Brooklyn Bridge was the longest steel-cable suspension bridge in the world.
The official name given in 1883 was New York and Brooklyn Bridge. Over time it became shortened to just Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Bridge is the oldest of New York City’s three suspension bridges. The other two are the Williamsburg Bridge, finished in 1903, and the Manhattan Bridge, finished in 1909.
The two towers are constructed of limestone, granite, and concrete, and each tower features two Gothic arches which resemble cathedral windows.
What To Expect At Brooklyn Bridge
A major tourist attraction since opening in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge has become an icon of New York City and is easily on of the most popular things to do in New York.
Spanning the East River between the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn, the bridge is just over 1 m or 2 km across.
The bridge supports six lanes of vehicles, including, since 2021, a dedicated cycle lane and a pedestrian pathway. (Only passenger vehicles and pedestrian/bicycle traffic are permitted across the bridge.)
The pedestrian path is an elevated promenade in the centre of the bridge, located 18 ft (5.5 m) above the automobile lanes.
You’ll likely find plenty of traders selling key-rings, magnets and all the touristy things just before you enter the bridge.
The Views
It really is the best FREE viewpoint in New York.
Walking across the bridge you will have time to take in the spectacular views that stretch out in every direction you look.
From the skyline of Manhattan, with the distinctive Woolworth Building and One World Trade Center, to the sweeping views across Brooklyn Heights to Red Hook, there is plenty to see.
You should even be able to see the Statue of Liberty. She may be small but look below the tip of Manhattan and she will be there.
As well as the amazing scenery you also have the changing views of the iconic Brooklyn Bridge itself as you walk across it, with its sweeping cables and soaring suspension towers with Gothic arches.
To enjoy the views and have time to get some great photos, allow yourself up to an hour to walk across the bridge. (Commuters rush across in less than 30 minutes.)
An average of over 116,000 vehicles, 30,000 pedestrians and 3,000 cyclists travel over the Brooklyn Bridge each day.
It’s a great place to finish up your day of exploring at. We decided to call it a day on Brooklyn Bridge, before heading to Washington Square Park in the morning.
Where To Stay In New York
Luxury – The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park
This Manhattan hotel in Midtown overlooks Central Park and is within walking distance of Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center.
Free cable and a bathrobe are provided in every room at the New York Central Park Ritz-Carlton. All rooms are elegant, with wood furniture and light colors. Many rooms also include a city or park view.
La Prairie Spa at the Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park offers massage and facial services, as well as a sauna. Guests can also work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center.
The 57th street subway station is just 2 blocks away, providing easy access to the city. Radio City Music Hall and the Broadway Theatre District are also both within 1 mile of the hotel.
Mid-Budget – citizenM New York Times Square
Located right in the heart of Manhattan, this hotel is just 1 minute’s walk from Times Square. It’s also within 5 minutes’ walk of Central Park and Columbus Circle.
A flat-screen TV and a small refrigerator with free water are available in citizenM’s rooms. Bathrooms include Hansgrohe rain showers and oversized bathroom amenities.
With the room iPad, all guests can control room lights, black-out blinds, curtains and temperature. As well as TV and radio channels.
Free high-speed Wi-Fi and express check in are on offer at citizenM New York Times Square.
Three outdoor terraces are provided at the New York Times Square citizenM. They feature a state-of-the-art fitness centre with yoga facilities.
After working out, guests can relax with drinks and sweeping views of the city on the exclusive rooftop bar.
Budget – Central Park West Hostel
Located in New York City’s Upper West Side, this hostel is a block from the 86th street underground station and 2 blocks from Central Park. It offers Wi-Fi and staff-organized events.
A shared kitchen, café area, and spacious lounge with a flat-screen TV are part of the facilities at the FIT Hotel. Lockers are also provided in the dormitory rooms and luggage storage is available.
The front desk of this New York City hostel is open 24 hours a day. It features daily housekeeping and free linens.
Times Square is only 10 minutes via underground journey.
For more places to stay in New York, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
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