1883 suspension bridge spanning the East River. Gothic stone towers. Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines. Walk the pedestrian deck — one of the great urban experiences in America.
Location
Civic Center, New York
Map
Insider Intel
Walk from Manhattan toward Brooklyn for the best skyline views ahead of you. The bridge takes 30–40 minutes at a steady pace. Exit in Brooklyn at Washington Street for photographs of the bridge with Manhattan behind it. DUMBO neighborhood is immediately adjacent for post-walk dining.
Early morning before 8am to avoid crowds and get clean light on the towers. Sunset from the bridge is beautiful but heavily populated. Avoid midday in summer. The pedestrian walkway is elevated above car traffic but still noisy.
Completed in 1883 after 14 years of construction. Designed by John Augustus Roebling who died before construction began; his son Washington Roebling completed it (while paralyzed from caisson disease). The bridge was the longest suspension span in the world at opening. The Gothic Revival stone towers are the architectural highlight. Stay in the pedestrian lane — cyclists use the bike lane and will shout at you. Free, always open. Iconic for a reason.