Brooklyn Bridge

The Brooklyn Bridge, opened in 1883, was a wonder of its age, the longest suspension bridge in the world when it opened and an early steel-wire one, its Gothic stone towers and spidery cables spanning the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn. Walking its raised wooden promenade, with the skyline ahead and the river below, is one of the great free experiences of New York.

What you'll find

• The walk across - the raised wooden pedestrian promenade between the towers.
• The Gothic towers - the great stone arches the cables hang from.
• The Manhattan skyline - the classic view of the city from the bridge and Brooklyn side.
• Dumbo - the Brooklyn waterfront neighbourhood with its famous bridge view.

When to go

Spring and autumn for comfortable walking and clear light; the walk is fine year-round. Early morning or sunset are quietest and most beautiful, avoiding the midday crush.

Good to know

It is one of the busiest pedestrian bridges in the world, so midday it is packed and the pedestrian promenade gets packed, so go early or late. It is a real walk of over a kilometre in the open, so dress for the weather. The best skyline photos are from the Brooklyn side.

Nearby

Dumbo and Brooklyn Bridge Park are at the Brooklyn end; Lower Manhattan and the ferries are at the other.

Key facts